Computational Physics Concentration
Total Credits: 120
This webpage provides an accessible overview of the recommended sequence for the Physics major with a concentration in Computational Physics. For advising or official record use, consult the full catalog, approved elective lists, and department guidance.
This is a recommended sequence. Course availability, prerequisites, and approved substitutions should be reviewed with a faculty advisor.
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
- PHY 109 – Freshman Seminar (3 credits)
- MTH 151 or MTH 153 – Calculus I (4 credits)
- PHY 113 – Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- University Studies 3B Elective (3 credits)
- ENL 101 – Critical Writing and Reading I (3 credits)
Semester Total: 17 credits
Spring Semester
- University Studies 4A Elective (3 credits)
- MTH 152 or MTH 154 – Calculus II (4 credits)
- PHY 114 – Classical Physics II (4 credits)
- Free Elective (3 credits)
- ENL 102 – Critical Writing and Reading II (3 credits)
Semester Total: 17 credits
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
- University Studies 3A Elective (3 credits)
- MTH 211 or MTH 213 – Calculus III (4 credits)
- PHY 115 – Classical Physics III (3 credits)
- PHY 225 – Introductory Experimental Physics I (3 credits)
- University Studies 4B Elective (3 credits)
Semester Total: 13 credits
Spring Semester
- MTH 280 – Scientific Programming (3 credits)
- MTH 212 – Differential Equations for Engineers (3 credits)
- PHY 234 – Mathematical Physics I (3 credits)
- PHY 213 – Modern Physics (3 credits)
- PHY 227 – Introductory Experimental Physics II (1 credit)
Semester Total: 13 credits
Junior Year
Fall Semester
- PHY 343 – Mathematical Physics (3 credits)
- PHY 322 – Electronic Devices (3 credits)
- Free Elective (3 credits)
- PHY 313 – Mechanics (3 credits)
- University Studies 4C Elective (3 credits)
Semester Total: 15 credits
Spring Semester
- PHY Elective (3 credits)
- PHY 341 – Quantum Mechanics I (3 credits)
- PHY 441 – Statistical Thermodynamics (3 credits)
- PHY 411 – Electromagnetic Fields I (3 credits)
- Free Elective (3 credits)
Semester Total: 15 credits
Senior Year
Fall Semester
- Free Elective (3 credits)
- PHY 342 – Quantum Mechanics II (3 credits)
- PHY 421 – Advanced Laboratory (3 credits)
- PHY 412 – Electromagnetic Fields II (3 credits)
- PHY 300+ Elective (3 credits)
Semester Total: 15 credits
Spring Semester
- PHY 410 or PHY 521 – Computational Physics (3 credits)
- PHY Capstone (3 credits)
- PHY 442 – Solid State Physics (3 credits)
- PHY 300+ Elective (3 credits)
- Free Elective (3 credits)
Semester Total: 15 credits
Curriculum Notes
- PHY 109 satisfies University Studies Cluster 1E.
- University Studies courses should be selected from approved courses in Clusters 3 and 4 in consultation with an academic advisor.
- ENL 101 and ENL 102 satisfy University Studies Clusters 1A and 1B.
- PHY 114 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2A.
- PHY 115 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2B.
- PHY 225 satisfies University Studies Cluster 1C.
- Courses identified as Physics electives should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor.
- PHY 441 and PHY 442 are offered on an alternating basis.
- PHY 410 or PHY 521 may be satisfied with an approved computation-oriented capstone project.
- An approved Capstone Study satisfies University Studies Clusters 5A and 5B.
- MTH 151/152 and MTH 153/154 are shown as alternative calculus sequences in the recommended plan.