Physics, Astrophysics Emphasis, Major

Physics, Astrophysics Emphasis, Major, B.S.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the current catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 114Calculus I4
PHYS 186Introductory Seminar a0.5
PHYS 231University Physics I (LE-K1)5
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
or WRIT 116 Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 240Computational Physics3
MATH 215Calculus II4
PHYS 232University Physics II (LE-K1)5
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
TOTAL29.5
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 226Astronomy-Solar System4
PHYS 332University Physics III3
MATH 216Calculus III4
LE Option: Skills 1 (S1) Written and Oral Communication3
Minor3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 340Optics b4
MATH 312Differential Equations and Linear Algebra4
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives 3
Minor3
TOTAL28
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 365Theoretical Mechanics c4
PHYS 367Astrophysics c3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
LE Option: Integration (I1)3
Minor3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 375Electromagnetic Fields d4
or PHYS 465 Quantum Mechanics
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Responsibility 3 (R3) Civic and Environmental Issues 3
Minor3
Minor3
Elective f3
Total35
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 333Quantum Physics e3
PHYS 486Senior Seminar (LE-S3) a0.5
PHYS 430Advanced Laboratory Techniques a2
Minor3
Electives f6
SECOND SEMESTER
Minor3
Minor3
Electives f9
Total29.5
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
a

Offered only in fall semesters. 

b

Offered only in spring semesters. 

c

Fall odd years only

d

PHYS 375 is offered spring even years only, PHYS 465 is offered spring odd years only

e

Fall even years only

f

Electives need to be carefully selected to ensure that a student’s degree comprises at least 39 credits of upper division courses (300-400 level). 

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.