Liberal Arts (Code 230-207)

University Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1		120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)		39
Liberal Education Core		36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total		2.00 average
Resident		2.00 average
Major		2.00 average
Minor		2.00 average
Certificate		2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total		30
Senior year		23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence		12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence		21
Certificate		25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.

¹

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

²

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION		Credit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree credit		maximum 12
Major, Standard		maximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensive		maximum 2 courses
Minor		maximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree credit		maximum ¼ of total
Major or minor		maximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree credit		maximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184		maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, drama		maximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, drama		maximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-System		no maximum
Other extension/correspondence		maximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFI		maximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS		a minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): Humanities		Two (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine Arts		One (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral Communication		Two (2) learning experiences
One S1 must meet the University Writing Requirement
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): Mathematics		One (1) learning experience
One S2 to meet the University Mathematics Requirement
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): Creativity		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		Two (2) learning experiences
One R1 must satisfy Design for Diversity
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global Perspectives		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental Issues		One (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): Integration		Two (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning		30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 230-207)

The Astrophysics Emphasis provides preparation for astrophysics or astronomy graduate school, as well as a broad range of careers in technical fields in business/industry settings following completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
The Astrophysics Emphasis requires 37-38 credits of physics coursework including:
PHYS 186	Introductory Seminar	0.5
PHYS 226	Astronomy-Solar System	4
or PHYS 229	Astronomy-Stars and Galaxies
PHYS 231	University Physics I	5
PHYS 232	University Physics II	5
PHYS 332	University Physics III	3
PHYS 333	Quantum Physics	3
PHYS 340	Optics	4
PHYS 365	Theoretical Mechanics	4
PHYS 367	Astrophysics	3
PHYS 430	Advanced Laboratory Techniques	2
Select one of the following:		3-4 credits
PHYS 445	Thermal Physics
or PHYS 375	Electromagnetic Fields
or PHYS 465	Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 486	Senior Seminar	0.5
Required courses not counted toward credits in major:
MATH 312	Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
PHYS 240	Computational Physics 1
or CS 145	Programming for New Programmers
or CS 163	Introduction to Programming in C++
or CS 170	Computing for the Sciences and Mathematics
or DS 150	Computing in Python: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming

¹

Many upper division physics courses require proficiency in Python, so PHYS 240 is preferred. If CS 145, CS 163, CS 170 or DS 150 is taken, Python proficiency will be required prior to enrollment in relevant upper division physics courses.  Contact the department to complete the required programming exercise.

NOTE:  An approved research project must be completed prior to PHYS 486 (see PHYS 486 course description for details).

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

• Qualitatively describe natural phenomena and human-made devices in terms of the basic laws of physics in areas of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, electronic circuits, quantum physics, and special relativity.
• Convert a physical situation described in English into a mathematical model.
• Apply the mathematical tools commonly used in physics to obtain analytical and numerical solutions to problems modeling physical situations.
• Design experiments and demonstrate the ability to use measurement technology, computational tools, and statistical techniques to collect and analyze data.
• Communicate verbally, graphically, and in writing the results of theoretical analysis, numerical computations, and laboratory experiments in a clear and concise manner that incorporates the stylistic conventions used by physicists worldwide.
• Synthesize appropriate concepts and methods from different courses in the solutions of problems and apply physical and mathematical principles across disciplinary boundaries.
• Use physical principles to model astronomical objects and to explain observations of astronomical objects.

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.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 114	Calculus I	4
PHYS 186	Introductory Seminar a	0.5
PHYS 231	University Physics I (LE-K1)	5
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)	5
or WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 240	Computational Physics	3
MATH 215	Calculus II	4
PHYS 232	University 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 Diversity		3
TOTAL		29.5
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 226	Astronomy-Solar System	4
PHYS 332	University Physics III	3
MATH 216	Calculus III	4
LE Option: Skills 1 (S1) Written and Oral Communication		3
Minor		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 340	Optics b	4
MATH 312	Differential Equations and Linear Algebra	4
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives		3
Minor		3
TOTAL		28
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 365	Theoretical Mechanics c	4
PHYS 367	Astrophysics c	3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		3
LE Option: Integration (I1)		3
Minor		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 375	Electromagnetic Fields d	4
or PHYS 465	Quantum Mechanics
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts		3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Responsibility 3 (R3) Civic and Environmental Issues		3
Minor		3
Minor		3
Elective f		3
Total		35
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 333	Quantum Physics e	3
PHYS 486	Senior Seminar (LE-S3) a	0.5
PHYS 430	Advanced Laboratory Techniques a	2
Minor		3
Electives f		6
SECOND SEMESTER
Minor		3
Minor		3
Electives f		9
Total		29.5
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 Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance