Liberal Arts (Code 230-203)

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
Core General Education		10 courses, 36 credits
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 Universities 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

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CGER Categories
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MQR)		4 credit hours, 1 course min
Includes University Math Requirement 1
Communication & Literacy (CL)		8 credit hours, 2 course min (including CL-W)
Includes University Writing Requirement (CL-W) 2
Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW/NSWL)		6 credit hours, 1 course min (NSW-Lab required)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
Humanities & Arts (HA)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
Civics & Perspectives (CP)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
CGER Totals 3
Credits		minimum 36 credits
Courses		minimum 10 courses

¹

University Mathematics Requirement:

Students satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement in one of four ways:

• completing an approved university-level mathematics course (MQR) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
• achieving a suitable score on the UW Math Placement Test
• achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics exams
• achieving a suitable score on a Credit by Examination administered by the Department of Mathematics.   

²

University Writing Requirement:

Students satisfy the University Writing Requirement in one of four ways:

• completing a Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing course (WRIT 102, WRIT 114, WRIT 116, WRIT 118, or WRIT 120) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
• achieving a suitable score on the English Placement Test (WPT ENGL)
• achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition or Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exams
• achieving a suitable score on the University Writing Program Portfolio.

³

Completion via Placement Tests

• Writing: If the CL-W subcategory is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Communication and Literacy requirement will be reduced from 8 credits (2 courses) to 3 credits (1 course).
• Mathematics: If the University Math Requirement is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning requirement will be considered fully met, replacing the 4-credit (1 course) requirement.
• Students must still complete 36 credits across 10 courses, with any remaining credits or courses eligible to be taken from any CGER category.

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 Core General Education Requirements); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); second language competency at the 102 level.  Second language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Demonstrate a level of second language competency that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a second language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level second language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 or SLHS 103).

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

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Core General Education Requirements); 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 230-203)

This emphasis focuses on physics applications of relevance to industrial and engineering employment environments following completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
The Applied Physics Emphasis requires 36 credits of physics coursework including:
MSE 120	Introduction to Engineering	0.5-2
or PHYS 186	Introductory Seminar
PHYS 231	University Physics I	5
PHYS 232	University Physics II	5
PHYS 332	University Physics III	4
PHYS 340	Optics	4
PHYS 350	Electric and Electronic Circuits	4
PHYS 360	Electronics	4
Select one of the following:
PHYS 255 & PHYS 356	Statics and Dynamics
PHYS 365	Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 375	Electromagnetic Fields
PHYS 430	Advanced Laboratory Techniques	2
PHYS 486	Senior Seminar	0.5
The remaining Physics credits are to be selected from any physics course above 325 (including PHYS 374/MSE 374) and MSE 315, MSE 357, MSE 372, and MSE 451.
Required courses not counted toward credits in major:
MATH 312	Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
MATH 345	Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics
PHYS 240	Computational Physics 1
or CS 163	Introduction to Programming in C++
or CS 170	Computing for the Sciences and Mathematics
Select one of the following:
CHEM 115	Chemical Principles
CHEM 108 & CHEM 109	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II
CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 & CHEM 109	General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Laboratory and General Chemistry II

¹

Many upper division physics courses require proficiency in Python so PHYS 240 is preferred.  If CS 163 or CS 170 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 1: An approved research project must be completed prior to PHYS 486 (see PHYS 486 course description for details)

NOTE 2: A maximum of six credits of any combination of PHYS 399, PHYS 491, and PHYS 499 can be counted toward the major.

NOTE 3:  Limit of 3 credits of PHYS 495 counted toward major.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Qualitatively describe natural phenomena and man-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 microcontrollers and electronic sensors to build devices to perform specific tasks.

Physics, Applied Physics 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 Core General Education Requirements (CGER). CGER course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as CGER CL, CGER HA, and CGER NSWL to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of the course. Please click here for a description of the outcomes and requirements.

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 second 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 (CGER MQR)	4
PHYS 186	Introductory Seminar a	0.5
CHEM 115	Chemical Principles (CGER NSWL)	6
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL)	5
or WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 215	Calculus II	4
PHYS 231	University Physics I (CGER NSWL)	5
Minor		3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)
TOTAL		30.5
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 216	Calculus III	4
PHYS 232	University Physics II	5
Minor		3
CGER Option: Communication & Literacy (CL)		3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 312	Differential Equations and Linear Algebra	4
PHYS 332	University Physics III	4
PHYS 240	Computational Physics	3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
TOTAL		32
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 365	Theoretical Mechanics a	4
PHYS 350	Electric and Electronic Circuits a	4
Minor		3
CGER Option: Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 340	Optics b	4
CGER Option: Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		3
Minor		3
Minor		3
Elective c		3
TOTAL		30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 345	Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics a	4
PHYS 430	Advanced Laboratory Techniques a	2
PHYS 486	Senior Seminar a	0.5
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
Minor		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PHYS 360	Electronics b	4
Physics Elective - See elective list d		4
Minor		3
Minor		3
Elective c		3
TOTAL		29.5

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

a

Offered only in fall semesters. 

b

Offered only in spring semesters. 

c

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). 

d

Select from the following: any physics course numbered 325 or higher, including PHYS 374/MSE 374 and MSE 315, MSE 357, MSE 372, and MSE 451. 

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.

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)