The B.S. in Physics focuses on the study of matter and its motion. Ultimately, the goal of physics is to understand how nature behaves from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the entire universe, making it the most fundamental natural science. The various topics covered include electricity and magnetism, electronics, fluids, mechanics, optics, quantum phenomena, concepts of relativity, thermodynamics, waves, and several related laboratory activities.
The Physics Department offers the traditional B.S. program in Physics with specializations in Physics or Engineering Physics. In addition to graduate school, a trained physicist may enter the employment market as a research scientist. Those with an engineering physics background are eligible for entry-level jobs as engineers in organizations such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the various national labs.
Students interested in obtaining certification to teach this subject area in secondary education need to contact an advisor in this department to carefully plan the course work to satisfy degree and some teacher certification requirements. A degree in this major is required for participation in teacher education certification options.
Program Requirements
In addition to the University’s general requirements, students seeking the B.S. in Physics must meet the requirements listed below.
Students should consult with their Physics department advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites. A grade of C- or better is required for major and major-related courses.
Engineering Physics Specialization
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Physics majors should take the following courses to satisfy the natural science component of General Education.
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
0-9
It is recommended that students take a computer programming language course, such as COP 2253 Programming Using Java, COP 2334 Programming Using C++, or equivalent.
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Physics majors should take the following courses to satisfy the natural science component of General Education.
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 sh in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.+
10
Total Hours
10
+
Courses included in the major GPA
The B.A. in physics program imparts an understanding of fundamental branches of physics, such as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, optics, and quantum mechanics, and relativity. In addition, the student will be able to minor in any one of several fields. The primary purpose of this program is to prepare students for a career in many different fields, such as secondary education, software engineering, quality control, and business. Graduates of the physics B.A. program are strongly suited for a career in medicine, finance, education, or law, with physics majors having the highest aggregate scores on the MCAT and LSAT exams. The degree program may include a minor in any of the fields of interest, such as pre-professional biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics/science education.
Program Requirements
In addition to the University's general requirements, students seeking the BA in Physics must meet the requirements listed below. Students should consult with their Physics department advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites. A grade of C- or better is required for major and major-related courses.
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Multicultural Requirement
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy 60 credits in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 sh in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater. Of these credits, 15-20 can be used to earn a minor such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, or Teacher Education.
31
Total Hours
31
+
Courses included in the major GPA
Admission to Physics Teaching
Students declaring a major in the Physics Teaching degree programs will automatically be placed in a pending status until they are fully admitted to the program. While in the pending status, students may not take 3000/4000 level education coursework, but should work closely with their advisor to plan an appropriate course of study in preparation for application to the program.
To be admitted, students must meet the following requirements:
A cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all previously attempted college work;
A passing score on the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam;
Completion of EDG 2041 Exploring Inquiry Teaching or equivalent with a grade of "C-" or higher.
The admission process requires students to complete the Application for Admission to Teacher Education (which includes a self-rating on dispositions toward teaching) and complete the orientation requirement.
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Multicultural Requirement
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy 60 credits in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective credits at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 sh in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
11
Total Hours
11
Physics
A Minor in Physics requires completion of PHY 2048 Calculus-Based Physics I, PHY 2049 Calculus-Based Physics II, the calculus sequence, MAP 2302 Differential Equations and 15 sh approved by the Physics Department above 3000 level, including PHY 3106 Calculus-Based Physics III and PHY 3107 Calculus-Based Physics IV. A grade of C- or better is required for each of these courses. Physics majors may not earn this minor.