Physics
| Degrees: | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
| Majors: | Physics B.A. Physics B.S. |
| Specializations: | Engineering Physics B.S. Physics Teaching B.A. |
| Minor: | Physics |
| Department: | Physics Building 58, Room 151 850-474-2267 http://uwf.edu/physics |
| College: | Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering |
| CIP Code: | 40.0801 |
| Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120 | |
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.
Physics Specialization
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, 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 State University Requirements section of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Physics majors should take the following courses to satisfy the natural science component of General Education.
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) | 4 |
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
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.
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 ) |
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041) |
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, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| or MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| or MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
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.
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I * | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II * | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2048+L | Calculus-Based Physics I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| PHY 2049+L | Calculus-Based Physics II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |
- *
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 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. | 0-9 | |
Major
| Physics Core: | ||
| PHY 3106 | Calculus-Based Physics III + | 3 |
| PHY 3107 | Calculus-Based Physics IV + | 3 |
| PHZ 3108L | Physics Skills | 1 |
| PHY 3802L | Intermediate Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHY 3722C | Electronics | 3 |
| PHZ 3151C | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| PHY 3220 | Intermediate Mechanics + | 4 |
| PHY 4323 | Electricity and Magnetism I + | 3 |
| PHY 4325 | Electricity and Magnetism II + | 3 |
| PHY 4513 | Thermal and Statistical Physics + | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Quantum Theory I + | 3 |
| PHY 4822L | Advanced Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHZ 4113 | Mathematical Physics I + | 3 |
| Physics Electives: | ||
| 3000/4000 Physics (PHY, PHZ, AST) elective + | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 47 | |
Major-Related
| MAP 2302 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Upper Division Electives
| Students 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.
B.A. in Physics Specialization
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 B.A. 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 College-Level Communication and Computation, 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 State University Requirements section of this catalog.
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
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.
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 ) |
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041) |
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, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| or MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| or MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
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.
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I * | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II * | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2048+L | Calculus-Based Physics I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| PHY 2049+L | Calculus-Based Physics II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |
- *
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 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Core
| PHY 3106 | Calculus-Based Physics III + | 3 |
| PHY 3107 | Calculus-Based Physics IV + | 3 |
| PHY 3802L | Intermediate Physics Lab + | 3 |
| PHY 3220 | Intermediate Mechanics + | 4 |
| PHZ 3108L | Physics Skills + | 1 |
| PHZ 4113 | Mathematical Physics I + | 3 |
| Approved upper division Physics electives + | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 26 | |
Major-Related
| MAP 2302 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Upper Division Electives
| Students 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.
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 College-Level Communication and Computation, 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 State University Requirements section of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum
Physics majors should take the following courses to satisfy the natural science component of General Education.
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) | 4 |
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
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.
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 ) |
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041) |
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, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| or MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| or MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
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.
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I * | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II * | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2048+L | Calculus-Based Physics I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| PHY 2049+L | Calculus-Based Physics II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| Total Hours | 28 | |
- *
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 semester hours (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.
Major
| Physics Core | ||
| PHY 3106 | Calculus-Based Physics III + | 3 |
| PHY 3107 | Calculus-Based Physics IV + | 3 |
| PHZ 3108L | Physics Skills | 1 |
| PHZ 3151C | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| PHY 3802L | Intermediate Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHY 4323 | Electricity and Magnetism I + | 3 |
| PHY 4325 | Electricity and Magnetism II + | 3 |
| PHY 4513 | Thermal and Statistical Physics + | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Quantum Theory I + | 3 |
| PHY 4822L | Advanced Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHZ 4113 | Mathematical Physics I + | 3 |
| Engineering Core | ||
| EGN 3204 | Engineering Software Tools + | 1 |
| EGM 2500 | Engineering Mechanics-Statics | 3 |
| EEL 3111 | Circuits I + | 3 |
| EEL 3111L | Electrical Circuits Laboratory + | 1 |
| Physics or Engineering Electives | ||
| Major or related electives as approved by advisor. + | 9 | |
| Engineering Electives | ||
| 3000/4000 Major or related elective as approved by advisor. + | 9 | |
| Major Related Courses | ||
| MAP 2302 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- +
Courses included in the major GPA.
Physics Teaching B.A.
Admission Requirements
Students declaring a major in the Physics Teaching degree program 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 College-Level Communication and Computation, 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 State University Requirements section of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
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.
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 ) |
| 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 (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041) |
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, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| or MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| MAC 1147 | Precalculus with Trigonometry | 4 |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | |
| or MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
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.
B.A. Physics Teach Common Prerequisites
| CHM 2045+L | General Chemistry I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| CHM 2046+L | General Chemistry II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I * | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II * | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2048+L | Calculus-Based Physics I (+Lab) * | 4 |
| PHY 2049+L | Calculus-Based Physics II (+Lab) * | 4 |
| EDG 2041 | Exploring Inquiry Teaching | 3 |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Major-Related
| MAP 2302 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective credits at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement.
Physics Teach Core Requirement
| PHY 3106 | Calculus-Based Physics III + | 3 |
| PHY 3107 | Calculus-Based Physics IV + | 3 |
| PHY 3802L | Intermediate Physics Lab + | 3 |
| PHY 3220 | Intermediate Mechanics + | 4 |
| PHZ 4113 | Mathematical Physics I + | 3 |
| Approved upper division Physics electives + | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
Physics Teaching Education Core
| EDF 3234 | Applied Foundations of Education + | 3 |
| EDG 4323 | Methods of K-12 Literacy Instruction + | 3 |
| EDG 4948 | Apprenticeship Teaching + | 6 |
| ESE 4322 | Instruction, Management, and Assessment: Secondary Education + | 3 |
| ESE 4940 | Secondary Practicum + | 3 |
| MAE 4320 | Teaching Mathematics in Middle and Secondary Schools + | 3 |
| TSL 4080 | ESOL Principles and Practices + | 3 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- +
Courses included in the major GPA.
Upper Division Electives
| Students 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 Minor
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 semester hours (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.