BS in Physics-Astronomy (61.5–64.5 hours*)

Program Requirements    |    View MAP

1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.
2. Complete the following:
   PHSCS 121 : Principles of Physics 1. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 121 : Principles of Physics 1. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Calculus or concurrent enrollment.
   DESCRIPTION:	Newtonian mechanics. Weekly lab.
   
   
   PHSCS 123 : Principles of Physics 2. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 123 : Principles of Physics 2. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121.
   DESCRIPTION:	Waves, thermal physics, optics, special relativity, and introduction to modern physics. Weekly lab.
   
   
   PHSCS 140 : Electronics Lab. (1:1:2)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 140 : Electronics Lab. (1:1:2)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, Sp
   DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to analog and digital circuits.
   
   
   PHSCS 145 : Experimental Methods in Physics. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 145 : Experimental Methods in Physics. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	W, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 140.
   DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to physical measurement and analysis, optics, sensors, actuators, and computer-based data acquisition.
   
   
   PHSCS 191 : Introduction to Physics Careers and Research. (.5:1:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 191 : Introduction to Physics Careers and Research. (.5:1:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F
   DESCRIPTION:	Survey of BYU undergraduate physics and astronomy programs, careers in physics and astronomy, and current physics and astronomy research.
   NOTE:	Take first semester after registered as physics major.
   
   
   PHSCS 220 : Principles of Physics 3. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 220 : Principles of Physics 3. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121 or equivalent; Math 113 or equivalent.
   DESCRIPTION:	Electricity and magnetism. Weekly lab.
   
   
   PHSCS 222 : Modern Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 222 : Modern Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 123, 220.
   DESCRIPTION:	Quantum physics, atoms, molecules, condensed matter, nuclei, elementary particles, and selected topics in contemporary physics.
   
   
   PHSCS 227 : Solar System Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 227 : Solar System Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 123; Math 113 or concurrent enrollment.
   DESCRIPTION:	Physics of light and matter, Newton's laws, solar-system dynamics, and planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
   
   
   PHSCS 228 : Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 228 : Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	W
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 113, Phscs 227.
   DESCRIPTION:	Stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, interstellar matter, galactic structure, external galaxies, and cosmology.
   
   
   PHSCS 230 : Computational Physics Lab 1. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 230 : Computational Physics Lab 1. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 220 or concurrent enrollment.
   DESCRIPTION:	Numerical and symbolic differentiation, integration, and differential equations, using Maple. Applications in mechanics, optics, and special relativity.
   
   
   PHSCS 240 : Design, Fabrication, and Use of Scientific Apparatus. (2:0:6)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 240 : Design, Fabrication, and Use of Scientific Apparatus. (2:0:6)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 123, 145.
   DESCRIPTION:	Machining, computer interfacing, controls, and vacuum systems.
   
   
   PHSCS 318 : Introduction to Classical Field Theory. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 318 : Introduction to Classical Field Theory. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 303 or 334; Phscs 230.
   DESCRIPTION:	Classical equations of physical fields; algebra of complex variables; applying Fourier analysis, Fourier transforms, and orthogonal functions.
   
   
   PHSCS 321 : Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 321 : Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 230; Math 303 or 334 or concurrent enrollment.
   RECOMMENDED:	Concurrent enrollment in Phscs 330.
   DESCRIPTION:	Newton's laws applied to particles and systems of particles, including rigid bodies. Conservation principles and Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations.
   
   
   PHSCS 329 : Observational Astronomy. (3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 329 : Observational Astronomy. (3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	W
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 127 (or 227 and 228).
   DESCRIPTION:	Basic techniques of observational astronomy, emphasizing practical experience in optical data acquisition and analysis.
   
   
   PHSCS 330 : Computational Physics Lab 2. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 330 : Computational Physics Lab 2. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, Sp
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 230; 321 or concurrent enrollment; Math 303 or 334 or equivalent.
   DESCRIPTION:	Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, linear algebra and eigenvalues, chaos theory. Applications to dynamics. Introduction to programming in Matlab.
   
   
   PHSCS 360 : Statistical and Thermal Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 360 : Statistical and Thermal Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	W
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222; Math 303 or 334.
   DESCRIPTION:	Principles of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, with applications.
   
   
   PHSCS 427 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 427 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 227, 228.
   DESCRIPTION:	Principles and observational techniques of astrophysics.
   
   
   PHSCS 428 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 428 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	W
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 227, 228.
   DESCRIPTION:	Principles and observational techniques of astrophysics.
   
   
   PHSCS 451 : Quantum Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 451 : Quantum Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222, 318, or equivalent.
   DESCRIPTION:	Analytical foundations of quantum mechanics.
   
   
   PHSCS 471 : Principles of Optics. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   PHSCS 471 : Principles of Optics. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W
   PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 123, 220.
   RECOMMENDED:	Phscs 318.
   DESCRIPTION:	Electromagnetic wave phenomena, including polarization effects, interference, coherence, dispersion, ray theory, diffraction; introduction to quantum nature of light. Laboratory component emphasizes applications.
   
   
   
   
   Note: Phscs 191 should be taken the first semester.
3. Complete one of the following options:
   Either
   MATH 113 : Calculus 2. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 113 : Calculus 2. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 112 or equivalent.
   DESCRIPTION:	Techniques and applications of integration; sequences, series, convergence tests, power series; parametric equations; polar coordinates.
   NOTE:	Honors also.
   
   
   MATH 302 : Mathematics for Engineering 1. (4:4:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 302 : Mathematics for Engineering 1. (4:4:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 113 and passing grade on required preparatory exam taken during first week of class. (Practice exams available on class Website).
   DESCRIPTION:	Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and numerical methods.
   
   
   Or
   MATH 113 : Calculus 2. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 113 : Calculus 2. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 112 or equivalent.
   DESCRIPTION:	Techniques and applications of integration; sequences, series, convergence tests, power series; parametric equations; polar coordinates.
   NOTE:	Honors also.
   
   
   MATH 214 : Calculus of Several Variables. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 214 : Calculus of Several Variables. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 113; 343 or concurrent enrollment.
   DESCRIPTION:	Partial differentiation, the Jacobian matrix, and integral theorems of vector calculus.
   
   
   MATH 343 : Elementary Linear Algebra. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 343 : Elementary Linear Algebra. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 112 or 119.
   DESCRIPTION:	Linear systems, matrices, vectors and vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, inner product spaces, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
   
   
4. Complete one course from the following:
   MATH 303 : Mathematics for Engineering 2. (4:4:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 303 : Mathematics for Engineering 2. (4:4:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 302; or Math 214 and 343.
   DESCRIPTION:	ODEs, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, PDEs, numerical methods.
   
   
   MATH 334 : Ordinary Differential Equations. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   MATH 334 : Ordinary Differential Equations. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
   
   OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
   PREREQUISITE:	Math 113, 343.
   DESCRIPTION:	Methods and theory of ordinary differential equations.
   
   
5. Complete a senior thesis, including the following:
   1. Meet with department undergraduate research coordinator early in the junior year or before to obtain information about research projects and senior thesis procedures.
   2. Complete two hours of the following
      PHSCS 498R : Senior Thesis. (.5-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
      
      PHSCS 498R : Senior Thesis. (.5-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)
      
      OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
      DESCRIPTION:	Individually directed research for seniors.
      NOTE:	Thesis topic must be cleared by faculty member before registration.
      
      

6. Take a department exit examination in the senior year.

Recommended Course

CHEM 105 : General College Chemistry. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

CHEM 105 : General College Chemistry. (4:5:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Math 110 (or equivalent) or concurrent enrollment.
DESCRIPTION:	Atomic and molecular structure including bonding and periodic properties of the elements; reaction energetics, electrochemistry, acids and bases, inorganic and organic chemistry.
NOTE:	Primarily for students in engineering and biological sciences. Three lectures and two recitation sections per week.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill university core requirements.

Show all Physics and Astronomy (Phscs) Courses