休斯敦大學

Physicists formulate mathematical descriptions of nature that constitute a set of theories to provide the best and most detailed predictive capability in all situations. Physicists also devise and carry out experiments designed to probe the unknown and test these theories. When confronted with experimental evidence that contradicts these theories or are beyond their reach, physicists either revise them to accommodate the new data or else abandon them in favor of better models. Students majoring in physics must have a strong foundation in mathematics and an overwhelming curiosity about how nature works. Generally, physicists tend either to be more primarily focused on doing experiments or to concentrate on making the mathematical models.

Students who choose to major in physics must meet the following requirements in addition to the special requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree:

Suggested Program

Mathematics: 24 semester hours (nine advanced) which must include

MATH 1431 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4.0
MATH 1432 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4.0
MATH 2331 - Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 3.0
MATH 2433 - Calculus III Credit Hours: 4.0
MATH 3331 - Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3.0

Chemistry:

CHEM 1111 - Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory Credit Hours: 1.0
CHEM 1112 - Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory Credit Hours: 1.0
CHEM 1331 - Fundamentals of Chemistry Credit Hours: 3.0
CHEM 1332 - Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 Credit Hours: 3.0

Physics: 31 semester hours (23 advanced) which must include

PHYS 1321 - University Physics I Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYS 1121 - University Physics Laboratory I Credit Hours: 1.0
PHYS 1322 - University Physics II Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYS 1122 - University Physics Laboratory II Credit Hours: 1.0
PHYS 3110 - Seminar in Advanced Laboratory Analysis Credit Hours: 1.0
PHYS 3315 - Modern Physics Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYS 3313 - Advanced Laboratory I Credit Hours: 3.0
PHYS 3312 - Modern Optics Credit Hours: 3.0 and
PHYS 3112 - Modern Optics Laboratory Credit Hours: 1.0

or

PHYS 4421 - Electronic Devices and Their Applications Credit Hours: 4.0