Bachelor of Science in Physics, BS
This is a sample curriculum plan for the Physics BS within the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State University.
If you are a prospective student viewing this document, please note curriculum is subject to change and specific per catalog year.
For current students, this plan is intended to be a glimpse at key sequencing within the major, and includes some common/important advising notes. Sample plans are meant to provide aid in early, provisional planning. This plan does not replace the advice of academic advisors. Please refer to Advising Contacts for information about advising within the College of Arts and Sciences and how to contact advisors within each department.
First Year
First Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 211 | Physics with Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 170 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 | Intro to College Writing | 3 |
| UF 100 | Foundations of Intellectual Life | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Second Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 175 | Calculus II | 4 |
| ENGL 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| PHYS 212 | Physics with Calculus II | 5 |
| FS | Foundations of Social Sciences* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Second Year
First Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 275 | Multivariable Vector Calculus | 4 |
| PHYS 309 | Introductory Quantum Physics with Applications | 3 |
| PHYS 309L | Introductory Quantum Physics Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| UF 200 | Foundations of Ethics and Diversity | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Second Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 333 Or MATH 301 | Differential Equations w/ Matrix Theory Or Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| PHYS 301 | Communication in the Mathematical Sciences | 4 |
| FC | Foundations of Oral Communication* | 3 |
| CS or MSE Class | Refer to Catalog | 3 |
| FH | Foundations of Humanities* | 3 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
Third Year
First Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 301 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| FS | Foundations of Social Sciences* | 3 |
| PHYS 325 | Introduction to Computational Mathematics | 4 |
| PHYS 381 | Electromagnetic Theory | 4 |
| TOTAL | 14 |
Second Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 341 | Classical Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 382 Or PHYS 330 & 330L | Electrodynamics Or Optics | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 14 |
Fourth Year
First Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 412 | Intermediate Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 432 | Thermal Physics | 4 |
| FA | Foundations of Arts* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 14 |
Second Semester
| Subject/Area/Course | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 499 (FF) | Physics Senior Seminars | 1 |
| PHYS Cluster 1 | Refer to Catalog | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Introductory Relativistic Physics with Applications | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 16 |
Comments/Notes
- Courses listed may require prerequisites. Please view the Undergraduate catalog to view the prerequisites
- The major’s curriculum starts at Math 170. Enrollment in a math course below Math 170 has the potential to extend date of graduation
- Information Subject to Change.
- This is not a contract.
- *Foundational course offerings here.