Oct 05, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, BA


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Program Description


Physics, the most fundamental of the natural sciences, forms the basis of study upon which the other branches of science are founded. Physics is concerned with the fundamental behavior of matter and energy. Classical physics encompasses the fields of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics and optics. Modern physics is concerned with the study of atoms and molecules, atomic nuclei, elementary particles and the properties of liquids, crystalline solids, and other materials, as well as the areas of relativity, cosmology, and the large-scale structure of the universe. The undergraduate Physics curricula provide students with a strong background in the classical areas of physics, as well as an introduction to the more important aspects of modern physics.

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics program is ideal for students interested in acquiring a broad-based liberal education that includes a strong and solid understanding of either science or a broad exposure to engineering with a strong physics foundation.

Double Major in Physics/Science Teaching-Physics

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics and Science Teaching-Physics prepares students for teaching physics on the secondary school level and for graduate studies in physics. See Science Teaching: Teaching Area - Physics, BA  for the curriculum.

Note: To receive a double major in Physics and Science Teaching-Physics, the student must complete a change-of-program form to declare both majors.

 

Program Requirements


Freshman Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 16

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 14

Sophomore Year


Credit Hours: 16

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 14

Junior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


  • Arts and Humanities (Literature) Requirement 3 Credits 1
  • Global Challenges Requirement 6 Credits 1
  • Minor Requirement 3 Credits 4
  • Physics Requirement 3 Credits 5
Credit Hours: 15

Total Credits: 120


Footnotes


1 See General Education Requirements .

2 See the South Carolina REACH Act Requirement in the Academic Regulations  section.

3 Students must complete through 2020 in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .

4 See advisor.

5 Select from ASTR 3020 , ASTR 3030 , PHYS 3120 , PHYS 3260 PHYS 3550 , PHYS 4170 PHYS 4180 , PHYS 4200 , PHYS 4320 , PHYS 4420 , PHYS 4450 , PHYS 4460 , PHYS 4520 , PHYS 4560 , and PHYS 4750 .

NOTE: A transfer course may not be used to satisfy the General Education Global Challenges Requirement. While a transfer course may fulfill other degree requirements, students must enroll in a Clemson course(s) on the Global Challenges list to fulfill the Global Challenges Requirement.

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