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

Physics, BS


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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 BS curriculum is directed toward preparing students for graduate study ultimately leading to the PhD degree or toward research and development work in industrial or governmental laboratories. It also provides a good background for graduate study or industrial work in many areas or engineering physics and applied science.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan

Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Both BS/MS (Master of Science) and BS/MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) plans are available. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements for pursuing the combined degree from the Department of Physics and Astronomy (https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/physics-astro/) as early as possible in their undergraduate program. Enrollment guidelines and procedures can be found under Academic Regulations  in this catalog.

Program Requirements


Freshman Year


Credit Hours: 16

Credit Hours: 14

Sophomore Year


Junior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 12

Total Credits: 120


Footnotes


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

2 See General Education Requirements .

3 Select from CPSC 1010 , CPSC 1060 , or CPSC 1110 , or select from CPSC 1020  or CPSC 1070  to complete a sequence. If a three-credit course is selected, an additional elective credit may be required to fulfill total program credit requirements.

4 Select from the emphasis areas below. Twelve credits in one of these areas, with at least six credits at the 3000-4000 level, are required. Note: Requirements for a minor in one of these areas might be satisfied with three additional credits at the 3000-4000 level.

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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