Physics

(Program Terminated and in Teach Out)


This program is not accepting new applications. The program was discontinued, effective March 27, 2014, as a result of a resolution of the UDC Board of Trustees.  Students currently matriculating as majors will be able to complete their degree program provided they remain continuously enrolled throughout the teach-out period.   A teach-out program for this discontinued major is available for currently enrolled students. 


The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics has two options: the Physics option and the Physics Education option. The Physics Education Option provides the flexibility that enables students to fulfill requirements for teacher certification for secondary schools. Graduates of the Physics program enroll in some of the finest graduate schools in the country.Some are currently enrolled in graduate school, and many have received Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in physics and work as research scientists.

The Physics program has a diversified faculty, all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree. Faculty members are strongly committed to teaching and research,and offer the student a challenging opportunity to absorb and create. The physics program provides excellent research opportunities for undergraduate majors enrolled full-time at the University.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Option 1: Physics
Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 120

Required Core Courses:

Course Number Course Name
PHYS – 201, 202, 203 University Physics Lecture I, II, III 9
PHYS – 205, 206, 207 University Physics Lab I, II, III 3
PHYS – 211, 212 Laboratory Techniques I, II 2
PHYS – 331, 332 Mechanics I, II 6
PHYS – 341, 342 Advanced Physics Lab I, II 2
PHYS – 345 Optics 3
PHYS – 346 Thermodynamics 3
PHYS – 441, 442 Modern Physics I, II 6
PHYS – 451, 452 Senior Project I, II 4
PHYS – 461, 462 Electricity and Magnetism I, II 6
PHYS – 499 General Examination in Physics 1
PHYS Physics Electives 9

Additional Required Courses:

Course Number Course Name
CHEM – 111, 112 General Chemistry Lecture I, II 6
CHEM – 113, 114 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2
APCT – 231, 232 Introduction to Computer Science I, II 6
APCT – 233, 234 Introduction to Computer Science Lab I, II 2
MATH – 151, 152 Calculus I, II 6
MATH – 155, 156 Calculus I, II Lab 2
MATH – 253 Calculus III 3
MATH – 255 Calculus III Lab 1
MATH – 225 Linear Algebra 3
MATH – 254 Differential Equations 3
Elective 3

Option 2: Physics Teacher Education

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 144

In addition to the required courses for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, the following courses are required for students who wish to pursue teacher certification on the secondary level in physics.

Course Number Course Name
SPED – 204 Survey of Exceptional Children 3
EDFN – 220 Foundations of Education 3
EDFN – 222 Children and Youth in urban Schools 3
EDPY – 244 Human Development and Behavior 3
EDPY – 300 Educational Psychology 3
RDNG – 315 Teaching of Reading in the Secondary Schools 3
EDFN – 446 Methods of Teaching Science 3
EDFN – 471 Observation and Student Teaching in the Secondary Schools 6

Additional Comments or Requirements:

Registration for physics electives require prior departmental approval. A physics major must earn a grade of “C” or better in each required course.

Students interested in the Teacher Education (Secondary) option should consult with the chairperson of the Department of Education for further academic advisement. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required education courses except student teaching, which requires a grade of “B” or better.

Contact Information

Bldg 41, Suite 405

202.274.5194

202.274.5589

casgeneral@udc.edu