Physics: Biological Four-Year Plan

Revised 04/2024

Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course prerequisites and corequisites (designated by &)
UD: must be admitted to the major prior to enrollment
◊: courses required for admission to this major

Note: This is a sample plan that shows the department's recommended course plan for completing this degree in four years. Alternative course options can be seen on the APAS or Catalog page.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or prereq) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1301W Intro Physics I (&Math 1371) [4cr]
  • Biol 1009 General Biology [4cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
  • CSE 1001 First Year Experience [1cr]

Spring Semester

  • ◊ Math 1372 Calculus II (1371) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1302W Intro Physics II (1301W, &Math 1372) [4cr]
  • Chem 1071 CSE Chem Principles I (&1065) [3cr]
  • Chem 1065 Chem Principles I Lab (&1071) [1cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 2373 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 2503 Physics III (1302W, Math 1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 2201 Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics (1302W) [4cr]
  • Chem 1072 CSE Chem Principles II (1071, &1066) [1cr]
  • Chem 1066 Chem Principles II Lab (&1072) [3cr]

Spring Semester

  • Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
  • Phys 2601 Quantum Physics (2503, recommend &3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 3041 Math for Physics (1302W, &Math 2374, recommend 2503 and &2601) [3cr]
  • Phys 3605W Modern Physics Lab (&2503) [3cr]

Junior Year

Fall Semester

  • Phys 4001 Analytical Mechanics (1302W, 3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 4051 Experimental Physics I (&3605W, 3041) [5cr]
  • Chem 2301 Organic Chem I (1072/66) [3cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Phys 4101 Quantum Mechanics (3041, 2601) [4cr]
  • Phys 4052W Experimental Physics II (4051) [5cr]
  • BioC 3021 Biochemistry (Chem 2301, Biol 1009) [3cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Senior Year

Fall Semester

  • Phys 4002 Electricity & Magnetism (2503, 3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 4201 Statistical & Thermal Physics (3041, 2201, 2601) [3cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Technical Elective I [4cr]
  • Technical Elective II [3 or 4cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]

Total Credits Needed for Degree: 120

Additional Information

The APAS is the official method for tracking completion of your specific degree requirements. This plan is not a contract and curriculum can change.

Applying to a major: z.umn.edu/csemajorapp

Courses required for admission to this major: Math 1371, Math 1372, Math 2373, Phys 1301W, Phys 1302W, Phys 2503, Phys 2201

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Department Contact Information

Website: physics.umn.edu
Main Phone: 612-624-7375 | Main Office: Tate Hall 130
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Rafael Fernandes; rfernand@umn.edu
Major Catalog Page: https://umtc.catalog.prod.coursedog.com/programs/067627307 

Learn how to add study abroad to your degree planning!

What can I do with a major in Physics?

University Degree Requirements

All students must complete the following requirements. Requirements with an (*) will be fulfilled by taking courses at UM-TC required for this major.

Writing Requirements

University Writing:

  • Writ 1301/1401 or equivalent

Writing Intensive (WI):

  • One: Any level*
  • One: Any level*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (in major)*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (any dept.)*

Liberal Education

Cores:

  • Biological Sciences w/Lab*
  • Physical Sciences w/Lab*
  • Historical Perspectives
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts/Humanities
  • Literature
  • Mathematical Thinking*

Themes (choose 4 of 5):

  • Race, Power, and Justice in the US (required)
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • The Environment
  • Global Perspectives
  • Technology and Society