The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers major and minor programs in physics and a minor in astronomy. The department also offers a second-major curriculum for engineering majors. See further details below.
Physics Major
Admission into the Major
Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). You can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the “Student” tab of myBama.
Tracks and Required Courses
Students majoring in physics choose one of four tracks:
- Graduate School track: for students considering graduate work in physics. Includes Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Thermal Physics.
- Astrophysics track: for students interested in astronomy or space science. A mostly complete physics curriculum with an emphasis on understanding astronomical phenomena.
- Physics Education track: for students who want to teach in grades K–12. Adapted for integration with the teacher certification process.
- Biophysics track: for students planning a career in a health profession. Part of curriculum oriented toward physical underpinnings of biomolecular phenomena.
Each of these tracks has slightly different course requirements. These are listed in the UA Undergraduate Catalog, on the page dedicated to the physics major.
Degree Requirements
Students earning the bachelor of science (BS) degree with a major in physics must complete all University, college, and departmental degree requirements. For full requirements, please refer to the Physics Major section of the UA Undergraduate Catalog.
Physics Minor
Admission into the Minor
You can formally declare a minor by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the “Student” tab of myBama.
Minor Courses
The minor in physics requires successful completion of 18 semester hours. For more information, including a list of these courses, visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog page on the physics minor.
Astronomy Minor
Admission into the Minor
You can formally declare a minor by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the “Student” tab of myBama.
Minor Courses
The minor in astronomy requires successful completion of 14 semester hours. For more information, including a list of these courses, visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog page on the astronomy minor.