Physics, B.S.

Return to: 3460 Department of Physics and Astronomy

All degree programs described below are built on a core of 24 semester hours of physics numbered 3300 or above and 4 semester hours of mathematics. The standard program is designed to prepare the student for graduate school or immediate employment upon graduation. Students selecting the standard program must complete 21 semester hours of physics, astronomy and mathematics beyond the core set of physics and mathematics courses listed below. As alternatives to the standard program, courses in one of several specific areas of concentration may be chosen as described below. The available areas of concentration are applied physics, astronomy, pre-medicine, biophysics, geology, computer science, and education.

A central objective of Georgia State University is that all graduates from its programs will be proficient in writing, critical and analytical thinking, and use of information resources. In support of this objective, the Department of Physics and Astronomy explicitly incorporates activities to develop these skills as appropriate in each course.

To schedule an effective program of study, it is very important that all students intending to major in physics consult with the physics faculty adviser as soon as possible. Physics majors are strongly encouraged to complete PHYS 1000 in their first or second semester. PHYS 1000 is also appropriate for students considering physics and astronomy. Physics majors should pay special attention to the early completion of the mathematical requirements if they are to complete their physics requirements during the usual four-year span. The first calculus course should be taken during the freshman year, and the second and third calculus courses should be completed during the sophomore year. The department recommends that General Chemistry I and II be taken during the freshman year. The beginning physics sequence (PHYS 2211K-PHYS 2212K) should be completed before the end of the sophomore year. Students who enter the physics major after completing a non-calculus level elementary physics sequence should consult with the undergraduate director in physics on the best method of preparing for more advanced courses in physics.

In addition to the program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see Office of Academic Assistance ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ).

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See 1460 GPA Requirement for additional information.)

Degree Requirements

Area A

Required course:

MATH 1113 - Precalculus 3 Credit Hours or higher level MATH must be taken in Area A. A section of MATH 1113 - Precalculus that is designated specifically for this major is recommended (see GoSolar listing to identify appropriate sections).

Areas D

Required course

MATH 2211 - Calculus of One Variable I 4 Credit Hours (or a higher-level mathematics course)

Recommended courses

CHEM 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credit Hours
and
CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credit Hours

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (18 Hours)

Students should choose courses appropriate to their intended concentration. Consult the Undergraduate Director for the BS in Physics for advice.
All courses above ending in K may also be offered as separate lecture and lab (L) courses. The combined (K) courses and separate lecture and lab (L) courses cover the same subject matter and are equivalent courses.
Any credit hours exceeding 18 earned to complete the Area F requirements will count toward elective hours.

Required Courses (18 Hours)

(Unless used to satisfy Area D requirements)

CHEM 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credit Hours
and
CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credit Hours
MATH 2212 - Calculus of One Variable II 4 Credit Hours
MATH 2215 - Multivariate Calculus 4 Credit Hours
PHYS 1000 - Gateway to Physics 2 Credit Hours (Not required of student entering with an AS degree)
PHYS 2211K - Principles of Physics I 4 Credit Hours
and
PHYS 2212K - Principles of Physics II 4 Credit Hours

Select additional elective courses from the following to complete 18 hours in Area F

CSC 1301 - Principles of Computer Science I 4 Credit Hours
CSC 1302 - Principles of Computer Science II 4 Credit Hours
CSC 2301 - Introduction to Python Programming 3 Credit Hours
ASTR 1010K - Astronomy of the Solar System 4 Credit Hours
ASTR 1020K - Stellar and Galactic Astronomy 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 1103K - Introductory Biology I 4 Credit Hours
and
BIOL 1104K - Introductory Biology II 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 2107 - Principles of Biology I 3 Credit Hours and
BIOL 2107L - Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
BIOL 2108 - Principles of Biology II 3 Credit Hours and
BIOL 2108L - Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
EDUC 2110 - Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education 3 Credit Hours
EDUC 2120 - Exploring Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Diversity in Educational Contexts 3 Credit Hours
EDUC 2130 - Exploring Learning and Teaching 3 Credit Hours
GEOL 1121K - Introductory Geology I: Dynamic Earth 4 Credit Hours
GEOL 1122K - Introductory Geology II: Earth and Life Through Time 4 Credit Hours
RSCH 1203 - Research Strategies and Technology 1 Credit Hours

Area G: Major Courses

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers several concentrations within the B.S. in Physics degree program. The standard program is recommended for those who plan to pursue graduate study in physics. Other options include concentrations in applied physics, astronomy, pre-medicine, biophysics, geology, computer science, and education. Course requirements listed below for each of the options are in addition to the courses listed under Area F and the required lower division courses listed above. The standard program and all concentrations are centered on the 24-hour core of physics courses and the four-hour core of mathematics courses listed below.

Physics and Mathematics Core (28 Hours)

Concentration Requirements

Area H: Minor and/or Additional Courses

Students earning a B.S. through the Department of Physics and Astronomy are not required to take a minor.
Additional courses must be taken as electives to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours. Although not a requirement, the department recommends that physics majors take these elective courses at the 2000 level or above in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, geology, physics, or astronomy. (Consult with the departmental academic adviser.)

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

To qualify for Graduation with Distinction in Physics, students need a minimum grade-point average of 3.4 for all their GSU courses, plus a minimum grade-point average of 3.4 for all courses taken for their major, plus a grade of either A or A+ in the course PHYS 4900 - Research Project-CTW.

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