Physics, B.A.

Universal Curriculum Requirements

To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page .

Program Information

The Department of Physics offers both Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. The Physics, B.A. is designed for students interested in physics and planning to enter other fields including engineering, medicine, education, business, and law, and for liberal arts students seeking a strong background in physics. 

NOTE: Students planning graduate study in physics or physics-related areas should elect the B.S. or the Astronomy/Physics B.S.

Program Requirements

There are three groups of courses that are needed for the BA degree:

All required courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C. The Schools impose other requirements for graduation; e.g., students in the College of Arts and Sciences need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols scholars, must fulfill General Education requirements. 

• Group 1:

• MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4
• PHYS 1420 - Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics Credits: 3
• PHYS 1429 - Introductory Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1
• PHYS 2410 - Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics Credits: 3
• PHYS 2419 - Introductory Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1

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  Group 2:

• MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4
• PHYS 2620 - Modern Physics Credits: 4
• PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics Credits: 2

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  Group 3:

  • Four 3000-level Physics elective courses

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  The classification of the courses into components reflects the order in which classes are taken. Physics courses are more sequential than courses in some other majors. Course descriptions in SIS, or at the department webpage, list other courses that are expected to be taken earlier, or concurrently.

   

  Students can substitute APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III), APMA 2130 (Applied Differential Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations), PHYS 1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1), and PHYS 2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2).

   

  The elective courses PHYS 3110 (Widely Applied Physics), PHYS 3120 (Applied Physics: Energy), and PHYS 3140 (Intermediate Lab) can be used to complete a strong preparation in applied physics. These courses are designed to make use of the concepts learned in the introductory courses to understand some modern applications with a focus on energy production and use. PHYS 3630 (Computational Physics) is another good choice for students interested in computation, or PHYS 3040 (Physics of the Human Body) for students with interest in biology or medicine. Students completing the B.A. program have an outstanding record of success in admission to medical, law, business, and education schools.

Additional Information

For more information, contact Physics Department, Jesse W. Beams Laboratory of Physics, P.O. Box 400714, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4714, (434) 924-3781; www.phys.virginia.edu.