Physics, B.S.
Admissions
Entrance Requirements
New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
- Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.
Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.
Transfer Requirements
In addition to the minimum University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements, a student seeking to transfer to the physics major from another program within the University, or from another accredited college or university, is required to have earned a grade of “C” or higher in MATH 141.
Note: An AP or IB exam score that provides credit for MATH 141 also satisfies this requirement.
Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Program of Study
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 1. Carolina Core | 34-46 |
| 2. College Requirements | 15-19 |
| 3. Program Requirements | 19-39 |
| 4. Major Requirements | 32-52 |
Founding Documents Requirement
All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers. This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective. Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.
Requirements (120 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Carolina Core (34-46 hours) | ||
| CMW - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written 1 | ||
| CC-CMW course(s) | 6 | |
| ARP - Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving 1 | ||
| MATH 141 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| SCI - Scientific Literacy 1 | ||
| PHYS 211 & 211L | Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L | Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab | 4 |
| GFL - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language | ||
| Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course. It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed. | ||
| CC-GFL course(s) | 0-6 | |
| GHS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking | ||
| CC-GHS course(s) | 3 | |
| GSS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences | ||
| CC-GSS course(s) | 3 | |
| AIU - Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding | ||
| CC-AIU course(s) | 3 | |
| CMS - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component 2 | ||
| CC-CMS course(s) | 0-3 | |
| INF - Information Literacy 2 | ||
| CC-INF course(s) | 0-3 | |
| VSR - Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility 2 | ||
| CC-VSR course(s) | 0-3 | |
| 2. College Requirements (15-19 hours) | ||
| Foreign Language | ||
| Only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency | 0-3 | |
| Analytical Reasoning 1 | ||
| CSCE 145 | Algorithmic Design I 3 | 3-4 |
| or CSCE 106 | Scientific Applications Programming | |
| STAT 509 | Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| or STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | |
| History | ||
| The College of Arts and Sciences requires one additional GHS course beyond the Carolina Core GHS requirement. If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course. If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a U.S. history course. Please select the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement from the approved list. | 3 | |
| Social Science | ||
| Social Science Courses | 3 | |
| Fine Arts or Humanities | ||
| Fine Arts/Humanities Courses | 3 | |
| 3. Program Requirements (19-39 hours) | ||
| Supporting Courses (19 hours) 1 | ||
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 242 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 520 | Ordinary Differential Equations | |
| Select six hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Transition to Advanced Mathematics | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
MATH 500-level and above (selected with advisor) | ||
| Minor (0-18 hours) Optional 1 | ||
| An optional minor may be added to a student’s program of study. A minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. At least half of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at the University. A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z . An optional additional major may also be added to a student’s program of study. | 0-18 | |
| Electives (0-20 hours) | ||
| 120 (or 128) degree applicable credits are required to complete any degree at USC. After the cognate, minor or second major is complete, any additional credits needed to reach 120 (or 128) total credits can be fulfilled by electives. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences. | 0-20 | |
| 4. Major Requirements (32-54 hours) | ||
| Students may choose to complete a concentration in place of the major requirements: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Engineering Physics Electrical or Engineering Physics Mechanical. | ||
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 502 | Quantum Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory | 4 |
| PHYS 506 | Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 541 | Advanced Experimental Physics I | 4 |
| Select one of the following Experimental Physics courses: | 4 | |
| Nuclear Physics | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics II | ||
| Astronomy & Astrophysics Concentration (50-53 hours) Optional | ||
| Introduction to Astronomy | ||
or SCHC 115 | HNRS: Descriptive Astronomy | |
| Introduction to Astronomy II: The Dark Universe | ||
| Galactic Astrophysics | ||
| Extragalactic Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Radio Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Relativistic Astrophysics | ||
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Observational Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Intermediate Experimental Physics | ||
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Mechanics | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory | ||
| Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
Select 1-4 hours from: | ||
| Astrobiology: Quest For Alien Life | ||
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Advanced Observational Astronomy | ||
| Topics in Astronomy | ||
| Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | ||
| Quantum Physics II | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics I | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics II | ||
| Biomedical Physics Concentration (52 hours) Optional | ||
| Biological Principles I | ||
| Biological Principles I Laboratory | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications | ||
| Biochemistry with Engineering Applications | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry II Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| Mathematical Modeling of Population Biology | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Intermediate Experimental Physics | ||
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Mechanics | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory | ||
| Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Introduction to Biological Physics | ||
| Engineering Physics Electrical Concentration (52-53 hours) Optional | ||
In order to select the Engineering Physics Electrical Concentration a student must have achieved a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 with at least 15 hours taken at USC-Columbia. In addition, the student must have passed MATH 141 with a grade of “C” or higher. (An AP or IB exam score that provides credit for MATH 141 also satisfies this requirement.) | ||
| Digital Logic Design | ||
| Electrical Science | ||
| Introductory Electrical Engineering Laboratory | ||
| Circuits | ||
| Signals and Systems | ||
| Electronics Laboratory | ||
| Electronics | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Intermediate Experimental Physics | ||
| Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | ||
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Mechanics | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory | ||
| Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics I | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| Quantum Physics II | ||
| Nuclear Physics | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics II | ||
| Engineering Physics Mechanical Concentration (52-54 hours) Optional | ||
In order to select the Engineering Physics Mechanical Concentration a student must have achieved a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 with at least 15 hours taken at USC-Columbia. In addition, the student must have passed MATH 141 with a grade of “C” or higher. (An AP or IB exam score that provides credit for MATH 141 also satisfies this requirement.) | ||
| Statics | ||
| Solid Mechanics | ||
| Thermodynamics | ||
Select four courses (at least 12 hours) from EMCH 300 and above | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Intermediate Experimental Physics | ||
| Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | ||
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Mechanics | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics I | ||
Select two from the following: | ||
| Quantum Physics II | ||
| Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Nuclear Physics | ||
| Advanced Experimental Physics II | ||
- 1
A minimum grade of C is required.
- 2
Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.
- 3
Students in the Astronomy & Astrophysics Concentration must take CSCE 106.
Major Map
A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.
Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.
Physics, B.S. No Concentration
Physics, B.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics
Physics, B.S. Biomedical Physics
Physics, B.S. Engineering Physics (Electrical Option) Concentration
Physics, B.S. Engineering Physics (Mechanical Option) Concentration
Physics, B.S. No Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| PHYS 211 & 211L |
Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| CSCE 145 or CSCE 106 |
Algorithmic Design I or Scientific Applications Programming |
3-4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 242 or MATH 520 |
Elementary Differential Equations or Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics (spring only) | 3 |
| STAT 509 or STAT 515 |
Statistics for Engineers or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| History 6 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level of above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III (fall only) | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I (fall only) | 3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 541 | Advanced Experimental Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 502 | Quantum Physics II (spring only) | 3 |
| PHYS 506 | Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics (spring only) | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,7 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics (fall only) | 4 |
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level of above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement or Elective 4,7 | 3 | |
| Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Experimental Physics Elective 8 | 4 | |
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory (spring only) | 4 |
| Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 121-122 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who do not place into MATH 141 will be required to successfully complete MATH 112, 115, or 116 before taking MATH 141.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 7
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
- 8
Experimental Physics electives include but are not limited to (4 hours): PHYS 511, 542.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Physics, B.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| ASTR 101 or SCHC 115 |
Introduction to Astronomy or HNRS: Descriptive Astronomy |
4 |
| PHYS 211 & 211L |
Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| CSCE 106 | Scientific Applications Programming | 3 |
| ASTR 201 | Introduction to Astronomy II: The Dark Universe | 3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 242 or MATH 520 |
Elementary Differential Equations or Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics (spring only) | 3 |
| STAT 509 or STAT 515 |
Statistics for Engineers or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| ASTR 301 | Galactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH Course 500-level of above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III (fall only) | 3 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I (fall only) | 3 |
| ASTR 302 | Extragalactic Astronomy | 3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 506 | Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics (spring only) | 3 |
| ASTR 320 | Introduction to Radio Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR 340 | Introduction to Relativistic Astrophysics | 3 |
| History 6 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ASTR 510 | Observational Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics (fall only) | 4 |
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level of above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| Astronomy & Astrophysics Concentration Elective 7 | 1-4 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ASTR 499 | Undergraduate Research | 3 |
| ASTR 546 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory (spring only) | 4 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124-127 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who do not place into MATH 141 will be required to successfully complete MATH 112, 115, or 116 before taking MATH 141.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 7
Astronomy & Astrophysics Concentration Elective (4 hours): ASTR 103, 499, 534, 599; PHYS 311, 502, 541, 542.
- 8
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Physics, B.S. Biomedical Physics Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 112 & 112L |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| PHYS 211 & 211L |
Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| CHEM 333 & 333L |
Organic Chemistry I and Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I |
5 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 242 or MATH 520 |
Elementary Differential Equations or Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics (spring only) | 3 |
| BIOL 101 & 101L |
Biological Principles I and Biological Principles I Laboratory |
4 |
| STAT 509 or STAT 515 |
Statistics for Engineers or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level or above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III (fall only) | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I (fall only) | 3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 506 | Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics (spring only) | 3 |
| BMEN 240 | Cellular and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications | 4 |
| MATH 523 | Mathematical Modeling of Population Biology | 3 |
| CSCE 145 or CSCE 106 |
Algorithmic Design I or Scientific Applications Programming |
4 |
| History 6 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics (fall only) | 4 |
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level or above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| BMEN 340 | Biochemistry with Engineering Applications | 4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory (spring only) | 4 |
| BMEN 345 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers | 4 |
| PHYS 520 | Introduction to Biological Physics | 3 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 127 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who do not place into MATH 141 will be required to successfully complete MATH 112, 115, or 116 before taking MATH 141.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Physics, B.S. Engineering Physics (Electrical Option) Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| PHYS 211 & 211L |
Essentials of Physics I and Essentials of Physics I Lab |
4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| CSCE 145 or CSCE 106 |
Algorithmic Design I or Scientific Applications Programming |
3-4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 242 or MATH 520 |
Elementary Differential Equations or Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics (spring only) | 3 |
| STAT 509 or STAT 515 |
Statistics for Engineers or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| ELCT 102 | Electrical Science | 3 |
| History 6 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level or above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III (fall only) | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | 3 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I (fall only) | 3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level or above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 506 | Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics (spring only) | 3 |
| ELCT 221 | Circuits | 3 |
| CSCE 211 | Digital Logic Design | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics (fall only) | 4 |
| ELCT 222 | Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ELCT 201 | Introductory Electrical Engineering Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 541 | Advanced Experimental Physics I | 4 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory (spring only) | 4 |
| ELCT 301 | Electronics Laboratory | 3 |
| ELCT 371 | Electronics | 3 |
| Engineering Physics Concentration course 7 | 3 | |
| Carolina Core Requirement (only if needed to meet CC requirements) 4 | 0-3 | |
| Credit Hours | 13-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 126-130 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who do not place into MATH 141 will be required to successfully complete MATH 112, 115, or 116 before taking MATH 141.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 7
Engineering Physics Concentration courses (3-4 hours): PHYS 502, 511, or 542.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Physics, B.S. Engineering Physics (Mechanical Option) Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 101 | Critical Reading and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM 111 or CHEM 111L |
General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| UNIV 101 | The Student in the University (or Carolina Core Requirement) 4 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 102 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
| MATH 142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| PHYS 211 & PHYS 111L |
Essentials of Physics I and |
4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 241 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 212 & 212L |
Essentials of Physics II and Essentials of Physics II Lab |
4 |
| CSCE 145 or CSCE 106 |
Algorithmic Design I or Scientific Applications Programming |
3-4 |
| Carolina Core Requirement 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 242 or MATH 520 |
Elementary Differential Equations or Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
| PHYS 307 | Introduction to Modern Physics (spring only) | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Introduction to Applied Numerical Methods | 3 |
| EMCH 200 | Statics | 3 |
| Foreign language or other Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level or above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 306 | Principles of Physics III (fall only) | 3 |
| EMCH 260 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 501 | Quantum Physics I (fall only) | 3 |
| STAT 509 or STAT 515 |
Statistics for Engineers or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| Foreign language or Carolina Core Requirement 4,5 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 300 or MATH 344 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics (or MATH course 500-level of above) or Applied Linear Algebra |
3 |
| PHYS 310 | Intermediate Experimental Physics | 4 |
| Engineering Physics Concentration course 7 | 3-4 | |
| EMCH Elective (300-level or above) | 3 | |
| History 6 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 503 | Mechanics (fa) | 4 |
| EMCH 290 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| EMCH Elective (300-level or above) | 3 | |
| PHYS 541 | Advanced Experimental Physics I | 4 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 504 | Electromagnetic Theory (spring only) | 4 |
| EMCH Elective (300-level or above) | 3 | |
| EMCH Elective (300-level or above) | 3 | |
| Engineering Physics Concentration course 7 | 3-4 | |
| Credit Hours | 13-14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 126-129 | |
- 1
Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.
- 2
Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. Courses indicated in this column are included in the major GPA for this program of study.
- 3
Students who do not place into MATH 141 will be required to successfully complete MATH 112, 115, or 116 before taking MATH 141.
- 4
The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students.
- 5
Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score.
- 6
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement.
- 7
Engineering Physics Concentration courses - choose two from the following (6-8 hours): PHYS 502, 506, 511, or 542.
Program Notes:
- ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
- All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
- The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.