The Department of Physics
108 Science Hall • Box 19059 • 817-272-2266
www.uta.edu/physics
Academic Advising: 108 Science Hall • 817-272-2266
Overview
The Department of Physics offers three Bachelors of Science Degree programs and a Bachelor of
Arts Degree program.
The Bachelor of Science Degree programs include one which prepares students for careers in
science and technology, another for medical school preparation, and a third for students
wanting to minor in an engineering discipline. The Bachelor of Arts Degree in physics is intended
for those students who seek a broader education while retaining a firm foundation in physics.
When combined with the required education courses, the Bachelor of Arts program is also
appropriate for students interested in becoming school teachers.*
Students considering a physics major should schedule an appointment with an undergraduate
advisor in physics to discuss their degree and career options. Physics majors are encouraged to
participate in research projects under faculty guidance for course credit or financial reward. In
this way, undergraduate students have the choice of gaining hands-on experience from a variety
of research disciplines, including astrophysics, computational physics, high energy physics,
optics, space physics, and theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics.
The faculty of the Physics Department encourages students who qualify to participate in the
University Honors College. Scholarships may be offered every year to new students majoring in
physics.
*Students desiring certification for teaching at the secondary level must fulfill certain
requirements as prescribed in the Education section of this catalog.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics
English
Six hours of composition.
Literature
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Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours of courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts.
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Natural Science other than Physics
CHEM 1441 and 1442, and a minimum of six hours from courses for majors offered in the
departments of biology and/or earth and environmental sciences.
Math
MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 3318 or 3319, and a 4000-level course.
Students may be able to obtain a math minor by consulting with the Department of Mathematics
for additional requirements.
Physics (Major)
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45 hours of physics including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315, 4319, 4324,
4326, plus 14 additional hours of approved courses.
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 120 hours, of which at least 36 must be advanced (3000/4000)
level courses.
Typical Course Sequence
Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of an undergraduate
advisor, particularly since many courses in physics are not offered every year. For all entering
freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1323, in the
first semester.
Freshman Year
ENGL 1301 and 1302, HIST 1311 and 1312, MATH 1323 and 1426, CHEM 1441 and 1442, Fine Arts
(3 hours), plus elective (3 hours).
Sophomore Year
MATH 2425 and 2326, PHYS 1443 and 1444, Biology and/or Geology (6-8 hours), POLS 2311 and
2312, ENGL 2309 (literature), Social/Cultural Studies (3 hours), Liberal Arts elective (3 hours).
Junior Year
MATH 3319, PHYS 2311, 3313, and 12 hours of advanced physics courses, plus elective (3 hours).
Senior Year
MATH 4320, PHYS 2321 and /or PHYS 2445 and/or CSE (3 hours), and 15 hours of advanced
physics courses, plus elective (2 hours).
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics with Medical School Preparation
This program offers the broad background in fundamental science and strong problem solving
ability of a physics degree as well as specific biology and chemistry medical school
requirements. The combination of skills developed in this program is designed to provide the
intellectual foundation necessary for excellence in research and the practice of medicine.
English
Six hours of composition.
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Literature
Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours of courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts.
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Chemistry
16 hours, consisting of CHEM 1441, 1442, 2181, 2182, 2321, and 2322.
Mathematics
14 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 3319 (or 3318).
Biology (Minor)
18 hours, including BIOL 1441 and 1442, and six hours of 3000/4000-level courses.
Physics (Major)
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36 hours including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315 or 4319, 4326, plus 11
hours of additional hours of approved courses.
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics with Engineering Emphasis
This program allows the student to augment a rigorous training in physics with the choice of a
minor in a suitable engineering discipline, thus combining a theoretical understanding of the
basic physical theories with a practical more detailed understanding given in the College of
Engineering. Such a combination would be a bonus for employment in the engineering-type
professions often chosen by physics majors.
English
Six hours of composition.
Literature
Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours of courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts.
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
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Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Natural Science other than Physics
CHEM 1441 and a minimum of four hours from courses for majors offered in the departments of
chemistry, biology, or earth and environmental sciences
Mathematics
14 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 3319 (or 3318).
Engineering (Minor)
18 or more hours as required by the appropriate engineering department, of which six hours
must be 3000/4000-level courses.
Physics (Major)
40 hours including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315, 4324, 4326, plus 12
additional hours of approved courses.
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics
English
Six hours of composition.
Literature
Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours of courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts.
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U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
Modern and Classical Languages
Four hours in a modern or classical language.
Natural Science other than Physics
Eight hours from courses offered to majors in the departments of biology, chemistry, and earth
and environmental sciences.
Mathematics
14 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 3319 (or 3318).
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Minor
18 hours in a Liberal Arts or other appropriate discipline, of which six hours must be
3000/4000-level courses.
Physics (Major)
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36 hours, including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315, 4326, plus 11
additional hours of approved courses.
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics with a Master's Degree in Materials Science and
Engineering (Fast Track Program)
The Fast Track Program enables outstanding senior undergraduate students in Physics to satisfy
degree requirements leading to a bachelor's degree in Physics while simultaneously pursuing a
master's degree (M. Engr.) in Materials Science and Engineering. The essential elements of the
Fast Track Program involve the use of up to 12 hours of graduate coursework to apply towards an
undergraduate degree in Physics while simultaneously applying up to 9 hours of undergraduate
coursework towards a graduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Thus, the program
allows that up to 21 hours to be used to satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree
requirements. Additional details of the Fast Track Program are provided subsequently in this
catalog section.
English
Six hours of composition.
Literature
Three hours of literature or of an approved substitute.
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours of courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts.
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
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Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses in social or cultural anthropology, archaeology,
social/political/cultural geography, economics, sociology, classical studies, linguistics, history,
humanities, philosophy, communications or political science.
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Natural Science other than Physics
CHEM 1441, 1442 and a minimum of four hours from courses for majors offered in the
Departments of Chemistry, Biology, or Geology.
Mathematics
14 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, and 3318 or 3319.
Materials Science and Engineering
12 hours, including MSE 3300 and nine hours from 3000/4000-level or graduate MSE courses.
Physics (Major)
41 hours, including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 3445, 4117, 4315, and 4326, plus
12 additional hours of approved courses.
Electives
Sufficient to give the total of 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses towards the undergraduate degree in Physics. Details of the
requirements for the M.Engr. degree in Materials Science and Engineering are available in the
graduate catalog.
Options Programs
The Department of Physics offers several options targeted for students majoring in other fields
of science, engineering, mathematics, and music. These options are designed for students to
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develop their understanding of the fundamental properties of nature about which their
vocations center.
The options and their course requirements are listed below. Some of the courses have
prerequisites. Most students interested in these options will satisfy the prerequisites by virtue
of their degree program.
In many cases, the prerequisites can be waived for students doing an option. Contact the
undergraduate physics advisor for specific information.
1. Physics of Modern Technology
PHYS 1444
General Technical Physics II
PHYS 3313
Modern Physics
PHYS 4315
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 4325
Solid State Physics
2. Acoustics
PHYS 1401
Physics for non-specialists I
PHYS 1402
Physics for non-specialists II
PHYS 1300
Acoustics
PHYS 4181 or 4281 Special Problems
3. Electrodynamics
PHYS 1444
General Technical Physics II
PHYS 3321
Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 4324
Advanced Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 2445 or 3445 Electronics or Optics
4. Mathematical Physics
PHYS 2311
Mathematical Methods of Physics
PHYS 2321
Computational Physics
PHYS 3321 or 4315 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism or Classical Mechanics
PHYS 4315 or 4326 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics or Quantum Physics
5. Optics
PHYS 1444
General Technical Physics II
PHYS 3313
Modern Physics
PHYS 3445
Optics
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PHYS 4171 or 4271 Advanced Optics Laboratory
6. The Nature of the Universe
PHYS 1444
General Technical Physics II
PHYS 3313
Modern Physics
PHYS 3315
Astrophysics and Cosmology
PHYS 3446
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Fast Track Program with BS in Physics and M.Engr. in
Materials Science and Engineering
Students at the end of their freshman year who have completed PHYS 1443 and PHYS 1444 with
a GPA of 3.0 and express an interest in the Fast Track Program will be designated as "Fast Track
Bound" and encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better to retain their eligibility. Students
who have been identified as "Fast Track Bound" as well as other outstanding undergraduates in
Physics can apply for the Fast Track Program when they are within 30 hours of completing their
bachelor's degrees. They must have completed at least 30 hours at UTA, achieving a GPA of at
least 3.0 in those courses, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all college courses.
Additionally, they must have completed at least 9 hours of specified undergraduate Foundation
Courses that are listed below with a GPA of 3.3 in these courses.
Foundation Courses Required for Admission into the Fast Track Program:
MSE 3300
Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
PHYS 3313
Inroduction to Modern Physics
PHYS 3321
Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
Once admitted, students will be allowed to take a mixture of advanced undergraduate and
graduate courses that may be used to satisfy both bachelor's and master's degree requirements.
Fast Track students can use up to 6 hours of undergraduate courses from the list below to apply
towards their M.Engr. degree in Materials Science and Engineering as well as towards their BS
degree in Physics:
Courses that may be used to satisfy both bachelor's and master's degree requirements
PHYS 4315
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 4319
Advanced Mechanics
PHYS 4324
Advanced Electricity and Magnetism
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PHYS 4325
Solid State Physics
PHYS 4326
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
The balance of the 36 hours required for the M. Engr. degree is selected from an approved list of
graduate Physics and Materials Science Engineering courses. For more details about the
specifics of the program contact the Undergraduate Advisor in Physics or Graduate Advisor in
Materials Science and Engineering.
Second Major
A person who satisfies the requirements for any other baccalaureate degree qualifies for having
physics named as a second major upon completion of PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311 and 26 hours of
physics courses with higher numbers. The specific courses to be used must be approved by the
undergraduate advisor and the chair of the Department of Physics.
Teacher Certification
Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in
Physics with secondary teacher certification, or in Physics as a second teaching field should
refer to the "Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with Composite Physics and Mathematics
Teaching Certification" and the "Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with Composite Physical
Science Teacher Certification" degree plans for teacher certification requirements.
Oral Communication and Computer Competency
Requirements
The university oral communication competency requirement will be met by the seminar course
PHYS 4117, which includes an oral presentation. This course is required of all physics majors.
The university computer competency requirement may be satisfied by taking the Computer
Proficiency Test administered by UT Arlington or through CSE 1310(or a higher numbered CSE
course), PHYS 2321 or MATH 3345. For the BS and BA degrees, these requirements are
automatically satisfied.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics with Composite Physics and Mathematics
Teacher Certification
English
Six hours of composition.
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Literature
Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts
PHIL 2314 [UTeach course]
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Chemistry
CHEM 1441, 1442
Mathematics (Minor)
26 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 2330 [UTeach], 3300, 3301, 3319, 3321.
Physics (Major)
37 hours including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315, 4319, 4326, 4391
[UTeach], plus 6 additional hours of approved courses.
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UTeach (Minor)
18 hours consisting of SCIE 1101, 1102, 4607, 4107, EDUC 4331, 4332, 4333
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 125 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physics with Composite Physical Science Teacher
Certification
English
Six hours of composition.
Literature
Three hours of literature or an approved substitution.
Liberal Arts Elective
PHIL 2314 [UTeach Course]
U.S. History
Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history. (This
requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived.)
U.S. Political Science
Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions. (This requirement is mandated by state law and
cannot be waived.)
Fine Arts
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours of designated courses (see Advising Center Web site).
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Computer Science
Three hours from CSE 1310 (or higher numbered CSE course), PHYS 2321, MATH 3345, or other
suitable course.
Chemistry (Minor)
20 hours, CHEM 1441, 1442, 2335, 2285, 3315, 3321, 3181.
Mathematics
14 hours, consisting of MATH 1426, 2425, 2326, 3319.
Physics (Major)
37 hours including PHYS 1443, 1444, 2311, 3183, 3313, 3321, 4117, 4315, 4319. 4326, 4391
[UTeach], plus 6 additional hours of approved courses.
UTeach (Minor)
18 hours, consisting of SCIE 1101, 1102, 4607, 4107, EDUC 4331, 4332. 4333
Electives and Total Hours
Sufficient to give the total of 125 hours, of which 36 hours must be in advanced
(3000/4000-level) courses.
Requirements for a minor in astronomy for non-physics
majors
A minimum of a total 18 credit hours (including a minimum of 6 at 3000-4000 level) are required.
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 hours at UTA, 6 of which must be 3000-4000
level.
Core Courses (required):
General College Phys I (PHYS 1441), General College Phys II (PHYS 1442), Introductory
Astrophysics (PHYS 2315), Astrophysics & Cosmology (PHYS 3315), Astrobiology (PHYS 3316)
Elective Courses:
Special Problems (PHYS 4181, 4281, with Astronomy research faculty), Special Topics (PHYS
4191, 4291, 4391, when a suitable course is offered. Approval by Physics advisor is required)
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Requirements for a minor in astrophysics for
non-physics majors
A minimum of a total 18 credit hours (including a minimum of 6 at 3000-4000 level) are required.
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 hours at UTA, 6 of which must be 3000-4000
level.
Core Courses (required):
General Techical Phys I (PHYS 1443), General Techical Phys II (PHYS 1444), Introductory
Astrophysics (PHYS 2315), Astrophysics & Cosmology (PHYS 3315)
Elective Course:
Modern Physics (PHYS 3313), Astrobiology (PHYS 3316), Optics (PHYS 3445), Nuclear & Particle
(PHYS 3446), Special Problems (PHYS 4181, 4281, with Astrophysics research faculty), Special
Topics (PHYS 4191, 4291, 4391, when a suitable course is offered. Approval by Physics advisor is
required)
Physics Faculty
Chair
Professor Weiss
Professors
Brandt, De, Koymen, Liu, Lopez, Z. Musielak, Ray, Sharma, White, Zhang, Cuntz and Yu
Associate Professors
Fazleev, Chen, Farbin
Assistant Professors
Deng, Jackson, Mohanty, Ngai, Park, Huda
Lecturer (full time)
Veerabathina, Spurlock
Adjunct Professors
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Claytor, Hira, Jaafari, D. Musielak, Rejcek, Schachar, Tian, Torti
Professors Emeritus
Fry, Self, Thompson
Course Descriptions
View Course Descriptions for:
Physics (PHYS)
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