Physics, B.S. - CEPS, UNH

Undergraduate

Physics

Explore a comprehensive training in matter, energy, and motion through innovative studio-format learning.
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
26*
Credit
128 hrs.*
Full-time
4 yrs.
Part-time
Varies
View course catalog
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Physics & Astronomy

The B.S. Physics degree at UNH offers comprehensive training in matter, energy, and motion through options including innovative studio-format learning. Here you'll be able to explore subatomic particles and cosmos while conducting research funded by NASA, NSF and other funding agencies.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Physics & Astronomy Department

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Innovation Scholars

The only first-year research and innovation program of its type in the region!

The Innovation Scholars program, open to all CEPS majors, offers students an exceptional launch to their college experience. Through multiple interdisciplinary cohorts and hands-on research in world-class facilities, students build confidence, gain real experience, and open doors to paid research, internships, and future graduate study. It’s a proven program that helps students shape their future from day one.

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Joseph Dwyer
Professor
Joseph.Dwyer@unh.edu
Morse Hall, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-5408

What is a Bachelor of Science in Physics?

The Bachelor of Science in physics trains students to understand how the natural world works at a fundamental level. Students in our program learn how to apply advanced mathematics, scientific computing, and the laws of physics to describe phenomena and objects as diverse as atoms, lasers, quantum computers, and the warping of spacetime around black holes. Students also gain practical, hands-on experience in electronics and laboratory techniques. The Bachelor of Science in Physics prepares students for careers in physics and a broad range of related disciplines, including engineering, medical physics, quantum computers, and quantum technology.

Why study physics at UNH?

Our program offers rigorous training in physics fundamentals as well as numerous opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge research. Recent student projects include: manufacturing and studying 2D materials in a quantum-materials lab, producing spin-polarized deuterium to use in nuclear-physics experiments, building scientific instruments that are flown on high-altitude balloons, sounding rockets, and spacecraft, using machine learning to study string theory, and solving Einstein’s equations of general relativity to investigate colliding black holes. In addition to an abundance of undergraduate research opportunities, our department offers a modernized curriculum that introduces all our students to quantum information theory and quantum computers. Some of our graduates take jobs in industry, while others go on to graduate school, including top programs like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.

Potential Careers

  • Accelerator operator
  • Aerospace sciences
  • Applied optics
  • Engineering research
  • Fluids engineering and research
  • High school physics teacher
  • Law
  • Materials research
  • Medical physics
  • Medicine
  • Physical sciences technician
  • Software engineering
  • Systems engineering

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The bachelor of science degree in physics prepares students for professional work as physicists, and is the first step toward graduate work in physics. It is also excellent preparation for graduate programs in medicine, law, or engineering, as well as for technical jobs in industry. The required courses are those typically necessary for admission to graduate study in physics or astronomy.

02
Degree Plan
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Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
PHYS 400 Physics Seminar I 1
PHYS 407 General Physics I 4
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
CHEM 403
or CHEM 405
 General Chemistry I
or Chemical Principles for Engineers
 4
 Credits17
Spring
PHYS 408 General Physics II 4
MATH 426 Calculus II 4
CS 410P Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python 4
Discovery Elective 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
PHYS 505
& PHYS 506		 General Physics III
and General Physics III Laboratory		 4
PHYS 508 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 4
MATH 528
or MATH 525
 Multidimensional Calculus
or Linearity I
 0-6
PHYS 601 Computational Physics Recitation I 1
Discovery Elective 4
 Credits13-19
Spring
PHYS 615 Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I 4
PHYS 605 Experimental Physics I 5
PHYS 602 Computational Physics Recitation II 1
Select one of the following two options: 8 or 6
(1) For students who took MATH 528:
  
MATH 527
& MATH 645
 Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
and Linear Algebra for Applications		  
(2) For students who took MATH 525:
  
MATH 526
 Linearity II  
 Credits18-16
Third Year
Fall
PHYS 616 Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II 4
PHYS 701 Quantum Mechanics I: Foundations, Quantum Information, and Quantum Computing 4
Discovery or Major Electives 8
 Credits16
Spring
PHYS 702 Quantum Mechanics II: Applications to Continuous Systems 4
PHYS 703 Electricity and Magnetism I 4
Discovery or Major Electives 8
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
PHYS 704 Electricity and Magnetism II 4
PHYS 705 Experimental Physics II 4
Discovery or Major Elective 4
Capstone 4
 Credits16
Spring
Electives 12
Capstone 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits128-132

03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Required Courses
PHYS 400Physics Seminar I1
PHYS 407General Physics I4
or PHYS 407H Honors/General Physics I
or PHYS 407S General Physics I Studio
PHYS 408General Physics II4
or PHYS 408H Honors/General Physics II
or PHYS 408S General Physics II Studio
PHYS 505
& PHYS 506		General Physics III
and General Physics III Laboratory		4
PHYS 508Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics4
PHYS 601Computational Physics Recitation I1
PHYS 602Computational Physics Recitation II1
PHYS 605Experimental Physics I5
PHYS 615Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I4
PHYS 616Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II4
PHYS 701Quantum Mechanics I: Foundations, Quantum Information, and Quantum Computing4
PHYS 702Quantum Mechanics II: Applications to Continuous Systems4
PHYS 703Electricity and Magnetism I4
PHYS 704Electricity and Magnetism II4
PHYS 705Experimental Physics II4
Select two electives from the following:8
PHYS 708
Optics
PHYS 710
Astrophysics I
PHYS 712
Space Plasma Physics
PHYS 718
Quantum Materials
PHYS 720
Nuclear Physics
PHYS 764
General Relativity and Cosmology
MATH 747
Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
MATH 753
Introduction to Numerical Methods I
Chemistry:
CHEM 403General Chemistry I4
or CHEM 405 Chemical Principles for Engineers
Mathematics:
MATH 425Calculus I4
or MATH 425H Honors/Calculus I
MATH 426Calculus II4
or MATH 426H Honors/Calculus II
Select one of the following options: 212
Option A:
MATH 525
& MATH 526
Linearity I
and Linearity II 2
Option B:
MATH 528
Multidimensional Calculus
MATH 527
Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
MATH 545
Introduction to Linear Algebra
or MATH 645
 Linear Algebra for Applications
Computer Programming:
CS 410PIntroduction to Scientific Programming/Python4
Capstone: 32-8
Select from the following:
PHYS 795
& PHYS 799
Independent Study
and Thesis
or INCO 790
& PHYS 799
 Advanced Research Experience
and Thesis
or PHYS 798
 Senior Project
Total Credits90-96
1

Note that no physics course can satisfy these requirement for a physics major. The rationale behind this is that a course in physics does not broaden the education of a physics major. 

2

The Department generally recommends MATH 645 Linear Algebra for Applications over MATH 545 Introduction to Linear Algebra for physics majors.

3

 A capstone experience is required of all physics majors during their senior year. The Physics Department encourages students to write a senior thesis (PHYS 799 Thesis) for their capstone experience. Other options include independent study research projects (PHYS 795 Independent Study or INCO 590 Student Research Experience) or a special project as part of senior lab (PHYS 705 Experimental Physics II). All capstone experiences must be approved by the undergraduate committee during the student's penultimate semester.

By the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must have a minimum grade of C in each 400- or 500-level course specifically required for the B.S. degree and an overall grade-point average of at least 2.33 in these courses in order to continue in the B.S. program. 

Physics Electives

In the following table, "electives" include Discovery courses, writing-intensive courses, physics electives, and free-choice electives. Note that physics electives can only be taken in the junior or senior year because of prerequisites, and are in general offered every other year.

PHYS 708Optics4
PHYS 710Astrophysics I4
PHYS 712Space Plasma Physics4
PHYS 718Quantum Materials4
PHYS 720Nuclear Physics4
PHYS 764General Relativity and Cosmology4
04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes
  • Students will master the fundamentals of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
  • Students will have a solid understanding of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra and be able to use mathematics to solve physics problems.
  • Students will be able to solve physics problems using computational methods.
  • Students will be proficient at taking measurements in a physics lab and analyzing measurements to draw valid conclusions.
  • Students will be well prepared for graduate study in physics and related disciplines.
  • Students will be well prepared for technical careers.
  • Students will be able to present scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.

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