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University of Pittsburgh    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Nov 29, 2024
 
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Physics, BS


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Physics Major Requirements


  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation. Honors majors must attain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in physics courses, a cumulative GPA of 3.09 or higher, completes PHYS 1903 Directed Research, submits a paper detailing the research within the department and presents the research in a public forum (i.e. at the University’s Science Symposium or the Undergraduate Poster Fair hosted by UHC).
  • No PHYS courses beyond the introductory level may be taken on an S/NC basis.
  • Students must complete at least one W-course in the major; students should consult with their department advisor about this requirement.

Physics major, BS


The physics major requires the completion of 47 credits in physics distributed as follows.

Note:


While not required, the introductory level honors courses, PHYS 0475 , PHYS 0476 , and PHYS 0520  are appropriate particularly for students seeking degrees in physics.

Science electives


Choose at least nine credits from groups A and B. At least three credits must come from a course in group B.

Departmental honors requirements


Honors in physics is granted if in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the major, the student maintains a GPA of 3.2 or higher in courses required for the major, maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, completes MATH 1903 Directed Research, submits a paper detailing the research within the department, and presents the research in a public forum (i.e. at the University’s Science Symposium, or the Undergraduate Poster Fair hosted by UHC).

Education concentration


This concentration removes up to 10 credits of physic courses from the standard Physics major requirements. This concentration requires seven credits of lab courses instead of the standard 10 credits.

Courses that emphasize the broader impact of science


Select at least three credits.

Required Science electives


Select one of the pairs from Group A, and take the indicated course in Group B.

Graduate School Preparation concentration


This concentration adds at least six credits of Physics courses to the standard Physics major requirements. This concentration requires seven credits of lab courses instead of the standard 10 credits.

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