May 16, 2024  
2011-2012 CU Denver Catalog 
    
2011-2012 CU Denver Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics BS


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Program Requirements


Students must declare their intention to major in physics by the time they have completed 60 semester hours and complete between 47 and 51 semester hours (depending on the track chosen) in physics and related topics. Additionally, all tracks require 16 semester hours in math ancillary courses. No grade below a C (2.0) can be used to meet the requirements for the major. At least 12 semester hours of the requirements for the major must be completed at CU Denver.

A senior thesis, usually from participation in research, is required for all students wishing to graduate with departmental honors. All other students are encouraged to do research leading to a project report or senior thesis.

 

Required Courses Common to All Tracks


Total physics courses required for all tracks: 25 Hours

Required Ancillary Courses


Total ancillary math courses required for all tracks: 16 Hours

Total required semester hours for all physics major tracks: 41 Hours


 

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Pure and Applied Physics (Track 1)


Take in addition to the courses common to all tracks:

Elective Physics Courses


Six semester hours of physics-related electives at 3000-level or above approved by advisor, including up to 3 hours of independent study

Total Track 1 Specific Courses: 21 Hours


Plus total required courses for all physics majors: 41 hours

TRACK ONE TOTAL: 62 HOURS

 

Biophysics and Medical Physics (Track 2)


Take in addition to the courses common to all tracks:

Biophysics electives (8-9 hours)


  • Biophysics electives at the 3000-level or above approved by advisor (including up to 3 semester hours independent study and/or two courses, PHYS 3151 and PHYS 3161, listed below)

         -OR-

         The following four courses (an option primarily for pre-med physics majors):

  •      *   gtPATHWAYS: GT-SC1
  •      *   gtPATHWAYS: GT-SC1
  •           gtPATHWAYS:
  •           gtPATHWAYS:
  •  

  • Plus a laboratory:

  • gtPATHWAYS:
  •      -OR-

          The following two courses (an option primarily for pre-med physics majors):

  •      *   gtPATHWAYS: GT-SC1
  •      *   gtPATHWAYS: GT-SC1
  •  

    AND

    Numerical modeling or probability and statistics course approved by advisor: 3 semester hours

                                                                                                                                                                 ^Top

Total Track 2 Specific Courses: 25 Hours


Plus total required courses for all physics majors: 41 hours

TRACK TWO TOTAL: 66 HOURS

 

Major Total: 62-66 Hours


 

PRE-MED STUDENTS

Note: courses above marked * are generally required for medical school admissions. In addition, the following are generally required for medical school admissions, but NOT for the biophysics and medical physics track:

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