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 Physics at Virginia

Physics and Engineering

Knowledge of physics can be very useful for an engineer, since physics provides the foundation for most engineering techniques. Many engineering students pursue a double major in physics, either through the BA or BS degrees.

The following introductory courses are a required part of the SEAS curriculum, and can also be applied to a physics degree:

Requirement Engineering Course
Calculus II APMA 1110
Calculus III APMA 2120
Differential Equations APMA 2130
Introductory Physics 1 PHYS 1425
Introductory Physics 1 Workshop PHYS 1419
Introductory Physics 2 PHYS 2415 or ECE 3209
Introductory Physics 2 Workshop PHYS 2419 or ECE 3209

The Physics BA degree requires only six further courses: PHYS 2620 (Modern Physics), PHYS 2720 (Problem Solving in Physics), and four electives. Electives can be chosen from PHYS 2660 (Fundamentals of Scientific Computing) and any other 3000-level physics courses. These additional courses can also qualify as science electives for the engineering degree.

 Common physics elective choices include:

PHYS 3040 Physics of the Human Body
PHYS 3110 Widely Applied Physics
PHYS 3120 Applied Physics: Energy
PHYS 3140 Intermediate Lab
PHYS 3150 Electronics
PHYS 3250 Applied Nuclear Physics
PHYS 3620 Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 3995 Research

Engineering students who seek a more thorough study of physics may wish to pursue the Physics BS degree or the Astronomy/Physics BS degree. Contact a physics advisor to discuss these options and develop a course plan.