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The physics B.S. requires a minimum of 40 Physics credits at the 200 and above level
Required Courses (PDF)
The preceding requirements specify the minimum curriculum for the B.S. in physics. The student expecting to specialize in a particular professional area should consider utilizing part or all elective courses toward one of the important program areas of specialization listed below. These programs are intended to be illustrative only; considerable flexibility is possible, depending upon the needs and interests of the individual student (contact your advisor or Chair of the Physics Department).
Special Notes:
1. A Physics major should take a Physics course (3650:261 or 3650:291) during the first semester of the freshman year.
2. Calculus I (3450:221) is a pre-requisite for 3650:291.
3. Chemistry should not be taken during the first year.
A prospective Physics major should confer with the Chair of the Physics Department during his/her first semester at The University of Akron. An appointment may be arranged by contacting the Physics Administrative Assistant in Ayer 206, 972-7078.
Placement:
A student is encouraged to check with the Physics department (972-7078) and with the Center for Career Management, Simmons Hall 301, regarding employment opportunities in Physics. Employers look for students with solid training in the fundamentals of Physics, and skills developed in hands-on work such as undergraduate research projects or internship participation.
The following courses are recomended for students wishing to enhance their program of study in areas of research in the Department:
Physics (Pre-Graduate School):
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
| 3650 : 481 | Methods of Mathematical Physics l | 3 |
| 3650 : 451 | Advanced Laboratory l | 3 |
| 3650 : 470 | Introduction to Solid State Physics | 3 |
| 3650 : 488 | Selected Topics, for example, Nanoscience, Biophysics | 3 |
| 3650 : 312 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| 3650 : 498 | Colloquium | 1 |
| 3650 : 398 | Undegraduate Research* | 1-6 |
*Involvement in research is highly recommended for all Physics Undergraduate students.
Chemical Physics:
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
| 3150 : 263 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| 3150 : 264 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| 3150 : 313 | Physical Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| 3150 : 314 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| 3150 : 381 | Advanced Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| 3150 : 423 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| 3150 : 424 | Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
This program consists of a total of 20 credits.
Polymer Physics:
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
| 3150 : 263 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| 3150 : 264 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| 3150 : 313 | Physical Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| 3150 : 314 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| 9871 : 401 | Introduction to Elastomers | 2 |
| 9871 : 402 | Introduction to Plastics | 2 |
| 9871 : 411 | Molecular Structure and Physical Properties of Polymers I | 3 |
| 9871 : 412 | Molecular Structure and Physical Properties of Polymers II | 2 |
| 9871 : 413 | Molecular Structure and Physical Properties of Polymers III | 2 |
This program consists of a total of 24 credits.
