Major in Interdisciplinary Physics - Computational Physics Concentration
(Beginning Spring 2025)
The Interdisciplinary Physics major is designed for students with an interest in physics and its applications in other fields with high potential for employment and postgraduate opportunities. The program provides students with a strong foundation in physics along with the freedom to develop a coherent academic program across other disciplines such as computer science, mathematics, astronomy, geology, marketing, and entrepreneurship through concentrations in Computational Physics, Planetary Science and Physics Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The curricular pathways offered through the concentrations in the Interdisciplinary Physics major prepare students for careers in an increasingly technical workforce that values skills across many disciplines.
All Interdisciplinary Physics majors take a core set of physics courses, including a three-course sequence in fundamental classical physics and courses in computational methods, modern physics, and laboratory techniques. Students will be assigned an adviser in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences who will assist them in selecting elective courses within their program to best meet their career goals.
Required Courses for B.S. in Interdisciplinary Physics
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Physics Courses | ||
| PHYS 185 | INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR IN PHYSICS | 1 |
| PHYS 241 | GENERAL PHYSICS I CALCULUS-BASED A grade of B or better in PHYS 211 is required to substitute for PHYS 241 | 4 |
| or PHYS 211 | GENERAL PHYSICS I; NON CALCULUS-BASED | |
| PHYS 242 | GENERAL PHYSICS II CALCULUS-BASED | 4 |
| PHYS 243 | GENERAL PHYSICS III | 4 |
| PHYS 305 | COMPUTERS IN PHYSICS | 4 |
| PHYS 311 | MODERN PHYSICS I | 3 |
| PHYS 341 | INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY I | 3 |
| PHYS 385 | PHYSICS SEMINAR | 1 |
| or ASTR 385 | ASTROPHYSICS SEMINAR | |
| PHYS 486 | PHYSICS SEMINAR II | 1 |
| Non-Physics Requirements | ||
| MATH 273 | CALCULUS I | 4 |
| MATH 274 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
| Total Units | 33 | |
This concentration blends Physics with courses in Mathematics and Computer Science appropriate for students interested in technical careers involving data analysis and modeling. Students in this concentration may pursue the accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s degree program in conjunction with TU's Master’s in Computer Science. This concentration also allows students an opportunity to complete advanced physics courses in preparation for applying to Ph.D. programs.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Physics Content Requirements | ||
| PHYS 307 | INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS | 3 |
| PHYS 337 | DIGITAL ELECTRONICS | 4 |
| PHYS 460 | COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN PHYSICS | 3 |
| Additional Non-Physics Content Requirements | ||
| COSC 236 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I | 4 |
| COSC 237 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE II | 4 |
| COSC 290 | PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTER ORGANIZATION | 4 |
| COSC 336 | DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHM ANALYSIS | 4 |
| MATH 263 | DISCRETE MATHEMATICS | 3 |
| MATH 275 | CALCULUS III | 4 |
| MATH 374 | DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | 3 |
| ELECTIVES | 300- or 400- level from PHYS, COSC, or MATH | 12 |
| Total Units | 48 | |
Sample Four-Year Plan
The selected course sequence below is an example of the simplest path to degree completion. Based on course schedules, student needs, and student choice, individual plans may vary. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices and to ensure that they have completed the required number of units (120) to graduate.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| PHYS 185 | 1 | PHYS 241 (Core 7) | 4 |
| COSC 236 | 4 | COSC 237 | 4 |
| MATH 273 | 4 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 4 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| PHYS 242 (Core 8) | 4 | PHYS 243 | 4 |
| PHYS 305 | 4 | MATH 275 | 4 |
| MATH 263 | 3 | MATH 374 | 3 |
| MATH 274 | 4 | Core 5 | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| PHYS 311 | 3 | PHYS 307 | 3 |
| PHYS 341 | 3 | PHYS 385 | 1 |
| COSC 290 | 4 | COSC 336 | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Core 6 | 3 | Core 9 | 3 |
| Core 10 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| PHYS 337 | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 486 | 1 | Core 12 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Core 13 | 3 |
| Core 11 | 3 | Core 14 | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Total Units 120 | |||
The IP program has two overarching student learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the degree, students in all IP concentrations will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of physics and major concepts in a student’s chosen concentration and be able to apply these principles to solve quantitative problems.
- Communicate scientific information effectively in both oral and written formats.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply computational methods and computer controls to investigate experimental and theoretical scientific problems.