About

Do you want to develop critical thinking skills, learn the theory of science, and experience hands-on approaches to solving problems? Do you want to be more competitive in tomorrow’s science-based economy?

The bachelor of science in physics is designed primarily for students interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in physics. Those interested in seeking employment directly after their baccalaureate degree should consider the BSAP in applied physics degree.

The curriculum of the BS degree requires courses in the major areas of physics (motion, gravity, electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, and quantum physics) along with calculus. Students may pursue mathematics instruction to improve their background in analytical and numerical techniques. Upon graduation, the student will be given special consideration for entrance into one of the three master's programs at ECU in medical, health, or applied physics; or ECU’s PhD program in biomedical physics.

ECU Advantage

Physics is the foundation for all sciences. The bachelor of science in physics is designed to give you that fundamental learning experience. The Department of Physics at ECU is dedicated to providing this experience at an individual level. The student-faculty ratio is about 3:1, so that you can easily get the attention and help you need to be successful.

You also will benefit from the broad experiences of faculty in our department. The physics faculty has a wide range of cultural backgrounds, as well as comprehensive academic knowledge in molecular, atomic, nuclear, theoretical, radiation, and especially, medical physics. Finally, we are recognized for a commitment to research and service as evidenced by our many awards, grants, and publications. As a student in physics, you have the opportunity to participate in any or all of these activities at ECU.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Mark Sprague (C-209 Howell Science Complex; 252-328-6739; spraguem@ecu.edu)

The Physics, BS has two concentrations – professional and research. The professional concentration is for students interested in employment in technical fields, teaching physics and physical science in secondary schools, or in graduate study in health fields (e.g. dentistry, medicine, and physical therapy), business, engineering, environmental science, or related technical fields, depending on elective choices. The research concentration is for students interested in graduate study in physics.

The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. as follows:

1. General education including those listed below - 40 s.h.

(For information about courses that carry general education credit view the General Education Program section.)

    Professional concentration:
    • CHEM 1150 - General Chemistry I
    • CHEM 1151 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
    • CHEM 1160 - General Chemistry II
    • MATH 1065 - College Algebra
    Research concentration:
    • CHEM 1150 - General Chemistry I
    • CHEM 1151 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
    • CHEM 1160 - General Chemistry II
    • MATH 1065 - College Algebra
2. Concentrations - 29-41 s.h.

(Choose one of the following areas of concentration.)

    Professional concentration (29 s.h.)
    • PHYS 1251 - General Physics Laboratory I
    • PHYS 1261 - General Physics Laboratory II
    • PHYS 2001 - Undergraduate Seminar in Physics
    • PHYS 2350 - University Physics I
    • PHYS 2360 - University Physics II
    • PHYS 3416 - Modern Physics I
    • PHYS 3417 - Modern Physics II
    • PHYS 4700 - Advanced Laboratory
    • PHYS 4701 - Advanced Laboratory
    • Choose 9 s.h. of electives
    • Choose 9 s.h. of electives
      • Note:

      Electives for the professional concentration may include PHYS 2716, PHYS courses above 2999 and/or CHEM 3950. A maximum of 3 s. h. of independent study courses (PHYS 2716, PHYS 3516, PHYS 3517, PHYS 3518, PHYS 3716, PHYS 3717, and PHYS 3718) may be used to fulfill the 9 s. h. of electives requirement. PHYS 4950 may not count as an elective. 

      Research concentration (41 s.h.)
      • PHYS 1251 - General Physics Laboratory I
      • PHYS 1261 - General Physics Laboratory II
      • PHYS 2001 - Undergraduate Seminar in Physics
      • PHYS 2350 - University Physics I
      • PHYS 2360 - University Physics II
      • PHYS 3416 - Modern Physics I
      • PHYS 3417 - Modern Physics II
      • PHYS 3560 - Mathematical Methods for Physics
      • PHYS 4120 - Thermodynamics
      • PHYS 4226 - Mechanics I
      • PHYS 4326 - Electricity and Magnetism I
      • PHYS 4410 - Quantum Physics
      • PHYS 4700 - Advanced Laboratory
      • PHYS 4701 - Advanced Laboratory
      • Choose 6 s.h. of PHYS electives above 2999
      • Choose 6 s.h. of PHYS electives from PHYS 2716 and/or courses above 2999. (See note.)
        • Note:

        Note: Electives for the research concentration may include a maximum of 3 s. h. of independent study courses (PHYS 2716, PHYS 3516, PHYS 3517, PHYS 3518, PHYS 3716, PHYS 3717, and PHYS 3718). PHYS 4950 may not count as an elective. 

      3. Cognates - 18-20s.h.

      (Choose a set of cognates according to selected area of concentration.)

        Professional concentration (18-20 s.h.)
        • CHEM 1161 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
        • MATH 1083 - Precalculus
        • MATH 2171 - Calculus I

        • MATH 2172 - Calculus II OR
        • MATH 2152 - Engineering Calculus II
        • MATH 3331 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations

        • MATH 2173 - Calculus III OR
        • MATH 2153 - Engineering Calculus III

        Research concentration (19 s.h.)
        • CHEM 1161 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
        • MATH 1083 - Precalculus
        • MATH 2171 - Calculus I
        • MATH 2172 - Calculus II
        • MATH 2173 - Calculus III
        • MATH 3331 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
      4. Electives to complete requirements for graduation.
        For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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