A major in physics gives students the opportunity to master fundamental laws and model-building techniques, awakens them to the power of the universe, and supports knowledge in mathematics, engineering, and other fields. Physics students develop high-demand skills, such as numeracy, problem solving, data analysis, and the communication of complex ideas, that are valued in industry and all types of organizations. Read about the admissions process and how to apply.
Physics degree options
UW Bothell offers two degrees in Physics—the Bachelor of Science (BS) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA)—and a minor in Physics.
Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS) allows students to pursue a rigorous curriculum focused on the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles.The degree includes the traditional areas of physics and has four possible (non-transcripted) concentrations: general physics, astrophysics, biophysics and condensed matter.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts in Physics (BA) combines a rigorous curriculum covering the foundations of physics with a career track for students who want to become middle or high school teachers.
Minor in Physics
The Physics minor is an excellent choice for students in other STEM majors, especially Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics and Chemistry. By pursuing the Physics minor, you demonstrate to prospective employers or graduate schools the depth and rigor of your academic preparation and laboratory experience.
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Pre-major students:
Transfer applicants:
Physics major goals
Through the physics major, students will be gain the ability to:
- Apply critical thinking skills and quantitative reasoning abilities to the physical world.
- Apply the principles and theories of physics to a variety of areas in the sciences and other evidence-based endeavors .
- Understand the history, organization, and underlying principles of physics and the application of these principles to the physical world.
- Anticipate and assess trajectories of technological change in a variety of industries using physics, along with critical thinking abilities developed in physics courses.
- Utilize thermodynamics, modern physics, and other physics principles, in the design and optimization of new technologies.
- Understand the ethical implications of physics in nature and society.
- Teach physics in secondary schools.
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Physics research at UW Bothell
Physics faculty at UWB are helping to expand our knowledge of the world. Faculty research focuses on areas such as gravitational wave astronomy and improving student outcomes in Physics courses. Research is an integral part of the Physics program at UWB. Physics majors actively participate in research by designing and carrying out experiments, writing scientific papers and presenting at regional and national conferences.
Read more about faculty and student research
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Career possibilities for Physics majors
Studying Physics at UWB provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to be successful physicists and also to pursue careers in many diverse sectors. Our Physics graduates are fully prepared to enter a wide variety of occupations or to pursue further studies at graduate or professional schools. Physics graduates find satisfying and rewarding work in a wide array of industries and organizations, including:
- Research laboratories
- Space and astronomy
- Medical science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Geophysics and Meteorology
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Course resources
Downloadable resources
Visit our student forms and resources page to download checklist versions of the degree requirements.
Course descriptions
To see descriptions and prerequisites for each course, visit the time schedule's Physics course descriptions page.
Overlapping coursework
A single course cannot satisfy more than one departmental requirement. For example, B PHYS 431 (Experimental Physics Lab I) can fulfill a core requirement, but not the upper-division Physics elective requirement.
Petitioning coursework
Physics coursework that is not included on the lists below is considered on a case-by-case basis. Submit a petition to have your course considered for a requirement.
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Degree requirements
All UW Bothell Physics majors must complete the following requirements to earn their degree:
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Admission Prerequisites
Applicants must complete all of the following coursework (or equivalent) prior to entry into their program. Visit our Admissions page for more information.
- STMATH 124: Calculus I (5 credits)
- STMATH 125: Calculus II (5 credits)
- B PHYS 121: Calculus-based Physics I (Mechanics; 5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Calculus-based Physics II (Electromagnetism & Oscillatory Motion; 5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- One introductory programming course, preferably in Python (CSS 112 at UW Bothell), is recommended but not required prior to starting the major.
Physics Major Requirements (B.S.)
Physics students in all programs must complete all of the following coursework. We strongly recommend completing all of the mathematics and lower-division physics coursework before moving on to the upper-division (300- and 400-level) coursework.
Mathematics
- STMATH 124: Calculus I (5 credits)
- STMATH 125: Calculus II (5 credits)
- STMATH 126: Calculus III (5 credits)
- STMATH 207: Differential Equations (5 credits)
- STMATH 208: Matrix Algebra (5 credits)
- STMATH 224: Multivariable Calculus (5 credits)
Lower-Division Physics
- CSS 112: Intro to Programming for Scientific Applications (4 credits)
- B PHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- BPHYS 221: Classical Mechanics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 222: Modern Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 224: Thermal Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 231: Introduction to Experimental Physics (3 credits)
Upper-Division Physics Core
- BPHYS 321: Electricity and Magnetism I (5 credits)
- BPHYS 322: Electricity and Magnetism II (5 credits)
- BPHYS 324: Quantum Mechanics I (5 credits)
- BPHYS 433: Senior Project (5 credits)
- BPHYS 484: Physics, Society, and Industry (5 credits)
- BPHYS 494: Physics Seminar (1 credit)
SELECT ONE COURSE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
- BPHYS 431: Experimental Physics (5 credits), or
- BPHYS 432: Experimental Physics lab II (5 credits), or
- BPHYS 450: Computational Physics & Theoretical Modeling (5 credits)
Physics Electives
(choose any four courses, 20 credits)
- BPHYS 293: Special Topics in Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 311: Astrophysics I (5 credits)
- BPHYS 312: Astrophysics II (5 credits)
- BPHYS 314: Introduction to Cosmology (5 credits)
- BPHYS 317: Mathematical Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 323: Electricity and Magnetism III (5 credits)
- BPHYS 325: Quantum Mechanics II (5 credits)
- BPHYS 328: Statistical Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 431: Experimental Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 432: Experimental Physics Lab II (5 credits)
- BPHYS 441: Condensed Matter Physics I (5 credits)
- BPHYS 442: Condensed Matter Physics II (5 credits)
- BPHYS 450: Computational Physics & Theoretical Modeling (5 credits)
- BPHYS 493: Advanced Topics in Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 498: Independent Study (1-5 credits, maximum of 10)
- BPHYS 499: Research (1-5 credits, maximum of 10)
- Coursework from other programs considered on a case-by-case basis
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Physics Major Requirements (B.A.)
Mathematics
- STMATH 124: Calculus I (5 credits)
- STMATH 125: Calculus II (5 credits)
- STMATH 126: Calculus III (5 credits)
- STMATH 207: Differential Equations (5 credits)
General Chemistry
- BCHEM 143: General Chemistry I (4 credits)
- BCHEM 144: General CHemistry Lab I (2 credits)
Lower-Division Physics
- B PHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- BPHYS 221: Classical Mechanics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 222: Modern Physics (5 credits)
- BPHYS 224: Thermal Physics (5 credits)
Upper-Division Physics Core
- BPHYS 433: Senior Project (5 credits)
- BPHYS 484: Physics, Society, and Industry (5 credits)
- BPHYS 494: Physics Seminar (1 credit)
Upper-Division Level PHYSICS Electives
- 10 credits of approved physics electives (see checklist)
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University-Level Requirements
In addition to the degree-specific requirements above, all University of Washington students must complete the following requirements to earn a bachelor's degree.
General Education Requirements
The following courses are allowed to overlap with your departmental requirements or with your Areas of Inquiry requirements but not with each other. Click the links below for detailed descriptions.
- English Composition (C) (5 credits)
- Additional Writing (W) (10 credits)
- Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits). Physics students complete this requirement automatically via their departmental requirements.
- Diversity (DIV) (5 credits; 3 credits if admitted before autumn 2023). Almost all DIV courses also fulfill creidt towards the SSc (Social Science) Areas of Inquiry requirement, or sometimes towards the A&H (Arts & Humanties) requirement.
Areas of Inquiry Requirements
The following courses are allowed to overlap with your departmental requirements or with your general education requirements but not with each other. Visit the Areas of Inquiry page for detailed descriptions.
- Arts & Humanities (A&H) (15 credits)
- Social Sciences (SSc) (15 credits)
- Natural Sciences (NSc) (15 credits). Physics students complete this requirement automatically via their departmental requirements.
University Graduation Requirements
In addition to all requirements outlined above, you must also meet the following baccalaureate-level requirements. Visit the graduation requirements page for detailed descriptions.
- 180 credit minimum. You must earn a minimum of 180 credits. This includes your transfer coursework and any coursework taken at the University of Washington.
- Matriculated credit minimum. You must earn a minimum of 45 credits at the University of Washington.
- Senior residency. Of your last 60 credits that count towards any degree requirements, a minimum of 45 must be completed at your home campus (UW Bothell).
- Minimum GPA. You must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for all of your coursework taken at the University of Washington.
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Physics & astronomy clubs on campus
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PhAst—Physics and Astronomy Club
PhAst promotes physics- and astronomy-related activities for the whole campus. Join in to participate in community activities, outreach, and valuable opportunities outside of the classroom! The club is open to students from any program on campus, including pre-major students who have not yet declared a major. The faculty advisor for 2022–2023 is Dr. Alanna Pawlak.
Connect with PhAst
Visit these pages for up-to-date information on the PhAst club and its activities:
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