General Information

Welcome to the Undergraduate Physics program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! We have a variety of educational opportunities including the undergraduate Physics Major, studies in astronomy, and a variety of programs run jointly with the College of Engineering. In addition there is the undergraduate physics seminar and a host of research and job opportunities.

The Undergraduate Physics Advisors are Prof. Robert Wood (chunnaic@uwm.edu) and Prof. Michael Weinert (weinert@uwm.edu).

Physics Major

The Department offers a wide range of study options that are designed for students to pursue particular career interests. The Standard Physics Major is for students who seek a general physics degree. The other options are for students who wish to obtain employment in industry immediately upon graduation or to pursue particular interests. While the Standard Physics Major generally is followed by students who plan to go on to graduate school, all options enable students to pursue graduate work in physics.

How do I sign up ?
Simply visit Prof. Robert Wood (chunnaic@uwm.edu) and fill out a short form to enroll.

General requirements

All options require that students take at least 15 credits in advanced-level courses (numbered 300 and above) in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.5 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM, and students must attain a 2.5 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work. In addition, the College also has requirements regarding the minimum number of credits at the 300-level and above, and for General Education Requirements - please check with and L&S advisor for the latest information.

All students in the College are required to complete a research experience in their majors. Physics majors meet this requirement by successfully completing one of the following upper-level, 3-credit laboratory courses:

Physics 406	Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy
Physics 408	Experiments in Linear Electronics
Physics 409	Modern Physics Laboratory
Physics 410	Optics Laboratory
Physics 670	Electron Microscopy Laboratory
or
Physics 391	Undergraduate Research Participation The research proposal must be approved by the Undergraduate Advisor and the Departmental Undergraduate Committee; it must demonstrate clear pedagogical value. Unfocused laboratory internships are not acceptable.

Standard Physics Major

Physics Major with Astronomy emphasis

Double Majors in Physics and Engineering

Physics Minor

Planning Your Major

To help plan, here is a tentative listing of future advanced undergraduate Physics and Astronomy course offerings. Download this worksheet to chart your course to graduation! Details of courses and their prerequistes can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

A typical course of study for the standard physics major (including the math co- and pre-requisites) is:

	Fall	Spring
Year 1	Physics 209 (Math 232(C))	Physics 210 (Math 233(C))
	Physics 214	Physics 215
Year 2	Physics 309 (Math 234(C))	Physics 370
	Physics 317	Physics 411
	physics elective*
Year 3	Physics 420 (Math 321(P))	Physics 441 (Math 321(C))
	Physics 422	Physics 442
	advanced physics lab*

*Note: You should talk to the Physics Advisor to discuss which electives and advanced laboratories to take and during which semester.

Standard Physics Major

A minimum of 41 credits in physics, of which 15 must be taken in advanced-level courses (numbered 300 and above) in residence at UWM, are required, including:

a. Two semesters of calculus-based introductory physics

Physics 209	Physics I (Calculus Treatment)	4
Physics 214	Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment)	1
Physics 210	Physics II (Calculus Treatment)	4
Physics 215	Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment)	1
b. Physics 309	Physics III: Modern Physics	3
c. Physics 270	Introduction to Computational Physics	3
or
Physics 370	Computational Physics	3

One of the following courses may be substituted for Physics 270 or 370:

Civ Eng 280	Computer-Based Engineering Analysis	3
CompSci 151	Introduction to Scientific Programming in Fortran	3
CompSci 201	Introductory Computer Programming	3

d. Physics 317

Thermodynamics

3

The following course may be substituted for Physics 317:

MechEng 301

Thermodynamics

3

e. One of the following advanced laboratory courses:
(Note: these courses are NOT offered every semester; check with the undergraduate advisor to plan for completing this requirement.)

Physics 406	Infrared Microspectroscopy Laboratory	3
Physics 408	Experiments in Linear Electronics	3
Physics 409	Modern Physics Laboratory	3
Physics 410	Optics Laboratory	3
Physics 670	Electron Microscopy Laboratory	3
or
Physics 391	Undergraduate Research Participation

The research proposal must be approved by the undergraduate advisor and the Departmental Undergraduate Committee, and it must demonstrate pedagogical value. Unfocused laboratory internships are not acceptable.

f. Physics 411

Mechanics

4

The combination of both Civ Eng 201 Statics, 3 cr, and 202 Dynamics, 3 cr, may substitute for Physics 411.

g. Physics 420

Electricity and Magnetism I

3

h. Physics 422

Electricity and Magnetism II

3

i. Physics 441	Quantum Physics I	4
j. Physics 442	Quantum Physics II	3

(Students who major in both physics and engineering are not required to take Physics 442; however, it is recommended strongly that they do so.)

Total: 39 credits

k. Electives from Physics or Astronomy courses 300 level or above, minimum 2 cr,
selected from the following list:

Astron 300	Astronomy I	3
Astron 320	Astronomy II	3
Physics 305 (405)	Medical Physics	3
Physics 306	Introduction to Biophysics	3
Physics 325	Optics	3
Physics 370	Computational Physics (if not selected above)	3
Physics 391	Undergraduate Research Participation	1-6
Physics 406	Infrared Microspectroscopy Laboratory (if not selected above)	3
Physics 408	Experiments in Linear Electronics (if not selected above)	3
Physics 409	Modern Physics Laboratory (if not selected above)	3
Physics 410	Optics Laboratory (if not selected above)	3
Physics 515	Statistical Mechanics	3
Physics 517	Special Relativity	3
Physics 531	Principles of Quantum Mechanics I	3
Physics 532	Principles of Quantum Mechanics II	3
Physics 541	Elementary Particles	3
Physics 551	Introduction to Solid State Physics I	3
Physics 651	Introduction to Solid State Physics II	3
Physics 670	Electron Microscope Laboratory (if not selected above)	3

Physics Major with Astronomy emphasis

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a physics degree for students wishing to specialize in Astronomy. Students satisfy all of the regular requirements for the physics major as well as taking concentrated studies in astronomy.

The whole program takes the same length of time as any other undergraduate degree.

It is especially intended for students who wish to work in the field of astronomy or pursue graduate studies in the field. Possible career options include teaching, working at an observatory, planetarium director, astronomer or astrophysicist (after additional graduate work).

a. Two semesters of calculus-based introductory physics

Physics 209	Physics I (Calculus Treatment)	4
Physics 214	Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment)	1
Physics 210	Physics II (Calculus Treatment)	4
Physics 215	Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment)	1
b. Physics 309	Physics III: Modern Physics	3
c. Physics 270	Inroduction to Computational Physics	3
or
Physics 370	Computational Physics	3

One of the following courses may be substituted for Physics 270 or 370:

Civ Eng 280	Computer-Based Engineering Analysis	3
CompSci 151	Introduction to Scientific Programming in Fortran	3
CompSci 201	Introductory Computer Programming	3

d. Physics 317

Thermodynamics

3

The following course may be substituted for Physics 317:

MechEng 301

Thermodynamics

3

e. Physics 325	Optics	3
f. Physics 410	Optics Laboratory	2
g. Physics 411	Mechanics	4
h. Physics 420	Electricity and Magnetism I	3
i. Physics 422	Electricity and Magentism II	3
j. Physics 441	Quantum Physics I	4
k. Physics 442	Quantum Physics II	3

(Students who major in both physics and engineering are not required to take Physics 442; however, it is recommended strongly that they do so.)

l. Astron 104	Astronomy Laboratory	1
m. Astron 300	Astronomy I	3
n. Astron 320	Astronomy II	3

o. 6 credits of electives from the following:

Astron 381	Honors Seminar: (Subtitle)	3
Atm Sci 110	The Origin, Composition, and Structure of Planetary Atmospheres	3
Geo Sci 120	Geology of the Planets	3
Physics 391	Undergraduate Research Participation	1-6
Physics 517	Special Relativity	3
Physics 541	Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics	3
Total		55

Physics Minor

A minor in physics requires 18 credits, of which 9 credits must be in courses at the 300-level or above taken in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.5 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.5 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including transfer work. There is latitude in the choice of credits. Students majoring in engineering or computer science should consider optics (Physics 325) and the optics lab (Physics 410), fundamentals of acoustics (Physics 511), and an appropriate short course (Physics 361). Science or math education majors should take thermodynamics (Physics 317), optics (Physics 325) and general astronomy (Astron 300). Math majors will find complementary subject matter in mechanics (Physics 411), electricity and magnetism (Physics 420 and 422), and special relativity (Physics 517). Students are required to consult with the physics advisor when planning their minor programs of study.

Double Majors in Physics and Engineering

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a special degree combination in which a student completes all of the requirements for both a Physics Major and an Engineering Major.

Advantages of Double Major:

1. intrinsic interest (physics is a fundamental and fascinating science).
2. broad scientific background (engineering relies on recent scientific discoveries).
3. better job offers (physics major gives you an extra qualification over other engineers).
4. more flexible career options (you can pursue both engineering & physics).

A list of course equivalences for CEAS dual majors can be accessed here. Note that Double Majors graduate through CEAS and must satisfy the CEAS requirements; students should consult with the CEAS advisors.

Physics Colloquium

Selected Fridays at 3:00 pm in room 135 in UWM Physics building. Coffee and Cookies served at 2:45 pm.

The Physics Colloquium Program is a series of physics talks for faculty members, postdocs, graduate and advanced undergraduate students interested in physics. There is a list of upcoming and past talks. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Physics 498: Undergrad Physics Seminar

General Information: The aim of the course is to provide students with an appreciation of recent developments in various subfields of physics and astronomy. Topics in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, science education and other fields may also be included from time to time. Students will be expected to present a seminar on a topic of their own choosing. Questions and discussions will be encouraged and are expected to attend the Departmental colloquia.

Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Credits: 1 credit

Undergraduate Physics Research

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) outside UWM:

NSF REU program (National Science Foundation program)
- go to a lab, observatory or university for summer and get paid to do research !

NASA programs (Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium)

Research at UWM:
Students should discuss research opportunities with individual faculty members.

Physics Scholarships

1. WISCONSIN SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM SCHOLARSHIPS
   
   
2. Scholarships for Physics students interested in Teaching
   
   
3. JAMES MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP:
   
   Criteria:
   The award will be given to the student who received the highest numerical grade in the Modern Physics 309 class each time it is taught. The student must also have received a letter grade of A.
   The student need not be a declared physics major.
   
   Award presentation:
   The Martin award will be presented by the Chair of the Physics Department at a department gathering.
   
   Award amount:
   Each award will be in the amount of $300.