Physics - IAI Major Course Recommendations

Physics Core Courses (12 -15 semester credits)

PHY 911 - Calculus-based Physics I - Mechanics (with lab) (4-5 semester credits)
PHY 912 - Calculus-based Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism (with lab) (4-5 semester credits)
PHY 915A: Introductory Thermal Physics, Quantum Physics and Other Topics NEW! (4-5 semester credits)
or
PHY 915B: Introductory Thermal Physics NEW! (2 or more semester hours)
and
PHY 915C: Introductory Quantum Physics. NEW! (2 or more semester hours)

Student Information
PHY 915B and PHY 915C together comprise the content of PHY 915A. Students who begin the PHY 915B/915C sequence are strongly encouraged to complete both courses before transferring whenever possible.

Students should work closely with advisors at their intended transfer institution to ensure they are selecting the appropriate physics courses before and after transfer. Because IAI major recommendations are designed as statewide transfer guidance, specific degree requirements may vary by institution. Students are encouraged to consult with their intended transfer institution as early as possible.

Institutional Information
The phase-out of PHY 913 and PHY 914 will begin in the fall with the implementation of new course descriptors. Beginning at that time, no new course submissions will be accepted under the PHY 913 or PHY 914 identifiers.

Existing approved courses will transition to the new identifiers through the ongoing review process and other established institutional action procedures. To support institutions during this transition, IAI leadership will communicate these changes through the annual End-of-Season Communication distributed to IAI contacts following the spring semester.

The timeline for retiring all remaining PHY 913 and PHY 914 courses will be determined in consultation with the Physics Major Panel and IAI leadership. Given the scope of this change, implementation will occur over an extended transition period.

PHY 913 COURSE RETIRED AS THE RESULT OF RESTRUCTURING OF PHYSIC MAJOR COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS - Effective retirement Fall 2021

PHY 913 - Introductory Thermal Physics and Other Topics (2-4 semester credits) or PHY 914 - Introductory Quantum Physics and Other Topics (2-4 semester credits)

Physics IAI GECC Recommendations (Minimum 37 semester credits)

These are the specific courses in the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC) that should be taken for this emphasis.

Communication: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select a two-course sequence in writing (6 semester credits) with a grade of "C" or better and, Select 1 course in oral communication (3 semester credits).

Mathematics: 1 course (3 semester credits)
Select Calculus I: M1900-1 or MTH 901 Calculus I

Physical and Life Sciences: 2 courses (7-8 semester credits)
Select 1 course from Physical Sciences - CHM 911 - General Chemistry I with Lab
Select 1 course from Life Sciences.

Humanities and Fine Arts: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select 1 course from Humanities, Select 1 course from Fine Arts and Select 1 from either Humanities or Fine Arts. - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select 3 courses from at least 2 different disciplines (e.g., no more than 2 courses from, for example, psychology). - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.