Physics - IAI Major Course Recommendations

Bachelor's programs in physics are based on an in-depth foundation of sequential coursework in science and math, while upper-division coursework provides the preparation necessary for graduate studies and/or work in industry. Multiple tracks are often available. For example, some institutions offer a specialty in applied physics or certification for high school teaching. To transfer as a junior into a bachelor's physics program students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Students should be aware that because of differences among schools in the number of credits for which various courses are offered and the possible need for prerequisite courses, it may be difficult to complete an Associate in Science degree without taking more credits than will be accepted in a transfer. Students planning on a physics major should select courses in consultation with an advisor.

Be sure to consult the institution you plan on transferring to for course articulations.

Major Directive

Click here to see how courses at Illinois public 4-year institutions accept courses in transfer for this major.

Physics IAI Major 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) 

  • PHY 915B and PHY915C is a two course sequence that will have the content of PHY 915A.  If a student takes either PHY 915B or C, the other course in the sequence should be taken before transferring to the next institution if possible.  It is recommended that students work closely with advisors at the transfer institution (desired bachelors degree granting institution) to ensure that the appropriate courses are being taken prior to and after transfer.  Students should consult these advisors as soon as the transfer institution is determined. IAI major recommendations are designed to as a general recommendation and may or may not be specific to every IAI participating institution.

  
  Note to Institutions:   The process of phasing out PHY 913 and 914 will begin in the fall as the new descriptors will be available for new submissions.  No new submissions will be allowed to the PHY913 and 914 identifiers.  Migration for the existing approved courses in the two identifiers will be handled through the ongoing review and through other institutional action processes. To aid in the process, IAI leadership will share these changes to the Physics major courses via the "End of Season Communication" sent to IAI contacts at the end of the spring semester. Timing on the end date of remaining courses in the PHY 913 and 914 identifiers will be determined as the process moves forward in consultation with IAI leadership and the panel members. As this is a significant change, the process will take some time

• COURSES BEING 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 (8-10 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.

Check the worksheet to see what courses you can take to fulfill your general education requirements
The worksheet allows you to see what courses to take to fulfill the IAI Gen. Ed. package (Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum) at any participating college or university in the State. You will find it helpful to use the major recommended general education courses shown above. You may want to print or copy a hard copy of this page.

Return to the Illinois Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations (IAI Majors).