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DOCUMENTS OF THE GENERAL FACULTY
CHANGES TO THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
IN
THE COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES
CHAPTER OF
THE UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG, 2006-2008
Dean Mary Ann Rankin of the College of Natural Sciences has filed with the secretary
of the Faculty Council proposed changes to the Bachelor of Science in Physics
in the College of Natural Sciences chapter in The Undergraduate Catalog,
2006-2008. The faculty of the college approved the changes on May 16, 2005.
The dean approved the proposed changes on December 1, 2005, and submitted them
to the secretary on December 12, 2005. The secretary has classified this proposal
as legislation of exclusive application and primary interest to a single college
or school.
The edited proposal was received from the Office of Official Publications on
March 13, 2006, and was sent to the Committee on Undergraduate Degree Program
Review from the Office of the General Faculty on March 30, 2006. The committee
forwarded the proposed changes to the Office of the General Faculty on April
10, 2006, recommending approval. The authority to grant final approval on behalf
of the General Faculty resides with the Faculty Council.
If no objection is filed with the Office of the General Faculty by the date specified
below, the legislation will be held to have been approved by the Faculty Council.
If an objection is filed within the prescribed period, the legislation will be
presented to the Faculty Council at its next meeting. The objection, with reasons,
must be signed by a member of the Faculty Council.
To be counted, a protest must be received in the Office of the General
Faculty by noon on April 21, 2006.
Sue Alexander Greninger, Secretary
The Faculty Council
This legislation was posted on the Faculty Council Web site ( http://www.utexas.edu/faculty/council/)
on April 13, 2006. Paper copies are available on request from the Office
of the General Faculty, WMB 2.102, F9500.
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CHANGES TO THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
IN THE COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES CHAPTER OF
THE UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG, 2006-2008
| On pages 452-454,
under the heading DEGREES, in the College of Natural Sciences
chapter of The Undergraduate
Catalog, 2004-2006, make the following changes: |
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
PHYSICS
All aspects of the physical universe are of interest to the physicist, who
seeks to understand not only the smallest forms of matter and the rich phenomena
present in our everyday lives but also the universe itself. Physics has played
a critical role in human technological and intellectual development during
the twentieth century. The tools of the physicist--observation, imagination,
model building, prediction, and deduction--will enable physics to continue
this influence into the new century. The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree
program is designed to provide the skills, understanding, and outlook required
for participation in the discovery of new knowledge about nature.
The Bachelor of Science in Physics program is balanced and broad. It is designed
to give the student a strong foundation for graduate study or work in physics
and, with additional training, for work in a variety of other areas, such as
astronomy, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, computer sciences, engineering,
geophysics, mathematics, medicine, physics teaching, and space sciences. Students
who end their formal training with the bachelor’s degree may seek employment
in industry, in national laboratories, or in teaching. These students should
consider the options in computation, radiation physics, space sciences, and
teaching, which augment the broad instruction provided by the basic Bachelor
of Science in Physics. For those who plan to teach physics in secondary school,
the teaching option provides the courses needed for certification.
Admission to option VI, physics honors, requires completion of the application
process described on page 418.
PRESCRIBED WORK COMMON TO ALL OPTIONS
| 1. |
Rhetoric and [Composition] Writing 306 and English 316K.
In addition, in taking courses to fulfill other degree requirements, the student
must complete two courses certified as having a substantial writing component;
one of these courses must be upper-division. If the writing requirement is not
fulfilled by courses specified for the degree, the student must fulfill it either
with electives or with coursework taken in addition to the number of hours required
for the degree. Courses with a substantial writing component are identified in
the Course Schedule.
|
| 2. |
Options I-IV: One of the following foreign language/culture choices. Students
in options V and VI are exempt from this requirement.12
| a. |
Second-semester-level proficiency in a foreign language. |
| b. |
First-semester-level proficiency in a foreign language and a three-semester-hour
course in the culture of the same language area. |
| c. |
Two three-semester-hour foreign culture courses chosen from a list available
in the dean’s office and the college advising centers. |
|
| 3. |
Six semester hours of American government, including Texas government.
|
| 4. |
Six semester hours of American history.
|
| 5. |
Three semester hours in anthropology, economics, geography, linguistics,
psychology, or sociology.
|
[6. |
Options I-IV: Chemistry 302, and 204 or 317.
Option V: Students in option V are exempt from this requirement.
Option VI: An honors section of Chemistry 302.]
|
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[7. |
Options I-IV: Three semester hours of biology and at
least two additional hours in biology, geological sciences, or astronomy.
A course may not be used to fulfill this requirement if it cannot be
counted toward major requirements in the department that offers it.
Option V: Students in option V are exempt from this requirement.
Option VI: An honors section of Biology 302C.]
|
[8.] 6. |
Three semester hours in architecture, art (including art history,
design, studio art, visual art studies), classics (including classical
civilization, Greek, Latin), fine arts, music (including music, instruments,
ensemble), philosophy (excluding courses in logic), or theatre and dance.
|
[9.] 7. |
Thirty-six semester hours of upper-division coursework.
|
[10.] 8. |
At least eighteen semester hours of upper-division coursework, including
at least twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics,
must be completed in residence at the University. |
ADDITIONAL PRESCRIBED WORK FOR EACH OPTION
At least eighteen semester hours of upper-division coursework, including at least
twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics, must be completed
in residence at the University.
OPTION I: PHYSICS
This option is designed to give the student a strong foundation for graduate
study or work in physics and for further study or work in a variety of other
areas.
| 9. |
Chemistry 302, and 204 or 317.
|
| 10. |
Three semester hours of biology and at least two additional hours in biology,
geological sciences, or astronomy. A course may not be used to fulfill this requirement
if it cannot be counted toward major requirements in the department that offers
it.
|
| 11. |
Physics 301, 101L, 316, 116L, 315, and 115L.
|
[11.] 12. |
[Twenty-five semester hours of mathematics at the level of Mathematics
408C and above. Only courses at the level of calculus and above may be
counted toward the degree.] Mathematics 408C and 408D or the equivalent,
427K and 427L, and nine additional semester hours of upper-division coursework
in mathematics. The following courses are recommended: Mathematics [408C,
408D, 427K, 427L,] 340L, 361, and 362K. Only courses at the level
of calculus and above may be counted toward the total number of hours required
for the degree. [Students who enter the University with fewer than
three units of high school mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher
must take Mathematics 301 without degree credit to remove their deficiency.]
|
[12.] 13. |
At least twenty-nine semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics,
including Physics 336K, 352K, 453, 362K, 362L, 369, 373, and 474, or their equivalents.
|
[13.] 14. |
Enough additional coursework to make a total of 126 semester hours. |
OPTION II: COMPUTATION
This option is designed to provide the necessary foundation and hands-on skill
in computation for the student who plans a career or further study in computational
physics or computer sciences. Students who complete this option may simultaneously
fulfill the requirements of the Elements of Computing Program and may apply to
the director of the program for a certificate of completion. The Elements of
Computing Program is described on page 415.
| 9. |
Chemistry 302, and 204 or 317.
|
| 10. |
Three semester hours of biology and at least two additional hours in
biology, geological sciences, or astronomy. A course may not be used to
fulfill this requirement if it cannot be counted toward major requirements
in the department that offers it.
|
| 11. |
Physics 301, 101L, 316, 116L, 315, and 115L. |
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[11.] 12. |
[Twenty-two semester hours of mathematics at the level
of Mathematics 408C and above. Only courses at the level of calculus
and above may be counted toward the total number of hours required for
the degree.] Mathematics 408C and 408D or the equivalent, 427K
and 427L, and six additional semester hours of upper-division coursework
in mathematics. The following courses are recommended: Mathematics
[408C, 408D, 427K, 427L,] 340L, [and] 361, and 362K.
[S
Students who enter the University with fewer than three units of high school
mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher must take Mathematics 301 without
degree credit to remove their deficiency.]
|
[12.] 13. |
At least twenty-six semester hours of upper-division coursework
in physics, including Physics 329, 336K, 352K, 453, 369, 373, and 474,
or their equivalents.
|
[13.] 14. |
Twelve semester hours in the elements of computing, consisting
of Computer Sciences 303E, 313E, and six hours chosen from Computer Sciences
323E, 324E, 326E, and 327E.
|
[14.] 15. |
Enough additional coursework to make a total of 126 semester hours. |
OPTION III: RADIATION PHYSICS
This option is designed to provide the necessary foundation for the student who
plans a career or further study in nuclear engineering, radiation engineering,
or health physics.
| 9. |
Chemistry 302, and 204 or 317.
|
| 10. |
Three semester hours of biology and at least two additional hours
in biology, geological sciences, or astronomy. A course may not be used
to fulfill this requirement if it cannot be counted toward major requirements
in the department that offers it.
|
| 11. |
Physics 301, 101L, 316, 116L, 315, and 115L.
|
[11.] 12. |
[Twenty-five semester hours of mathematics at the level of Mathematics
408C and above. Only courses at the level of calculus and above may be
counted toward the total number of hours required for the degree.] Mathematics
408C and 408D or the equivalent, 427K and 427L, and nine additional semester
hours of upper-division coursework in mathematics. The following courses
are recommended: Mathematics [408C, 408D, 427K, 427L,] 340L, 361, and 362K.
Only courses at the level of calculus and above may be counted toward
the total number of hours required for the degree. [Students who
enter the University with fewer than three units of high school mathematics
at the level of Algebra I or higher must take Mathematics 301 without degree
credit to remove their deficiency.]
|
[12.] 13. |
At least twenty-two semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics,
including Physics 336K, 352K, 453, 362L, 369, and 373, or their equivalents.
|
[13.] 14. |
Thirteen semester hours of upper-division coursework in mechanical engineering:
Mechanical Engineering 337C, 337D, 361F, 177K, and 379M (Topic: Radioactive
Waste Management).
|
[14.] 15. |
Enough additional coursework to make a total of 126 semester hours. |
OPTION IV: SPACE SCIENCES
This option is designed to provide the necessary foundation for the student who
plans a career or further study in space sciences.
| 9. |
Chemistry 302, and 204 or 317.
|
| 10. |
Three semester hours of biology and at least two additional hours
in biology, geological sciences, or astronomy. A course may not be used
to fulfill this requirement if it cannot be counted toward major requirements
in the department that offers it.
|
| 11. |
Physics 301, 101L, 316, 116L, 315, and 115L. |
[11.] 12. |
[Twenty-five semester hours of mathematics at the level of Mathematics
408C and above. Only courses at the level of calculus and above may be
counted toward the total number of hours required for the degree.] Mathematics
408C and 408D or the equivalents, 427K and 427L, and nine additional
semester hours of upper-division coursework in mathematics. The following
courses are recommended: Mathematics [408C, 408D, 427K, 427L,]
340L, 361, and 362K. Only courses at the level of calculus and above
may be counted toward the total number of hours required for the degree. [Students
who enter the University with fewer than three units of high school mathematics
at the level of Algebra I or higher must take Mathematics 301 without
degree credit to remove their deficiency.] |
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[12.] 13. |
At least twenty-two semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics, consisting
of Physics 329, 336K, 352K, 453, 362K, 369, and 373, or their equivalents.
|
[13.] 14. |
Either fifteen semester hours of upper-division coursework in aerospace engineering
or thirteen hours in aerospace engineering and three additional hours of upper-division
coursework in physics.
|
[14.] 15. |
Enough additional coursework to make a total of 126 semester hours. |
OPTION V: TEACHING
This option is designed to fulfill the course requirements for certification
as a middle grades or secondary school science teacher in Texas; the student
chooses composite science certification with physics as the primary teaching
field, physical science certification, or mathematics/physical science certification.
However, completion of the course requirements does not guarantee the student’s
certification. For information about additional requirements, consult the UTeach-Natural
Sciences academic adviser.
| 9. |
Physics 301, 101L, 316, 116L, 315, and 115L.
|
[11.] 10. |
Mathematics 408C[,] and 408D or the equivalent, 427K[,] and 427L,
and either 340L, 341, 361, or 362K. [Only courses at the level of
calculus and above may be counted toward the total number of hours required
for the degree. Students who enter the University with fewer than three
units of high school mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher
must take Mathematics 301 without degree credit to remove their deficiency.]
|
[12.] 11. |
At least twenty-two semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics,
consisting of Physics 329, 336K, 338K, and 453; either 333, 352K, or 373;
a three-hour course approved by the undergraduate adviser, such as Physics
370C or an upper-division astronomy course; and Physics 341 (Topic: Research
Methods). With the consent of the program coordinator, an upper-division
physics course that includes a substantial research component may be substituted
for Physics 341.
|
[13.] 12. |
History 329U or Philosophy 329U.
|
[14.] 13. |
One of the following:
| a. |
For composite science certification: (1) Biology [211, 212,
and either 213 or 214] 311C and 311D; (2) Chemistry 301 and 302; (3)
six hours of coursework in geological sciences; courses intended
for nonscience majors may not be counted toward this requirement;
(4) enough additional approved coursework in biology, chemistry,
or geological sciences to provide the required twelve hours in a
second field. |
| b. |
For physical science certification: (1) Chemistry 301, 302, 204
or 317, 353, 153K, 354L, 154K, and 455 or 456; (2) three additional
hours of upper-division coursework in physics. |
| c. |
For mathematics/physical science certification: (1) Chemistry
301 and 302; (2) Mathematics 315C, 325K, 326K or 360M, 333L, 358K,
and 362K. |
|
[15.] 14. |
Eighteen semester hours of professional development coursework: Curriculum and
Instruction 650S, UTeach-Natural Sciences 101, 110, 350, 355, 360, 170.
|
[16.] 15. |
Students seeking middle grades certification must complete the following courses:
Educational Psychology 363M (Topic 3: Adolescent Development), or Psychology
301 and 304; and Curriculum and Instruction 371 (Topic 10: Secondary School
Reading in the Content Subjects).
|
[17.] 16. |
At least eighteen semester hours of upper-division coursework, including
at least twelve hours of upper-division work in physics taken in residence
at the University.
|
[18.] 17. |
Enough additional coursework to make a total of at least 120 semester
hours. |
OPTION VI: PHYSICS HONORS
| 9. |
Breadth requirement: An honors mathematics course, Biology 315H,
Chemistry 302H, Mathematics 427K or 427L, and Physics 315 and 316.
|
[11. |
An honors-designated mathematics course that is restricted to those
who have earned credit on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examination
in Calculus.]
|
[12.] 10. |
[Honors sections of Mathematics 427K and 427L; and] Mathematics 340L and 361.
|
[13.] 11. |
[Honors sections of Physics 315 and 316; and] Physics 115L, 116L, 336K,
352K, 453, 362K, 362L, 369, 373, and 474.
|
[14.] 12. |
Natural Sciences 301C (Research Methods). |
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[15.] 13. |
[An honors] A section of Rhetoric and [Composition] Writing 309S that
is restricted to Dean’s Scholars.
|
[16.] 14. |
Physics 379H and a three-semester-hour upper-division research
course approved by the departmental honors adviser.
|
[17.] 15. |
Twenty additional semester hours of coursework approved by the departmental honors
adviser.
|
[18.] 16. |
Six semester hours of coursework in the College of Liberal Arts or the
College of Fine Arts.
|
[19.] 17. |
[A] Enough additional coursework to make a total of [at
least] 120 semester hours. |
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The student must fulfill the University-wide graduation requirements given
on pages 18-19 and the college requirements given on page 421. He or she must
also earn a grade point average of at least 2.00 in physics courses taken at
the University [ and used to fulfill requirement 12 (options I-V) or requirements
13 and 16 (option VI) of the prescribed work above.] and counted toward the
prescribed work requirements for his or her option.
To graduate and be recommended for certification, students who follow the
teaching option must have a University grade point average of at least 2.50.
They must earn a grade of at least C in each of the professional development
courses listed in requirement [ 15] 14 and must pass the final
teaching portfolio review; those seeking middle grades certification must also
earn a grade of at least C in each of the courses listed in requirement
[ 16] 15. For information about the portfolio review and additional
teacher certification requirements, consult the UTeach-Natural Sciences academic
adviser.
To graduate under option VI, students must
earn grades of A in the departmental research and thesis courses
described in requirement [ 16] 14 above and must present their
research in an approved public forum, such as the annual College of Natural
Sciences Poster Session. Students must also have a grade point average at
graduation of at least 3.50 in coursework taken in residence at the University.
Students who fail to maintain an in-residence grade point average of at least
3.25 will usually be academically dismissed from option VI; under special
circumstances and at the discretion of the departmental honors adviser, a
student may be allowed to continue under academic review.
__________ 12. Students in all options who enter the University with fewer than two high
school units in a single foreign language must take the first two semesters
in a language without degree credit to remove their foreign language deficiency.
RATIONALE: The lower-division physics courses are prerequisites for upper-division physics
courses that are required for the degree. The current requirement for mathematics
is for 22 or 25 semester hours (depending on the option) of mathematics at
the level of M 408C and above. Currently, students who take M 408K, L, and
M end up taking fewer upper-division hours of M than students who do M 408C
and D. Also, students who do the BC Calculus exam and petition for credit for
M 408C and take M 427-AP are at a disadvantage as far as total hours of mathematics
are concerned, even though they have done an accelerated sequence.
The degree plan was rewritten to make clarify the differences in the options.
The honors option was rewritten to define and highlight the breadth requirement
which is an integral part of that option.
|