University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Physics B.A. - Computational Physics

The computational physics concentration provides a thorough study of computer science and computational physics as well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate programs in physics and computer science while others have found career opportunities in technical fields.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics; Computational Physics Concentration

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog. 

Summary

Lower-Division Physics Core10
Upper-Division Physics Core18
Physics Elective3
Math Requirements19
Computer Science Requirements20
Computer Science Core Courses
Computer Science Electives
Advanced College Writing Requirement3
Total Hours73

Degree Specific Credits: 73

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Lower-Division Physics Core

Complete one of the following Physics sequences:10
Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics:
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
Calculus-based Physics (strongly recommended):
Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus I
and Physics Laboratory I with Calculus
Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus II
and Physics Laboratory II with Calculus
Total Hours10

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Physics Core

Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301Intro Theoretical Physics3
PHSX 311Oscillations and Waves2
PHSX 320Classical Mechanics3
PHSX 333Computational Physics3
PHSX 343Modern Physics3
PHSX 423Electricity & Magnetism I3
PHSX 499Senior Capstone Seminar1
Total Hours18

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Physics Elective

Complete one of the following courses:3
Einstein's Relativity
Intermediate Physics Lab
Optics
Communicating Physics
Electricity & Magnetism II (strongly recommended)
Advanced Physics Lab
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics I (strongly recommended)
Quantum Mechanics II
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: In addition, M 307, STAT 341, and STAT 458 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
M 171Calculus I4
M 172Calculus II4
M 221Introduction to Linear Algebra4
M 225Introduction to Discrete Mathematics3
M 273Multivariable Calculus4
Total Hours19

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Requirements

Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 20 total credits required.

Computer Science Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:
CSCI 151Interdisciplinary Computer Science I3
CSCI 152Interdisciplinary Computer Science II3
CSCI 232Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms4
CSCI 332Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms3
Total Hours13

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Computer Science Electives

Complete 7 credits from any CSCI course numbered 200 and above. The following courses are recommended:7
Programming with C/C++
Computer Architecture
Simulation
Total Hours7

Minimum Required Grade: C- 


Advanced College Writing Requirement

Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.

Complete the following course:
PHSX 330Communicating Physics3
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-