Physics, BS
Gain a foundational knowledge of physics as you learn about the laws that govern the universe, from subatomic particles to supernovae. Our BS in physics builds on your curiosity with advanced academic training and research experience, equipping you with the tools needed to tackle problems and develop innovative solutions. Whether you’re inspired by the stars, cutting-edge technology, or groundbreaking research, a degree in physics opens pathways to shape your future.
Program Overview
The Physics BS program prepares students for careers or graduate study through quantitative and analytical reasoning, and laboratory/experimental design skills.
Through UT’s advanced lab spaces, world-renowned faculty, and excellent research opportunities, you will learn to work collaboratively to understand the most basic laws and principles governing our material world: electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and waves and optics. Whether you’re interested in general physics or astronomy, our program concentrations, Honors pathway, and Bachelor of Arts option allow you to tailor your coursework to pursue your specialized interests.
With a strong foundation in research and problem-solving, students will be prepared to tackle even the most complex challenges, all while helping develop technologies for the future.
Concentrations
The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently offers two concentrations:
- Academic Concentration
- Astronomy Concentration
If you’re a highly motivated student interested in pursuing graduate work, then either of our concentrations are a great fit for you!
Honors
The Department of Physics and Astronomy also offers an Honors pathway for students interested in more advanced, rigorous coursework. Students will complete an original research project in the form of a senior thesis. They must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and a 3.50 GPA in 300- and 400-level math and physics courses.
The Honors pathway is available for both concentrations.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Physics
If you’re interested in combining your knowledge of physics with a secondary field of study, then the Bachelor of Arts in physics would be a great fit. This program specifically prepares students to enter the workforce and supplement another field of study (e.g., medicine, law, journalism) with foundational knowledge of physics.
Why Study Physics?
At UT, a BS in physics offers you hands-on experience, mentorship from expert faculty, and engagement with peers who share your interests.
Gains Hands-On Physics Experience
If you’re eager to step into research spaces, at UT you’ll benefit from working in our campus facilities; from nuclear physics, particle physics, and biophysics labs to the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM) or the Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (CAMM). You’ll also have the chance to contribute to research in places such as the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Fermilab, CERN, the Spallation Neutron Source, the Large Hadron Collider, and RIKEN in Japan, giving you expert skills that will set you apart in your future.
Learn from World-Renowned Faculty
At UT, you won’t just benefit from small class sizes; you’ll be able to work alongside some of our university’s most prestigious faculty, many of whom have joint appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Seventeen physics faculty members are part of UT’s Quantum Materials for Future Technologies (QMFT) Research Cluster, four are fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and 10 are fellows of the American Physical Society.
Participate in Cutting-Edge Research
Our combined research facilities and world-renowned faculty give you opportunities to work on current physics problems. UT’s physics majors attend conferences, co-author papers, and have advantages including the department’s Summer Research Fellowship program. This fellowship gives undergraduate students the opportunity to gain experience through a 10-week, paid, full-time research project supervised by a physics faculty member.
What Can You Do with a BS in Physics After Graduation?
Studying physics at UT equips you with a unique and advanced set of skills that prepares you for a multitude of careers. Physics work as software or systems engineers.
They use their problem-solving abilities as business and data analysts, medical physicists, project managers, teachers, astronomers, and geophysicists. UT’s physics alumni are routinely accepted to outstanding graduate programs, win prestigious fellowships, and succeed in a wide range of professions.
Geophysics, medical physics, particle physics, and biophysics are also other common career paths. Our alumni can be successful in many professions, bringing their knowledge into science careers and beyond.
Featured Courses
PHYS 241 Introduction to Computational Physics
Explores modern scientific computational techniques needed by undergraduate physics majors and minors. Topics covered include applications in physics involving: numerical integration, numerical differentiation, special functions, Monte Carlo simulations, machine learning, and other selected methods. This course incorporates an individual student semester project in computational physics and requires access to an appropriate computer for homework and the project.
PHYS 252 Fundamentals of Physics: Quantum Physics and Applications
This course explores the fundamentals of quantum physics and applications to solid state physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology. Topics covered include: the nature of photons; Wave particle duality; Application of the Schrödinger Equation to simple steps and barriers; and Models of single- and multi-electron atoms. This course includes a laboratory component that may be incorporated into the class time in a studio physics modality. Basic scientific computing will be integrated into the course.
PHYS 361 Electronics Laboratory
Topics covered in this course include electronic devices and instrumentation techniques in the physics laboratory and basic analog and digital electronics, including elementary building blocks of relevance to data acquisition systems, operation amplifiers, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, use of standard laboratory instruments, and applications of microcomputers.
ASTR 411 Stellar Structure and Stellar Evolution
This course is an introduction to stars and the physical principles governing stellar structure and stellar evolution. Topics include equations of state for stars, hydrostatic equilibrium, energy production and energy transport in stars, the birth of stars, extrasolar planets, main sequence stars, solar neutrinos and neutrino oscillations, red giants and post main sequence evolution, pulsating variable stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars and pulsars, accretion in binary star systems, novae, X-ray bursts, supernovae, and more.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Computer Science, BS
- Mathematics Minor
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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