Physics at Florida Atlantic University is the study of the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. Here, you’ll explore how matter and energy interact, develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn to apply scientific thinking to real-world challenges. The program encourages you to connect physics with other fields, opening doors to interdisciplinary discovery and innovation.
About Physics at FAU
At Florida Atlantic, you can shape your physics education to match your goals. The Honors College curriculum keeps core requirements flexible, so you can combine physics with interests like applied mathematics, philosophy of science, or scientific writing. Whether you want to prepare for graduate study, pursue a career in medicine, or explore science education, you’ll find support from dedicated faculty and opportunities to take advanced courses. You’ll also complete a senior thesis, giving you hands-on research experience and the chance to work closely with mentors.
Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Physics (Honors College)
- Minor in Physics (Honors College)
Explore Degree Programs in Physics
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
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2. Gain experience in interdisciplinary study, connecting physics with other academic interests.
3. Build research skills through hands-on projects and a senior thesis.
4. Prepare for advanced study or professional careers in science, engineering, medicine, or education.
2. Apply mathematical and computational methods to solve physics problems.
3. Communicate scientific ideas clearly in both written and oral forms.
4. Conduct independent research and present findings effectively.
5. Collaborate with faculty and peers on interdisciplinary projects.
at Florida AtlanticStart Your Journey
Concentration in Physics
Students must earn a "C" or better in each course taken to fulfill a concentration requirement.
Overview and Advisory Board
The Honors College curriculum in Physics offers students a number of options for study, depending on their interests. The core requirements for the concentration are kept low enough to encourage interdisciplinary study. The advisory board for the concentration reflects this goal, but it should not be considered an exhaustive list of faculty who may guide students in an interdisciplinary physics curriculum. Students interested in a more linear, advanced physics track (leading, for example, to graduate study in physics or engineering) will also find the opportunity to take more advanced courses in physics.
Available Options: Concentration in Physics (minimal requirements); Graduate School Track and Pre-professional track
Associate Professor of Physics Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College Physics Instructor of Physics Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College PhysicsAdvisory Board
Yaouen Fily, Ph.D.
Michal Pirog, Ph.D.
Concentration in Physics (minimal requirements)
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2048, 2048L | Honors General Physics I with Lab | 5 |
| PHY 2049, 2049L | Honors General Physics II with Lab | 5 |
| Physics Electives | 15 | |
| Mathematics Electives | 3 | |
| IDS 4970 | Honors Thesis (two semesters) | 6 |
| Total minimal concentration | 34 |
Graduate school track:
The minimal concentration listed above is not sufficient for admission to graduate study in physics. Students who wish to go to graduate school should take additional credits in physics and mathematics, including specific courses to be determined in consultation with an advisor. All students are encouraged to take advanced physics courses from the main campus in Boca Raton.
Pre-professional track:
A specific example of an interdisciplinary physics concentration, the pre-professional physics track is intended for students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or possibly science education. Because of the nature of requirements for admission to medical school, there is very little room for non-science elective courses in this track. Students who wish to pursue a career in science education will most likely need additional education courses taken elsewhere. Students should consult with their thesis advisors for guidance in completing a track that meets their needs. In addition to the prerequisites, students must earn a grade of "C" or better in the following courses:
Additional Courses in the Pre-Professional Track
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BSC 1010, 1010L | Honors Biological Principles with Lab | 4 |
| BSC 1011, 1011L | Honors Biodiversity with Lab | 4 |
| CHM 2045, 2045L | Honors General Chemistry I wtih Lab | 4 |
| CHM 2046, 2046L | Honors General Chemistry II wtih Lab | 4 |
| CHM 2210, 2210L | Honors Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 4 |
| CHM 2211, 2211L | Honors Organic Chemistry II with Lab | 4 |
| BCH 3033 | Honors Biochemistry | 4 |
| Total Credits (including minimal concentration) | 62 |
Physics Electives
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AST 2002 | Honors Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| CHM 3400* | Honors Introduction to Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 4473** | Honors Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| PHY 3101 | Honors Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY 3221 | Honors Intermediate Mechanics | 4 |
| PHY 3513* | Honors Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4151 | Honors Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4320 | Honors Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHY 4523 | Honors Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604** | Honors Introductory Quantum Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4905 | Honors Directed Independent Study in Physics |
3 |
| PHY 4936 | Honors Special Topics in Physics (may be repeated) |
1-4 |
| PHZ 3601 | Honors Relativity | 3 |
Mathematics Electives
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2313 | Honors Calculus with Analytic Geometry III |
4 |
| MAP 2302 | Honors Differential Equations | 3 |
| MAS 2103 | Honors Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MAT 4930 | Honors Special Topics in Mathematics (in consultation with advisor, may be repeated) |
1-4 |
| COP 2000 | Honors Foundations of Programming | 3 |
| COP 2220 | Honors Introduction to Programming in C | 3 |
| COP 2930 | Honors Topics in Computer Programming | 3 |
| COP 3012 | Honors Advanced Programming | 3 |
| COP 3229 | Honors Self-paced C++ Programming | 1 |
| COP 3254 | Honors Self-paced Java Programming | 1 |
| COT 4930 | Honors Topics in Computer Science | 3 |
Minor Concentration in Physics
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2048, 2048L | Honors General Physics I with Lab | 5 |
| PHY 2049, 2049L | Honors General Physics II with Lab | 5 |
| Physics Electives | 9 | |
| Mathematics Electives | 3 | |
| Total requirements for minor | 22 |