Program Requirements

The Physics program includes a two-semester introductory sequence in classical physics and three semesters of calculus. Students are also required to take a two-semester sequence of laboratory science electives outside physics. The science courses can be chosen from Biology, Chemistry, or Earth and Environmental Science.

The degree requirements need to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and are subject to change. All students are strongly recommended to check with the TUteach advisor in the College of Science and Technology to affirm the requirements that pertain to their specific major.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (124 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      EES 2096
      		Climate Change: Oceans To Atmosphere
      EES 4696
      		Vertebrate Paleontology and Taphonomy
      MGSE 3796
      		Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12)
      PHYS 2796
      		Introduction to Modern Physics
      PHYS 4796
      		Experimental Physics
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students who complete TUteach majors receive a waiver for 1 Human Behavior (GB), 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. College Requirements
    • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG).
      • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • SCTC 1001 CST First-Year Seminar for every entering first-year CST student.
      • SCTC 2001 CST Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer CST student.
  3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (91 s.h.)1
    At least 9 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 6 Physics courses and 3 Education courses must be completed at Temple. Though not required, students are strongly encouraged to increase training and field work experience by enrolling in SCTC 1385, SCTC 2385, or SCTC 2389. Students will also benefit from directed laboratory projects offered through SCTC 3185. These courses are offered every semester.
    Mathematics
    MATH 1041Calculus I4
    or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I
    MATH 1042Calculus II4
    or MATH 1942 Honors Calculus II
    MATH 2043Calculus III4
    or MATH 2943 Honors Calculus III
    Physics
    PHYS 1008Physics Seminar I1
    Select one of the following:4
    PHYS 1061
    		Elementary Classical Physics I
    or PHYS 1961
    		 Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
    PHYS 2021
    		General Physics I
    or PHYS 2921
    		 Honors General Physics I
    Select one of the following:4
    PHYS 1062
    		Elementary Classical Physics II
    or PHYS 1962
    		 Honors Elementary Classical Physics II
    PHYS 2022
    		General Physics II
    or PHYS 2922
    		 Honors General Physics II
    PHYS 2101Classical Mechanics3
    PHYS 2502Mathematical Physics4
    PHYS 2796Introduction to Modern Physics (WI)4
    PHYS 3091Research Methods3
    PHYS 3301Electricity and Magnetism4
    PHYS 4796Experimental Physics (WI, S)3
    Physics Electives - Select 9 credits from the following:9
    PHYS 1004
    		Introduction to Astronomy
    PHYS 2511
    		Scientific Computing I (S)
    PHYS 3101
    		Analytical Mechanics
    PHYS 3302
    		Classical Electromagnetism
    PHYS 3424
    		Introduction to Astrophysics (F, even years)
    PHYS 3511
    		Scientific Computing II (F)
    PHYS 3701
    		Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I (S)
    PHYS 3702
    		Optical and Electronic Properties of Materials (F)
    PHYS 3703
    		Quantum Materials: Properties, Characterization and Application (S)
    PHYS 4101
    		Thermal Physics (F)
    PHYS 4301
    		Electronics
    PHYS 4302
    		Optics
    PHYS 4502
    		Theoretical/Computational Materials Science (S)
    PHYS 4511
    		Scientific Computing III
    PHYS 4701
    		Introduction to Solid State Physics (S, even years)
    PHYS 4702
    		Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II (F)
    PHYS 4801
    		Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (S, odd years)
    Sequenced Science courses 2
    Select one of the following sequences:8
    BIOL 1011
    & BIOL 1012
    		General Biology I
    and General Biology II
    BIOL 1111
    & BIOL 1112
    		Introduction to Organismal Biology
    and Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
    BIOL 1111
    & BIOL 2112
    		Introduction to Organismal Biology
    and Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
    CHEM 1031
    & CHEM 1033
    & CHEM 1032
    & CHEM 1034
    		General Chemistry I
    and General Chemistry Laboratory I
    and General Chemistry II
    and General Chemistry Laboratory II
    EES 2001
    		Physical Geology (and an Earth & Environmental Science 2002+ Elective)
    College of Science & Technology
    SCTC 1013Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences3
    SCTC 1389Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners2
    SCTC 2021Quantitative Modeling and Problem Solving in STEM1
    SCTC 3001History of Science3
    SCTC 3312Coding STEM Lessons 31
    Education
    EDUC 2179Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science3
    EDUC 4388TUteach Apprentice Teaching4
    EDUC 4802TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar3
    MGSE 2189Classroom Interactions (F)3
    or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom
    MGSE 3796Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) (WI)3
    MGSE 4189Project-Based Instruction (S)3
    or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments
    SPED 2231Introduction to Special Education3
    Total Credit Hours91
    1

    The certification requirements need to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and are subject to change. All students are strongly recommended to check with the TUteach Advisor in the College of Science and Technology to affirm the requirements that pertain to their specific major. In addition, students should check the Undergraduate Bulletin web site for the most current information about these programs, or the TUteach web site. It is also recommended that all students meet with an advisor before enrolling in classes specific to these majors and leading to certification as a teacher. This is to assure that a candidate's intended program of study will be compatible with the new requirements.

    2

    Students are required to take a two-semester sequence of laboratory science electives not within physics. The science courses can be chosen from Biology, Chemistry or Earth & Environmental Science.

    3

    All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.

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