Study BS Physics at University of Colorado Denver

The department of Physics at the University of Colorado Denver enriches understanding of how the world works by incorporating physics in every aspect of life. Good intuition about how things work has been, since the time of Galileo, a hallmark of physicists.

CU Denver’s faculty is committed to providing substantive applied research experiences for our undergraduate students by incorporating aspects of every day life into their classrooms and research. A major in physics is one of the few academic degree programs that prepares its students for an amazing array of careers including computer analyst, engineer, technical writer, industrial marketer, doctor, and lawyer.

Our faculty is committed to provide students with opportunities for laboratory experience in a research environment. Students work elbow-to-elbow with their professor mentors on such projects as:

Applying chaos and complex systems theory to problems ranging from the onset of turbulence in fluid flows to the erratic motions of loads hanging from cranes aboard ships at sea
Study of quasar jets and other associated dynamical properties, supernovae and nucleosynthesis
Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) specifically the fabrication of microelectronic SQUIDs
Applying non-linear dynamics and stochastic modeling to biological systems to understand how variations in genotype can lead to unique behavior
Developing detection techniques in the search for the Dark Matter component of our Universe
Applying physics to archaeology and historic preservation
Developing ways to help students learn physics better

Those students intending to major in physics should have a high school background that includes trigonometry, advanced algebra, chemistry and physics, as well as a good preparation in the arts and humanities. Students have an option during their freshman year to overcome some deficiencies in these areas. Students preparing for employment in an interdisciplinary area (such as environmental, geophysical or energy study) can choose to add an appropriate minor or arrange a specific major program on an individual basis. Students interested in teaching physics in high school are encouraged to consider the CLAS educational studies minor in addition to their physics major.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Physics advisor, meet physics faculty engaged in research, attend departmental seminars, and explore ways that Physics relates to research undertaken by faculty in other disciplines.

For more information, contact:

Michael “Bodhi” Rogers (Physics advisor)
Email: physics.chair@ucdenver.edu
Office: North Classroom 3123B

These degree requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their major advisor and CLAS advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

BS Physics

For more information, contact:

Upcoming Intakes

Mode of Study