College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics

Physicists shape the world we live in, and are responsible for many of the world’s most important scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, such as television, computers, nuclear technology and lasers. Physicists have been at the helm of quantum theory, the theory of relativity, the big bang theory and the splitting of the atom. Who knows where the physicist of the 21st century will take us next?

The Bachelor of Science in Physics at AUS focuses on giving students hands-on experience, working with world-class professors in state-of-the-art laboratories. Our physics faculty are involved in cutting-edge projects, including the UAE’s 2021 Mars mission and the development of a laser-based technique that can provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Program Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Physics seeks to provide graduates with a solid educational foundation in physics with an interdisciplinary emphasis that would encompass knowledge from other disciplines such as mathematics, natural sciences, engineering and liberal arts. Graduates will be trained and prepared to pursue careers in industry, teaching and research.

Program Goals

The Bachelor of Science in Physics seeks to:

• provide students with up-to-date knowledge of physics principles and their applications
• prepare students for careers in industry, research, and teaching, as well as for possible graduate study
• provide a research-based learning environment that is conducive to acquiring and analyzing data, developing experimental approaches to physics, and practicing the scientific research method.
• provide opportunities for student undergraduate research projects under the guidance of the physics faculty
• maintain a dynamic curriculum that reflects the evolving needs of the region and the world
• foster the development of lifelong learners who think critically and solve problems creatively by integrating liberal studies, professional education, and co-curricular and extracurricular learning.

Program Outcomes

Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Science in Physics program, students will be able to:

• apply the basic laws of physics
• apply the theoretical and computing skills necessary to describe and solve problems that arise in physics
• design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data using advanced analytical and characterization instrumentation techniques
• demonstrate competence in critical thinking and professional communication skills using both oral and written means for summarizing, evaluating and presenting scientific contents using resources found in the scientific literature
• demonstrate understanding of the impact of physics principles in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

Admission to the Program

Admission to the program follows the university’s undergraduate admission requirements.

AUS students transferring into the program must satisfy the following conditions:

• a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00
• successful completion of PHY 101 and PHY 102 with a minimum average of 2.00

For information on how to submit a change of major request, please refer to Fields of Study/Change of Major under the Academic Policies and Regulations section in the undergraduate catalog.

Degree Requirements

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, students must successfully complete the following minimum requirements:

• a minimum of 120 credit hours
  • a minimum of 44 credits of general education requirements (including WRI 101, WRI 102, ENG 204, MTH 103 and STA 201)
  • a minimum of 46 credits of major requirements
  • a minimum of 15 credits of major electives
  • a minimum of 15 credits of free electives
• a minimum of 36 credits of 300- and/or 400-level course work must be successfully completed in residence at AUS
• a minimum of five weeks of internship of approved applied work in physics-related organization, laboratory, agency or firm
• a minimum CGPA of 2.00