The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree can be taken in any of three areas of concentration and requires 120 hours of credit. These concentrations allow students to tailor their studies towards their particular career goals. Please refer to the sample course schedules in this section for details about each concentration. Physics majors should declare a concentration by the middle of their sophomore year. Students are strongly encouraged to devote time to undergraduate research. Research areas in the department include condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, physics education, particle physics, astronomy, and biophysics. The Bachelor of Science in Physics curricula are designed around the assumption that physics students will minor in mathematics. However, a variety of other minors complement a major in physics. The professional concentration provides a traditional curriculum for students majoring in physics and is intended to prepare them for graduate study or employment in the private or government sector as a physicist. The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree can be taken in any of three areas of concentration and requires 120 hours of credit. These concentrations allow students to tailor their studies towards their particular career goals. Physics majors should declare a concentration by the middle of their sophomore year.