University of North Florida

What you'll study

The programme combines a core physics curriculum with a sequence of courses that prepare students for advanced study and research in nuclear and particle physics. Students complete foundational courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics together with a calculus-based physics laboratory sequence and the mathematics required to support theoretical and computational work.

• Core physics modules: Classical mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Mathematical Methods for Physicists.
• Laboratory and practical skills: Calculus-based physics labs, Advanced experimental laboratory, Electronics for physicists, Radiation detection and measurement techniques.
• Specialist nuclear and particle modules: Introduction to Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics and the Standard Model, Nuclear Instrumentation, Experimental techniques in nuclear and particle physics, Radiation safety and applications.
• Computational and analytical training: Computational physics, Data analysis and statistical methods, Programming for scientific applications (e.g. Python, MATLAB), Monte Carlo methods commonly used in detector simulations.
• Capstone and research: Senior seminar or capstone project plus options for independent research under faculty supervision; many students undertake experimental or data-analysis projects that develop skills directly applicable to laboratory research.
• General education: The degree also includes the university’s general-education requirements to ensure breadth in communication, humanities and social sciences.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Physics at UNF typically requires successful completion of secondary education (or an equivalent qualification) with a solid background in mathematics and the physical sciences. Applicants are expected to have studied algebra, trigonometry and preferably precalculus or calculus, together with high-school physics; chemistry is also recommended.

• Academic preparation: A strong performance in mathematics and physics courses at secondary level. Completion of the first course in calculus prior to entry is advantageous.
• College transfer applicants: Students transferring from community colleges should present college-level calculus and calculus-based physics coursework to be competitive.
• International applicants: An equivalent secondary-school qualification and proof of English language proficiency when English is not the applicant’s first language.
• Other considerations: Admission decisions also consider the overall academic record. Prospective students with relevant extracurricular experience (science clubs, research internships, robotics, programming) can strengthen their application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a physics degree focused on nuclear and particle physics have a wide range of career paths. Many go on to postgraduate study in physics or related disciplines (nuclear physics, particle physics, medical physics, nuclear engineering), while others move directly into technical roles.

• Academic and industrial research positions in national laboratories, university research groups and private research organisations.
• Technical roles in radiation detection, nuclear instrumentation, accelerator facilities and instrumentation development.
• Applications in healthcare, such as medical physics, radiological sciences and imaging technologies (often after professional training or further study).
• Employment in engineering, aerospace, defence and energy sectors, particularly where measurement, radiation physics or instrumentation expertise is needed.
• Data science, software development and quantitative analyst roles that make use of strong computational and statistical skills developed during the degree.
• Teaching at secondary and post-secondary levels following appropriate certification or postgraduate study.

Why study at University of North Florida

UNF offers a physics programme with small class sizes and an emphasis on undergraduate teaching and research, allowing students frequent access to faculty mentorship. The department supports hands-on learning through modern teaching laboratories and encourages students to engage in independent research projects or capstone work under faculty supervision.

Located in a metropolitan region with a range of scientific, medical and industrial employers, UNF students can pursue internships and local partnerships that complement their academic training. Student societies and outreach activities provide further practical experience in communication and teamwork, while the curriculum prepares graduates both for technical employment and for competitive entry to postgraduate study in nuclear and particle physics and related fields.