BSc Physics Syllabus: Semester & Year Wise Syllabus, Courses & Structure

Interested in pursuing your undergraduate course in the physics domain? Or planning to do a BSc Physics Hons degree? Before enrolling in the BSc Physics programme, read this Shiksha article to get the details of the year wise and semester-wise BSc Physics syllabus. Also, check here for the top private and government colleges and universities offering BSc Physics programme.

Physics is one of the domains of science that focuses on or is concerned with nature and its allied properties of matter and energy. Earlier physics was known as natural philosophy until the late 18th century and by the start of 19 th century physics was realized as a discipline distinct from philosophy and the other sciences. The subject matter of physics cover wide range of areas like mechanics, heat, light, radiation, sound, electricity, magnestism and the structure of atoms. Being a science enthusiast, the physics domain can be allured by many students who are studying in class 12 or who passed the board exams. Before selecting a career in physics, a candidate must check the syllabus of BSc Hons/General Degree and also the curriculum, in order to get the Course Learning Outcome (CLO) aspect of the course.

Also Read: CUET Physics Syllabus PDF: Important Topics, Books and How to prepare Physics for CUET 

Candidates who pursue a physics course seldom become adept problem solvers. You will learn to deconstruct a problem into its constituent pieces and then apply sophisticated mathematics, computing, data analysis, and experimental methodologies to solve it. Before stepping for the BSc Physics Course, aspirants should do a small dig up about the BSc physics syllabus, course structure, eligibility criteria for enrolling in the university or college, popular colleges and important books. This Shiksha article will provide all the important requirements that a student needs.

BSc Physics Eligibility Criteria 

Before submitting an application for admission to the course, students must be eligible for a BSc in Physics. To be eligible for admission, an applicant must absolutely satisfy the BSc Physics established eligibility requirements. From university to university, the eligibility requirements may vary. The following basic eligibility requirements for BSc Physics are listed:

• The candidate should have completed their Class 12 in PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) from a recognised board.  
• Students need to secure a minimum of 65 percent aggregate in their class 12 in order to pursue BSc Mathematics. 

• Candidates in the senior secondary level, who are proficient in physics can appear for renowned exams such as National Standard Examination in physics and then the National and International Physics Olympiad Examinations. The Indian Association of Physics Teachers under the aegis of HBCSE and TIFR conduct these exams.
• Once the candidate clears the Physics Olympiad, a bright career path in Physics is established in reputed institutes such as NISER Bhubaneswar, IISc Bangalore, TIFR, etc. After this, they can become scientists in renowned national labs and scientific institutions.

BSc Physics Course Scheme for Choice Based Credit System 

Below is the proposed BSc Physics course (Semester-wise) system, submitted to the University Grants Commission under the Choice Based Credit System: 

Semester	Core Course (12)	Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) (2)	Ability Enhancement Elective Course (AEEC) (2) (Skill Based)	Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) (4)	Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) (4)
1	Mathematical Physics-I (4+4)	(English/MIL Communication) /Environmental Science			GE-1
	Mechanics (4 + 4)
						Waves and Optics (4 + 4)
3	Mathematical Physics–II (4 + 4)		AECC -1
	Thermal Physics (4 + 4)
	Digital Systems and Applications (4 + 4)
4	Mathematical Physics–III (4+4)		AECC -2
	Elements of Modern Physics (4+4)
	Analog Systems & Applications (4+4)
5	Quantum Mechanics and Applications (4+ 4)			DSE-1
	Solid State Physics (4 + 4)			DSE- 2
						Statistical Mechanics (4 + 4)	DSE- 4
6	Electromagnetic Theory (4+4)	Electricity& Magnetism (4+4)	Environmental Science/ (English/MIL Communication)	GE-2

Candidates can download the proposed syllabus and Scheme of Examination for BSc (Hons) Physics to UGC under the choice-based credit system: BSc Hons Physics Syllabus 
Core Papers (C): 
1. Mathematical Physics-I 
2. Mechanics 
3. Electricity and Magnetism 
4. Waves and Optics 
5. Mathematical Physics–II 
6. Thermal Physics 
7. Digital Systems and Applications 
8. Mathematical Physics III 
9. Elements of Modern Physics
10. Analog Systems and Applications 
11. Quantum Mechanics and Applications 
12. Solid State Physics 
13. Electromagnetic Theory 
14. Statistical Mechanics 

Discipline Specific Elective Papers: DSE (1-4)

1. Experimental Techniques (4) + Lab (4)
2. Embedded systems- Introduction to Microcontroller (4) + Lab (4)
3. Physics of Devices and Instrumentation (4) + Lab (4)
4. Advanced Mathematical Physics (4) + Lab (4)
5. Classical Dynamics (5) + Tutorials (1)
6. Applied Dynamics (4) + Lab (4)
7. Nuclear and Particle Physics (5) + Tutorials (1)
8. Astronomy and Astrophysics (5) + Tutorials (1)
9. Atmospheric Physics (4) + Lab (4)
10. Nano Materials and Applications (4) + Lab (4)
11. Earth Science (5) + Tutorials (1)
12. Medical Physics (4) + Lab (4)
13. Biophysics (5) + Tutorials (1)
14. Dissertation

Other Discipline (Four papers of any one discipline)- GE 1 to GE 4
1. Mathematics (5) + Tut (1)
2. Chemistry (4) + Lab (4)
3. Economics (5) + Tut (1)
4. Computer Science (4) + Lab (4)
Any other discipline of importance
Skill Enhancement Courses (02 to 04 papers) (Credit: 02 each)- SEC1 to SEC4
1. Physics Workshop Skills
2. Computational Physics Skills
3. Electrical circuit network Skills
4. Basic Instrumentation Skills
5. Renewable Energy and Energy harvesting
6. Mechanical Drawing
7. Radiation Safety
8. Applied Optics
9. Weather Forecasting
Note: Universities may include more options or delete some from this list

BSc Physics Syllabus 2024

The BSc Mathematics curriculum encompasses six semesters or three years of theoretical study and is organized and diverse. The syllabus of physics courses is designed in such a way that new approaches can be invented and humanity can be modernized in numerous ways. Physicists work in line with specialists in other fields so as to serve humanity in the best possible way. The subjects of various physics courses vary with the specialization a candidate opts for. It involves some or all of the following:

BSc Physics Syllabus: Semester Wise

The below mentioned is the BSc Physics Syllabus Semester Wise:-

Semester- I

Calculus: Recapitulation: Limits, continuity, average and instantaneous quantities, differentiation. Plotting functions. Intuitive ideas of continuous, differentiable, etc. functions and plotting of curves. Approximation: Taylor and binomial series (statements only). First Order Differential Equations and Integrating Factor.  Second Order Differential equations: Homogeneous Equations with constant coefficients. Wronskian and general solution. Statement of existence and Uniqueness Theorem for Initial Value Problems. Particular Integral. Calculus of functions of more than one variable: Partial derivatives, exact and inexact differentials. Integrating factor, with a simple illustration. Constrained Maximization using Lagrange Multipliers. 

Vector Calculus: Recapitulation of vectors: Properties of vectors under rotations. Scalar product and its invariance under rotations. Vector product, Scalar triple product and their interpretation in terms of area and volume respectively. Scalar and Vector fields. Vector Differentiation: Directional derivatives and normal derivatives. Gradient of a scalar field and its geometrical interpretation. Divergence and curl of a vector field. Del and Laplacian operators. Vector identities, Gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian in spherical and cylindrical coordinates. 

Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinates: Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinates. Derivation of Gradient, Divergence, Curl and Laplacian in Cartesian, Spherical and Cylindrical Coordinate Systems. 

Dirac Delta function and its properties: Definition of Dirac delta function. Representation as the limit of a Gaussian function and
rectangular function. Properties of Dirac delta function.

Mechanics: Fundamentals of Dynamics: Reference frames. Inertial frames; Galilean transformations; Galilean invariance. Review of Newton’s Laws of Motion. Dynamics of a system of particles. Centre of Mass. Principle of conservation of momentum. Impulse. Momentum of variable-mass system: motion of rocket. Work, energy and  collisions. Rotational Dynamics: Angular momentum of a particle and system of particles. Torque. Principle of conservation of angular momentum. Rotation about a fixed axis. Moment of Inertia. Calculation of moment of inertia for rectangular, cylindrical and spherical bodies. Kinetic energy of rotation. Motion involving both translation and rotation. Gravitation and Central Force Motion: Law of gravitation. Gravitational potential
energy. Inertial and gravitational mass. Potential and field due to spherical shell and solid sphere. Non-Inertial Systems: Non-inertial frames and fictitious forces. Uniformly rotating frame. Laws of Physics in rotating coordinate systems. Centrifugal force. Coriolis force and its applications. Components of Velocity and Acceleration in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinate Systems. (4 Lectures) Special Theory of Relativity: Michelson-Morley Experiment and its outcome. Postulates of Special Theory of Relativity. Lorentz Transformations. Simultaneity and order of events. Lorentz contraction. Time dilation. Relativistic transformation of velocity, frequency and wave number. Relativistic addition of velocities. Variation of mass with velocity. Massless Particles. Mass-energy Equivalence. Relativistic Doppler effect. Relativistic Kinematics. Transformation of Energy and Momentum. EnergyMomentum Four Vector. 

Physics Lab

Here is the list of topics which will be covered under the Physics Lab in semester I of the BSc Physics Hons degree:

Topics Covered in the Laboratory
Basics of scientific computing	Review of C & C++ Programming fundamentals
Error and error analysis	Programs and binary functions
Random number generation	Solution of Algebraic and Transcendental equations by Bisection, Newton Raphson and Secant methods
Interpolation by Newton Gregory Forward and Backward difference formula, Error estimation of linear interpolation	Numerical differentiation (Forward and Backward difference formula) and Integration (Trapezoidal and Simpson rules), Monte Carlo method

Semester II:

Electricity and Magnetism:

Electric Field and Electric Potential, Dielectric Properties of Matter, Magnetic Field, Magnetic Properties of Matter, Electromagnetic Induction, Electrical Circuits, Network theorems, Ballistic Galvanometer.

Waves and Optics: 

Superposition of Collinear Harmonic oscillations, Superposition of two perpendicular Harmonic Oscillations, Wave Motion, Velocity of Waves, Superposition of Two Harmonic Waves, Wave Optics, Interference, Interferometer, Diffraction, Fraunhofer diffraction, Fresnel Diffraction.

Semester III:

Mathematical Physics:

Fourier Series: Periodic functions. Orthogonality of sine and cosine functions, Dirichlet Conditions (Statement only). Expansion of periodic functions in a series of sine and cosine functions and determination of Fourier coefficients. Complex representation of Fourier series. Expansion of functions with arbitrary period. Expansion of non-periodic functions over an interval. Even and odd functions and their Fourier expansions. Application. Summing of Infinite Series. Term-by-Term differentiation and integration of Fourier Series. Parseval Identit.

Frobenius Method and Special Functions: Singular Points of Second Order Linear Differential Equations and their importance. Frobenius method and its applications to differential equations. Legendre, Bessel, Hermite and Laguerre Differential Equations. Properties of Legendre Polynomials: Rodrigues Formula, Generating Function, Orthogonality. Simple recurrence relations. Expansion of function in a series of Legendre Polynomials. Bessel Functions of the First Kind: Generating Function, simple recurrence relations. Zeros of Bessel Functions and Orthogonality.

Some Special Integrals: Beta and Gamma Functions and Relation between them. Expression of Integrals in terms of Gamma Functions. Error Function (Probability Integral).
Theory of Errors: Systematic and Random Errors. Propagation of Errors. Normal Law of Errors. Standard and Probable Error. 
Partial Differential Equations: Solutions to partial differential equations, using separation of variables: Laplace's Equation in problems of rectangular, cylindrical and spherical symmetry. Wave equation and its solution for vibrational modes of a stretched string, rectangular and circular membranes.

Thermal Physics: 

Zeroth and First Law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Entropy, Thermodynamic Potentials, Maxwell’s Thermodynamic Relations.

Kinetic Theory of Gases: Distribution of Velocities, Molecular Collisions, Real Gases.

Digital Systems and Applications:

Introduction to CRO, Integrated Circuits (Qualitative treatment only), Digital Circuits, Boolean algebra, Data processing circuits, Arithmetic Circuits, Sequential Circuits, Timers, Shift registers, Counters(4 bits), Computer Organization, Intel 8085 Microprocessor Architecture, Introduction to Assembly Language.

Semester IV

Mathematical Physics

Complex Analysis: Brief Revision of Complex Numbers and their Graphical Representation. Euler's formula, De Moivre's theorem, Roots of Complex Numbers. Functions of Complex Variables. Analyticity and Cauchy-Riemann Conditions. Examples of analytic functions. Singular functions: poles and branch points, order of singularity, branch cuts. Integration of a function of a complex variable. Cauchy's Inequality. Cauchy’s Integral formula. Simply and multiply connected region. Laurent and Taylor’s expansion. Residues and Residue Theorem. Application in solving Definite Integrals.

Integrals Transforms: Fourier Transforms: Fourier Integral theorem. Fourier Transform. Examples. Fourier transform of trigonometric,Gaussian, finite wave train & other functions. Representation of Dirac delta function as a Fourier Integral. Fourier transform of derivatives, Inverse Fourier transform, Convolution theorem. Properties of Fourier transforms (translation, change of scale, complex conjugation, etc.). Three dimensional Fourier transforms with examples. Application of Fourier Transforms to differential equations: One dimensional Wave and Diffusion/Heat Flow Equations. 

Elements of Modern Physics

Planck’s quantum, Planck’s constant and light as a collection of photons; Blackbody Radiation, Position measurement- gamma ray microscope thought experiment; Wave-particle
duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle (Uncertainty relations involving Canonical pair of variables), One dimensional infinitely rigid box- energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, normalization, Size and structure of atomic nucleus and its relation with atomic weight, Radioactivity, Fission and fusion- mass deficit, relativity and generation of energy, Lasers.

Analog Systems and Applications

Semiconductor Diodes, Two-terminal Devices and their Applications, Bipolar Junction transistors, Amplifiers, Coupled Amplifier, Feedback in Amplifiers, Sinusoidal Oscillators, Operational Amplifiers (Black Box approach) Amplifiers (Black Box approach), Applications of Op-Amps, Conversion.

Semester V

Quantum Mechanics and Applications: Time dependent Schrodinger equation, Time independent Schrodinger equation, General discussion of bound states in an arbitrary potential, Quantum theory of hydrogen-like atoms, Atoms in Electric & Magnetic Fields, Many electron atoms.

Solid State Physics: Crystal Structure, Elementary Lattice Dynamics, Magnetic Properties of Matter, Dielectric Properties of Materials, Ferroelectric Properties of Materials, Elementary band theory, Superconductivity.

Semester VI

Electromagnetic Theory: Maxwell Equations, EM Wave Propagation in Unbounded Media, EM Wave in Bounded Media, Polarization of Electromagnetic Waves, Wave Guides, Optical Fibres.

Statistical Mechanics: Classical Statistics, Classical Theory of Radiation, Quantum Theory of Radiation, Bose-Einstein Statistics, Fermi-Dirac Statistics.

BSc Physics Syllabus: Year - Wise

The BSc Physics Course is of 3 years. Read the complete section in order to know about year wise Physics syllabus.

BSc Physics First Year Syllabus

Candidates can find the list of subjects which are included in the BSc Physics first year syllabus below:

BSc Physics First Year Syllabus
Topics
Mechanics & Props of Matter	Optics
C programming	Calculus
Foundation Course in Maths	Environmental Studies
Physical Chemistry 1	Organic Chemistry
Physics Lab-1	Physics Lab-2
Chemistry Lab-1	Chemistry Lab-2

BSc Physics Second Year Syllabus

Candidates can find the list of subjects which are included in the BSc Physics second-year syllabus below:

BSc Physics Second Year Syllabus
Solid-state Physics	Classical Mechanics & Relativity
Electricity and magnetism	Electromagnetic Theory
Inorganic Chemistry 1	Basic Electronics
Biophysics and Radiation Science	Mathematical Physics
Open Elective	Nuclear Physics
-	Physics Lab

BSc Physics Third Year Syllabus

Candidates can find the list of subjects that are included in the BSc Physics third-year syllabus below:

BSc Physics Third Year Syllabus
Quantum Mechanics	Renewable Energy
Statistical Mechanics	Digital Electronics
Oscillations & Waves	Instrumentation
Applied Optics	Atomic & Molecular Physics
-	Particle & Astrophysics

NOTE: Candidates must note that the syllabus mentioned below is General BSc Physics. The syllabus may differ from university to univerity, but the topics mentioned above comprise the major content of BSc Physics syllabus.

BSc Physics: List of Important Books (Topic Wise)

Here are the list of some important books which are recommended for the candidates to take reference while studying the BSc Physics in their undergraduate course:

List of Important Books
Mathematical Physics	• Mathematical Methods for Physicists, G.B. Arfken, H.J. Weber, F.E. Harris, 2013, 7th Edn., Elsevier. • An introduction to ordinary differential equations, E.A. Coddington, 2009, PHI learning • Differential Equations, George F. Simmons, 2007, McGraw Hill. • Mathematical Tools for Physics, James Nearing, 2010, Dover Publications. • Mathematical methods for Scientists and Engineers, D.A. McQuarrie, 2003, Viva Book
Mechanics	1. Introduction to Mechanics Daniel Klapnner and Robert Kolenkow, McgrawHill. 2. Mechanics by K.R Simon 3. Mechanics, Berkeley Physics, vol.1, C.Kittel, W. Knight, etal (Tata McGrawHill) 4. Physics, Resnick, Halliday and Walker (8/e.2008,Wiley) 5. Theoretical Mechanics-M.R. Spiegel (Tata McGrawHill). 6. Feynman Lectures, Vol. I, R.P.Feynman, R.B.Leighton, M.Sands (Pearson)
Electricity and Magnetism	• Electricity, Magnetism & Electromagnetic Theory, S. Mahajan and Choudhury,2012, Tata McGraw • Electricity and Magnetism, Edward M. Purcell, 1986 McGraw-Hill Education • Introduction to Electrodynamics, D.J. Griffiths, 3rd Edn., 1998, Benjamin Cummings. • Feynman Lectures Vol.2, R.P.Feynman, R.B.Leighton, M. Sands, 2008, Pearson Education • Elements of Electromagnetics, M.N.O. Sadiku, 2010, Oxford University Press. • Electricity and Magnetism, J.H.Fewkes & J.Yarwood. Vol. I, 1991, Oxford Univ. Press.
Waves and Optics	Advanced Practical Physics for students, B.L. Flint and H.T. Worsnop, 1971, Asia Publishing House • A Text Book of Practical Physics, I. Prakash & Ramakrishna, 11th Ed., 2011, Kitab Mahal • Advanced level Physics Practicals, Michael Nelson and Jon M. Ogborn, 4th Edition, reprinted 1985, Heinemann Educational Publishers
Mathematical Physics	Mathematical Methods for Physicists: Arfken, Weber, 2005, Harris, Elsevier. • Fourier Analysis by M.R. Spiegel, 2004, Tata McGraw-Hill. • Mathematics for Physicists, Susan M. Lea, 2004, Thomson Brooks/Cole. • Differential Equations, George F. Simmons, 2006, Tata McGraw-Hill. • Partial Differential Equations for Scientists & Engineers, S.J. Farlow, 1993, Dover Pub. • Mathematical methods for Scientists & Engineers, D.A. McQuarrie, 2003, Viva Books
Thermal Physics	Advanced Practical Physics for students, B. L. Flint and H.T. Worsnop, 1971, Asia Publishing House • A Text Book of Practical Physics, I.Prakash & Ramakrishna, 11th Ed., 2011, Kitab Mahal • Advanced level Physics Practicals, Michael Nelson and Jon M. Ogborn, 4th Edition, reprinted 1985, Heinemann Educational Publishers • A Laboratory Manual of Physics for undergraduate classes,D.P.Khandelwal,1985, Vani Pub.
Digital System and Applications	Digital Principles and Applications, A.P. Malvino, D.P.Leach and Saha, 7th Ed., 2011, Tata McGraw • Fundamentals of Digital Circuits, Anand Kumar, 2nd Edn, 2009, PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. • Digital Circuits and systems, Venugopal, 2011, Tata McGraw Hill. • Digital Systems: Principles & Applications, R.J.Tocci, N.S.Widmer, 2001, PHI Learning • Logic circuit design, Shimon P. Vingron, 2012, Springer.

Top Colleges for BSc Physics

After completing a BSc in Mathematics at a reputable university, candidates can apply for entry-level positions that are plentifully available across a variety of industries. The chances of landing a lucrative career can increase if candidates enrol in a professional programme or a master's degree in specialisation. The top BSc Physics colleges are given in the table below.

Top Government Colleges for BSc Physics

Candidates can check the top popular BSc government colleges that offer BSc Mathematics in the table below. Candidates can also check out BSc Mathematics fees for every popular college mentioned below:

College Name	Total Fees (in INR)
Banaras Hindu University	21 K
Delhi University	15 K
Jamia Millia Islamia	29 K
Panjab University	41 K - 96 K
Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi	61 K
Guru Nanak Dev University	3 L

Top Private Colleges for BSc Physics

Candidates can check the top popular BSc private colleges that offer BSc Physics in the table below. Candidates can also check out BSc Physics fees for every popular college mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
VIT Vellore	4 L
Amity University, Noida	4 L - 5 L
Chandigarh University	2 L
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai	2 L
BITS Pilani	20 L
SASTRA (Deemed to be University)	2 L
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education	90 K
LPU - Lovely Professional University	5 L
Srinivasa Ramanujan Center, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy	1 L

Note: The fee given above is a range of all levels of Physics courses such as UG, PG, PhD and Diploma. 

BSc Physics Entrance Exam 2023

The admission test requirements for BSc Physics are fully dependent on the conducting body and vary as well. To be admitted to the BSc Physics, candidates must take the entrance tests listed below and pass them. Candidates should be aware that each college may have a different admissions and entrance exam method. But applicants must follow the regulations and pass these entrance tests in order to enroll in the BSc Physics program. The table below lists a few of the well-known admission tests for BSc Physics:

Exam Name	Exam Dates	Exam Details
CUET	Exam Dates are yet to be announced for the 2025 academic cycle	Central University Entrance Test is referred to as CUET. It is a nationwide entrance exam for all participating institutions' UG programmes that are administered by NTA.
UPCATET	Exam Dates are yet to be announced for the 2025 academic cycle	The UP Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) is an entrance examination held to admit applicants with ties to the state of Uttar Pradesh to various UG and PG programmes provided by various participating universities.
IISER Entrance Exam (BS MS Dual Degree)	Exam Dates are yet to be announced for the 2025 academic cycle	Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) conduct an entrance exam in order to provide admission to candidates in the five-year-long BS-MS dual degree programme offered by them. On the basis of a candidate’s score in the IISER entrance exam (also known as IISER aptitude test), he/she can secure admission at IISER located in Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, or Tirupati.

Read More: 

• BSc Physics Syallbus
• Top 10 Universities in India 2023: Check NIRF Ranking
• Job Opportunities & Salary Offered After Completing BSc Degree