Physics, B.S.

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Requirements for the Physics Major:

A minimum of ten courses in physics:

PHY 120 - Matter in Motion
PHY 121 - Principles of Electromagnetics
PHY 122 - Relativity, Quantum, and Their Applications
PHY 123 - Heat and Light
PHY 220 - Relativity and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHY 230 - Intermediate Classical Mechanics
PHY 270 - Intermediate Electromagnetism
PHY 300 - Methods of Modern Experimental Physics
PHY 310 - Advanced Topics in Physics 1
PHY 311 - Advanced Topics in Physics 2
PHY 312 - Advanced Topics in Physics 3
PHY 490 - Physics Research 1 *
PHY 491 - Physics Research 2
or
PHY 493 - Physics 1 Term Research
* (PHY-490 is required for all students, whether continuing on with 491 or 493)

Math

And two other science courses numbered 100 or above

At least one of which must be taken outside the department. Students are expected to attend the weekly departmental colloquium series to gain an appreciation for current research in physics and related areas.

Graduate Curriculum

For those students wishing to consider graduate work in physics or a closely related discipline (e.g., astronomy, materials science, applied physics), the department advises the following curriculum:

Physics

Math

These students are also strongly encouraged to take electives from the following:

Astronomy

Math

Electrical and Computer Engineering

ECE 225 - Electric Circuits

Possible Substitution Courses

For students interested in pursuing careers that do not require graduate work in physics, some substitutions of courses in engineering will be considered by the department. Students must request formal approval from the Department of Physics and Astronomy for any such substitution. Examples include:

Requirements for Honors in Physics and Astronomy:

In addition to the requirements for the major, the student must take at least one additional course in research (PHY 491 ), submit an honors thesis, and satisfy College requirements for departmental honors.

Requirements for the Leadership in Medicine Program:

Students in the Leadership in Medicine program whose science emphasis is in physics should take the following seven courses: PHY 110 , PHY 111 (both already core courses), PHY 122 , PHY 123 , PHY 210 , and two additional 200-level, 300-level, or PHY 490/495 . Students with AP credit for PHY 120 and/or PHY 121 should take one additional physics elective (and one additional math course) in consultation with their physics advisor.