Physics, B.S.

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Requirements for the Physics Major:

Ten required courses in physics:

Physics 010 Requirement

A passing grade in PHY 010 (zero credit) is required for all students completing their WS requirement.

Including the WS requirement

Physics majors may fulfill the WS requirement through a one-term (PHY 493 ) thesis or literature review project, through a two-term senior thesis (PHY 490 + PHY 491 ), through thesis research in another department (if a double major or ID major), or though an additional writing component added to an upper-level course (with permission of the instructor and the Department).

Two Term Thesis Option:
PHY 490 - Physics Two-Term Senior Thesis 1
PHY 491 - Physics Two-Term Senior Thesis 2
One Term Thesis Option:
PHY 493 - Physics Senior Writing Project

Additional Requirements

MTH 115 - Calculus 3: Differential Vector Calculus and Matrix Theory
and
MTH 117 - Calculus 4: Integral Vector Calculus
and
- Two other science courses numbered 100 or above, at least one of which must be taken outside the of the department .
and
- Students are expected to attend the weekly departmental colloquium series to gain an appreciation for current research in physics and related areas.

Curriculum for those attending graduate school:

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

Students considering graduate school are also strongly encouraged to take electives from the following:

Astronomy

Computer Science

Any 100-level course

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 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 200 , PHY 210 , and one additional course from PHY 220 , PHY 230 , PHY 270 , PHY 310 , or PHY 311 in consultation with their physics adviser.