Physics Major and Minor Requirements
A major in physics may be pursued under the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program, either of which can provide adequate preparation for graduate study. Students in the Bachelor of Arts program who plan to attend graduate school in physics should consult with their advisers to select an appropriate set of electives.
The standard entry point for either degree program is the year-long introductory sequence PHYS 211-212. Students with a strong background or aptitude in mathematics and physics who express an interest will be considered for placement in the special section PHYS 211E-212E of the introductory course.
A Bachelor of Arts major in physics consists of PHYS 211 (or PHYS 211E), PHYS 212 (or PHYS 212E), PHYS 221, PHYS 222 (with prerequisite MATH 211), PHYS 310 and a minimum of three other 200- or 300-level physics courses, two of which must be at the 300-level. One of the 300-level courses must be chosen from PHYS 317, PHYS 331, PHYS 332, or PHYS 333. (The other courses may include ASTR 201, ASTR 301 and approved Capstones.)
A Bachelor of Science major in physics consists of PHYS 211(or PHYS 211E), PHYS 212 (or PHYS 212E), PHYS 221, PHYS 222 (with prerequisite MATH 211), PHYS 235, PHYS 310, PHYS 317, PHYS 331, PHYS 332, PHYS 333, and a minimum of two other 300-level physics credits. (These courses may include ASTR 301 and approved Capstones.) In addition, Bachelor of Science candidates must take MATH 212, MATH 213, and either ASTR 201 or a 200- or 300-level biology, chemistry, or geology course.
The typical course sequence for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science physics major might look like the following:
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A physics major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree also is available in combination with a Bachelor of Science in engineering in a five-year program.
A minor in physics consists of four 200- or 300-level physics courses, which may include ASTR 201. Advanced placement credit does not count toward the minor.
The physics department encourages students to participate in research projects; research serves as an important complement to the classroom study of physics and astronomy. The department offers research opportunities in atomic and molecular physics, chaos and nonlinear dynamics, astronomy and astrophysics, general relativity, theoretical quantum optics, laser spectroscopy, elementary particle physics, positron physics, biological physics, theoretical condensed matter physics, and statistical physics.
Honors in physics is given to those students who are accepted by the University Honors Council and successfully complete and defend an honors thesis in physics.
Study abroad is possible for students completing either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Such study should be discussed well in advance with the academic adviser and the chair of the physics department.
Students wishing to become certified as secondary school physics teachers should consult with the education department and the chair of the physics department to arrange a plan of study that ensures that all of the requirements for certification will be met.
