Curriculum
From Physiki
Contents |
B.S. in Physics
The 4-year requirements for the B.S. degree in Physics are a minimum of 32 courses including:
- The Common Course of Study:
- a First-Year Seminar,
- English 110,
- a VAST course,
- three courses in the humanities and social sciences;
- Five courses in Mathematics:
- Math 161, 162, 263 — Calculus,
- Math 264 — Differential Equations,
- one Math elective;
- Two introductory science courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,324), Biology (101,102), or Geology (100, 110, 120, 130);
- Thirteen courses in physics:
- and 6 free electives.
A.B. in Physics
The 4-year requirements for the A.B. degree in Physics are a minimum of 32 courses including:
- The Common Course of Study:
- a First-Year Seminar,
- English 110,
- a VAST course,
- three courses in the humanities and social sciences,
- the foreign culture requirement;
- Four courses in Mathematics
- Math 161, 162, 263 — Calculus,
- Math 264 — Differential Equations;
- Two introductory science courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,324), Biology (101,102), or Geology (100, 110, 120, 130);
- Ten courses in physics:
- and 10 electives (Some of which may be needed to satisfy the foreign culture requirement).
Concentration in Astronomy
The requirements for the A.B. or B.S. in physics with a concentration in astronomy are:
- Complete the requirements for either the A.B. or B.S. degree in Physics
- Two of the physics courses must be Phys 104, Phys 108, Phys 304 or Phys 308, consistent with the requirements of the major program. This means that for the B.S. degree one must take Phys 304 and Phys 308, but for the A.B. degree one could also take either (Phys 108 and Phys 304) or (Phys 104 and Phys 308)
Minor in Physics
The minor in physics requires a sequence of six Physics courses which must include a two-semester introductory calculus-based sequence (i.e. Phys 131-132, or Phys 131-133, or Phys 151-152) and 215. The three additional Physics courses are to be chosen from among those which may be used to meet the requirements for a major in Physics. Courses with numbers below 111 are designed primarily for students in non-technical programs, are less mathematical in their approach to physics, and are not acceptable for the purpose of meeting this requirement.
Typical Course Patterns
Shown below are some typical course patterns for fulfilling the physics degree requirements. Depending on your interests and background, however, there may be other possibilities or options available. Please consult with any physics faculty members about the opportunities available to you.
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Starting Spring of First Year
Sometimes students take their first physics course in the spring of their first year. This does complicate their physics major program somewhat but it is possible to complete such a program. Students considering starting a physics major in the spring of their first year are strongly encouraged to consult with any of the physics faculty about possible course programs. The exact order of courses, particularly Phys 216 and 218, will depend on your background and interests. An example B.S. program is shown below.
| Year | Fall | Spring |
| 1st | Phys 131 | |
| Math 161 | Math 162 | |
| FYS | Eng 110 | |
| Intro Science | Intro Science | |
| 2nd | Phys 133 | Phys 132 |
| Phys 215 | Phys 218 | |
| Math 263 | Math 264 | |
| VAST | ||
| 3rd | Phys 342 | Phys 216 |
| Math 3xx | Phys 327 | |
| 4th | Phys 351 | Phys 4xx |
| Phys 3xx | Phys 3xx | |
| Phys 3xx | ||
Important note: Students with advanced placement credit for Phys 131 can simply start with Phys 132 and then follow the pattern for those entering as B.S. physics major.
