Physics Major
Physics Major
Making Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream at a Department Get-together
A physics major provides a rigorous grounding in the scientific process and a firm scientific understanding of the world. It fosters critical thinking and provides broad practical training in science and technology.
Formally, the physics major requires:
- Physics 203, 204 and 205 (3 semesters of introductory physics)
- Physics 220 or 230 (1 semester of applied physics)
- Physics 301, 302 and 304
- Physics 303 or 305 or 320 or 350 or 377 (1 semester of advanced physics elective)
- Physics 401 (Junior Independent Study)
- Physics 451 and 452 (Senior Independent Study thesis)
The Foundations sequence (Physics 203-204) is a prerequisite
for the selection of physics as a major and is best taken the first
year. (One can still complete the major if the sequence is taken the
second year.) The Calculus sequence (Mathematics 111-112)
must be taken at least concurrently with the Foundations
sequence. Mathematics 107 and 108 can substitute for Mathematics 111.
Those students considering graduate study in
physics should also take Physics 350, Mathematics 211 (Linear
Algebra), Chemistry 120 (Principles of Chemistry), and as many
advanced physics courses as can be scheduled.
For students interested in engineering, physics is a natural major to combine with the 3-2 engineering program. However, such students must complete enough physics in three years to complete the major in the fourth year, if necessary.