Physics
The Department of Physics offers a comprehensive program of study leading to the B.S. degree in Physics. This program is designed to prepare students not only for advanced graduate studies in physics or a related field but also for employment upon graduation in physics and other disciplines related to science and technology. Basic courses give students a solid foundation in the concepts of classical and modern physics and assist them in developing their analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Laboratory courses complement this experience with an opportunity to develop experimental skills and a working knowledge of advanced technology and computational techniques. Students are strongly encouraged to further develop all these skills by participating in advanced experimental, analytical, or computational research under the supervision of faculty mentors, and we will make every effort to find a suitable research opportunity for all interested students with our faculty members.
Physics Major
The minimum requirements for the B.S. degree with a major in Physics include 44 credits in Physics, as described below, and additional corequisites in Mathematics and other sciences.
Physics Requirements
- PHYS2200 (or PHYS2100*) Introductory Physics I
- PHYS2201 (or PHYS2101*) Introductory Physics II
- PHYS2050 Introductory Physics Lab I
- PHYS2051 Introductory Physics Lab II
- PHYS3100 Vibrations and Waves
- PHYS3300 Modern Physics
- PHYS4100 Classical Mechanics
- PHYS4200 Electricity and Magnetism
- PHYS4400 Quantum Physics I
- PHYS4401 Quantum Physics II
- PHYS4500 Applied Mathematics for Physical Scientists**
- PHYS4600 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics At least 3 credits of a course, chosen from:
- PHYS4300 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing
- PHYS4951 Senior Thesis
- PHYS4350 Experiments in Physics
*Physics majors are strongly recommended to take the PHYS2200-2201 sequence. PHYS2100-2101 is typically for Biology, Pre-med, and students fulfilling science requirements.
**Students may replace with both MATH2210 Linear Algebra and MATH4410 Differential Equations
- At least 6 credits of an advanced (at or above the 4000 level) elective course. Courses vary from year-to-year, but recent offerings include:
- PHYS4505 Nuclear and Particle Physics
- PHYS4515 The Physics of Conventional and Alternative Energy
- PHYS4525 Foundations of Plasmonics
- PHYS4535 Nanoscale Integrated Science
- PHYS4545 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- PHYS4555 Optics
- PHYS5540 General Relativity; Cosmological Implications
- PHYS4595 Introduction to Quantum Computing
- MATH4440 Dynamical Systems
- Advanced undergraduate Physics majors may, with departmental approval, enroll in first-year graduate courses, such as PHYS7711, 7732, or 7741.
Corequisites
Students are also required to take the following courses.
Mathematics
MATH2202 Multivariable Calculus***
***Students without advanced math placement will need to take introductory calculus courses, such as MATH1103, which is a prerequisite for MATH2202.
Chemistry
- CHEM1109–1110 and associated labs; other science courses, along with their associated labs, may qualify but require prior departmental approval.
Computer Science
- CSCI2227 Introduction to Scientific Computation
Applied Physics Major
The Applied Physics major provides a flexible platform for students to combine a strong interest in the concepts and analytical tools of physics with any one of the varied applications of those tools to societal problems. In consultation with our Undergraduate Program Director, students will tailor an interdisciplinary program of study to focus on topical areas such as quantum computation, materials science, energy and the environment, biophysics, mathematical physics, financial modeling, and more. The curriculum will culminate in a research project with a physics faculty member, or jointly supervised by faculty members from multiple departments. This track is recommended for students planning to enter the workforce after graduation rather than applying to graduate school in physics or related disciplines.
Physics Requirements
- PHYS2200 (or PHYS2100*) Introductory Physics I
- PHYS2201 (or PHYS2101*) Introductory Physics II
- PHYS2050 Introductory Physics Lab I
- PHYS2051 Introductory Physics Lab II
- PHYS3100 Vibrations and Waves
- PHYS3300 Modern Physics
- PHYS4500 Applied Math for Physical Scientists**
- PHYS4700 Survey of Applied Physics
- At least two of the following Advanced Physics Courses
- PHYS4100 Classical Mechanics
- PHYS4200 Electricity & Magnetism
- PHYS4400 Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS4401 Quantum Mechanics II (QM I prerequisite)
- PHYS4600 Statistical Physics
* Physics majors are strongly recommended to take the PHYS2200-2201 sequence. PHYS2100-2101 is typically for Biology, Pre-med, and students fulfilling science requirements.
**Students may replace with both MATH2210 Linear Algebra and MATH4410 Differential Equations
- At least 3 elective courses at or above the 4000 level. May include courses from the Advanced Physics Course list above. Courses vary from year-to-year, but recent offerings include:
- PHYS4505 Nuclear and Particle Physics
- PHYS4515 The Physics of Conventional and Alternative Energy
- PHYS4525 Foundations of Plasmonics
- PHYS4535 Nanoscale Integrated Science
- PHYS4545 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- PHYS4555 Optics
- PHYS5540 General Relativity; Cosmological Implications
- PHYS4595 Introduction to Quantum Computing
- MATH4440 Dynamical Systems
- Applied Physics Capstone Project PHYS4955
Corequisites
Applied Physics Majors are also required to take the following courses.
Mathematics
MATH2202 Multivariable Calculus***
***Students without advanced math placement will need to take introductory calculus courses, such as MATH1103, which is a prerequisite for MATH2202.
Computer Science
CSCI2227 Introduction to Scientific Computation
Other Science
Two introductory science courses outside of physics
Physics Minor Requirements
The minimum requirements for a minor in Physics include 24 credits in Physics and 8 corequisite credits, as described below:
- PHYS2200 Introductory Physics I
- PHYS2201 Introductory Physics II
- PHYS2050 Introductory Physics Lab I
- PHYS2051 Introductory Physics Lab II
- PHYS3100 Vibrations and Waves
- PHYS3300 Modern Physics
- Two upper-level courses (PHYS4000 and above) of 3 or more credits each.
Students should discuss course selection with the Undergraduate Program Director.
Information for First-Year Majors and Non-Majors
Physical science, computer science, and mathematics majors planning on taking physics in their freshman year should enroll in PHYS2200 and the associated lab PHYS2050. Biology majors and premedical students should enroll in PHYS2100 with the associated discussion section and lab PHYS2050. Depending on high school background, Physics majors take either the Calculus I–II sequence MATH1102–1103, or Calculus II–AP MATH1105 or start with Multivariable Calculus MATH2202. Note that MATH1100–1101 is intended for Biology and Premedical students and is not sufficient calculus preparation for Physics majors.Students who are interested in studying abroad are strongly encouraged to do so during the spring semester of their junior year. While planning their study abroad program, Physics majors should meet with the Undergraduate Program Director. Students should inquire early at the Office of International Programs, and with possible host institutions, to arrange for a course of study appropriate for physics majors.
Information for Study Abroad
Before undertaking study abroad, it is strongly recommended that the Physics major complete PHYS2200, PHYS2201 (or PHYS2100, 2101) with labs, PHYS3100, PHYS3300 (also with labs), and the corequisite math course MATH2202. The Department typically allows a maximum of four courses taken abroad to count for major credit. Of these four courses, two should be major required courses, plus two Physics electives. The department recommends any program with a solid teaching and research program in physics.
Students who are interested in studying abroad are strongly encouraged to do so during the spring semester of their junior year. While planning their study abroad program, Physics majors should meet with the Undergraduate Program Director. Students should inquire early at the Office of International Programs, and with possible host institutions, to arrange for a course of study appropriate for physics majors.
Course Offerings
Courses numbered below 2000 are introductory courses directed primarily toward non-science majors. These courses have no prerequisites and need no mathematics beyond ordinary college entrance requirements. The courses that satisfy the Natural Science Core requirement are noted in the individual course descriptions. PHYS2100–2101 Introductory Physics I, II (Calculus) or PHYS2200–2201 Introduction to Physics I, II (Calculus) and PHYS2050–2051 Introductory Physics Laboratory I and II are required of all Chemistry and Physics majors; Biology majors should consult the Biology Department regarding Physics requirements. Courses numbered above 3000 are advanced offerings primarily for Physics majors.