Physics Major
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
The major requires a minimum of 37 credit hours (nine courses plus research). Coursework in mathematics is also required (but not listed here) to prepare students for courses in physics.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 121 | Classical and Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 122 | Classical and Modern Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 223 | Classical and Modern Physics III | 4 |
| PHYS 224 | Classical & Modern Physics IV | 4 |
| PHYS 231 | Experimental Physics I | 1-4 |
| PHYS 232 | Experimental Physics II | 2 |
| PHYS 370 | Physics Research | 1-4 |
| PHYS 470 | Research, Thesis and Defense | 1-8 |
| or PHYS 490 | Honors Research, Thesis and Defense | |
| Two 400-level PHYS courses | 8 | |
| Additional PHYS courses | 4-8 | |
| Total Credits = 37- 48 | ||
The core foundational courses of the Physics major include two introductory courses (PHYS 121/122), two intermediate courses (PHYS 223/224), two experimental courses (PHYS 231/232; four credits total), and at least two advanced courses at the 400 level. An off-campus internship is required (PHYS 370). For the Bachelor of Science, a senior research thesis is required (PHYS 470 or 490). PHYS 210 (Observatory Practice) may count for two credits of experimental and two credits of "additional Physics courses". The exact content of the courses is determined for the individual student, based on their interests and career goals.
Note: PHYS 101 Physics for Nonscientists (variable title)., PHYS 104 Elementary Electronics (CTIS 104), PHYS 107 The Solar System, PHYS 108 Realm of the Stars, PHYS 109 Beyond the Stars and PHYS 461 Physics Research Seminar do not apply toward either Physics major or the minor. Physics X50 courses may count, depending on their content. The student should be clear with their advisor whether a certain special topics course counts or not before taking it.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics
The major requires a minimum of 37 credit hours (nine courses). Coursework in mathematics is required to prepare students for courses in physics, but is not included in the credits for the Physics major. The primary difference between the Bachelor of Arts program and the Bachelor of Science program is that the BA student does not complete a senior thesis research project.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 121 | Classical and Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 122 | Classical and Modern Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 223 | Classical and Modern Physics III | 4 |
| PHYS 224 | Classical & Modern Physics IV | 4 |
| PHYS 231 | Experimental Physics I | 2 |
| PHYS 232 | Experimental Physics II | 1-4 |
| PHYS 370 | Physics Research | 8 |
| Two 400-level PHYS courses | 8 | |
| Additional PHYS courses | 8 | |
| Total Credits = 37-40 | ||
Note: PHYS 101 Physics for Nonscientists (variable title)., PHYS 104 Elementary Electronics (CTIS 104), PHYS 107 The Solar System, PHYS 108 Realm of the Stars, PHYS 109 Beyond the Stars and PHYS 461 Physics Research Seminar do not apply toward either Physics major or the minor. Physics X50 courses may count, depending on their content. The student should be clear with their advisor whether a certain special topics course counts or not before taking it.