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Typical Course of Study for Physics Concentrators

Who start in their Sophomore year

FALL

SPRING

YEAR 2

PHYS 101—General Physics (required)

MATH 213—Mutivariable Calculus (recommended)

YEAR 2

PHYS 102—General Physics

MATH 302—Ordinary Differential Equations

YEAR 3

PHYS 201—Modern Physics

PHYS 251—Experimental Atomic Physics

MATH 211—Linear Algebra

YEAR 3

PHYS 208—Classical Mechanics I

PHYS 252—Electronics I

CSCI141—Introduction to Computer Science

YEAR 4

PHYS 313—Introduction to Quantum Physics I

PHYS 303—Classical Mechanics II

PHYS 451/495—Physics/Honors Research

 

YEAR 4

PHYS 401—Electricity and Magnetism I

PHYS 314—Introduction to Quantum Physics II

PHYS 452/496—Physics/Honors Research

  • Degree requirements include all courses in bold , except that PHYS 403 may replace PHYS 303.
  • Computing proficiency requirement —CSCI 141 (offered F and S) or demonstrated programming ability.
  • Honors in Physics requires PHYS 303 and PHYS 351, as well as PHYS 314 or PHYS 402.
  • Math courses listed in regular font are strongly recommended for all physics concentrators.
  • Preparation for graduate school . Students expecting to pursue graduate study in physics are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 303, 314, 402, 403, PHYS 309—Undergraduate Seminar, PHYS 351—Electronics II, and PHYS 352—Experimental Modern Physics. Additional math courses recommended for these students are MATH 417 Vector Calculus for Scientists, and either MATH 405 Complex Analysis, or PHYS 475 Introduction to Mathematical Physics.

Minor in Physics - The minor in physics consists of 20 credits and includes Physics 101, 102, 201 and three other Physics courses, one of which is numbered above 201.

Medical Track - An alternative physics concentration for those who are planning to fulfill the requirements for entering medical school. It consists of a minimum of 30 credits in physics, including Physics 102/102 or 107/108, Physics 201, 208, 251,252, 313, 401 and 451/452. In addition, this track requires a combined total of 42 credits, including Chemistry 209/353 or Chemistry 307/353, and Chemistry 308/354, and Biology 203 and 204.

 

 


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