DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
The Department of Physics offers several programs for majors in physics, leading to either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree. A minor in physics and a minor in astronomy are also offered. The basic B.A. major is particularly well suited for preprofessional and other students who, while not planning careers in physics, would like to have the benefits and background of an undergraduate major in physics. The B.A. intensive major is for students who plan to continue their study of physics in graduate school or who intend to work in physics or related fields. The B.S. degree provides some breadth in other sciences.
In a joint program between New York University and Stevens Institute of Technology, a physics major at NYU can be combined with an engineering major at Stevens. The five-year program leads to a B.S. degree in physics and a B.E. degree in either civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. For further information, contact Mr. Joseph Hemmes, coordinator of the B.S./B.E. program, at the College Advising Center, Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, Room 905; 212-998-8130.
For students not majoring in physics, the following courses are suitable for single electives, have no prerequisites, and assume no mathematical background beyond the high school level. Of special interest to the nonscience major are the following: Sound and Music, V85.0010; 20th-Century Concepts of Space, Time, and Matter, V85.0020; The Universe: Its Nature and History, V85.0007; and Origins of Astronomy, V85.0008. Observational Astronomy, V85.0013, is also of interest. Prerequisite is V55.0202 or above, or V85.0007 or above, or permission of instructor for nonscience majors and minors; no prerequisite required for science majors and minors or those automatically satisfying NSI requirements.
Physics is the most highly developed of the natural sciences. For this reason, it is frequently taken as the exemplar of the scientific method, the model for other quantitative sciences. Those trained in physics are found in many occupations. A higher degree opens the possibility of creative research in industry or teaching and research in colleges and universities. Men and women with degrees in physics are employed in various fields of engineering. Undergraduate training in physics is valuable preparation for careers in medicine and dentistry, computer technology, environmental and earth sciences, communications, and science writing. It is fairly common for those planning research careers in molecular biology, chemical physics, or astronomy to major in physics while undergraduates. Because of their physical intuition, ability to develop abstract models, and expertise in quantitative reasoning, physicists are frequently members of interdisciplinary groups engaged in studying problems not directly related to physics.
SUGGESTED PROGRAMS FOR MAJORS IN PHYSICS
The calculus requirement may be satisfied by taking Intensive Calculus I, II, V63.0221, 0222, or Calculus I, II, III, V63.0121, 0122, 0123. Students who take the Intensive Calculus sequence begin it in the fall semester of their freshman year. Students who complete Intensive Calculus I, II are encouraged to take Linear Algebra, V63.0140, in the fall term of the second year. Variations of the following programs may be constructed with the approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
B.A. PROGRAMS
Basic major in physics: Provides maximum flexibility for tailoring a program to the needs of a student who has a strong interest in another area in addition to physics. Those wishing to enter physics as a profession should take the intensive major. The major in physics consists of the following courses: Year 1: V63.0121, V63.0122, V85.0091, V85.0093, and V85.0094; Year 2: V63.0123, V85.0095, V85.0096, V85.0103, and V85.0106; Year 3: V85.0104, V85.0131, and V85.0132; Year 4: V85.0112; and Year 3 or 4: two electives to be chosen from the physics courses numbered V85.0110 and above.
Intensive major in physics: Recommended for students planning to do graduate work in physics or related areas and for those who need a broader base in physics for their work in other fields. Year 1: V63.0221, V63.0222, V85.0091, V85.0093, and V85.0094; Year 2: V63.0123, V85.0095, V85.0096, V85.0103, and V85.0106; Year 3: V85.0104, V85.0110, V85.0120, V85.0131, and V85.0132; Year 4: V85.0123, V85.0140, and V85.0112.
Math electives: Students are advised to take advanced-level mathematics courses. Consult with the director of undergraduate studies.
Double major including physics: Offers the flexibility to complete the requirements for a second major in the College. Students may wish to combine a major in physics with a major in a field such as mathematics, computer science, chemistry, economics, or biology. Students should consult the director of undergraduate studies in their freshman year to outline a program that is best tailored to their needs.
B.S. PROGRAM
Bachelor of Science in physics: The B.S. degree involves breadth in the sciences in addition to the physics major. The B.S. degree in physics will be granted to students completing the following, in addition to the standard college requirements. (1) All courses required for the basic B.A. major, including electives. (2) The course Computational Physics V85.0210 (3) Two semesters of chemistry at or above the level of College Chemistry I, II, V25.0101, 0102. (4) An elective course in biology—at or above the level of Principles of Biology, V23.0011; or in chemistry—above the level of College Chemistry II, V25.0102.
Joint program with Stevens Institute of Technology: The department offers a five-year program leading to a B.S. (in physics) and a B.E. (in one of several engineering disciplines) in conjunction with Stevens Institute of Technology.
Detailed programs of study are worked out in consultation with Mr. Joseph Hemmes, coordinator of the program, in the College of Arts and Science Advising Center, Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, Room 905; 212-998-8130.
MINORS
Minor in physics: Provides the student with a general survey of the field plus specialized study. Consists of four of the following courses, or three of the following courses plus one of the courses listed under the minor in astronomy: V85.0010, V85.0011 and 0012, V85.0019, V85.0020, and all courses numbered above and including V85.0091 except for V85.0094 and V85.0096.
Minor in astronomy: Provides a comprehensive introduction to astronomy, including modern concepts, historical ideas, and observational experience. Consists of four courses: V85.0007 and the three following (or two of the following, and one of the courses listed under the minor in physics): V85.0008, V85.0013, and V85.0150.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
V85.0997, 0998 may be taken by all students who have interests that are not included in the curriculum or who wish to carry out research under faculty supervision.
HONORS PROGRAM
Candidates for a degree with honors in physics must complete the requirements for an intensive major described above. They must also complete the equivalent of a semester of experimental or theoretical research. Students who wish to fulfill this requirement should discuss possible options, such as independent study courses, with the director of undergraduate studies. A research paper based on this work must be prepared and orally presented. For additional general requirements for a degree with honors, please see the Honors and Awards section of the CAS Bulletin.