DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Majors: The programs for the major are designed to meet a number of goals. They provide good preparation for graduate school; indeed, many of our students go on to some of the world’s best graduate programs. They develop a range of technical skills, most of which relate to the challenging intellectual problems of building quantitative theoretical models and making precise measurements of physically interesting phenomena. The programs are also designed to satisfy curiosity about the fundamental laws that govern every aspect of the world, from the interactions of subatomic particles to the origin and behavior of the entire universe.
The programs are simultaneously very deep and very broad. Course work includes both theoretical subjects and experimental activity in laboratories. The programs are designed to give students flexibility in years 3 and 4 to pursue interdisciplinary activities, spend time abroad, or delve into greater depth in a subject or into original research.
The department is a collegial place where faculty and students get to know one another well: there are regular formal and informal seminars, there is a thriving Society of Physics Students, and students and faculty often collaborate on original research problems. Many of the students participate in original research and coauthor scientific publications. For all of these reasons, and in addition to the rigor of the courses, students are extremely well prepared for a wide range of activities—not just in scientific research but also in professional and engineering pursuits—or any area where abstract thinking and quantitative modeling of real systems are necessary and rewarded.
Nonmajors: For nonscience majors, there are nontechnical courses that introduce some of the concepts and events that are most important to understanding physics and its impact on the contemporary world. For science majors outside of physics, there are technical courses that bring breadth or ideas about fundamental laws that underpin the other sciences. The department provides courses designed to meet the preprofessional goals of prehealth students and students in engineering disciplines.
Minors: Students who are interested in obtaining significant experience in the ideas of physics without committing to the major or without obtaining a comprehensive mathematical background can minor in physics or astronomy.
SUGGESTED PROGRAMS FOR MAJORS IN PHYSICS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) PROGRAM
For students entering in fall 2011 and thereafter, the major will require the following four new laboratory courses, which replace existing laboratory requirements : PHYS-UA 71 Introductory Experimental Physics I (replaces PHYS-UA 92 Physics I Laboratory); PHYS-UA 72 Introductory Experimental Physics II (replaces PHYS-UA 94 Physics II Laboratory); PHYS-UA 73 Intermediate Experimental Physics I (replaces PHYS-UA 96 Physics III Laboratory); and PHYS-UA 74 Intermediate Experimental Physics II (replaces PHYS-UA 107 Classical and Quantum Waves Laboratory). Thus, the major in physics consists of the following courses:
Year 1: MATH-UA 121, MATH-UA 122, PHYS-UA 91, PHYS-UA 71, PHYS-UA 93, and PHYS-UA 72
Year 2: MATH-UA 123, PHYS-UA 95, PHYS-UA 73, PHYS-UA 105, PHYS-UA 106, and PHYS-UA 74
Years 3 and 4: PHYS-UA 112, PHYS-UA 123, PHYS-UA 131, PHYS-UA 140, and two electives from among the advanced physics courses
Mathematics: The calculus requirement may be satisfied by taking Honors Calculus I, II (MATH-UA 221, 222) or Calculus I, II, III (MATH-UA 121 - 123). Students who take the Honors Calculus sequence begin it in the fall semester of their freshman year. Students who complete Honors Calculus I, II are encouraged to take Linear Algebra (MATH-UA 140) in the fall term of the second year. Variations may be constructed with the approval of the director of undergraduate studies. In addition, students are advised to take advanced mathematics courses as they proceed in the major.
Double major including Physics: The major offers 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.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) PROGRAM
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:
- The required courses for the B.A. major, including one of the physics electives
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Computational Physics (PHYS-UA 210)
- Two courses in chemistry at or above the level of General Chemistry I, II (CHEM-UA 125, 126)
- A course in biology at or above the level of Principles of Biology (BIOL-UA 11) or in chemistry above the level of General Chemistry II (CHEM-UA 126)
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: PHYS-UA 10, PHYS-UA 11, PHYS-UA 12, PHYS-UA 20, and all courses numbered above and including PHYS-UA 91 (except for pure laboratory courses).
Minor in Astronomy: Provides a comprehensive introduction to astronomy, including modern concepts, historical ideas, and observational experience. Consists of four courses; PHYS-UA 7 is required, plus the three following courses (or two of the following and one of the courses listed under the minor in physics): PHYS-UA 8, PHYS-UA 13, and PHYS-UA 150.
HONORS PROGRAM
Candidates for a degree with honors in physics must complete the requirements for the B.A. 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 this bulletin.
