Physics is a very broad discipline. Our graduates participate in such diverse activities as the writing of "realistic" computer games to the modeling of financial activities on Wall Street as well as the traditional activities of physicists. For a detailed description of the latter activities visit http://www.careercornerstone.org.

The physics major may participate in internationally recognized research activities carried out by the faculty. Some major areas of specialization include atomic physics, elementary particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and both hard and soft condensed matter physics.

In addition to technical physics courses, the department offers a wide range of general interest courses intended to broaden the scientific background of nonscience majors as well as minors in astronomy and physics.

Students who are interested in this program should discuss their plans with the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Department.

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 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. honors major and the B.S. major are for students who plan to continue their study of physics in graduate school or who intend to work in physics or related fields.

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 electrical engineering, engineering physics, civil engineering, materials engineering, or mechanical engineering. For further information, contact Mr. Joseph Hemmes, coordinator of the B.S./B.E. program, at the College Advising Center, Main Building, 100 Washington Square East, Room 905; (212) 998-8130 or e-mail: joseph.hemmes@nyu.edu

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. Also of interest is Observational Astronomy, V85.0013, for which a prerequisite is recommended.

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 often 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, V63.0021, 0022, 0023. 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

1. Major in Physics: The 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 basic major in physics consists of the following courses:

• Year 1: V63.0121 - Calculus 1, V63.0122 - Calculus 2, V85.0091 - Physics 1 Lec , V85.0093 - Physics 2 Lec, and V85.0094 - Physics 2 Lab;
• Year 2: V63.0123 - Calculus 3, V85.0095 - Physics 3 Lec, V85.0096 - Physics 3 Lab, V85.0103 - Modern Physics 1, and V85.0106 - Mathematical Physics;
• Year 3: V85.0104 - Modern Physics 2, V85.0112 - Experimental Physics, V85.0131 - Electricity and Magnetism 1, and V85.0132 - Electricity and Magnetism 2;
• Year 3 and 4: Two electives to be chosen from the physics courses numbered V85.0110 and above.

Note: Two semesters of intensive calculus can be substituted for the three courses and then V63.0140 - Linear Algebra is recommended. The Physics 1, 2, 3 sequence is intended for physics majors only. Students with other majors can only enroll in these courses with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies.

2. 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 - Intensive Calculus 1, V63.0222 - Intensive Calculus 2, V85.0091 - Physics 1Lec , and V85.0093 - Physics 2 Lec, and V85.0094 - Physics 2 Lab;
• Year 2: V85.0095 - Physics 3 Lec, V85.0096 - Physics 3 Lab, V85.0103 - Modern Physics 1, and V85.0106 - Mathematical Physics;
• Year 3: V85.0104 - Modern Physics 2, V85.0110 - Electronics for Scientists , V85.0120 - Dynamics, V85.0131 - Electricity and Magnetism 1, and V85.0132 - Electricity and Magnetism 2;
• Year 4: V85.0112 - Experimental Physics, V85.0123 - Quantum Mechanics 1, , V85.0140 - Thermal and Statistical Physics

Students are advised to take advanced-level mathematics courses such as V63.0140 - Linear Algebra and/or V85.0124 - Quantum Mechanics 2. Consult with the director of undergraduate studies.

3. 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

1. Bachelor of Science in physics: The B.S. degree in physics will be granted to students completing the following, in addition to the standard college requirements.

All courses required for the B.A. major, plus the following electives:

1. A semester of computer science at or above the level of Introduction to Computer Science I, V22.0101.
2. Two semesters of chemistry at or above the level of College Chemistry I, II, V25.0101, 0102.
3. 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.

2. 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, Main Building, 100 Washington Square East, Room 905; (212) 998-8130 or e-mail: joseph.hemmes@nyu.edu.

MINORS

1. Minor in physics: Provides the student with a general survey of the field. 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 - Sound and Music, V85.0020 - 20th-Century Concepts..., V85.0011 - General Physics-1, V85.0012 - General Physics-2, any course greater than or equal to V85.0091 - Physics 1 except the physics labs V85.0094 and 0096.

2. Minor in astronomy: Minor in astronomy: Provides a comprehensive introduction to astronomy, including modern concepts, historical ideas, and observational experience. Consists of four courses: V85.0007 - The Universe, V85.0008 - Origins of Astronomy, V85.0013 - Obsevational Astronomy, V85.0150 - Astrophysics. Or 3 courses from this list and 1 course from the Minor in Physics list above.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

V85.0997, 0998 may be taken by all students who have interests that are not included in the curriculum. These courses are taken under specific faculty supervision. Students must consult with the director of undergraduate studies before registering for these courses.

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 Honors and Awards.