Physics (B.S.)

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Students who are fascinated by the foundational and emergent patterns and phenomena that make up our universe and the world around us are encouraged to pursue study in the Physics major. Specifically, the Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for internships and careers in the physical sciences and also can leave students with ample time to pursue undergraduate research, which is required. This program of study prepares students for all vocations within physics, including students who wish to pursue further academic study in graduate school.

A minimum grade of C minus (C - ) is required in the following courses:

PHY 121
PHY 122
PHY 221
PHY 293
PHY 294

Required Physics Courses

PHY 121 - Introductory Physics I (4)
PHY 122 - Introductory Physics II (4)
PHY 130 - First-Year Physics Seminar (1)
PHY 221 - Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4)
PHY 225 - Electronics (4)
PHY 226 - Electronics Laboratory (2)
PHY 261 - Introduction to Materials Science (4)
PHY 283 - Modern Physics (4)
PHY 284 - Modern Physics Laboratory (2)
PHY 293 - Mechanics (4)
PHY 294 - Mechanics Laboratory (2)
PHY 338 - Electric and Magnetic Fields I Lab (2)
PHY 339 - Electric and Magnetic Fields I (4)
PHY 355 - Quantum Mechanics (4)
PHY 372 - Thermal Physics (4)
PHY 391 - Junior Seminar I (0)
PHY 392 - Junior Seminar II (0)
PHY 471 - Research I (1-4)
PHY 472 - Research II (1-4)
PHY 491 - Senior Seminar I (1)
PHY 492 - Senior Seminar II (1)
*PHY471/472 Research can be completed as follows:
- 2 credits fall and 2 credits spring, or
- 2 credits in a semester and a 0-credit summer experience

Required Chemistry or Computer Science Course

Students will complete one of the following:

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)
CPS 121 - Introduction to Programming (4)

Required Mathematics Courses

MAT 121 - Calculus I (4)
MAT 122 - Calculus II (4)
MAT 222 - Calculus III (2)
MAT 226 - Differential Equations I (2)
MAT 227 - Differential Equations II (2)

Honors in Physics

Students may graduate with honors in Physics by conducting, writing, presenting and defending an honors thesis based on substantial research during their senior year. Candidates will develop a project in consultation with a faculty advisor and thesis committee (two additional members of the Department). For honors the thesis must be holistic and of high quality and must be orally defended before department faculty and the public prior to exam week. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall.