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Prerequisite and co-requisite courses for the Physics major |
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Course |
Title |
Hours |
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Physics 151-152 |
Introductory Physics |
8 |
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Math 131-132 or 141-142 |
Calculus |
8 |
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Math 203 |
Multivariable Calculus |
4 |
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Math 307 |
Differential Equations |
3 |
Physics 151-152 should be taken no later than the sophomore year, preferably in the freshman year. The calculus sequence should be taken at the same time (or sooner!). Math 203 and 307 should be taken in the following year, to provide the appropriate mathematics preparation for the physics major.
The physics major consists of the following courses:
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Required Courses |
Title |
Hours |
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Physics 205 |
Modern Physics |
4 |
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Physics 210 |
Digital Electronics |
4 |
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Physics 250 |
Topics in Mathematical Physics |
3 |
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Physics 300 |
Physics Research |
3 |
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Physics 330 |
Intermediate Mechanics |
4 |
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Physics 340 |
Electricity and Magnetism |
4 |
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Physics 499 |
Senior Seminar in Physics |
3 |
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Plus, six hours from the following electives: |
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Physics 335 |
Continuum Mechanics |
3 |
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Physics 345 |
Magnetic materials & devices |
3 |
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Physics 430 |
Quantum Mechanics |
3 |
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Physics 435 |
Physical Optics |
3 |
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Physics 440 |
Statistical & Thermal Physics |
3 |
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Physics 445 |
Solid State Physics |
3 |
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Physics 481-482 |
Special Topics in Physics |
3 or 6 |
Additional elective courses may be substituted with the permission of the department from the following:
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Further elective courses |
Title |
Hours |
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Physics 215 |
Analog Electronics |
4 |
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Physics 320 |
Advanced Laboratory & Instrumentation |
1 |
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Physics 391-392 |
Independent Study |
3 or 6 |
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Physics 450 |
Physics Internship |
3 |
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Physics 497-498 |
Senior Project |
6 |
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Astronomy 231-232 |
Astrophysics |
3 or 6 |
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Astronomy 321 |
Observational Astronomy |
1 |
A typical (recommended) 4-year program leading to the physics major might look like this:
Freshman year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 151 |
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PHYS 152 |
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MATH 141 |
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MATH 142 |
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Sophomore year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 205 |
PHYS 250 |
PHYS 210 |
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MATH 203 |
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MATH 307 |
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Junior Year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 330 |
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PHYS 340 |
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Physics elective |
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Physics elective |
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Senior Year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 300 |
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PHYS 499 |
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Physics elective |
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Physics elective |
The student needs to select two physics electives in the four possible semesters listed.
A typical (doable) 3-year program leading to the physics major might look like this:
Sophomore year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 151 |
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PHYS 152 |
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MATH 141 |
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MATH 142 |
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Junior Year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 205 |
PHYS 250 |
PHYS 210 |
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PHYS 330 |
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PHYS 340 |
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MATH 203 |
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MATH 307 |
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Senior Year |
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Fall |
January |
Spring |
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PHYS 300 |
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PHYS 499 |
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Physics elective |
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Physics elective |
If a student waits to begin work in physics and mathematics until the junior year, it is probable that one or two additional semesters will be required to complete the major.