Major in Physics

Formally, the Physics major requires 15 courses:

  • MATH 110+115 & MATH 120+125 & MATH 212 (3 semesters of introductory Mathematics)
  • PHYS 111 & PHYS 112 & PHYS 201 (3 semesters of introductory Physics)
  • PHYS 202 & PHYS 220 or PHYS 230 (2 semesters of skill courses)
  • Any two of PHYS 301, PHYS 302, PHYS 304, & PHYS 350 (2 semesters of advanced Physics)
  • PHYS 3XX (2 semesters of advanced Physics)

Information can also be found on the official course catalogue website for Physics major and Physics minor.

The two-semester Calculus Physics sequence PHYS-111 & PHYS-112 is necessary to major in Physics. It is best taken the first year, although one can still complete the major if the sequence is taken in the second year.

The two half-semester Calculus Mathematics courses MATH 110+120 must be taken at least concurrently with the Calculus Physics courses PHYS 111+112.

Those students considering graduate study in Physics should also take PHYS-350 (Quantum Mechanics), MATH-211 (Linear Algebra), and the two-semester, introductory Chemistry sequence CHEM-111 & CHEM-112, and as many advanced Physics courses as can be scheduled. Good choices for other Mathematics classes are MATH-221 (Differential Equations) and MATH-327 (Numerical Analysis).

Those students considering astronomy or astrophysics as a career should major in Physics and take PHYS-104 (Astronomy of the Solar System), PHYS-105 (Astronomy of Stars and Galaxy), and PHYS-320 (Astrophysics).

PHYS-103, PHYS-104, PHYS-105, PHYS-106, PHYS-107, and PHYS-108 do not count toward a Physics major (except by special permission of the department).

The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated in Physics courses with a laboratory and must therefore be taken concurrently. The course grade and the laboratory grade will be identical and are based on performance in both components; the relative weight of the two components will be stated in each course syllabus.

Physics majors cannot use the pass/fail (S/NC) grading option for the required courses, and the department recommends that they not use it for any course in Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry.

Only grades of C– or better are accepted for the major or minor.

Physics majors planning to get a minor in mathematics need to take an additional math course beyond the six otherwise required for the math minor. College-wide policy requires that at least four courses for the minor do not count toward any other major or minor. Because the half-semester courses MATH 110 + 115 + 120 + 125, and MATH 212 are required for the physics major, students need to take four additional math courses in order to minor in math.

Flow chart of prerequisites for the Physics major.

Special Notes

  • The Calculus Physics sequence PHYS 11100, PHYS 11200 is a prerequisite for the selection of Physics as a major and is best taken the first year, although one can still complete the major if the sequence is taken the second year.
  • The Calculus Math sequence (four half-semester courses) MATH 11000, MATH 11500, MATH 12000, and MATH 12500 must be taken at least concurrently with the Calculus Physics sequence.
  • Those students considering graduate study in physics should be sure to take all four core curriculum classes (PHYS 30100, PHYS 30200, PHYS 30400, PHYS 35000).  In addition, we suggest these students take MATH 21100, CHEM 11100, CHEM 11200, and as many advanced Physics courses as can be scheduled.
  • Those students considering astronomy or astrophysics as a career should major in Physics and take PHYS 10400, PHYS 10500, and PHYS 32000.
  • For students interested in engineering, Physics is a natural basis for 3-2 engineering programs, which are described under Pre-Professional and Dual Degree Programs.
  • Students in a 3-2 program must complete at least two 300-level courses (at least one of which must be PHYS 30100, 30200, or 30400), and Junior I.S. (PHYS 40100) by the end of the junior year.
  • PHYS 10300, PHYS 10400, PHYS 10500,  PHYS 10600 , PHYS 10700, and PHYS 10800 do not count toward a Physics major.
  • No student may receive credit for both PHYS 10700 and PHYS 11100, or for both PHYS 10800 and PHYS 11200.
  • Advanced Placement: A student may receive credit if a score of 4 or 5 is obtained on any of the following AP examinations:
    • Physics 1
    • Physics 2
    • Physics C: Mechanics
    • Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
  • Students need to check with the chairperson of the department to determine whether they will receive one or two credits toward graduation and at what level they should begin their college Physics courses. The advanced placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Admission. Students who have taken a college level physics course (other than Advanced Level or AP Exam) and would like to place beyond the first Physics course need to take a placement exam that the chairperson administers.
  • The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated in Physics courses with a laboratory and must therefore be taken concurrently. The course grade and the laboratory grade will be identical and are based on performance in both components; the relative weight of the two components will be stated in each course syllabus.
  • Physics majors cannot use S/NC grading option for the required courses, and the department recommends they not use it for any course in Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry.
  • Physics minors can use the S/NC grading option for no more than two of the required courses.
  • Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major or minor.
  • Only grades of C- or better are accepted as a prerequisite for 200-level courses and above.