Degree Requirements
Physics 2311, 2111, 2312, 2112 (General Physics I and II) and 24 advanced credits in Physics that are selected in consultation with the Physics Department are required for the B.A. in physics. The courses that compose the 24 advanced credits regularly include Physics 3320 (Quantum Physics), 3120 (Quantum Laboratory), 3326 (Statistical Physics), 3341 (Optics), 3141 (Optics Laboratory), 3363 (Computational Physics), 4423 (Theoretical Mechanics), 4424 (Quantum Mechanics) and 4327 (Electromagnetic Theory).
In addition, Chemistry 1303, 1103, 1304, 1104 and Math 1404, 1411, 2412 and 3324 are required. Math 4315 is a suggested elective. Knowledge and use of computers is expected. Physics seminar is recommended for juniors and seniors. Physics majors are encouraged to take Philosophy 4333 as an elective. All students are required to pass written and oral comprehensive exams in the last year of their undergraduate studies. These exams cover topics of all required courses in physics for the B.A. or B.S. degree.
Students who place at the intermediate level in foreign language should complete the language requirement during their freshman year and start Chemistry 1303/1103 and Chemistry 1304/1104 their junior year, while students needing four semesters of foreign language should wait until their junior year to begin the language sequence. Students considering majoring in Physics should apply to the O’Hara Chemical Sciences Institute (see Chemistry) to take General Chemistry I and II in the summer before the freshman year.