Physics, B.S.

Students should complete these courses which serve as a foundation to the major prior to the start of their junior year:

• MTH-151 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
• MTH-160 Vectors and Matrices
• PHY-111 General Physics I
• PHY-112 General Physics II
• PHY-241 Introduction to Modern Physics
• PHY-331 Thermodynamics

Majors must also include:

• PHY-311 Classical Mechanics I
• PHY-312 Classical Mechanics II
• PHY-321 Electromagnetic Theory I
• PHY-322 Electromagnetic Theory II
• PHY-441 Quantum Mechanics I

Students intending to pursue graduate study in physics should also very strongly consider completing additional courses, including:

• PHY-442 Quantum Mechanics II
• PHY-451 Astrophysics
• PHY-452 Atomic and Nuclear Physics

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• PHY-502 Research or
• PHY-504 Directed Independent Study

Students planning to teach physics in secondary schools must also complete these courses in addition to major requirements:

• BIO-111 Foundations of Biology

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• CHM-110 Foundations of Chemistry

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• PHY-105 Descriptive Astronomy

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• EDU-111 Perspectives on American Education
• EDU-120 Human Development
• EDU-221 Students with Exceptionalities
• EDU-350 Curriculum and Methods for Teaching Grades 9-12
• EDU-454 Teaching Science in Grades 9-12
• EDU-460 Critical Issues in Secondary Education
• EDU-433 Foundations of Literacy Instruction
• EDU-434 Content Literacy Strategies and Modifications for Diverse Learners
• EDU-472 Practicum: Secondary Teaching and
• EDEP-670 in addition to the prescribed courses in the major (excluding PHY-441  and the final elective in physics).

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• MTH-250 Vector Calculus and
• MTH-255 Differential Equations are also highly recommended.

Course Options for First-Year Students

If you are interested in exploring classes within this department, here are some possibilities to consider.