Major Requirements

A physics degree opens up a rich diversity of options to the graduating student. Approximately one-half of physics graduates go on to graduate school. Those not going on to graduate school enter employment in physics or such related fields as electronics, computers, or engineering, or as teachers. Reflecting the diversity of the major, there are two tracks open to physics undergraduates. The first option is the traditional one and is intended for those who are interested in experimental and theoretical physics as well as computational physics, and those who will be going on to graduate school. The second option emphasizes the application of computers to physics. A combination of skills in both physics and computer science is a valuable training for industrial employment.

In each of the options, students must achieve a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in physics and mathematics courses. When a course has an associated laboratory, the student must take both the lecture course and the laboratory concurrently, unless prior permission has been obtained from the department chairperson. Students should be aware that certain 300- and 400-level courses may be offered only in alternate years. Evening students should consult with the department as to the scheduling of courses.

Students seeking teacher certification in physics must complete the requirements for the major in physics as well as satisfying other requirements for certification. Either track in the physics program may be followed. For details regarding admission to the teacher education program and its requirements, students should consult the education department.

The requirements for the first two years of both tracks are almost identical to those of the pre-engineering program (005), giving the student three options during the first two years. The required courses are:

First Year

Sophomore Year

Students electing the traditional physics option should enroll in 50:640:250 Linear Algebra; 50:198:151 can be substituted for 50:198:111,112.

The two physics tracks differ in the junior year, although there is still considerable overlap and flexibility.

Traditional Physics Option

Junior Year

Senior Year

50:750:406 Introduction to Solid-State Physics may be substituted for 50:750:309.

Computational Physics Option

Junior Year

Senior Year

50:750:406 Introduction to Solid-State Physics may be substituted for 50:750:309. 50:750:235, 50:640:363, and 50:640:364 are strongly recommended, but are not required. 50:640:237 Discrete Mathematics and 50:198:113 Programming with Data Structures may be subsituted for 50:160:115-116 Chemical Principles.