Course Planning

Physics - Where to Start?

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Where should I start if I am just sampling this subject as a non-major?

    Non-majors who wish to sample the subject should take a 100- or 200- level course in Physics (PHYS) depending upon interests and preparation in mathematics.

  • Introductory Topics in Physics (PHYS 100);
  • Astronomy (PHYS 160);
  • Physics I – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 235);

    • Courses at the 100-level do not presume math beyond the high school level. Courses at the 200-level require experience with Calculus I (MATH 130). Experience with Calculus I means that students have credit for Calculus I, are concurrently enrolled in Calculus I (MATH 130), or their Student Placement Record recommends Calculus II (MATH 140) or higher.

Where should I start if I might use this as part of a major or as a potential major?

    Students considering a potential major in Physics should complete two 2-course sequences in the first-year either through coursework or advance placement credits: 

  • Physics I – Workshop (w/Lab)  (PHYS 235) and Physics II – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 245)
  • Calculus I (MATH 130) and Calculus II (MATH 140).

    • Note: Physics I – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 235) requires experience with Calculus I (MATH 130). Experience with Calculus I means that students have credit for Calculus I, are concurrently enrolled in Calculus I (MATH 130), or their Student Placement Record recommends Calculus II (MATH 140) or higher.

Where should I start if I have some experience in this discipline before college?

  • For AP or IB credits – please refer to Advanced Placement Credits or International Baccalaureate Credits in the College Catalog.
  • If you have placement credits for the full first year of physics, please consult with the Physics Department Chair or a member of the Physics Department about where to begin. 

When should I declare a major?

 
  • All students must declare a major by March 1st of their sophomore year.