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.
Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan for this 14 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
| First Year |
Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits
- Physics I – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 235)
- Calculus I (MATH 130)
|
Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits
- Physics II – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 245)
- Calculus II (MATH 140)
|
| Sophomore |
|
- Modern Physics (PHYS 315)
- Possibly one additional upper-level Physics course
|
| Junior |
1-2 upper-level Physics courses per semester*:
- Electronics (PHYS 340)
- Electrodynamics (PHYS 420)
- Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430)
- Thermal Physics (PHYS 470)
- Classical Mechanics (PHYS 480)
|
| Senior |
Complete the remaining upper-level Physics courses*:
- Electronics (PHYS 340)
- Electrodynamics (PHYS 420)
- Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430)
- Thermal Physics (PHYS 470)
- Classical Mechanics (PHYS 480)
|
|
*The 400-level Physics courses are offered every other year. Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430) and Thermal Physics (PHYS 470) alternate in the fall semester. Electrodynamics (PHYS 420) and Classical Mechanics (PHYS 480) alternate in the spring. Please plan accordingly. |
Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
| First Year |
-
|
- |
| Sophomore |
Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits
- Physics I – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 235)
- Calculus I (MATH 130)
|
Complete the following through coursework or Advanced Placement Credits
- Physics II – Workshop (w/Lab) (PHYS 245)
- Calculus II (MATH 140)
|
| Junior |
- Vibrations & Waves (PHYS 305)
- Differential Equations (MATH 260)
- One 400-level Physics course*
|
- Modern Physics (PHYS 315)
- One 400-level Physics course*
|
| Senior |
Complete the remaining upper-level Physics courses*:
- Electronics (PHYS 340)
- Electrodynamics (PHYS 420)
- Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430)
- Thermal Physics (PHYS 470)
- Classical Mechanics (PHYS 480)
|
|
*The 400-level Physics courses are offered every other year. Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 430) and Thermal Physics (PHYS 470) alternate in the fall semester. Electrodynamics (PHYS 420) and Classical Mechanics (PHYS 480) alternate in the spring. Please plan accordingly. |
Planning
Recommendations:
Four 400-level courses are offered on an every-other-year basis. Please work your physics advisor to design a course plan suited to your professional goals.
While research is not required for the major, interested students should consult with the Department Chair in the Department of Physics early in the sophomore year.
Study Abroad/ Study Away semesters can be difficult due to the highly sequenced nature of the Physics major. With careful, early planning, physics students completing their major in four years can arrange their courses to study away for a semester, typically
in the spring of the second year or the fall of the third or fourth year. Summer programs are another good option.
Capstone Comments: The Senior Capstone Experience for physics majors consists of a comprehensive exam taken in the senior year. Please see your departmental advisor for more details.