There are likely many paths from wherever you are to a physics degree. Physics majors take far too many paths to their degrees to list here. This document aims to lay out the physics major requirements and some guiding principles for when you might complete them.
Executive summary for first-year students
- Your future options are maximized by completing the calculus sequence through Math 120 (or AP, IB, or placement equivalent) and an introductory physics course during your first year.
- If some aspect of the above recommendation doesn’t seem to make sense for your specific circumstances, you can still be a physics major! You should talk to a member of the physics faculty to better understand your options [see example timelines at the bottom].
- Planning, flexibility, and seeking advice from the physics faculty are the keys to your successful journey.
Major Requirements: When and Why
The following material summarizes the major requirements and roughly when it is typically advisable to complete them. If some aspect of the recommendations to follow doesn’t seem to fit your circumstances, you can still be a physics major! You should talk to a member of the physics faculty to better understand your options. Some examples for how the timeline can play out are provided at the end of this document.
What: (MATH101 or MATH111), MATH120, (MATH210 or MATH211), and (MATH134 or MATH232) or in words, Calc 1, Calc 2 and Calc 3 as well as a course in Linear Algebra.
When: MATH101 or MATH111 before introductory physics, continue through the sequence as soon as possible.
Why: these math courses form prerequisites for many physics courses. See, in particular, the prerequisites for the 200-level core courses.
- An introductory physics course
What: we have several options for completing a term of introductory physics. See the decision tree to find one that is right for you.
When: typically during your first year.
Why: completing intro physics during your first year maximizes your options for OCS (off-campus studies) and future physics coursework.
- The 200-level core
What: The 200-level core consists of
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics–PHYS228 (fall, with lab),
- Analytical and Computational Mechanics–PHYS231 (winter, no lab),
- Electricity and Magnetism–PHYS235 (spring, with lab)
Note that they are each offered once per year in the term noted.
When: We typically recommend taking each of them between the start of your sophomore year and the end of your junior year.
Why: Some of these courses are prerequisites for 300-level PHYS courses. Completing them by the end of your junior year lines you up for comps and helps optimize your access to PHYS electives.
- 300-level coursework
What:
- A 300-level experimental course: choose one of (PHYS342, PHYS343, or PHYS344 AND PHYS345)
- A 300-level theory course: choose one of (PHYS335, PHYS346, or PHYS352)
When: prerequisites typically imply that these courses are taken after most of the 200-level core is complete. It is also strongly recommended that students complete at least one 300-level course before comps.
Why: to further develop your skills in each branch of physics and to build skills for comps.
- Additional Physics/Astronomy course
What: almost any additional physics or astronomy courses at any level
When: anytime you want, though your options will increase as you move through the 200-level core. Note also that some of our courses are on an approximately every-other-year rotation.
Why: to explore some physics or astronomy that is of specific interest to you.
- Comps
What: a 7500-word paper and a presentation on a physics-related topic aligned with your interests. See the comps document for details.
When: mostly winter of your senior year, though some work begins that fall, and for some students, it extends into spring. If you are considering OCS in your senior year, or if you are considering graduating early, be sure to talk with a member of the physics faculty about how comps might impact your plans.
Why: to demonstrate and celebrate everything you’ve learned!
Example timelines
- Fall OCS
Emmy is committed to an OCS program that is available only in the fall of her junior year. Notice that PHYS228, one of the 200-level core courses, is only offered in the fall. Here is one path that Emmy might follow.
- Late-breaking interests
Albert had never considered physics, but when he took ASTR110 in the fall of his second year, he was hooked. As it happens, he already took MATH101 and MATH120, and his ASTR110 class can count toward his physics major. Here is one path Albert might follow.
Notice that in Albert’s case, a spring OCS is much more advisable than a fall one due to his late-breaking interests.