Prospective physics majors are strongly encouraged to begin their study of physics and mathematics in the first year. Physics courses are somewhat sequential and are developed in close association with mathematics courses. The curriculum provides an excellent basis for many post-Carleton career paths, including teaching, medicine, working in industry, and graduate study in physics, astronomy, and in various fields of engineering.

Most first-year students considering a major in physics will take either two 5-week courses (Physics 131 AND Physics 151) or one 10-week course (Physics 143 or Physics 144). Although taught from slightly different perspectives, the two 5-week courses or the 10-week course will cover fundamental topics in Newtonian mechanics and special relativity that prepare students for further work in physics and related fields. We also offer a section of Physics 142 with problem solving that is taught in the spring term. This section provides additional problem-solving instruction and is appropriate for students who could benefit from additional support in the study of college-level physics.

Required courses, 72 credits total (48 in Physics and Astronomy, 24 in Mathematics)

Introduction to mechanics and relativity with a lab. (6 credits):

  • PHYS 131: Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab
  • PHYS 142: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity with Problem Solving and Lab
  • PHYS 143: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
  • PHYS 144: Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
  • PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab

If PHYS 131 and PHYS 151, both three credit courses are required.

Three core courses at the 200-level (18 credits):

  • PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab
  • PHYS 231: Analytical and Computational Mechanics
  • PHYS 235: Electricity and Magnetism and Lab

One course at the 300-level that is theory-focused. (6 credits):

  • PHYS 335: Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS 346: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PHYS 352: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism

One course at the 300-level that is laboratory-focused. (6 credits):

  • PHYS 342: Contemporary Experimental Physics and Lab
  • PHYS 343: Electronics and Lab · not offered in 2024-25
  • PHYS 344: Classical and Quantum Optics
  • PHYS 345: Advanced Optics

If PHYS 344 and PHYS 345 are used, both must be taken.

One additional 6 credit course that exposes the student to physics or astronomy related content or methods.

Normally a physics or astronomy course at the 100-,200-, or 300-level (excluding ASTR 100, PHYS 100 or ASTR 394 or PHYS 394), so that student has a least 48 credits of Physics/Astronomy coursework. After consultation with their advisor and the department chair, a student may petition the department to count a related course from another department that addresses content related to the student’s physics or astronomy  interest. 

Comps:

Required Mathematics courses: (24 credits). Note, take either MATH 101 or MATH 111, either MATH 210 or MATH 211, either MATH 232 or MATH 134.

Additional courses recommended, but not required:

  • CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science
  • MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations
  • PHYS 123: What Physicists Do

Students considering graduate school in Physics are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 335, PHYS 346 and PHYS 352.

Major Under Combined Plan in Engineering:

In addition to completing the requirements for the physics major listed above, the student should also take the following courses required for admission to our partner institution, Washington University: MATH 241, CHEM 123, and CS 111. See also detailed guidance for those planning to attend Washington University.