Physics, B.A.

Program Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a multitrack program of study which allows each student flexibility to choose a suitable set of courses that will prepare the student for their chosen career goal. With the assistance of physics faculty advisors each student will select a program of theoretical and experimental courses through which they will gain an understanding of the broad range of general principles which characterize the discipline of physics; and they will acquire the ability to apply theoretical and experimental techniques to solve a wide variety of problems.

We offer courses that focus on multiple facets of physics, including materials science, computational physics, electronics and applied nuclear physics. Students are strongly urged to conduct research projects with our faculty, and often present research at professional conferences and produce co-authored publications. Additionally, there are multiple opportunities within the physics and astronomy department for paid research experience.

Degree Requirements

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The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.

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The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level (typically 232) of the student's chosen language or by placing out of that language through the Department of World Languages and Cultures' placement test.

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Some of the courses required for the major complete The Natural World of General Education. PHIL 101 is part of Arts and Humanities.

Major Requirements

Concentrations

Individual Option Concentration

The individual option is a course of study chosen specifically to match the interest and career plans of the student. This option will allow custom-designed cross disciplinary majors such as the history of physics and physics and the fine arts.

A student electing the individual option must complete the major core requirements of the B.A. in physics and will select a program consisting of a coherent collection of a minimum of 26 additional credits of physics courses numbered above 270, astronomy courses numbered above 301 and courses in related fields. This individualized program must be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor in the department and must be approved by that advisor, the department head and one other faculty member in the department. The student needs to declare this concentration at least 3 semesters prior to graduation.

The individualized program, as approved by the department and accepted by the student, becomes the major requirements for the student.

Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty advisor.

Professional Concentration, Pre-Medical Preparation Track

Students in this concentration must complete the following courses in addition to core requirements:

Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty advisor.

Recommended Schedule for Majors

Students pursuing the B.A. in physics and astronomy with a professional concentration may complete a track in pre-medical preparation. In addition to degree and General Education requirements, students complete the following courses.

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PHYS 326 recommended