Undergraduate Physics Major & Pre-Graduate Programs

Physics Major Sample Schedule

Note: This is only a suggested schedule and students should not feel compelled in any way to model their course of studies on this example. Many other options and alternatives are possible, especially when including a double major. Chemistry, for example, is not a requirement for the B.S. in Physics. The illustration of certain courses in certain semesters below does not guarantee they will be offered in the suggested semester. Many physics courses at the 300 level and above are given only once every two years. Students should keep abreast of actual course offerings as they are published by the Registrar.

1st Year Fall:
PHYS 131: General Physics I + lab (4)
MATH 121: Calculus I (4)
ENGL 101: Writing (4) [unless exempt]
CHEM 107+117: General Chemistry I + lab (4)
TIDES Course (1)

1st year Spring:
PHYS 132: General Physics II + lab (4)
CHEM 108+118: General Chemistry II + lab (4)
MATH 122: Calculus II (4)
Foreign Language or elective(s)

2nd Year Fall:
PHYS 235: Modern Physics I (3)
MATH 221: Calculus III (4)
PHYS 423: Thermal Physics (3)
Foreign Language or elective(s)
Public Service Course, e.g., Introduction to Physics Pedagogy (1)

2nd Year Spring:
PHYS 236: Modern Physics II (3)
PHYS 317: Computational Physics and Engineering (3)
MATH 224: Applied Mathematics (4)
Cultural Knowledge Elective 1 (3)
Elective(s)

3rd Year Fall:
PHYS 301 Theoretical and Computational Physics (3)
PHYS 363 Electromagnetic Theory I (3)
PHYS 370 Electronic Properties of Materials (3)
PHYS 380: Seminar (1)
Cultural Knowledge Elective 2 (3)
Elective(s)

3rd Year Spring:
PHYS 353: Advanced Laboratory (3)
PHYS 360: Nanoscience & Technology (3)
PHYS 465 Optics (3)
Elective(s)

4th Year Fall:
PHYS 374 Classical Mechanics (3)
PHYS 315 Intro to Neutron Science (3)
PHYS 447: Quantum Mechanics (3)
Elective(s)

4th Year Spring:
Elective(s)