Physics
Requirements
Major Requirements
Physics requirements:
· University Physics I & II (PHY 1003/1004)
· the advanced physics core of four courses: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (PHY 2010, 2021, 2030 & 2040);
· Two additional elective advanced courses (3000 level) from the department offerings;
· One Summer Research Internship; and
· One Research Seminar.
Mathematics requirements:
· Calculus I, II, & III (Math 1030, 1032, 2030); and
· (Ordinary) Differential Equations (Math 2021).
Students are advised to take one additional summer research internship; they are encouraged to take some of the following courses as electives to further and/or broaden their training:
· Introductory Chemistry or Biology
· Additional advanced mathematics courses such as Linear algebra, Complex variables, Partial differential equations
Senior Evaluation
Seniors must complete the course PHY 3090: Supervised Readings and Research. See description under course listings.
Departmental Honors in Physics
Departmental Honors in physics are conferred upon graduating seniors who have maintained a G.P.A. of 3.5 or more in courses required for the major.
Minor Requirements
The minor provides students with rigorous physics training that develops their analytical reasoning and quantitative analysis skills. In addition to introductory physics and calculus, the advanced physics requirement can be readily fulfilled within an academic year:
· University Physics I & II (PHY 1003/10044)
· Calculus I & II (Math 1030/1032) and
· Two advanced physics courses (2000 level and beyond).
Physics Education Major
The School of Education offers a program in Physics Education which qualifies graduates for certification to teach high-school physics (grades 7-12) in New York State. This requires the completion of the physics major as well as a second major in Science Education, consisting of at least nine courses in education and psychology. See the School of Education Undergraduate Catalog for details.
Note: No course with a grade lower than C- will be accepted toward a major or minor in physics. In addition, students must maintain a C average in all courses required for a major or minor.