Program Overview
BA in Physics Program Overview
The undergraduate Physics major at Boston University provides students with a foundation of knowledge and problem-solving ability, enabling them to pursue various careers. The Physics Department is renowned for its teaching quality and vigorous research program, offering students close interaction with instructors and mentors. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, with many getting involved as early as their sophomore year. Qualified students can enroll in independent projects leading to a degree with honors.
Program Details
The BA in Physics program prepares students for careers in physics, astronomy, industrial research and development, engineering, environmental science, medical physics, geophysics, oceanography, computer science, and energy resource management. It is also ideal preparation for entering professional schools, such as medicine, law, teaching, engineering, or management.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding and mastery of techniques for solving problems in electro- and magnetostatics.
- Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, along with the mathematics necessary for qualitative and quantitative analyses in these areas.
- Show evidence of the capability of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data in the core areas of physics.
Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in various ways, including coursework in and beyond the major, as well as through cocurricular activities. Physics majors will also satisfy College of Arts & Sciences requirements.
Interdisciplinary Option
This option provides students with a strong physics preparation and the flexibility to pursue an interdisciplinary academic program combining physics with training in a related science or engineering program. It is well suited for students planning to pursue graduate studies in a discipline other than physics or to enter a career in a related field upon graduation.
Prerequisites
- CAS MA 123 and 124, or MA 127
- CAS PY 251, 252, 351, 355 (or PY 211, 212, 313, 355)
Principal Courses
- CAS PY 405, 408, and 451
- Two additional physics courses at the 300 level or above (excluding CAS PY 313, 351, 355, 401, 402, 482, 491, and 492)
- Three coordinated courses from a participating science or engineering department
Required Related Courses
- CAS MA 225 and one other mathematics course at the 200 level or higher chosen in consultation with the student’s physics advisor
Recommended
- CAS PY 352, 371, 406, 421, 410, 452, 482, 581
Graduate Option
This option provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in classical and modern physics, preparing them for graduate study in physics or a closely related field, or for a technical physics-related career.
Prerequisites
- CAS MA 123 and 124, or 127 or 129
- CAS PY 251, 252, 351, 355 (or PY 211, 212, 313, 355)
Principal Courses
- CAS PY 405, 406, 408, 410, 451, 452, and 581
- One additional physics course at the 300 level or higher (excluding CAS PY 313, 351, 401, 402, 482, 491, and 492)
Required Related Courses
- CAS MA 225 and one other mathematics course at the 200 level or higher chosen in consultation with the student’s physics advisor
Recommended
- CAS PY 352, 371, 401, 402, 421, 482, 543, and 551
Honors in the Major
Honors in the major may be earned through the successful completion of directed research in the senior year, including a written thesis and a formal oral examination by a committee of faculty members.
Accreditation
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).