Physics, Bachelor of Science

Tuition Fee

Not Available

Start Date

Not Available

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

4 years

Details

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Physics

Area of study

Natural Science

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

The Physics, Bachelor of Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics. The program requires a total of 126 credits and includes a variety of core courses, electives, and research opportunities.

Core Courses

The core courses for the Physics, Bachelor of Science program include:

AS.110.108: Calculus I (Physical Sciences & Engineering)
AS.110.109: Calculus II (For Physical Sciences and Engineering)
AS.110.202: Calculus III
AS.110.201: Linear Algebra
AS.110.302: Differential Equations and Applications
AS.171.105: Classical Mechanics I
AS.173.115: Classical Mechanics Laboratory
AS.171.106: Electricity and Magnetism I
AS.173.116: Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
AS.171.201: Special Relativity/Waves
AS.171.204: Classical Mechanics II
AS.171.312: Statistical Physics/Thermodynamics
AS.172.203: Contemporary Physics Seminar
AS.171.301: Electromagnetic Theory II
AS.171.303: Quantum Mechanics I
AS.171.304: Quantum Mechanics II
AS.173.308: Advanced Physics Laboratory

Additional Requirements

In addition to the core courses, students must complete four additional elective courses at the 200-600 level in the following departments: Physics and Astronomy, Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and the School of Engineering. These courses must constitute a coherent and rigorous program of study approved by the Departmental Advisor and Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Writing and Communication in the Major

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication foundational ability coursework in one major. For this major, students can fulfill this requirement by completing the two first-year laboratory courses AS.173.115 Classical Mechanics Laboratory and AS.173.116 Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory, AS.172.203 Contemporary Physics Seminar, and AS.173.308 Advanced Physics Laboratory.

Sample Program of Study

A typical B.S. in Physics program might include the following sequence of courses:

First Year: AS.171.105 Classical Mechanics I, AS.173.115 Classical Mechanics Laboratory, AS.110.108 Calculus I, AS.171.106 Electricity and Magnetism I, AS.173.116 Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory, AS.110.109 Calculus II
Second Year: AS.172.203 Contemporary Physics Seminar, AS.171.201 Special Relativity/Waves, AS.171.204 Classical Mechanics II, AS.110.202 Calculus III, AS.110.201 Linear Algebra
Third Year: AS.171.301 Electromagnetic Theory II, AS.171.303 Quantum Mechanics I, AS.171.304 Quantum Mechanics II, AS.173.308 Advanced Physics Laboratory, Department elective #1, Department elective #2
Fourth Year: Department elective #3, Additional major elective

Honors in the Major

Honors in Physics is granted to graduating students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all courses taken to fulfill the major requirements.

Senior Thesis

Any student majoring in the department may write a senior thesis, based on original research conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Arrangements for this research will be made on an individual basis. The department views the writing of a senior thesis as an excellent capstone experience to an undergraduate education in physics, and encourages all students to consider it.

Physics, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview