The program for physics majors is composed of the Physics Foundation and one of the six Options (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology, Education and Computer Science.) Details for each option are listed below.
Students can also supplement their programs by taking courses at the California Institute of Technology under the exchange program.
In addition to the Physics Foundation, all physics majors must complete one of the following Physics Options. Upon graduation, the student's transcript will list both the major (Physics) and the chosen Option.
PHYSICS FOUNDATION
All physics majors must complete a core of four physics courses called the Foundation. Accompanying these physics courses must be work in mathematics including Multivariable Calculus and Linear Systems.
Introductory sequence
Mathematics Component
OPTIONS
Some of the five Options require Physics Selectives (courses from the 260 or 360 series, or 300-level courses below 390 not otherwise required for the Option).
PHYSICS OPTION (28 units):
Recommended for students who wish a thorough background in physics and for those who wish to pursue professional or graduate work in physics or engineering.
| PHYS 310 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 units |
| PHYS 315 | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 units |
| PHYS 316 | Advanced Laboratory II | 2 units |
| PHYS 320 | Analytical Dynamics | 4 units |
| PHYS 330 | Advanced Electromagnetism | 4 units |
| PHYS 340 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 units |
| PHYS 350 | Statistical Physics | 4 units |
| | Physics Selective | 4 units |
MATHEMATICS OPTION (32 units):
Recommended for students who wish a broader mathematics or computer science background.
| PHYS 310 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 units |
| PHYS 320 | Analytical Dynamics | 4 units |
| PHYS 350 | Statistical Physics | 4 units |
| | Physics Selective | 4 units |
| | Any other 300-level Physics courses not including Junior Seminar | 8 units |
| | Any other 300-level Math courses not including Junior Seminar | 8 units |
These courses must be in addition to those required math courses listed in the Foundation.
CHEMISTRY OPTION (32 units):
Recommended for students who wish a broader physical science background.
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| | Or | |
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 220 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CHEM 221 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
| CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
| PHYS 310 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 units |
| PHYS 320 | Analytical Dynamics | 4 units |
| PHYS 330 | Advanced Electromagnetism | 4 units |
| | Or | |
| PHYS 340 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 units |
| PHYS 350 | Statistical Physics | 4 units |
GEOLOGY OPTION (28 units):
Recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in geology or geophysics.
| GEO 105 | Earth: Our Environment | 4 units |
| GEO 225 | Introduction to Field Methods | 4 units |
| GEO 235 | Global Geophysics and Tectonics | 4 units |
| GEO 245 | Earth's Climate: Past and Future | 4 units |
| | Or | |
| GEO | One 300-level Geology course | |
| PHYS 310 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 units |
| | Two of the following | |
| PHYS 320 | Analytical Dynamics | 4 units |
| PHYS 330 | Advanced Electromagnetism | 4 units |
| PHYS 350 | Statistical Physics | 4 units |
EDUCATION OPTION (28 units):
This option is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in secondary science education. EDUC 314 is highly recommended.
| PHYS 320 | Analytical Dynamics | 4 units |
| | Physics Selectives | 12 units |
| EDUC 201 | Sociocultural Foundations of Education | 4 units |
| EDUC 207 | Conflict in Education | 4 units |
And four units of:
| EDUC 300 | Community Engagement in Education | 2 units |
COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION (32 units):
| MATH 210 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 units |
| COMP 131 | Fundamentals of Computer Science | 4 units |
| COMP 229 | Data Structures | 4 units |
| COMP 239 | Computer Organization | 4 units |
| | One additional 300-level Computer Science course not including Practicum and Junior Seminar | 4 units |
| PHYS 310 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 4 units |
And two of the following:
PHYSICS "CAPSTONE"
Physics "Capstone":
All physics majors must complete the Senior Seminar sequence:
| PHYS 490 | Senior Physics Seminar I | 2 units |
| | And | |
| PHYS 491 | Senior Physics Seminar II | 2 units |
Majors participating in an off-campus program during the Senior year may repeat PHYS 490 or PHYS 491 to satisfy this requirement.
SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT
The Physics Department’s portion of the College Writing Requirement can be satisfied with a passing evaluation of a student portfolio. The portfolio will consist of three items: two laboratory reports from Modern Physics (Physics 240) and/or Advanced Laboratory (Physics 315/316), and one research report from Senior Physics Seminar (Physics 490/491). Students are encouraged to revise these reports before submitting the portfolio. Typical formats for the required writings will be presented in the related courses. The writing is expected to be clear, precise, and intelligible to someone who has completed the Physics Foundation. Proper spelling, grammar, and organization are essential. The portfolio will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis by a departmental committee.
A student may submit a portfolio only once. The portfolio is normally submitted at the end of the semester when the student completes the first semester of 490/491. The final deadline for submission of a passing portfolio is the last day of classes in a student’s penultimate semester. Students who fail to pass the writing portfolio or those that do not wish to submit a portfolio can also satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Requirement by taking a WRD 201 course that has been approved by the Physics Department Chair in consultation with the WRD Chair. A grade of C or better will satisfy the Physics Department’s portion of the College Writing Requirement.
COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT
The comprehensive requirement for majors is met by completion of the year-long Senior Seminar (PHYS 490/PHYS 491) with a grade of C or better and by passing a comprehensive examination on the material covered in the Physics Foundation.
COMBINED PLAN IN LIBERAL ARTS AND ENGINEERING
The program for majors provides for entrance into the Combined Plan Programs (3-2) at Columbia University and the California Institute of Technology. Students interested in engineering should consult the combined plan page for details of these programs.
HONORS
Senior physics majors with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present an oral and written thesis on their research for College Honors consideration at graduation. See the Honors Program and consult the department chair for details.