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Physics

Physics is the scientific study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and the interaction of matter and energy. Mathematics is used to describe fundamental physical principles, the behavior of matter, and the interactions of matter and energy. As the most fundamental of sciences, physics provides a foundation for other scientific fields as well as the underpinnings of modern technology. The Physics department is unique because of the breadth of its faculty expertise and research, and the relatively intimate size of its classes above the introductory level. Physics concentrators may choose to pursue either the A.B. or the more intensive Sc.B. degree. Course work on either path covers a broad base of topics (for example, electricity and magnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics). The Sc.B. degree requires additional advanced topics as well as a senior thesis project. 

Standard concentration for the A.B. degree

Select one of the following Series:2
Basic Physics A
Foundations of Mechanics
Analytical Mechanics
Basic Physics B
Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics
Take each of the following:5
Electricity and Magnetism
Advanced Classical Mechanics
Experiments in Modern Physics
Quantum Mechanics A
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (One additional 1000-level course or a mathematics course beyond the introductory level.)
One additional 1000-level course or a mathematics course beyond the introductory level.1
Total Credits8

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

Prerequisites:
Select one of each:2
Foundations of Mechanics
Analytical Mechanics
Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics
Select one of the following:1
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
Single Variable Calculus, Part I
Single Variable Calculus, Part II
Program:8
Electricity and Magnetism
Advanced Classical Mechanics
Experiments in Modern Physics
Quantum Mechanics A
Quantum Mechanics B
Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Modern Physics Laboratory
Take one additional 1000 or 2000 level Physics course or upper level course in related fields of science chosen by the student with the agreement of his or her advisor.1
Four Mathematics courses beyond MATH 0190 or 0090, 0100 including choices from Applied Mathematics 14
PHYS 1990Senior Conference Course 21
Total Credits17
1

In addition, courses in computer programming are recommended.

2

A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with PHYS 1990 under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The topic may be in related department or of interdisciplinary nature. In any event, a dissertation must be submitted.

Astrophysics Track for the Sc.B. degree

Prerequisites:
Select one of each:2
Foundations of Mechanics
Analytical Mechanics
Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics
PHYS 0270Astronomy and Astrophysics1
Select one of the following Series:2
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
and Multivariable Calculus
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
and Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)
Multivariable Calculus With Theory (or equivalent)
PHYS 0470Electricity and Magnetism1
Program:
MATH 0520Linear Algebra1
or MATH 0540 Linear Algebra With Theory
or PHYS 0720 Methods of Mathematical Physics
Select one of the following Math courses:1
Methods of Applied Mathematics I
Methods of Applied Mathematics II
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
Applied Partial Differential Equations I
Ordinary Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations
PHYS 0500Advanced Classical Mechanics1
PHYS 0560Experiments in Modern Physics1
PHYS 1410Quantum Mechanics A1
PHYS 1530Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics1
Three of the following:3
General Relativity
Stellar Structure and the Interstellar Medium
Extragalactic Astronomy and High-Energy Astrophysics
Introduction to Cosmology
Two additonal 1000- or 2000-level courses in physics or a related field which are not listed as requirements.2
PHYS 1990Senior Conference Course 11
Total Credits18
1

A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The topic may be in a related department or of interdisciplinary nature. In any event, a dissertation must be submitted.

Biological Physics Track for the Sc.B. degree

Foundations of Physics
PHYS 0070Analytical Mechanics1
or PHYS 0050 Foundations of Mechanics
or ENGN 0040 Engineering Statics and Dynamics
PHYS 0160Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics1
or PHYS 0060 Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
PHYS 0470Electricity and Magnetism1
PHYS 0500Advanced Classical Mechanics1
PHYS 1410Quantum Mechanics A1
PHYS 1530Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics1
Select one of the following Series: 11-2
Series A
Methods of Mathematical Physics
Series B
Select one of the following:
Methods of Applied Mathematics I
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
Ordinary Differential Equations
And select one of the following:
Multivariable Calculus
Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)
Multivariable Calculus With Theory
Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra With Theory
Basic Biology and Chemistry
BIOL 0200The Foundation of Living Systems (or placement out of BIOL 0200)1
BIOL 0500Cell and Molecular Biology1
CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
Advanced Biophysical Topics and Techniques
PHYS 1610Biological Physics1
PHYS 1990Senior Conference Course1
Elective Courses (four chosen from the following list, with at least two 1000-level courses, or additional courses approved by the concentration advisor:4
Applied Partial Differential Equations I
Mathematical Methods in the Brain Sciences
Essential Statistics
Quantitative Models of Biological Systems
Inference in Genomics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Genetics
Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell
Protein Biophysics and Structure
Advanced Biochemistry
Techniques and Clinical Applications in Pathobiology
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Single Variable Calculus, Part I
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
Mathematical Statistics
Probability
Experiments in Modern Physics
Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Modern Physics Laboratory
Selected Topics in Molecular Biophysics
PHYS 1990Senior Conference Course 21
Total Credits17-18
1

Select Series A alone or two from Series B as indicated.

2

A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The topic may be in a related department or of interdisciplinary nature. In any event, a dissertation must be submitted.

Mathematical Physics Track for the A.B. degree

Prerequisites:
MATH 0090Single Variable Calculus, Part I1
or MATH 0100 Single Variable Calculus, Part II
or MATH 0190 Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
PHYS 0050Foundations of Mechanics1
or PHYS 0070 Analytical Mechanics
Mathematics Courses 1
MATH 0180Multivariable Calculus1
or MATH 0200 Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)
or MATH 0350 Multivariable Calculus With Theory
MATH 0520Linear Algebra1
or MATH 0540 Linear Algebra With Theory
MATH 1110Ordinary Differential Equations1
Select at least one of the following:1
Differential Geometry
Partial Differential Equations
Probability
Physics Courses 1
PHYS 0060Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics1
or PHYS 0160 Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics
PHYS 0470Electricity and Magnetism1
PHYS 0500Advanced Classical Mechanics1
PHYS 0560Experiments in Modern Physics1
Select at least two of the following:2
Quantum Mechanics A
Quantum Mechanics B
Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Modern Physics Laboratory
Total Credits12
1

Concentrators are required to take at least one course in mathematics and one in physics in each of their last two semesters.

Mathematical Physics Track for the Sc.B. degree

Prerequisites:
Select one of the following series:2
Foundations of Mechanics
Analytical Mechanics
Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics
Select one of the following:1-2
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
Single Variable Calculus, Part I
and Single Variable Calculus, Part II
Required courses:
PHYS 0470Electricity and Magnetism1
PHYS 0500Advanced Classical Mechanics1
PHYS 0560Experiments in Modern Physics1
PHYS 1410Quantum Mechanics A1
PHYS 1530Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics1
MATH 0180
MATH 0200
Multivariable Calculus
and Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)
1-2
or MATH 0350 Multivariable Calculus With Theory
MATH 0520Linear Algebra1
or MATH 0540 Linear Algebra With Theory
or PHYS 0720 Methods of Mathematical Physics
MATH 1460Complex Analysis1
Four additional 1000 or 2000 level Physics courses4
Two additional 1000 or 2000 level Math courses2
PHYS 1990Senior Conference Course 11
Total Credits18-20
1

A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with under the direction of a faculty supervisor.