BA in Physics
The Bachelor of Arts in Physics builds a foundation in the field while allowing plenty of flexibility to combine the program with a second major or minor in another course of study.
The 56-credit program includes courses in physics and mathematics as well as electives in physics or astronomy. Students also complete a capstone course.
Declare a Major
All students should visit the undergraduate program director or another physics advisor before submitting the Declaration of Major/Minor Form. Current advisors are listed on the faculty directory.
Declaration of Major/Minor Form
"Anywhere you need problem solving, analytical skills or technical expertise, you'll find physics majors."
Alexander van der Horst
Assistant Professor of Astrophysics
Capstone Experience
The BA in Physics does not have a large research project requirement, but BA students can do research supervised by a faculty member if they are interested. Students are also supported by faculty to apply for research experiences and internships outside the department during the summer months if that fits within their long-term goals.
All BA in Physics students take the Physics Capstone (PHYS 4195W), which fulfills Oral Communications and Writing in the Disciplines (WID) requirements. After taking PHYS 4195W, students will be able to:
- explain the issues and standards for ethical conduct of research,
- explain issues related to building a physics community,
- describe career paths in physics,
- create applications for employment and graduate studies, including resumes and cover letters, and
- improve their scientific written and oral communication, including learning how to develop proposals for research funding.
Students will have opportunities to improve their writing and presentations based on instructor and peer feedback in class, and they will interact with the GW Career Services office. The overarching goal is to help students think about, and develop, practical skills related to physics research, and prepare for their careers after graduation. This course will also prepare those students who are interested in doing research for a project in their junior and/or senior year, and for presenting this research at various venues.
Course Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.
Program-specific curriculum:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required | ||
Introductory courses (29 credits): | ||
CSCI 1012 | Introduction to Programming with Python | |
or MAE 1117 | Introduction to Engineering Computations | |
PHYS 1021 | University Physics I | |
or PHYS 1025 | University Physics I with Biological Applications | |
PHYS 1022 | University Physics II | |
or PHYS 1026 | University Physics II with Biological Applications | |
PHYS 2023 | Modern Physics | |
MATH 1231 | Single-Variable Calculus I | |
MATH 1232 | Single-Variable Calculus II | |
MATH 2233 | Multivariable Calculus | |
MATH 2184 | Linear Algebra I | |
MATH 3342 | Ordinary Differential Equations | |
Advanced courses (21 credits): | ||
PHYS 2151W | Intermediate Laboratory I: Techniques and Methods | |
PHYS 3161 | Mechanics | |
PHYS 3164 | Thermal and Statistical Physics | |
PHYS 3165 | Electromagnetic Theory I | |
PHYS 4195W | Physics Capstone | |
Electives | ||
Two courses (6 credits) in Physics (PHYS) numbered 3000 or above and/or Astronomy (ASTR) numbered 2000 or above. |