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 Course
Students majoring in physics complete a required capstone course. Learning objectives for the capstone include:
- Working in a mentored learning environment to design and conduct physics research in an ethical manner
- Exploring and preparing for various careers
- Practicing how to share research findings with different audiences
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. |