PHYS-BS - Physics (BS)

Each Physics major takes a set of required courses common to all pathways (Core Program Requirements and WIM), and an additional six courses in one of eight defined pathways or, in rare cases, an individually designed pathway (Depth in Discipline). The eight defined pathways are: Astrophysics, Biophysics, Computational Physics & Data Science, Geophysics, Mathematical Physics, Physics Education, Quantum Science & Information, or the Core pathway, which is the recommended starting point for students considering applying to PhD programs in Physics. The Writing in the Major requirement is satisfied by PHYSICS 191 (Scientific Communication in Physics).

See these sample plans for starting the Physics and Engineering Physics majors for students enrolling in autumn 2022 or later; each plan assumes a different starting point in math and/or physics. Course plans for pursuing different Physics pathways are provided below the sample plans for the start of the major spreadsheet.

A course taken to satisfy a Core Program Requirement (above) cannot also count for the Pathway requirement. In general, no course can double-count for two different requirements of the Physics Major.

Any course you take to satisfy a pathway requirement must be at least three units. Pathways are not declarable in Axess; they do not appear on the transcript or the diploma. A letter grade of C- or higher is required for all courses in each pathway; therefore, any course in another department that does not offer a letter grade cannot count towards the requirement for a pathway, even if the course is listed as an option for a pathway.

Note that some courses that satisfy specific Pathway requirements may not be offered in any given year. There will always be a way to complete the Physics Major, but you may need to consider changes to the courses or Pathways you have planned to satisfy the requirements.

Students must complete ONE of the following three options to fulfill the Capstone requirement for the Physics major.

Physics majors are granted a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Honors if they satisfy these three requirements beyond the general Physics major requirements:

1. The student completes a Senior Thesis by meeting the deadlines and requirements described in the Senior Thesis guidelines section below.

2. The student completes course work with an overall GPA of 3.30 or higher, and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in courses required for the Physics major.

3. The student applies for the Honors Program by completing the Honors Program Application by mid-May.  Eligibility is confirmed by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Senior Thesis guidelines:

• Students must submit a Senior Thesis Application form once they identify a physics project, either theoretical or experimental, in consultation with individual faculty members. Proposal forms are available from the undergraduate coordinator. They must be submitted by the week before the Thanksgiving break of the academic year in which the student plans to graduate.

• The advisor assigns credit for the project within the course Senior Thesis Research framework. A minimum of three course Senior Thesis Research units must be completed for a letter grade during the senior year. Work completed in the senior thesis program may not be used as a substitute for regular required courses for the Physics major.

• A written thesis and a presentation of the work at its completion are required for the senior thesis. By mid-May, the senior thesis candidate must present the project at the department’s Senior Thesis Presentation Program. This event is publicized and open to the general public. The student’s advisor, second reader, and all other senior thesis candidates are expected to attend.