Degree Programs
There are two baccalaureate degrees given in physics: the Bachelor of Science (Sc.B.) and the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.). The two degrees reflect a difference of intensity and range of physics study. Sc.B. candidates have a larger number of recommended physics courses and may take more of their non-physics electives in closely related fields such as mathematics, applied mathematics, chemistry, etc. A.B. concentrators may take the same advanced physics courses as Sc.B. students but fewer in number while also exploring a larger and perhaps wider range of electives.
Course sizes in the department are 12 to 20 students, beyond the first 2 years. Reading courses and independent study are available in various areas. Graduate courses are open to those who have established adequate preparation.
In addition to the standard four-year Sc.B. and A.B. degree programs in physics, the department also offers a five-year combined Sc.B.-A.B. program in which a standard or independent study concentration is completed in the humanities or social studies concurrently with the physics Sc.B. There are also degree programs available in biophysics, mathematics-physics, engineering-physics, chemical-physics and geology-physics/mathematics, and a four-year Master's degree program.
The course requirements for the A.B. degree are as follows:
Physics 7,16 (or 5,6 or 3,4) Introduction to Physics
Physics 47 Electricity and Magnetism
Physics 50 Advanced Classical Mechanics
Physics 56 Sophomore Laboratory
Physics 141 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Physics 153 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Also one additional 100 level course in physics, or one mathematics
course beyond Math 17 or 19 is required. The physics course
can be chosen from:
Physics 128 Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology
Physics 142 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Physics 151 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Physics 156 Modern Physics Laboratory
Physics 172 Methods of Mathematical Physics
Physics 198 Senior Conference (Research and preparation of
a thesis)
Physics 199 Special Topics in Experimental and/or Theoretical
Physics
Physics 117 Introduction to Nuclear and High Energy Physics
(suitable for undergraduates) and/or from among graduate courses
for which the student is adequately prepared.
Physics 241 Solid State Physics I
The course requirements for the Sc.B. include:
Requirements for A.B.
Physics 142 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Physics 151 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Physics 153 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Physics 156 Modern Physics Laboratory
Physics 198 Senior Conference (Research and preparation of
a thesis)
One additional science course is to be chosen from:
Physics 117 Introduction to Nuclear and High Energy Physics
(suitable for undergraduates)
Physics 128 Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology
Physics 172 Methods of Mathematical Physics
Physics 241 Solid State Physics I (a beginning graduate-level
course) or upper level courses in related fields of science, and in agreement with his or her advisor.
Four courses beyond 19 or 9, 10 including choices from Applied Mathematics. In addition,courses in computer programing are recommended
A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with Physics 198 under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The topic may be in a related department or interdisciplinary nature. In any event, a dissertation must be submitted.
In Senior Conference (Physics 198) work is performed for a senior thesis. This is directed research, with a faculty advisor of the student's choosing, in one of the areas of experimental or theoretical physics represented in the Department.
Though a standard concentration program does not now exist, an independent study concentration leading to an A.B. Or Sc.B. in Astronomy can also be arranged. For advice on such a program, see Prof. Targan, Department of Physics. For those students desiring an excellent undergraduate preparation for graduate work in astronomy, the recommended courses listed below, or their equivalents, should be taken.
Suggested Core courses for the A.B. degree
include:
Prerequisites: as in Sc.B program below. Courses
Physics 27 Introduction to Astronomy
Physics 47 Electricity & Magnetism
Physics 47 Electricity & Magnetism
Physics 50 Advanced Classical Mechanics
Physics 56 Experiments in Modern Physics
Physics 141 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
MA 18
and one additional mathematics or applied mathematics course beyond the level of MA 18.
Recommended: Physics 21 Beginning Astronomy
Recommended: Physics 22 Beginning Astronomy
Recommended: Physics 27 Introduction to Astronomy
Suggested Program for the Sc.B degree:
Physics 5,6 (or 3,4 or 7,16) Introduction to Physics
MA 19, 20 (or 17,18)
Courses:
Physics 27 Introduction to Astronomy
Physics 47 Electricity & Magnetism
Physics 50 Advanced Classical Mechanics
Physics 56 Advanced Classical Mechanics
Physics 56 Advanced Classical Mechanics
Physics 128 Introduction to Astrophysics & Cosmology
Physics 141 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Physics 151 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Physics 153 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
and one other course in physics sciences.
Mathematics two courses beyond MA 18 or 20 including choices from applied mathematics. In addition,courses in computer programming are recommended.
In addition, the Physics Department offers joint A.B. and Sc.B. degrees in: Chemical Physics, Mathematics-Physics, and Engineering-Physics.
The Ladd Observatory near the campus, and a small observatory on the roof of the Barus and Holley building, contain permanently mounted telescopes. Portable student telescopes are available at both sites.
Honors in Physics and Mathematics-Physics
Candidates for honors in Physics or Mathematics-Physics will be expected to pursue a more rigorous and extensive program than those merely concentrating in the subject. Candidates typically earn the Sc. B. degree though in special circumstances an A.B.degree will be acceptable. All Sc. B. candidates are eligible for honors consideration without any special application procedure. In addition they will be required to begin an honors thesis during the seventh semester and to complete it (as part of Physics 198) during the eighth semeseter. At the beginning of the student's eighth semester, the Physics concentration and honors advisors will review the student's grades in all mathematics and physics courses and compute a GPA. If this GPA is judged sufficiently outstanding (typically 3.3 or better), the student will be so advised. Successful completion of the senior thesis is then the remaining requirement, including an oral presentation at the end of the eighth semester. This presentation will be evaluated by the thesis advisor and the Physics concentration and honors advisors. If it is deemed satisfactory, the student will be awarded honors at graduation. Outstanding theses may be nominated for publication by The Wayland Press of Brown University
Contact information for the Undergraduate Concentration Advisor is available here.
