Physics

Concentrations

Breadcrumb

Concentrations

The completion of a physics concentration allows students to develop a deep capacity for critical quantitative reasoning, an understanding of key laws of physics and how to apply them in various settings, an appreciation for the complementary roles that experiment and theory play in the intellectual development of the field, the ability to formulate a scientific question or problem and to communicate effectively.

Degree Options

There are two baccalaureate degrees given in Physics: Bachelor of Science (Sc.B.) and Bachelor of Arts (A.B.). The Sc.B. concentration tracks, which require a senior thesis, place greater emphasis on the ability to formulate a scientific question or problem and to communicate effectively than the standard A.B. concentration tracks. A.B. concentrators can also choose to do a thesis.

Overall, 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 enrollments in the department range from 12 to 20 students, beyond the first two years. Reading courses and independent study are available in various areas. Graduate courses are open to those who have established adequate preparation.

Within the Physics undergraduate degree, students may opt to obtain the regular Physics Sc.B, or to specialize in one of three tracks.

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 sciences concurrently with the physics Sc.B., and
  • a fifth-year Master's degree program

Concentration Requirements

Writing Requirement

WRIT requirement can be satisfied by completing Physics 1560 and/or 0560 courses, provided a student earns a B or higher. Courses must be completed by semester 6.

Course Requirements for Physics A.B. Degree

  • Physics 0070,0160 (or 0050,0060 or 0030,0040), Introduction to Physics
  • Physics 0470, Electricity and Magnetism
  • Physics 0500, Advanced Classical Mechanics
  • Physics 0560, Sophomore Laboratory
  • Physics 1410, Quantum Mechanics A
  • Physics 1530, Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
  • One additional 1000 level course in physics or one mathematics course beyond Math 0170 or 0190 is required.

Course Requirements for Physics Sc.B. Degree

  • Physics 0070,0160 (or 0050,0060 or 0030,0040), Introduction to Physics
  • Physics 0470, Electricity and Magnetism
  • Physics 0500, Advanced Classical Mechanics
  • Physics 0560, Sophomore Laboratory
  • Physics 1410, Quantum Mechanics A
  • Physics 1420, Quantum Mechanics B
  • Physics 1510, Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
  • Physics 1530, Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
  • Physics 1560, Modern Physics Laboratory
  • Physics 1990, Senior Conference (Research and preparation of a thesis) 
  • Four courses beyond Math 0170/0190 or 0090, 0100, including choices from Applied Mathematics and Physics 720.
  • One additional 1000 or 2000 level Physics course or upper-level course in related fields of science chosen by the student with agreement of his or her advisor.
  • At least one course on computational methods is recommended; such as APMA or CSCI40.

Senior Thesis

A senior thesis is required. This is to be prepared in connection with Physics 1990 (or equivalent course in mathematics, engineering or chemistry) under the direction of a faculty supervisor.