The Physics Major
The physics major program presents fundamental physical concepts and principles in such a way to build a strong foundation for further work in technical fields. The challenge of physics lies in uniting its laws and definitions, as expressed through mathematics, which is essential in solving new problems.
There are four unique tracks in the Physics Major:
Physics (SPH) - The base physics major which allows students to explore the basics of physics.
Astrophysics (SPAA) - A major with a focus on astronomy which allows the students to explore physics as it relates to the physical world.
Applied Physics (SPA) - This major allows students to gain expertise in a related field of study while taking the basic physics courses. This is a popular choice for students choosing to combine Physics with MEDCORE requirements.
Honors Track (SPHH) - This major includes the basic courses of SPH, but students will be invited at the end of 2/C year. This track requires the student to take a formal research project sponsored by a faculty member and a physics seminar.
| Year / Semester | Physics (SPH) | Astrophysics (SPAA) | Applied Physics (SPA) | Honors Physics (SPHH) |
| Fall 3/C | SP221: Physical Mechanics I | SP221: Physical Mechanics I | SP221: Physical Mechanics I | SP21: Physical Mechanics I |
| Spring 3/C |
SP222: Electricity and Magnetism I SP226: Heat, Sound, & Light |
SP222: Electricity and Magnetism I SP226: Heat, Sound, & Light |
SP222: Electricity and Magnetism I SP226: Heat, Sound, & Light |
SP222: Electricity and Magnetism I SP226: Heat, Sound, & Light |
| Fall 2/C |
SP327: 20th Century Physics SP333: Physical Mechanics II SP351: Problem Solving Methods I |
SP327: 20th Century Physics SP333: Physical Mechanics II SP351: Problem Solving Methods I SP310: Astronomy |
SP327: 20th Century Physics SP333: Physical Mechanics II SP351: Problem Solving Methods I |
SP327: 20th Century Physics SP333: Physical Mechanics II SP351: Problem Solving Methods I |
| Spring 2/C |
SP324: Physics of the Atom I ( SP342: Electricity & Magnetism II SP352: Problem Solving Methods II |
SP324: Physics of the Atom I SP342: Electricity & Magnetism II SP352: Problem Solving Methods II |
SP324: Physics of the Atom I SP342: Electricity & Magnetism II SP352: Problem Solving Methods II |
SP324: Physics of the Atom I ( SP342: Electricity & Magnetism II SP352: Problem Solving Methods II |
| Fall 1/C |
SP425: Physics of the Atom II (4 credits) SP4xx: Physics Elective 1 (Optics, Acoustics) |
SP445: Astrophysics I SP447: Observational Astrophysics |
Physics Elective (or approved course) |
SP425: Physics of the Atom II (4 credits) SP4xx: Physics Elective 1 (Optics, Acoustics) SP520: Honor Seminar I SP503/504: Research Course |
| Spring 1/C |
SP444: Thermal Physics (3 credits) SP4xx: Physics Elective 2 (Nuclear, Solid State, Acoustics) |
SP446: Astrophysics II |
Math, Science, or Engineering Elective |
SP444: Thermal Physics (3 credits) SP4xx: Physics Elective 2 (Nuclear, Solid State, Acoustics) SP521: Honor Seminar II |
