Physics Undergraduate Program
Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and is an important part of a liberal-arts education. Introductory courses are designed for students in all majors and provide a background in physical principles, the observation of natural processes, the logic and nature of science, and the diverse applications of physics. The introductory courses are:
1. Scientific Perspective Courses. PHYS020, 030, 140, ASTR001 and ASTR002 have no prerequisites and satisfy the scientific-perspective requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies. PHYS110 and PHYS 120 can be taken in satisfaction of either the scientific-perspective or formal-analysis requirement, but not both. PHYS111, 121, 127, 130 and 131, which also fulfill the scientific perspective, are primarily for science majors.
2. Introductory Sequences. Prospective science majors are urged to begin their study of physics during their first or second years. The department offers two sequences of introductory courses. PHYS110/111 is a two-semester, noncalculus-based survey of physics appropriate for the majority of science majors, including environmental science and policy majors and premedical/predental students. PHYS120/121/130 is a three-semester sequence, recommended for physics, chemistry and mathematics majors, which covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics in more depth than the 110/111 sequence. Because PHYS121 discusses the subject matter more deeply, it is less comprehensive than PHYS111, and should be followed by PHYS130.
3. Laboratory Courses. PHYS110, 111, 120, 121, 127, 130, 131 and 219 offer laboratory experience. PHYS110 and 111 fulfill the physics laboratory requirement for premedical/predental students.
Courses
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