Program Requirements: Physics
Undergraduate Requirements
A major in physics can be structured to meet the interests of individual students, including graduate study in physics, related sciences, engineering, and careers in environmental studies, management, government, law, medicine and teaching. During their first year, prospective physics majors are urged to enroll in PHYS120 and 121 and to consult the undergraduate physics adviser about their program of study. Physics major requirements consist of 14 common core courses and four additional approved courses in physics or related areas. The requirements are flexible and, through consultation with the undergraduate physics adviser, may be modified to satisfy the particular needs and interests of each student. Examples of individual programs include:
General Physics – for students who wish to major in physics as part of liberal-arts education, including preparation for careers in teaching or business.
Preprofessional Physics – courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics to prepare students for graduate study in physics or research in industry.
Biological Physics – includes chemistry and biology courses that can be used to prepare for medical or dental schools or for careers in the biomedical professions.
Computational Physics – advanced courses in physics, computer science and mathematics designed to prepare students for graduate study in the rapidly growing area of computational science.
Students interested in using physics as the basis for an engineering career should inquire about the 3/2 Engineering Program offering students a five-year option that combines a B.A. from Clark and a B.S. in engineering from Columbia University.
Courses in the core curriculum include:
1. Introductory Physics (2):
PHYS120 and PHYS121 (or PHYS110/111)
2. Intermediate-level Physics (3):
PHYS 123, PHYS130 and 131
3. Calculus (4):
MATH124, 125, 130 and 131
4. Laboratory-based courses (1):
PHYS127 or 219
5. Upper-level courses (4):
PHYS150, 160, 161 and 171
6. Senior project (1):
PHYS299
Total in core curriculum: 15
Additional approved electives: 3
Total in major program: 18
Students with strong backgrounds in physics and mathematics may replace lower-level required courses with appropriate advanced courses with adviser approval. Advanced-placement credits may count toward major requirements. Advanced undergraduates may take graduate-level courses. Majors must meet with the undergraduate physics adviser prior to registration every semester to plan their course of study and to ensure that all requirements for the major are being satisfied. It is possible to complete all requirements for the major within three years, so that it is not essential to begin the study of physics in the first year.
Information about career opportunities and further information about courses and major requirements can be obtained from the undergraduate physics adviser and other physics faculty members.
The Capstone Experience
An independent research project is the appropriate capstone experience for most physics majors. Students are encouraged to “do physics” at the earliest opportunity. Majors must take a capstone course satisfied by one semester of PHYS299 Directed Study in Physics, or an approved course of comparable scope. Near the end of the junior year (or earlier) a physics major should choose a topic for his or her senior project with department faculty. Work is conducted under the guidance of a faculty member, often with the assistance of graduate students. These projects often lead to publication in refereed physics journals. Majors with a special interest in research may continue their research by enrolling in additional semesters of PHYS299.