Physics
What courses should I take in my first year to see if this is the right major for me?
You should take PHYS 120 and PHYS 121 in your Fall and Spring semesters respectively. Please note there are co-requisites of MATH 120 or 124 (for PHYS 120) and MATH 121 or 125 (for PHYS 121). If you receive AP credits which count for MATH 120 and MATH 121, you may consider taking the next math course in the sequence (MATH 130).
Are there any courses I am required or strongly encouraged to take in my first semester if I know I want to declare this major? Do any AP credits count for these requirements?
Physics 120 and MATH 120/124 should be taken in your first semester. It is possible, but not typically advised, to take PHYS 110 your first semester but this should be done in consultation with a faculty member. Should you score a 5 on your AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, this will be counted in place of you having to take PHYS 110. If you take the AP exam of Calculus AB or Calculus BC and get a 4 or 5, these will count for the course of MATH 120 or MATH 120 and MATH 121 respectively.
What is the latest semester that I can start this major and still graduate in four years?
The latest you can begin requirements for this major and start the required classes is the Fall semester of your sophomore year due to the major requiring 15 courses to be completed. However, if you wish to complete the 3+2 Engineering program, you should speak immediately (summer prior to incoming year) with our faculty and typically begin major requirements in your first year.
I am interested in many different subjects. What other majors, minors, or concentrations go well with this major?
There are multiple programs that go well with the Physics major including: Math, Computer Science, Data Science, Chemistry, Biology, Philosophy, Economics, Music, Creative Writing, among many others.
What else do you want incoming first year students to know about this major?
It is possible to start the major taking PHYS 110 and 111, instead of PHYS 120 and 121, but this requires a discussion with a faculty member.
If I want to declare this as a major, who should I talk to and where do I go?
You may speak with any faculty member in the Physics department. Typically students approach a Physics instructor for a course in which they are enrolled to initiate this process. However, you may also email physics@clarku.edu to set up a meeting. You can also learn more about the major by visiting our webpage here.
Summer Point of Contact:
Professor Michael Boyer – mboyer@clarku.edu
