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Students may complete a major or minor in Physics. Within the major, students may complete a minor in educational studies or complete the requirements for secondary education certification. Students may complete an M.A. in the combined A.B./M.A. program. The courses in Physics emphasize the concepts and techniques that have led to our present way of modeling the physical world. They are designed both to relate the individual parts of physics to the whole and to treat the various subjects in depth. 

Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary work and for participation by qualified majors in research with members of the faculty and their graduate students. In addition, qualified majors may take graduate courses. 

The physics major provides depth in the discipline through a series of required courses, as well as the flexibility to choose from a range of electives in physics and related fields. This allows students to follow various paths through the major and thus tailor their program of study to best meet their career goals and scientific interests.  

Beyond the two introductory physics courses (PHYS 121 and 122) and the two introductory mathematics courses (MATH 101 and 102), eleven additional courses are required for the major with 14 credits in total.  

Eight courses (7 credits) must be: 

• PHYS 201  

• PHYS 214 

• PHYS 206   

• PHYS 306 

• PHYS 398  

• MATH 201 

• MATH 203 

• PHYS 331 OR PHYS 305 

PHYS 206, a half credit computational lab course, must also be taken; PHYS 398, offered each fall, is a half-credit Senior Seminar. PHYS 331 and PHYS 305 are Writing Intensive courses and by completing at least one of them, students can meet the Writing Requirement in the major. Haverford courses may be substituted for ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø courses where appropriate. The remaining three courses must be chosen from among the other 300-level physics courses, one of which may be substituted with one course from among ASTR 342, 343, and 344, or a 300-level math course, with the approval of the major advisor. 500-level graduate courses may also fulfil this requirement with advisor's approval. Other substitutions from related disciplines such as chemistry, geology, and engineering may be possible. Please consult with the major advisor to discuss such options. 

Four-Year Plan meeting the minimum requirements for the major:

1st Year  

PHYS 121, 122  

MATH 101, 102 

2nd Year  

PHYS 201, 214, 206 (half-credit)  

MATH 201, 203  

3rd Year  

PHYS 306, 331 or 305, and one other 300-level physics course  

4th Year  

Two 300-level physics courses, plus 398 (half credit)  

The physics program at ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø allows for a student to major in physics even if the introductory courses are not completed until the end of the sophomore year.  

Three-Year Plan meeting the minimum requirements for the major: 

1st Year 

MATH 101, 102  

2nd Year 

PHYS 121, 122, 206 (half-credit) 

MATH 201, 203  

3rd Year 

PHYS 201, 214, 306, 331 or 305  

4th Year 

Three 300-level physics courses, plus 398 (half-credit) 

Research

Participation in research with faculty is highly encouraged, though not required aspect to the major. Students can participate in research as early as the summer after their first year through the Summer Science Research program or by enrolling in PHYS 403 for either a half or full unit credit during a semester. Students who engage in research can learn a wide variety of experimental, theoretical, or computational skills in physics, as well as learn how to communicate their work through written reports, oral presentations given at departmental symposia held every semester, or through attendance at physics conferences. Though also not required for the major, research started earlier in one's college career can lead to the eventual completion and submission of a senior thesis, an honors senior thesis (see Honors), or an MA thesis (see A.B./M.A.). A tour of all physics research programs is provided during PHYS 121, but students are encouraged to reach out to physics faculty to learn more about their research programs. 

Honors

 The degree of Bachelor of Arts is awarded with honors in physics in recognition of excellence as demonstrated by both academic work and research. The award is made upon the recommendation of the department based on the following criteria:  

• distinction in undergraduate research and quality of a written senior thesis;  

• achievement of a major GPA of at least 3.6 and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.  

For purposes of honors, the major GPA is computed from the following courses:  

Physics courses at the 200-level and above at ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø and Haverford Colleges, excluding PHYS 380, 390, 398, and 403 at ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø and their analogs at Haverford College; 200-level courses in mathematics required for the physics major (MATH B201 and B203); 300-level courses in mathematics, astronomy (or in some cases another field) only if substituted for a 300-level course in physics with the approval of the major advisor.  

Study Abroad

Many physics majors participate in the College's junior year study abroad program.  Undergraduate physics courses are surprisingly standardized throughout the world. The Majors Adviser will work with you to design an appropriate set of courses to take wherever you go. If you are considering a physics major as well as studying abroad, you are encouraged to consult with the Physics Majors Advisor as early as possible.

Minor Requirements

The requirements for the minor, beyond the introductory sequence, are PHYS 201, 214, 306; PHYS 331 or 305; MATH 201, 203; and one additional 300-level physics course. The astronomy and mathematics courses described under "Major Requirements" may not be substituted for the one additional 300-level physics course.  

Preparat