Physics is a demanding major with quite a few requirements. Because we typically offer our upper level courses only every other year, it’s very important to make sure that you arrange your schedule so that you can meet all of the requirements prior to your intended graduation date.
Here are a couple of sample schedules which should give you some sense of when you need to take each class. This isn’t the only path to completing a Physics major; for example, one or both of the electives could be taken during your senior year. While we only require 3 SH of PHYS 401, we recommend allowing a full year to complete the capstone, as this lets you undertake more interesting and ambitious projects.
Another important point: since the upper-level courses in Math and Physics are offered every other year, your schedule will vary somewhat depending your starting year. Therefore we provide one sample schedule for students beginning in odd years (e.g. 2013-2014) and another for students beginning in even years (e.g. 2014-2015).
In addition to the major requirements listed here, you’ll also need to complete the General Education and other requirements listed in the College Catalog.
Sample Schedule for Physics Majors Beginning in Odd Years
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | PHYS 201 MATH 181 CHEM 131 | PHYS 202 MATH 182 |
| Sophomore | PHYS 203 MATH 283 | PHYS 204 MATH 273 |
| Junior | PHYS 283 PHYS 303 PHYS elective | PHYS 307 PHYS elective |
| Senior | PHYS 305 PHYS 401 MATH 355 | PHYS 301 PHYS 401 MATH 380 |
Sample Schedule for Physics Majors Beginning in Even Years
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | PHYS 201 MATH 181 CHEM 131 | PHYS 202 MATH 182 |
| Sophomore | PHYS 203 MATH 283 | PHYS 204 MATH 273 |
| Junior | PHYS 305 PHYS elective MATH 355 | PHYS 301 PHYS elective MATH 380 |
| Senior | PHYS 283 PHYS 303 PHYS 401 | PHYS 307 PHYS 401 |