Physics

This concentration provides students with the analytical and laboratory tools to investigate the physical world and prepares them for training in engineering, medicine or education.

When supplemented by additional physics courses, the physics concentration prepares students for a graduate education in physics. Students interested in engineering should also consult the catalogue for the 3/2 dual-degree program.

Related Career Paths

Students in the physics concentration are in demand in fields such as engineering, education, medicine, environmental science and law.

Curriculum

Students must complete the required list of 200 and 300-level physics courses, for a total of 23 credits. On top of the required courses, the serious physics student should also take Math 220 Linear Algebra and Math 221 Vector Calculus. See the catalogue for a complete list of advanced physics courses and additional courses that complement this concentration.

Learn More About the Physics Program

Course Spotlight

Three male students cooperate during their physics lab.

Physics 304: Electricity and Magnetism

Electromagnetic forces pervade nature, responsible for such diverse phenomena as chemical bonding and friction. Maxwell's formulation of electromagnetic theory remains the most complete and elegant description of any of the fundamental forces of nature. Topics include vector calculus, electrostatics, electric fields in matter, magnetostatics, magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, and Maxwell’s equations.

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