Schedule for Majors

For physics majors, the normal sequence of physics courses (not including physics electives and math courses) is:

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
Year 1 Introductory Physics 1 Introductory Physics 2
Year 2 Modern Physics
Methods of Physics
Modern Physics Lab
Classical Mechanics
Year 3 Thermal Physics Electromagnetic Theory
Year 4 Quantum Mechanics  

A physics major must take at least two additional lecture courses and one laboratory course, typically during Year 3 and Year 4. Electives available:

  • Optics + Lab
  • Electronics + Lab
  • Introduction to Astrophysics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Intermediate Topics in Physics
  • Advanced Topics in Physics

Students who need to complete the major in three years (because of a late declaration of major, Study Abroad, or the 3-2 Program in Engineering) take the following schedule:

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
Year 1 Introductory Physics 1 Introductory Physics 2
Year 2 Modern Physics
Methods of Physics
Modern Physics Lab
Classical Mechanics
Year 3

Thermal Physics
Quantum Mechanics

Electromagnetic Theory

At least two additional lecture courses and one laboratory course are required, typically taken during the spring semesters of Year 2 and Year 3.