Undergraduate Physics Degree Programs (2020-21)

Physics is concerned with the most basic principles that underlie all phenomena
in the universe. Physicists ask, “How does the world work?” They search for
the most elementary particles; they seek understanding of the behavior of
collections of particles ranging from quarks in nuclei and electrons in atoms to
stars in galaxies; they strive for insights into the nature of space and time, and
they explore the behavior of matter and energy. On a more human scale,
Figure 1: The QR code will
physicists study an enormous range of topics including all the devices of bring you to a pdf version of
this document
modern electronics, complex biological molecules, the atmosphere, and all
forms of energy and its uses. Physics is the basis for much of engineering and technology. Studying
physics prepares some students to push back the boundaries of knowledge in this most fundamental of the
natural sciences. For others it provides training in the concepts and methods of science for application in
many professional areas, and for many it gives a more substantial basis for understanding many aspects
of modern society.

The Major Program in Physics is planned to serve students with a broad spectrum of interests and
objectives. The department offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. In
addition, there is a joint Astronomy/Physics BS. The basic BA is designed for students interested in
physics and planning to enter professional schools in business, education, law, and medicine, and for
liberal arts students desiring a strong background in physical science but with career objectives in other
areas. Students planning graduate study in physics or physics related areas or preparing to enter jobs in a
scientific or technical field should elect the BS, or for a specialization in astronomy or astrophysics, the
Astronomy/Physics BS. These programs provide intensive preparation in physics.

The Minor Program in Physics is intended mainly for students with a strong interest in the subject who do
not have the time to commit to the mathematics and physics course load required for the major.

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If you are curious about how a physics degree may fit your interests, please contact one of the physics
undergraduate advisers listed below to learn about the various possibilities and to design a program to fit
your specific needs. No prerequisite classes have to be taken before a Physics Major or Minor is declared.

Undergraduate Advisors Office Office Phone Email Address

Gordon Cates Physics 106A 924-4792 gdc4k@virginia.edu
Stefan Baeßler Physics 169 243-1024 baessler@virginia.edu
Craig Group HEP 113 243-5552 rcg6p@virginia.edu
Lou Bloomfield Physics 133 924-6595 lab3e@virginia.edu
Cass Sackett PLSB 104 924-6795 cas8m@virginia.edu

Diana Vaman Physics 308 924-6585 dv3h@virginia.edu

In the sections that follow we give some information about the department and its activities, describe the
requirements for the various degrees, and show some typical course sequences leading to the degrees.

Physics Office: Room 101, Jesse Beams Laboratory Physics (Physics Department)
Mailing Address: 382 McCormick Road, PO Box 400714, Charlottesville, VA 22904 - 4714
Phone: 434-924-3781 Fax: 434-924-4576
Internet Address: http://www.phys.virginia.edu

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 SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE PHYSICS PROGRAM
Physics majors are a very outstanding, enthusiastic and diverse group. During the last years, an average
of 50 students has graduated each year with bachelor’s degrees in Physics. There is a wide diversity of
interests, and many students have double majors. Second majors have included anthropology, biology,
chemistry, economics, English, environmental science, French, German language and literature,
government, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, Slavic languages and
literature, and studio art.

Approximately half of our BS Physics and BS Astronomy-Physics majors go on to graduate or

professional schools, most at top-ranked universities, and they are very successful there. Recent graduates
have attended the University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Santa Barbara, Cal
Tech, Chicago, Cornell, Princeton, Duke, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Toronto, Johns Hopkins, Michigan,
MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Many recent graduates have taken scientific or technical positions in industry or
government immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Each year several go to professional
schools in medicine, education, business and law. Others graduate with Physics as a concentration in a
broad liberal arts program and enter a variety of careers.

Beginning the first year there are special courses for Physics majors. The third and fourth year classes are
small, and students have much interaction with faculty members. Since the Department has active research
programs in all the major fields of Physics that involve all faculty members, there are many opportunities
for undergraduates to participate in research on the frontiers of Physics. Students are encouraged to
participate in research starting in the summer following their second year. Students in BS programs
undertake research projects (PHYS 3995), working on a tutorial basis with a faculty member and often
working with a research group. The study culminates in a written and possibly an oral report. Students
find these projects among the most valuable and enjoyable parts of their programs. Also there are summer
jobs and part-time jobs during the academic year with the various research groups. An Intermediate Lab
course (PHYS 3170 or 3180) is taken in order to provide exposure to a broader range of experimental
techniques.

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In addition to the undergraduate courses, many graduate courses in Physics are regularly taken by
advanced undergraduates. Undergraduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the weekly
colloquia. These talks are given by eminent physicists from around the world. They provide further contact
with research on the frontiers of Physics.

All Physics majors are expected to become proficient in the use of computers by taking courses and by
using computers for coursework and in the research labs. Fundamentals of Scientific Computing
(PHYS 2660) introduces some programming concepts and numerical methods. We provide an
introduction to data acquisition and analysis in the introductory laboratory courses, an Electronics lab
(PHYS 3150), more advanced data acquisition and analysis in the Intermediate Physics Laboratory
courses. Many class and laboratory exercises requiring use of computers. As mentioned above, there are
courses providing a concentration in computational Physics. In addition a wide variety of computer
courses is available through the Computer Science Department and Information Technology Services staff
that presents numerous workshops.

Early declaration of major is encouraged: you do not have to wait until your fourth semester. A valued
perk for Physics majors is that all are provided keys to the Physics Building that give them access at any
time to the Physics Library, and two conference rooms. At night and on weekends, one finds groups of
Physics majors gathered in one of the conference rooms or the library, working together (as we encourage
them to do) on quantum mechanics, statistical physics, or other topics.

Some very interesting facts about the skills Physics graduates find most useful emerged from a recent
survey by the American Institute of Physics. They queried some thousands of people with Physics degrees
(bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) working in industry, government, and secondary and higher education
about the skills they used most frequently. At all degree levels and for all types of jobs, whether directly
involving physics or not, almost 100% of respondents said that problem solving is their most frequently
used skill. Computer skills were highly ranked by most of the respondents, but even more highly ranked
were interpersonal skills and technical writing. These same skills have been identified as most important
by many companies who hire physics graduates. We address the development of these skills explicitly in
the physics major. Problem solving and computing are already strong components of the program. The
upper-level Physics laboratories and research courses are structured to provide excellent opportunities for
developing skills in both oral and written communication of technical material. Spontaneous teamwork

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on solving problems in the upper-level courses has long been a part of being physics major. Working with
a variety of partners in the elementary and upper-level lab courses also helps develop skills in interpersonal
relationships. These experiences are supplemented in physics classes by group problem solving, which
has been shown to be an effective way of learning new concepts and has the added effect of teaching and
encouraging teamwork.

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) and the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics honor society provide very
valuable support for the Physics major program. The weekly SPS meetings offer special talks on topics
related to physics by faculty members from physics and other departments at the University. There are
also presentations devoted to giving advice and commentary on graduate and professional schools, and
talks about careers in science. At each meeting there is pizza and time for students to talk to each other
and to faculty members who are invited to attend. Membership in SPS is open to any student interested
in Physics. Membership in Sigma Pi Sigma recognizes special academic achievement.

There are a number of activities each year intended to help students and faculty get to know each other
and to recognize academic achievement. There is an annual reception near the beginning of the fall
semester to which all undergraduate majors, students who think they might like to major, and all physics
faculty are invited. During this ceremony an award is presented to the graduate with the most outstanding
academic record in physics.

Career Planning - In addition to the extensive resources available through University Career Services
(UCS), the Physics Department offers assistance with career planning in a number of ways:

 Discussions with undergraduate advisors and other Physics faculty members

 Talks about graduate schools and careers at SPS meetings
 A brochure, “What can I do with a Physics major?”
 Contacts with UVa alumni who are willing to offer career information
 UCS web site, http://career.virginia.edu/
 The American Institute of Physics site, http://aip.org/

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 REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN PHYSICS
The basic BA is designed for students interested in physics and planning to enter professional schools in
business, law, and medicine, and for liberal arts students desiring a strong physics background, but with
career objectives in other areas.

There are two options leading to the BA in physics, each having three components:

Option I
(1) Prerequisites – MATH 1320 and PHYS 1710, 1720.
(2) MATH 2310, 3250 and PHYS 2620, 2630, 2640.
(3) Three courses chosen from PHYS 2660 and/or 3000-level physics courses.
The default sequence is shown on page 12.

Option II
(1) Prerequisites – MATH 1320
(2) MATH 2310, 3250 and PHYS 1425, 1429, 2415, 2419, 2620
(3) Four courses chosen from PHYS 2660 and/or 3000-level physics courses
Option II is designed to be appropriate for engineering students desiring an additional major in
physics. The default sequence is shown on page 13.

The classification of the courses into prerequisites and requirements, and into components, reflects the
order in which classes are taken. Physics courses are more sequential than courses in some other majors.
Course descriptions in SIS, or at the department webpage, may list other courses that are expected to be
taken earlier (pre-requisites), or concurrently (co-requisites).

Students can substitute APMA 1110 (Single Variable Calculus II) for MATH 1320 (Calculus II), APMA
2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III), and APMA 2130 (Applied Differential
Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations). Electrical and Computer Engineering
Students can substitute PHYS 2415 with ECE 3209 (Electromagnetic Fields), but are still required to
take PHYS 2419.

For students electing a basic BA program, the courses, PHYS 3110 (Widely Applied Physics), 3120
(Applied Physics: Energy), if elected in component (3), can be used to complete a strong preparation in
basic Physics. These courses are designed to make use of the concepts learned in the introductory courses
to understand some modern applications with a focus on energy production and use. PHYS 2660
Fundamentals of Scientific Computing is a good choice for completing this component. Students
completing the basic BA program have an outstanding record of success in admission to medical, law,
business, and education schools.

A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses with a minimum grade of C- must be
achieved for graduation. Required courses are the ones listed as component (2) and (3) above, and their
substitutes. The Schools impose other requirements for graduation; e.g. students in the College of Arts
and Sciences need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols scholars, have to fulfill
competency and area requirements.

6
 Table I - Requirements for BA in Physics
Prerequisites:

Option I Option II
PHYS 1710 Introductory Physics I [5]
MATH 1320 Calculus II [4] MATH 1320 Calculus II [4]
PHYS 1720 Introductory Physics II [5]

Requirements:

Option I Option II
PHYS 1425 Gen. Phys. I [3]
PHYS 2630 Elementary Lab I [3] PHYS 1429 Gen. Phys. I Workshop [1]
PHYS 2415 Gen. Phys. II [3]
PHYS 2640 Elementary Lab II [3] PHYS 2419 Gen. Phys. II Workshop [1]
MATH 2310 Calculus III [4] MATH 2310 Calculus III [4]
MATH 3250 Ord. Diff. Eqn. [4] MATH 3250 Ord. Diff. Eqn. [4]
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4]
Three courses chosen from PHYS 2660 Four courses chosen from PHYS 2660
and/or 3000-level physics courses and /or 3000-level physics courses

3000-level courses that are chosen most often as electives and that are offered regularly:
PHYS 3040 Physics of the Human Body [3]
PHYS 3110 Widely Applied Physics [3]
PHYS 3120 Applied Physics: Energy [3]
PHYS 3150 Electronics [3]
PHYS 3170 Intermediate Lab I [3]
PHYS 3180 Intermediate Lab II [3]
PHYS 3250 Applied Nuclear Physics [3]
PHYS 3620 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [3]
PHYS 3995 Research [3]

Classes that are admissible, but directed towards the more advanced majors, include:
PHYS 3210 Classical Mechanics [3]
PHYS 3310 Statistical Physics [3]
PHYS 3420, 3430 Electricity and Magnetism I, II [3,3]
PHYS 3650, 3660 Quantum Mechanics I, II [3,3]

See the appendix (page 16) for a more complete list of electives.

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 REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN PHYSICS
The BS provides a strong preparation for graduate study in Physics and Physics-related areas, and
for scientific and technical jobs.

There are two options leading to the BS in physics, each having three components:

Option I
(1) Prerequisites – MATH 1320 and PHYS 1710, 1720.
(2) Prerequisites – MATH 2310, 3250 and PHYS 2620, 2630, 2640.
(3) MATH 4210, 4220, and PHYS 2660, 3170 or 3180, 3210, 3310, 3420, 3430, 3650, 3660, 3995
and two 3000-5000 level Physics electives (one elective for class of 2018 and earlier)
Option I is the recommended course sequence for BS students. A course schedule is shown on page
14.

Option II
(1) Prerequisites – MATH 1320
(2) Prerequisites – MATH 2310, 3250 and PHYS 1425, 1429, 2415, 2419, 2620
(3) MATH 4210, 4220, and PHYS 2660, 3170 or 3180, 3210, 3310, 3420, 3430, 3650, 3660, 3995
and two 3000-5000 level Physics electives (one elective for class of 2018 and earlier)
Option II is often taken by students who plan (at least, initially) for a different major.

Students can substitute APMA 1110 (Applied Calculus II) for MATH 1320 (Calculus II), APMA 2120
(Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III), APMA 2130 (Applied Differential Equations)
for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations), and APMA 3140 (Applied Partial Differential
Equations) for MATH 4220.

Three special concentrations can be pursued by students in either the BA or the BS programs: A
Computational Physics Concentration (PHYS 5630, 5640 Computational Physics I, II); an Optics
Concentration (PHYS 5310 Optics and PHYS 5320 Fundamentals of Photonics); and an Experimental
Physics Concentration (PHYS 3150 Electronics, PHYS 3170 Intermediate Laboratory I, and PHYS 3180
Intermediate Laboratory II).

A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses with a minimum grade of C- must be
achieved for graduation. Required courses are the ones listed as component (3) above, and their substitutes.
The School imposes other requirements for graduation; e.g. students in the College of Arts and Sciences
need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols scholars, have to fulfill competency and area
requirements.

Distinguished Major Program - This program provides recognition of outstanding academic

performance in a challenging sequence of Physics courses including a research project. Students who
complete the BS requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given
departmental recommendation to receive their degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest
distinction, respectively.

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 Table II - Requirements for BS in Physics
Prerequisites:

Option I Option II
PHYS 1710 Introductory Physics I [5] PHYS 1425 Gen. Phys. I [3]
PHYS 1429 Gen. Phys. I Workshop [1]
MATH 1320 Calculus II [4] MATH 1320 Calculus II [4]
PHYS 1720 Introductory Physics II [5] PHYS 2415 Gen. Phys. II [3]
PHYS 2419 Gen. Phys. II Workshop [1]
MATH 2310 Calculus III [4] MATH 2310 Calculus III [4]
PHYS 2630 Elementary Lab I [3]
MATH 3250 Ord. Diff. Eqn. [4] MATH 3250 Ord. Diff. Eqn. [4]
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4]
PHYS 2640 Elementary Lab II [3]
Requirements:

MATH 4210 Mathematics for Physics1 [3]

MATH 4220 Partial Differential Equations [3]
PHYS 2660 Fund. Scientific Computing [3]
PHYS 3170 or 3180 Intermediate Lab [3]
PHYS 3210 Classical Mechanics [3]
PHYS 3420, 3430 Electricity & Magnetism I, II2 [3,3]
PHYS 3310 Statistical Physics [3]
PHYS 3650, 3660 Quantum Physics I, II [3,3]
PHYS 3995 Research [3]
Two physics Electives3 [3,3]

1
Students who are taking upper level math courses should consult with their physics advisor if those courses obviate the need
for MATH 4210. If so, the advisor can waive this requirement.
2
Your advisor may allow substituting PHYS 3430 with PHYS 5310 (Optics), in which case PHYS 5310 would not double-
count as an elective. Students that plan to continue in graduate school in physics should take PHYS 3430.
3
To be chosen from any of the 3000-level or 5000-level Physics courses (see appendix, page 22).

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 REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY/PHYSICS
This is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy Department. The major
prepares a student for graduate study in either Astronomy or Physics. Students in this major have advisors
both from Astronomy and Physics.

Required courses are MATH 1320, 2310, 3250, 4210, 4220; PHYS 1710, 1720, 2620, 2630, 2640, 2660,
3210, 3310, 3420, 3430, 3650; and ASTR 2110, 2120, 3130, 4993, 4998 (Senior Thesis), and six
additional credits of 3000-5000 level Astronomy courses. The default sequence is shown on page 15.

The School imposes other requirements for graduation; e.g. students in the College of Arts and Sciences
need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols scholars, have to fulfill competency and area
requirements.

Until fall 2015, this degree was called the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy/Physics

Distinguished Astronomy-Physics Major Program - Students must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or better.
For the Distinguished Major, students must meet the requirements of the Astronomy-Physics major
described above and must also take PHYS 3660 (Quantum Phys. II) and a two-semester Senior Thesis
(ASTR 4998). The six hours of elective Astronomy courses must consist of ASTR 4810 and a 5000 -
level course. This program leads to the award of degrees with Distinction, High Distinction, or
Highest Distinction.

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 REQUIREMENTS: MINOR IN PHYSICS
In addition to a major, students may choose a minor in a second subject. The Physics Minor is for
students who decided for a major in something else than physics, but who are interested in taking
physics courses, and want to be able to show a basic understanding of physics.

There are three options leading to a Physics Minor:

Option I
PHYS 1710, 1720 (Introductory Physics I-II for Physics Majors), 2620 (Modern Physics), and two
3000-level physics courses, or one 3000-level physics course and PHYS 2630 (Elementary Lab
I).

Option II
PHYS 1425, 1429, 2415, 2419 (the Engineering Physics Sequence), 2620 (Modern Physics), and
two 3000-level physics courses.

Option III
PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 (the Introductory Physics Courses that satisfy pre-health
requirements), 2620 (Modern Physics), and two 3000-level physics courses. This option is an
offer for exceptional students only. Modern Physics, and most electives, require calculus-based
physics, and mathematics preparation as it is taught in MATH 2310 (Multivariable Calculus). It
is strongly recommend to see a physics major advisor, or the course instructor, before taking
Modern Physics.

The college does not allow for double counting of courses between minor and major(s) for college
students. A physics advisor can grant exceptions to this if the course which is to be double counted is an
introductory physics course that is a required component in the major.

A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses for the minor with a minimum grade of
C- must be achieved.

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 TYPICAL COURSE SEQUENCES
Example Course Sequence for Basic BA, Option I
Shown is a typical schedule for a student who intends to major with a BA in physics, and takes option I.
The course sequence shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major. A Physics BA can be
started in the second year, and completed by moving PHYS 2630, 2640 to the fourth year. Calculus I can
be taken in the first year, if needed.

Fall Spring
First Year
MATH 1320 Calculus II [4] MATH 2310 Calculus III [4]
PHYS 1710 Intro. Physics I [5] PHYS 1720 Intro. Physics II [5]
------------ ------------
Second Year
MATH 3250 Differential Eqn. [3] PHYS 2660 Fund. Scient. Comp. [3]
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] ------------
------------ ------------
Third Year
PHYS 2630 Elem. Lab. I [3] PHYS 2640 Elem. Lab. II [3]
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
PHYS 3110 Widely Applied Physics [3] PHYS 3120 Applied Physics: Energy [3]
------------ ------------

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 Example Course Sequence for Basic BA, Option II
Shown is a typical schedule for a student who intends to major with a BA in physics, and takes Option II
(e.g., a student from engineering school). The course sequence shown covers only the courses that are
relevant for the major. The General Physics lectures and workshops are currently offered in fall and spring;
therefore a start in fall of the first year, or in fall of the second year, is also possible.

Fall Spring
First Year
MATH 1310 Calculus I4 [4] MATH 2310 Calculus II [4]
------------ PHYS 1425 General Physics I [3]
------------ PHYS 1429 General Physics I Works. [1]
------------ ------------
Second Year
MATH 2310 Calculus III [4] MATH 3250 Differential Eqn. [3]
PHYS 2415 General Physics II [3] PHYS 3xxx Elective [3]
PHYS 2419 General Physics II Works. [1] ------------
------------ ------------
Third Year
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] PHYS 3xxx Elective [3]
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
PHYS 3110 Widely Applied Physics [3] PHYS 3xxx Elective [3]
------------ ------------

4
This course is not required

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 Example Course Sequence for BS in Physics
This schedule is for students who intend to major with a BS in physics. The course sequence shown covers
only the courses that are relevant for the major.

Fall Spring
First Year
MATH 1320 Calculus II [4] MATH 2310 Calculus III [4]
PHYS 1710 Intro. Physics I [5] PHYS 1720 Intro. Physics II [5]
PHYS 1910 Intro. Phys. Research5 [1] PHYS 2660 Fund. Scient. Comp. [3]
------------ ------------
Second Year
MATH 3250 Differential Eqn. [3] MATH 4210 Mathematics for Physics [3]
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] PHYS 3210 Class. Mech. [3]
PHYS 2630 Elem. Lab. I [3] PHYS 2640 Elem. Lab II [3]
------------ ------------
Third Year
MATH 4220 Part. Diff. Eq. [3] PHYS 3420 Electricity & Magn. I [3]
PHYS 3650 Quantum Physics I [3] PHYS 3660 Quantum Physics II [3]
PHYS 3170 Intermediate Lab [3] PHYS 3xxx Elective [3]
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
PHYS 3995 Research [3] PHYS 3xxx Elective [3]
PHYS 3430 Electricity & Magn. II [3] ------------
PHYS 3310 Statistical Physics [3] ------------
------------ ------------

5
This course is not required

14
 Example Course Sequence for BS Astronomy/Physics
This schedule is for students who intend to major with a BS in Astronomy / Physics. The course sequence
shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major. Students in the Distinguished Astronomy-
Physics Major Program are required to take more courses, mostly in their last year.

Fall Spring
First Year
MATH 1320 Calculus II [4] MATH 2310 Calculus III [4]
PHYS 1710 Intro. Physics I [5] PHYS 1720 Intro. Physics II [5]
------------ ASTR 1610 Intro. Astr. Research6 [1]
------------ ------------
Second Year
MATH 3250 Differential Eqn. [3] MATH 4210 Mathematics for Physics [3]
PHYS 2620 Modern Physics [4] PHYS 3210 Class. Mech. [3]
ASTRO 2110 Intro. Astroph. I [3] ASTRO 2120 Intro. Astroph. II [3]
PHYS 2630 Elem. Lab. I [3] PHYS 2640 Elem. Lab II [3]
------------ ------------
Third Year
MATH 4220 Part. Diff. Eq. [3] PHYS 3420 Electricity & Magn. I [3]
PHYS 3650 Quantum Physics I [3] PHYS 2660 Fund. Scient. Comp. [3]
ASTR 4993 Tutorial [3] ASTR 3130 Observ. Astro. [4]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
ASTR 4810 Astrophysics [3] ASTR 4998 Thesis [3]
PHYS 3430 Electricity & Magn. II [3] ASTR 3xxx Astro. elective [3]
PHYS 3310 Statistical Physics [3] ASTR 3xxx Astro. elective [3]
------------ ------------

6
This course is not required

15
 Upper Level Physics Courses that are taught regularly
PHYS 3040 Physics of the Human Body [3] S
PHYS 3110 Widely Applied Physics [3] F
PHYS 3120 Applied Physics: Energy [3] S
PHYS 3150 Electronics Lab [3] F
PHYS 3170, 3180 Intermediate Lab I, II [3, 3] F, S
PHYS 3210 Classical Mechanics [3] S
PHYS 3250 Applied Nuclear Physics [3] S
PHYS 3310 Statistical Physics [3] F
PHYS 3420, 3430 Electricity and Magnetism I, II [3, 3] S, F
PHYS 3620 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [3]
PHYS 3650, 3660 Quantum Physics I, II [3, 3] F, S
PHYS 3993 Independent Study [3]
PHYS 3995 Research [3]
PHYS 5240 Introduction to General Relativity [3] F
PHYS 5250 Mathematical Methods of Physics I [3]
PHYS 5310 Optics [3] F
PHYS 5320 Fundamentals of Photonics [3] S
PHYS 5620 Introduction to Solid State Physics [3] F
PHYS 5630, 5640 Computational Physics I, II [3, 3] F, S
PHYS 5720 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics [3] F

In the last column, courses designated “S” are planned to be taught every spring, and “F” are planned to
be taught every fall. Others are not taught on a regular schedule.

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