Degrees and Programs

Major, Minor, Engineering and Teacher Certification Requirements  

Requirements for a Major in Physics

The requirements for a major in physics total ten course units, which include two half-unit laboratory courses (Phys 317 and 318):

• Phys 151, 152 University Physics
• Phys 221, 222 Modern Physics
• Phys 307 Classical Mechanics
• Phys 308 Electricity and Magnetism
• Phys 317 Instrumentation Lab
• Phys 318 Electronics Lab
• Phys 333 Mathematical Methods of Physics
• Phys 489 or 498 SYE: Advanced Laboratory (or Advanced Lab with Honors)
• One additional course unit at the 400 level

Majors contemplating graduate study in physics should take Physics 401, 402 (Theoretical Physics) and should consider acquiring a reading knowledge of German or French since a few Ph.D. programs still retain some foreign language requirement.

Since physics students make extensive use of computers, potential majors are advised to enroll in CS 140 (Intro to Computer Programming) during the sophomore year. The three-course calculus sequence (Math135, 136, 205) should be completed as soon as possible. Recommended for the major are Math 217 (Linear Algebra) and Math 230 (Differential Equations), and Chem 103, 104 (General Chemistry) or Chem 105 (Accelerated General Chemistry).

Requirements for a Minor in Physics

A minor in physics consists of five and one-half course units:

• Phys 151, 152 University Physics
• Phys 221, 222 Modern Physics

and either

• Phys 307 Classical Mechanics AND Phys 317 Instrumentation Lab

or …

• Phys 308 Electricity & Magnetism, Phys 318 Electronics Lab, AND Phys 333 Mathematical Methods of Physics (333 is a prerequisite for 308).

Basic Engineering Combined Plan

Students in the engineering combined plan who choose physics as a major must complete eight course units in physics, which includes 151, 152, 221, 222, 307, 308 and 333, and two half-unit courses, Physics 317 and 318. Other requirements for the engineering combined plan are given on the Basic Engineering Combined Programs page and in the “Curriculum” chapter of the University Catalog.

Certification to Teach Physics

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 physics teacher in New York must major in physics and also complete the certification minor in education. Physics majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University's Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the physics major and the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates. Consult the education section of the University Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the Department of Education as early as possible.