Physics Minor

Overview

1. Scientific Perspective Courses. PHYS 020 , PHYS 030 , PHYS 140 , ASTR 001  and ASTR 002  have no prerequisites and satisfy the scientific-perspective requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies. PHYS 110  and PHYS 120 can be taken in satisfaction of either the scientific-perspective or formal-analysis requirement, but not both. PHYS 111 , PHYS 121 , 127, PHYS 130  and PHYS 131 , which also fulfill the scientific perspective, are primarily for science majors.
2. Introductory Sequences. Prospective science majors are urged to begin their study of physics during their first or second years. The department offers two sequences of introductory courses. PHYS 110 /PHYS 111  is a two-semester, noncalculus-based survey of physics appropriate for the majority of science majors, including environmental science and policy majors and premedical/predental students. PHYS 120 /PHYS 121 /PHYS 130  is a three-semester sequence, recommended for physics, chemistry and mathematics majors, which covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics in more depth than the PHYS 110 /PHYS 111  sequence. Because PHYS 121  discusses the subject matter more deeply, it is less comprehensive than PHYS 111 , and should be followed by PHYS 130 .
3. Laboratory Courses. PHYS 110 , PHYS 111 , PHYS 120 , PHYS 121 , 127, PHYS 130 , PHYS 131  and PHYS 219  offer laboratory experience. PHYS 110  and PHYS 111  fulfill the physics laboratory requirement for premedical/predental students.

Program Minor

The requirements for a minor in physics include six courses consisting of PHYS 120 /PHYS 121  (or PHYS 110 /PHYS 111 ), PHYS 130 , PHYS 131  and two additional electives approved by the undergraduate physics adviser. Students receiving credit for a scientific perspective course in physics prior to enrolling in PHYS 120  may use it to replace one elective course. Requirements are flexible and the undergraduate physics adviser can replace any of the required core courses for students who are prepared for more advanced training.