Major Requirements
The Clark physics major is designed to be flexible so as to meet the interests of individual students, including graduate study in physics, related sciences, engineering, and careers in environmental studies, management, government, law, medicine and teaching. Specifically, the Physics Department offers three tracks leading to the B.A. in physics: The Comprehensive Physics track, the Applied Physics track, and the General Physics track. The requirements for the three tracks enable students to choose their courses in line with their specific career goals. During their first year, prospective physics majors are recommended to enroll in PHYS 120 and PHYS 121 (those students interested in the General Physics track may enroll in PHYS 110/111) and to consult with the undergraduate physics adviser about their program of study. Physics major requirements for each of the three tracks are detailed below. The requirements are flexible and, through consultation with the undergraduate physics adviser, may be modified to satisfy the particular needs and interests of each student. Information about each available physics track is listed below:
Comprehensive Physics Track - This track is the broadest and designed to prepare students for graduate studies and careers in physics and related areas (such as engineering).
Required courses:
Math (4): 120 or 124, 121 or 125, 130, 131
Core Physics (12): 120, 121, 130, 131, 123, 127, 150, 160, 161, 171, 251, 299
Additional Electives (2): These electives may be taken from within the physics department, or by taking courses outside of the department including in the math, computer science, chemistry, and biology departments, upon consultation with an adviser in the physics department.
Applied Physics Track - This track is designed to prepare students for engineering, applied sciences, and technology related programs and careers.
Required courses:
Math (4): 120 or 124, 121 or 125, 130, 131
Core Physics (9): 120, 121, 130, 131, 123, 150, 160, 161, 299
Physics Electives (2): An elective of either 127 and 219 is required. One additional elective from Phys 127, 167, 169, 171, 219, 243, 251.
Additional Electives (3): These electives may be taken from within the physics department or by taking courses outside of the department including CS 120, CS 121, Math 244, and engineering/applied courses at WPI. Additional courses may be counted as electives in consultation with an adviser in the physics department.
General Physics Track - This track is designed to prepare students for teaching, education, pre-health and science policy programs.
Required courses:
Math (2): 120 or 124, 121 or 125
Core Physics (8): 120 (or 110 if no calculus background), 121 (or 111 if no calculus background), 130, 131, 123, 150, 160, 299
Introductory Courses from Outside of Physics (2): A choice of 2 from the following Chem 101, Chem 102, Chem 103, Bio 101, Bio 102, Bio 103, CS 120, CS 121
PLA Experience (1): A student is required to serve as a PLA in an introductory physics course (Phys 20, Astro 001, Astro 002, Phys 110, Phys 111, Phys 120, or Phys 121)
Education Courses (1): Educ 152
Physics Elective (1): An elective of either 127 or 219 is required.
Additional Electives (3): These electives may be taken from within the physics department or by taking courses outside of the department including within the education, math, computer science, chemistry, and biology departments, upon consultation with an adviser in the physics department.
Courses used to fulfill the requirements for the major or minor in Physics may not be taken with the Pass/Fail option.
Additionally, students interested in using physics as the basis for an engineering career should inquire about the 3/2 Engineering Program offering students a five-year option that combines a B.A. from Clark and a B.S. in engineering from Columbia University. Students who are majoring in physics and completing the 3/2 Engineering program may, for any physics major track, complete 2 of the ‘additional electives’ requirements by completing two courses at Columbia.