Starting with the 2000-2001 academic year, students entering the Physics program will find a newly revised curriculum. Three significant changes have been made:

The first-year physics coursework remains Phys 131-132-133 or 141-142-143. The 130's provides a calculus-based treatment of mechanics, electricity & magnetism, and waves, while the 140's is an honors version that utilizes more sophisticated math to pursue some topics in greater depth. Placement into Phys 130's or 140's is made on the basis of the Calculus Placement test.

The math requirement is a Calculus sequence (Math 150's or 160's) followed by either Math 221 or an Analysis sequence (Math 203-204-205 or 207-208-209).

For Physics concentrators who are taking the Phys 140's sequence as well as a first-year Calculus sequence, the math coursework would continue in Autumn of the second year with Math 221. This special section of Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences-2 provides the additional math tools (differential equations, special functions, et al.) needed for all subsequent physics coursework.

As an alternative to Math 221, students may take an Analysis sequence beginning in the Fall, though they will subsequently need to acquire certain math tools, as needed, on their own. However, we encourage all students interested in pursuing further study in Physics and Mathematics to take Math 221 in the Autumn and an Analysis sequence (beginning either concurrently or in the Winter).

For Physics concentrators who are taking the Phys 130's sequence as well as a first-year Calculus sequence, the third quarter of Calculus (153 or 163) should be replaced by Math 220 (a special section of Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences -1). This new course provides coverage of topics in applied math (vector calculus, Fourier series & transforms, et al.). In particular, the Math 220 syllabus introduces tools typically used in the Phys 140's, and ensures that a Phys 130's student possesses the math needed to begin second year coursework. Math 220 would then be followed by Math 221 in Autumn of the second year. (Phys 130's students should note that the prerequisite for Analysis is Math 220 and 221, or Math 220 and permission of the Math Department.

Finally, all physics concentrators interested in taking applied math courses beyond Math 221 are encouraged to consider Math 250, 270, 273, and 275.

Though quantum mechanics is often viewed as the capstone of undergraduate study, many of the most significant results are accessible at an earlier stage. To take advantage of this, a new course, Phys 154 (Modern Physics), has been created. This is essentially a continuation of the General Physics sequence. It introduces students to the earliest efforts to understand phenomena through quantum physics, culminating in the application of quantum mechanics to atomic systems.

Besides allowing the transition from classical to quantum physics at an earlier point in the curriculum, Phys 154 provides a strong foundation for the more sophisticated treatment of quantum mechanics presented in Phys 234 and 235 (Quantum Mechanics I & II).

In addition to the changes already mentioned, the revised concentration program provides room for four Physics electives. These electives may be selected from a menu of both physics and non-physics courses.

The new concentration requirements are summarized below:

† Credit may be granted by examination.

* Electives may be selected from the following menu:

• Phys 236, 237, 226, 251;
• new Physics courses to be introduced by 2002-3;
• Astron 241-242;
• Math 204-205, 270, 273, 275 (no more than 2 to be used as Physics electives)

or other courses approved by the Physics Concentration Chair, Dr. Joseph O'Gallagher (KPTC 201).

• Math 204-205 can not be counted towards concentration electives if 203-204-205 is substituted for Math 221
• Astron 241-242 can not be counted towards concentration electives if used to satisfy requirements for the Specialization in Astrophysics.

The introduction of Math 220 & 221 as well as Phys 154 is accompanied by revised prerequisites in existing courses (as well as changes in the order taken). Here is a list of intermediate and advanced undergraduate courses, and their new prerequisites:

Phys 154 Modern Physics PQ: Phys 143 or (Phys 133 & Math 220)

Phys 185 Intermediate Mechanics PQ: (Phys 131 or 141) & (Math 221 or 203)

Phys 234 Quantum Mechanics I PQ: Phys 154 & (Math 221 or 204)

Phys 235 Quantum Mechanics II PQ: Phys 234

Phys 225 Intermediate E&M I PQ: (Phys 132 or 142) & (Math 221 or 205)

Phys 227 Intermediate E&M II PQ: Phys 225

Phys 197 Statistical Physics PQ: Phys 234 & (Math 221 or 205)

Phys 236 Solid-State Physics PQ: Phys 235 & 197

Phys 237 Nuclear & Particle Physics PQ: Phys 235

Some sample four-year programs follow (concentration electives marked by *):

(alternatively, Analysis could be started in Autumn of second year)

Also, the concentration can be completed via:

which allows the Physics concentration requirements to be completed in three years.

In all cases shown above, a student can also do a Senior Thesis (Phys 291-292-293).

Questions about the new physics degree requirements should be directed to the Departmental Counselors: