Major in Physics
Physics students may choose to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Physics.
The physics curriculum emphasizes fundamental concepts, problem analysis and solving skills, and laboratory techniques. Physics majors possess a wide variety of interests and goals. To ensure that students are adequately prepared for a variety of directions, the course offerings reflect a core set of content destined to give the student a basic understanding of contemporary experimental and theoretical physics concepts. Advanced courses explore these concepts further with a tighter focus on the problems and solutions particular to the area.
Many courses in a physics major possess prerequisites. Students who are unsure of their direction within the sciences are strongly encouraged to begin in their first year with general physics so that choices remain open for further study within the time spent pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
This major is intended for students planning to proceed to graduate work in either physics or engineering. It focuses on both high-level physics courses and providing a breadth of science education. It is a total of 62 credits (17 courses).
Required physics courses (34 credits):
PHYS 1230 - General Physics I
PHYS 1240 - General Physics II
PHYS 3540 - Modern Physics
PHYS 3750 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 5900 - Junior Seminar
PHYS 5910 - Senior Seminar
PHYS 5920 - Research Project-Based Advanced Laboratory
PHYS 5930 - Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 5940 - Advanced Electromagnetic Field Theory
PHYS 5950 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Courses outside physics (16 credits):
MATH 1170 - Calculus I
MATH 1180 - Calculus II
MATH 3320 - Multivariable and Vector Calculus
MATH 3720 - Introduction to Applied Mathematics
Advanced electives (choose one) (4 credits):
PHYS 3520 - Physical Optics
PHYS 3800 - Electronics and Instrumentation
PHYS 5955 - Advanced Topics in Physics
Science electives (choose two) (8 credits):
BIOL 1800 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 1820 - Principles of Plant and Animal Physiology
BIOL 3050 - Principles of Genetics
BIOL 3060 - Principles of Cell Biology
CHEM 1130 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 1140 - General Chemistry II
Bachelor of Arts Requirements
This major is intended for students who wish to double major in other disciplines. It is also a major that can be done in three years for those who decide late. It is a total of 46 credits (13 courses).
Required physics courses (18 credits):
PHYS 1230 - General Physics I
PHYS 1240 - General Physics II
PHYS 3540 - Modern Physics or CHEM 3560: Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy
PHYS 5900 - Junior Seminar
PHYS 5910 - Senior Seminar
PHYS 5920 - Research Project-Based Advanced Laboratory
Courses outside physics (16 credits):
MATH 1170 - Calculus I
MATH 1180 - Calculus II
MATH 3320 - Multivariable and Vector Calculus
MATH 3720 - Introduction to Applied Mathematics
Elective courses (choose three; one must be 5000 or above) 8 credits:
CHEM 3550 - Chemical Thermodynamics
PHYS 3520 - Physical Optics
PHYS 3750 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 3800 - Electronics and Instrumentation
PHYS 5930 - Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 5940 - Advanced Electromagnetic Field Theory
PHYS 5950 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 5955 - Advanced Topics in Physics
Students interested in postgraduate work in physics, astrophysics, or astronomy should take (beyond the core courses): 3520: Physical Optics; 3750: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics; 3800: Electronics and Instrumentation; and 5950: Quantum Mechanics.
Students pursuing a career in electrical engineering or computer science, either in postgraduate work or as part of Hamline’s 3-2 engineering program (see below) should take (beyond the core courses): 3750: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics; and 3800: Electronics and Instrumentation. Other areas of engineering such as mechanical, aerospace, civil, mineral, environmental, or biomedical engineering would suggest a program consisting of (beyond the core courses): 1610/1620: Engineering Mechanics: Statistics and Dynamics; 3750: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics; and 3800: Electronics and Instrumentation.