Physics BS Plan of Study
Majoring in Physics & Astronomy
The Physics & Astronomy Department offers a Physics BS degree, as well as minors in Astronomy and Physics. Many students complete the Physics BS degree with minors in Math and/or Astronomy, depending on their specific areas of interest. The Physics BS degree has a modern curriculum where undergraduates build a strong foundation in our core courses, and then explore specific areas of physics & astronomy in greater depth through upper-division electives.
Find out more information on each of these two types of courses below.
Sample Plan of Study
The plan of study below shows how a student entering WWU with pre-calculus completed could complete the requirements for the Physics BS degree. Elective courses are not specified; to select those, see the schedule of electives for the next few years. (Current majors can also consult the prior plan of study.)
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Students may postpone PHYS 161 until winter quarter in order to complete the pre-requisite for Calculus I (MATH 124) before starting the physics plan of study. Students will then need to complete PHYS 162 in the spring quarter, and PHYS 163 during either summer or fall quarter (concurrently with PHYS 220).
Admission and Declaration Process
Admission to the Physics BS is a single-step process. Students are advised to contact the Physics main office for an initial advising meeting prior to declaring the Physics major. The major may be declared using the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form, also found on the Registrar’s Office website. Once a student has declared the major, they will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students are advised to declare as early in their academic career as possible to ensure timely completion of the Physics BS.
Independent Research
Students may take Independent Research PHYS 291/491, with variable credit from 1-3, with permission of a faculty. This course provide students the opportunity to perform original research under faculty supervision. It is advised that interested students contact potential faculty supervisors during their junior year.
Minors
Physics Minor
48 Credits
PHYS 161, 162, 163, 220, 230 and one elective from:
- PHYS 335
- PHYS 339
- PHYS 344
- PHYS 345
- PHYS 346
- PHYS 486
MATH 124 and 125, or MATH 134 and 135, or MATH 138 and MATH 204, 224 and 331.
Astronomy Minor
24-28 Credits
PHYS 161, 162, 163
ASTR 315, 316 and 320
Math Minor
35 Credits
The math courses required in the physics major meet most of the requirements for the Math Minor.
After completion of MATH 204, 304 and 331 you will need an additional 4 credits of approved math electives.
Recommended math courses that are of considerable value to physics majors are MATH 225 Multivariable Calculus and Geometry, MATH 226 Limits and Infinite Series, MATH 430 Fourier Series and Partial Differential Equations, MATH 432 Systems of Differential Equations, and MATH 438 Introduction to Complex Variables.
Materials Science Minor
39-42 credits
Physics Majors completing the Materials Science Minor may substitute one year of Chemistry for the department electives.