Physics BS Plan of Study

Admission to the Physics BS is a two-step process. Students are classified as Phase I majors until they have completed PHYS 161, 162, 163, 224, 225, 220; and MATH 124, 125, 224; and MATH 204, 304 and 331. Admission to Phase II is based on students’ academic performance in the Phase I courses. Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II, while students with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 in the Phase I courses will be considered for admission on a case by case basis. Note, however, that neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission to Phase II. Students may obtain Phase I major status by contacting the Physics/Astronomy department, Communications Facility 385, and completing the major declaration form. At this time students will be assigned an academic adviser from the physics faculty. The application to Phase II includes an application form and a transcript, and should be submitted to the department main office by the end of the 5thweek of spring quarter during the sophomore year of the major program. Phase II major status will be granted by the beginning of fall quarter of the junior year.

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