Physics Major (B.A.)
https://ceps.unh.edu/physics/program/ba/physics-major
This program provides an opportunity for a broad and liberal education, which in some cases may be sufficient for graduate work. This program can also be excellent preparation for middle and high school physics teachers, pre-med and pre-law students, and those wishing to pursue a technical career in industry. Because there are fewer required courses than for a B.S., you have time to pursue other academic interests. A judicious choice of electives may also prepare students for interdisciplinary programs that require proficiency in a specialized area of physics.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
University Discovery Program requirements 1 | ||
Bachelor of Arts Degree requirements | ||
PHYS 400 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
PHYS 407 | General Physics I | 4 |
PHYS 408 | General Physics II | 4 |
CS 410P | Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python | 4 |
or IAM 550 | Introduction to Engineering Computing | |
PHYS 505 & PHYS 506 | General Physics III and General Physics III Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 508 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 4 |
PHYS 601 | Computational Physics Recitation I | 1 |
PHYS 602 | Computational Physics Recitation II | 1 |
PHYS 605 | Experimental Physics I | 5 |
PHYS 615 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I | 4 |
PHYS 616 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II | 4 |
PHYS 701 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
PHYS 703 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
PHYS 705 | Experimental Physics II | 4 |
Capstone: 2 | 2-8 | |
Independent Study and Thesis | ||
Advanced Research Experience and Thesis | ||
or PHYS 798 | Senior Project | |
Mathematics: | ||
MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 426 | Calculus II | 4 |
Select one of the following Options | 8-12 | |
Option A: | ||
Differential Equations with Linear Algebra and Multidimensional Calculus | ||
Option B: | ||
Linearity I and Linearity II | ||
Total Credits | 66-76 |
1 | Note that no physics course can satisfy these requirement for a physics major. The rationale behind this is that a course in physics does not broaden the education of a physics major. |
2 | A capstone experience is required of all physics majors during their senior year. The Physics Department encourages students to write a senior thesis (PHYS 799 Thesis) for their capstone experience. Other options include independent study research projects (PHYS 795 Independent Study or INCO 590 Student Research Experience) or a special project as part of senior lab (PHYS 705 Experimental Physics II). All capstone experiences must be approved by the undergraduate committee during the student's penultimate semester. |
Suggested Curriculum for B.A. in Physics
In the following table, "other required courses" include Discovery courses, writing-intensive courses, language courses required for the B.A., and free-choice electives.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PHYS 400 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
PHYS 407 | General Physics I | 4 |
MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
Other Required Courses | 8 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 408 | General Physics II | 4 |
MATH 426 | Calculus II | 4 |
ENGL 401 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
CS 410P or IAM 550 |
Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python or Introduction to Engineering Computing |
4 |
Credits | 16 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
PHYS 505 & PHYS 506 |
General Physics III and General Physics III Laboratory |
4 |
MATH 525 or MATH 527 |
Linearity I or Differential Equations with Linear Algebra |
4-6 |
PHYS 601 | Computational Physics Recitation I | 1 |
Other Required Courses | 8 | |
Credits | 17-19 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 615 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I | 4 |
MATH 526 or MATH 528 |
Linearity II or Multidimensional Calculus |
4-6 |
PHYS 602 | Computational Physics Recitation II | 1 |
Other Required Courses | 8 | |
Credits | 17-19 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
PHYS 616 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II | 4 |
PHYS 701 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
Other Required Courses | 8 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 703 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
PHYS 605 | Experimental Physics I | 5 |
Other Required Courses | 8 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
PHYS 705 | Experimental Physics II | 4 |
PHYS 508 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 4 |
Other Required Courses | 4 | |
Capstone | 4 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
Other Required Courses | 12 | |
Capstone | 4 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 132-136 |
- Students will master the fundamentals of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
- Students will have a solid understanding of calculus and differential equations and be able to use mathematics to solve physics problems.
- Students will be proficient at taking measurements in a physics lab and analyzing measurements to draw valid conclusions.
- Students will be able to integrate competently the knowledge and skills acquired in the major and have adequate preparation to succeed in post-undergraduate studies or a professional career.
- Students develop and execute plans for post-graduation to establish their careers. Student will understand the variety of career paths and opportunities that are open to students who have majored in physics.
- Students will be able to present scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.