Lafayette Physics Major and Minor Requirements

Contents:

  1. B.S. in Physics.
  2. B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy.
  3. A.B. in Physics.
  4. A.B. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy.
  5. Minor in Physics.
  6. Typical Course Patterns.

DISCLAIMER

These listings are believed to be reasonably accurate, but you should consult the College Catalog for authoritative information.

B.S. in Physics

The 4-year requirements for the B.S. degree in Physics are:

A minimum of 32 courses including: the B.S Common Course of Study, five courses in Mathematics including Math 161, 162, 263, 264, and one Math elective; two courses from an approved sequence in Chemistry, Biology, or Geology; and thirteen courses in Physics with the restrictions and exceptions noted below.

Details of B.S. Physics requirements:

  1. The 13 courses in physics must include: Phys (131, 132, and 133) or (151 and 152), 215, 216, 218, 327, 335, 338, 342, and 351. The other physics courses must be at the 200 level or above.
  2. The Common Course of Study: FYS, Eng 110, VAST, 3 Soc/Hum courses.
  3. 2 Courses of Introductory Science: 2 courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,324), Biol (101,102), or Geol(100, 110, 120, 130).
  4. 5 Courses in Mathematics, including Math 161, 162, 263, and 264.
  5. 6 Free Electives.

B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy

The 4-year requirements for the B.S. degree in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy are:

A minimum of 32 courses including: the B.S Common Course of Study, five courses in Mathematics including Math 161, 162, 263, and 264, two courses from an approved sequence in Chemistry, Biology, or Geology; and thirteen courses in Physics with the restrictions and exceptions noted below.

Details of B.S. Physics/Astronomy concentration requirements:

  1. The 13 courses in physics must include: Phys (131, 132, and 133) or (151 and 152), 215, 216, 218, 304, 308, 327, 335, 338, 342, and 351.
  2. The Common Course of Study: FYS, Eng 110, VAST, 3 Soc/Hum courses.
  3. 2 Courses of Introductory Science: Two courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,324), Biol (101,102), or Geol(100, 110, 120, 130).
  4. 5 Courses in Mathematics, including Math 161, 162, 263, and 264.
  5. 6 Free Electives.

A.B. in Physics

The 4-year requirements for the A.B. degree in Physics are:

A minimum of 32 courses including: The A.B. Common Course of Study, four courses in Mathematics (161, 162, 263, and 264); two courses from an approved sequence in Chemistry, Biology, or Geology; and ten courses in Physics with the restrictions and exceptions noted below.

Details of A.B. Physics requirements:

  1. The 10 courses in physics must include: Phys (131, 132, and 133) or (151 and 152), 215, 216, and 218. Of the others, only one course below 110 is allowed. All the remaining physics courses must be at the 200 level or above.
  2. The Common Course of Study: FYS, Eng 110, VAST, 3 Soc/Hum courses.
  3. 2 Courses of Introductory Science: Two courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,323), Biol (101,102), or Geol(100, 110, 120, 130).
  4. 4 Courses in Mathematics: Math 161, 162, 263 and 264.
  5. 10 Electives, some of which will be needed to satisfy the writing or Foreign Culture requirements of the Common Course of Study.

A.B. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy

The 4-year requirements for the A.B. degree in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy are:

A minimum of 32 courses including: The A.B. Common Course of Study, four courses in Mathematics (161, 162, 263, and 264); two courses from an approved sequence in Chemistry, Biology, or Geology; and ten courses in Physics with the restrictions and exceptions noted below.

Details of A.B. Physics with Astronomy concentration requirements:

  1. The 10 courses in physics must include: Phys (131, 132, and 133) or (151 and 152), 215; 216; 218; and 104 and 308, or 108 and 304. The other Physics courses should be chosen in consultation with an adviser. Recommendations include 327, 335, 342, and 442.
  2. The Common Course of Study: FYS, Eng 110, VAST, 3 Soc/Hum courses.
  3. 2 Courses of Introductory Science: Two courses from Chemistry (121,122,125,212,323), Biol (101,102), or Geol(100, 110, 120, 130).
  4. 4 Courses in Mathematics: Math 161, 162, 263 and 264.
  5. 10 Electives, some of which will be needed to satisfy the writing or Foreign Culture requirements of the Common Course of Study.

Minor in Physics

The minor in physics requires a sequence of six Physics courses which must include a two-semester introductory calculus-based sequence (i.e. Phys 131-132, or Phys 131-133, or Phys 151-152) and 215. The three additional Physics courses are to be chosen from among those which may be used to meet the requirements for a major in Physics. Courses with numbers below 111 are designed primarily for students in non-technical programs, are less mathematical in their approach to physics, and are not acceptable for the purpose of meeting this requirement.

Typical Course Patterns

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This page is maintained by Andy Dougherty