Physics

Physics
Academic Bulletin

Area of Study: Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Programs: Major and Minor

Information for Transfer Students indicated by *Note for Transfer Students:

There are two different sequences of introductory physics, each consisting of two courses*.

*Note for Transfer Students: Introductory Physics courses that require Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite in their course descriptions can substitute for PHYS*101 and PHYS*102

Suggested Schedules for the Physics Major starting in MATH 100:

Students placing into MATH 100 should speak to a Physics Faculty member to determine which classes are appropriate on a case by case basis.
 

Suggested Schedules for the Physics Major starting in MATH 140*:

*Notes for Transfer Students:

1. Students who transfer into the sophomore year can enter the first sequence at the Sophomore level if they have had the equivalent of MATH 141.
2. Students who transfer into the sophomore year can enter the second sequence at the Sophomore level if they have had the equivalent of MATH 141 and PHYS 101 (an introductory physics course with Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite).
3. Students who transfer into the Junior year can enter either sequence at the Junior level if they have had the equivalent of PHYS 101 and PHYS102 (an introductory sequence of physics courses with Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite). To satisfy major requirements, transfer students should work with a Physics advisor to determine a plan for taking Physics 240 and 260, as well as a Natural Science course during the Junior or Senior year unless such a course has been accepted for transfer credit. The student must be sure to complete three 4-credit 300-level courses and two 2-credit courses during the Junior or Senior year.

**As an equivalent to PHYS 260, the Physics Department will accept an introductory thermal physics course that includes statistical mechanics in its course description for transfer credit into the major.  

***One 300-level course that has been accepted for transfer credit as a Physics equivalent may count towards the Physics major.

Suggested Schedule for the Physics Major placing in MATH 151*:

*Notes for Transfer Students:

1. Students who transfer into the sophomore year and have had an introductory physics course with Calculus with a prerequisite or corequisite can enter this sequence at the Sophomore level.
2. Students who transfer into the Junior year can enter this sequence at the Junior level if they have had an introductory physics course with Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite, have had the equivalent to Math 211, and have had an introductory course in Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, or Atomic Physics. To satisfy major requirements, transfer students should work with a Physics advisor to determine a plan for taking Physics 240 and 260, as well as a Natural Science course during the Junior or Senior year unless such a course has been accepted for transfer credit. The student must be sure to complete three 4-credit 300-level courses and two 2-credit 400-level courses during the Junior or Senior year.

**In place of Physics 260, the Physics Department will accept an introductory thermal physics course that includes statistical mechanics in its course description for transfer credit into the major.  

***One 300-level course that has been accepted for transfer credit as a Physics equivalent may count towards the Physics major.

Suggested Schedule for the Physics Major starting in MATH 152*:

*Notes for Transfer Students:

1. Students who transfer into the sophomore year and have had an introductory physics course with Calculus with a prerequisite or corequisite can enter this sequence at the Sophomore level.
2. Students who transfer into the Junior year can enter this sequence at the Junior level if they have had an introductory physics course with Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite, have had the equivalent to Math 211, and have had an introductory course in Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, or Atomic Physics. To satisfy major requirements, transfer students should work with a Physics advisor to determine a plan for taking Physics 240 and 260, as well as a Natural Science course during the Junior or Senior year unless such a course has been accepted for transfer credit. The student must be sure to complete three 4-credit 300-level courses and two 2-credit 400-level courses during the Junior or Senior year.

**In place of Physics 260, the Physics Department will accept an introductory thermal physics course that includes statistical mechanics in its course description for transfer credit into the major.  

***One 300-level course that has been accepted for transfer credit as a Physics equivalent may count towards the Physics major.  

Additional Advising Notes:

• A student can still major in physics after taking the Physics 101/102 sequence in place of Physics 110/120.
• While a student may still complete the Physics Major in four years without taking any physics courses during their first year, scheduling is easier when starting with physics in the first year.
• It is very important that Pre-Health students complete Physics 101 and Physics 102 by Fall semester of the third year, so that they will have taken Physics 102 before the MCATs.
• Well-prepared students with AP credit in physics (with a grade of 4 or 5) may skip Physics 110 (or 101) but should consider starting with Physics 120 (or 102) in their first year.
• Well-prepared students with AP or other college credit in both physics and math should consult with a physics faculty member before registering for physics courses
• Academic Advisor: Students can ask any Physics faculty member.
• Junior Seminar: Students should plan to take the Junior Seminar in the spring semester of their junior year. Students register for an open section.
• Senior Comp: 2 Semester Comp recommended, Senior year Fall and Spring

Physics Minors:

Students planning on minoring in Physics must take a minimum of 20 credits in the Physics Department, including Physics 110, 120 (or 101, 102) and Physics 210. Four credits must be at the 300 or 400 level. A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at Allegheny. Physics 101 and 110 are offered fall semester every year, Physics 102 and 120 are offered spring semester every year.

It is strongly recommended that Physics minors complete Physics 110 and 120 by the end of the sophomore year, or 101 and 102 by the end of the first semester junior year. Transfer credit is accepted for PHYS 101 and 102 if the course transferred is an introductory course with Calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite. It is recommended that minors complete Physics 210 by the end of the fall semester senior year. Transfer credit is accepted for PHYS 210 if the course transferred includes an introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic physics (with a Calculus based introductory physics course as a prerequisite).

Astronomy  Minor