Physics

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Contacts | Program of Study | Program Requirements | Summary of Requirements | Grading | Opportunities for Participation in Research | Honors | Degree Program in Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics | Minor Program in Physics | Courses

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http://physics.uchicago.edu

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Program of Study

Physics is concerned with the study of matter, energy, forces, and their interaction in the world and universe around us. The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Physics leading to the BA in physics includes a strong emphasis on experiment and covers the broad fundamentals necessary for graduate study in theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astronomy and astrophysics, as well as some fields of engineering and many interdisciplinary specialties requiring a strong technical background (e.g., biophysics, medical physics, atmospheric and environmental sciences).

Students who are majoring in other fields of study may also complete a minor in physics. Information follows the description of the major.

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Program Requirements

Courses

The curriculum leading to the BA degree in physics is designed for maximum flexibility consistent with a thorough coverage of the essential principles of physics. Degree requirements include introductory and advanced physics and mathematics courses, as well as physics electives that allow students to pursue specific interests. Students intending to pursue graduate work in astrophysics should consider the program leading to a BA in physics with a specialization in astrophysics, which is described later.

Students who plan to major in physics are encouraged to start course work in their first year. However, the program can be completed in three years, so one could start physics in the second year and still complete the major. Two of the physics and two of the mathematics courses can be designated as general education courses, with fifteen courses remaining to fulfill the major.

In general, students should take the most advanced courses for which they have the appropriate prerequisites. Entering students will be given a placement for either PHYS 13100 Mechanics or PHYS 14100 Honors Mechanics based on their mathematics and physics background. Students majoring in physics usually start their program with the honors sequence PHYS 14100-PHYS 14200-PHYS 14300; however, the PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300 sequence is an equally acceptable pathway to the degree.

Mathematics

The mathematics requirement is a calculus sequence (MATH 15100-MATH 15200-MATH 15300 or MATH 16100-MATH 16200-MATH 16300) followed by PHYS 22100. As an alternative to PHYS 22100, students taking an Analysis sequence (MATH 20300-MATH 20400-MATH 20500 or MATH 20700-MATH 20800-MATH 20900) may substitute MATH 20500 or MATH 20900 for PHYS 22100, though they will subsequently need to acquire certain math tools, as needed, on their own. However, students interested in pursuing further study in physics and mathematics should consider taking both PHYS 22100 and an Analysis sequence.

For students starting their program with the PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300 sequence, the MATH 15300/MATH 16300 requirement is replaced by MATH 22000. This course in mathematical methods introduces tools typically used in the PHYS 14100-PHYS 14200-PHYS 14300 sequence, and ensures that a student taking PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300 will possess the mathematical background needed for subsequent physics course work.

Note that entering students placing out of MATH 15100-MATH 15200 have the option of taking MATH 15300 and MATH 20000-MATH 20100 in their first year. This will satisfy the mathematics requirements for the major (with MATH 20100 substituting for PHYS 22100).

Finally, entering students placing into MATH 13100 should consult the undergraduate program chair to plan a program of study.

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Summary of Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION
One of the following sequences:		200
PHYS 13100-13200	Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 14100-14200	Honors Mechanics; Honors Electricity and Magnetism *
One of the following sequences:		200
MATH 15100-15200	Calculus I-II *
MATH 16100-16200	Honors Calculus I-II
Total Units		400

MAJOR
One of the following:		100
PHYS 13300	Waves, Optics, and Heat
PHYS 14300	Honors Waves, Optics, and Heat *
One of the following:		100
MATH 15300	Calculus III *
MATH 16300	Honors Calculus III
MATH 22000	Introduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics
One of the following:		100
PHYS 22100	Mathematical Methods in Physics
MATH 20500	Analysis in Rn III
MATH 20900	Honors Analysis in Rn III
PHYS 15400	Modern Physics	100
PHYS 18500	Intermediate Mechanics	100
PHYS 23400-23500	Quantum Mechanics I-II	200
PHYS 21101-21102-21103	Experimental Physics I-II-III	200
PHYS 22500-22700	Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I-II	200
PHYS 19700	Statistical and Thermal Physics	100
3 Electives		300
Total Units		1500

*	Credit may be granted by examination.

Electives

In addition to specified course work, the physics major requires three electives. These electives may be selected from the following courses:

All 20000-level physics courses (except PHYS 29100-29200-29300 and PHYS 29700)
Courses in Mathematics and Statistics (no more than two to be used as program electives):
MATH 20400	Analysis in Rn II
or MATH 20800	Honors Analysis in Rn II
MATH 20500	Analysis in Rn III
or MATH 20900	Honors Analysis in Rn III
Note: neither MATH 20500 nor MATH 20900 can be counted toward electives if substituted for PHYS 22100
MATH 27000	Basic Complex Variables
MATH 27200	Basic Functional Analysis
MATH 27300	Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 27400	Introduction to Differentiable Manifolds and Integration on Manifolds
MATH 27500	Basic Theory of Partial Differential Equations
STAT 23400	Statistical Models and Methods
or STAT 24400	Statistical Theory and Methods I
STAT 24500	Statistical Theory and Methods II
Other courses in the physical sciences:
ASTR 24100	The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems †
ASTR 24200	The Physics of Galaxies and the Universe †
CHEM 26300	Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
CHEM 26800	Computational Chemistry and Biology
CMSC 28510	Introduction to Scientific Computing
GEOS 21200	Physics of the Earth
GEOS 23200	Climate Dynamics of the Earth and Other Planets
Courses in the biological sciences
BIOS 29326	Introduction to Medical Physics and Medical Imaging
Or other courses approved by the program chair for physics

 

†	Cannot be counted toward electives if used to satisfy requirements for the specialization in astrophysics.

Sample Programs

The sample programs below illustrate different paths for fulfilling requirements for the physics major. Electives are indicated by an asterisk (*).

In the following example, an Analysis sequence partially satisfies the physics elective requirements, while preserving the option of a second major in math. (If Analysis replaces PHYS 22100, then an additional elective must be taken.) The optional PHYS 29100-PHYS 29200-PHYS 29300 sequence allows for completion of a bachelor's thesis.

First Year
Autumn Quarter	Units	Winter Quarter	Units	Spring Quarter	Units
PHYS 14100	100	PHYS 14200	100	PHYS 14300	100
MATH 16100	100	MATH 16200	100	MATH 16300	100
	200		200		200
Second Year
Autumn Quarter	Units	Winter Quarter	Units	Spring Quarter	Units
PHYS 15400	100	PHYS 18500	100	PHYS 23400	100
PHYS 22100	100	MATH 20300	100	MATH 20400*	100
	200		200		200
Third Year
Autumn Quarter	Units	Winter Quarter	Units	Spring Quarter	Units
PHYS 21101	000	PHYS 21102	100	PHYS 21103	100
PHYS 23500	100	PHYS 22500	100	PHYS 22700	100
MATH 20500*	100
	200		200		200
Fourth Year
Autumn Quarter	Units	Winter Quarter	Units	Spring Quarter	Units
PHYS 19700	100	PHYS 29200	100	PHYS 29300	100
PHYS 29100	100
	200		100		100
Total Units: 2200

The next example shows a PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300 pathway. Here, the required MATH 22000 course replaces the third quarter of calculus.

First Year
Autumn Quarter	Winter Quarter	Spring Quarter
PHYS 13100	PHYS 13200	PHYS 13300
MATH 15100	MATH 15200	MATH 22000

The required laboratory sequence PHYS 21101-PHYS 21102-PHYS 21103 is a year-long study of Experimental Physics. (The first course, PHYS 21101, carries no credit, and is graded P/F.) It is recommended, but not required, that Experimental Physics be taken in the third year, concurrent with PHYS 23500.

Progress through the physics program can be accelerated by "doubling up" on some of the required courses. For example, PHYS 23500 and PHYS 19700 may be taken concurrently in the third year, and PHYS 22500/PHYS 22700 may be concurrent with PHYS 18500/PHYS 23400 in the second year. This provides more options in the third and fourth year for electives (as well as research or graduate course work). Note that it is possible to complete all program requirements in three years.

The specialization in astrophysics might be pursued by taking ASTR 24100, ASTR 24200, and ASTR 28200 or ASTR 30500 in either the third or fourth year.

Finally, the sample programs shown here are only meant to be illustrative. Students are encouraged to speak with the departmental counselors in planning individual programs, especially regarding selection of mathematics courses and program electives.

Introductory Course

The introductory course for students in the physical sciences is divided into two variants— PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300 and PHYS 14100-PHYS 14200-PHYS 14300—so students may learn with others who have comparable physics and mathematics backgrounds. The co-requisite for both is a first-year calculus sequence: MATH 15100-MATH 15200-MATH 15300 or MATH 16100-MATH 16200-MATH 16300 (or completion of MATH 13100-MATH 13200-MATH 13300). The essential physics content of these two sequences is the same, but the 140s sequence covers material at a higher mathematical level. Both PHYS 130s and PHYS 140s prepare students for further courses in the physics major or minor.

First-year students are assigned to either PHYS 13100 or PHYS 14100 based on Advanced Placement test scores. In addition, physics placement may be adjusted by consulting the undergraduate program chair (KPTC 205) during Orientation week. Transfer students who have satisfactorily completed calculus-based introductory physics courses at another university may be granted appropriate transfer credit upon petition to and approval by the program chair. Third- and fourth-year students are assigned to either PHYS 13100 or PHYS 14100 based on their GPA in previous mathematics and chemistry courses taken in the College. For entry into PHYS 14100, this GPA must be above 3.0.

Another introductory sequence, PHYS 12100-PHYS 12200-PHYS 12300, is a calculus-based introduction intended for students outside the physical sciences. The prerequisite is completion of a year-long calculus sequence and second-year standing. While topics are similar to the 130s and 140s sequences, PHYS 120s cannot serve as a prerequisite for further courses in physics, and thus cannot be used for the physics major or minor. 

A student who completes PHYS 14100 or PHYS 14200 with a grade below C is normally required to move to PHYS 13200 or PHYS 13300 the following quarter. Petitions for a waiver of this requirement must be presented to the undergraduate program chair before the second day of the succeeding course. A student who receives an A or A- in PHYS 13100 may petition the undergraduate program chair to move to PHYS 14200.

Advanced Placement

Students who took the Physics C Advanced Placement examinations prior to matriculation in the College may receive credit for some or all of PHYS 12100-PHYS 12200-PHYS 12300. Consult the section on Advanced Placement Credit in this catalog for more information.

Accreditation

Accreditation examinations are administered for the content of PHYS 12100-PHYS 12200-PHYS 12300 and PHYS 14100-PHYS 14200-PHYS 14300. The first examination may be taken by incoming students only at the time of matriculation in the College. Students who pass the first examination (for PHYS 12100 or PHYS 14100) will receive credit for the lecture part of the course only and will then be invited to try the next examination of the series. All students who receive advanced standing on the basis of a physics accreditation examination are interviewed by the undergraduate program chair to determine the extent of their lab experience. Additional laboratory work may be required.

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Grading

All regular (nonresearch) physics courses must be taken for quality grades. All courses used to satisfy prerequisites must be taken for quality grades. The Department of Physics requires students to pass PHYS 13100-PHYS 13200-PHYS 13300/PHYS 14100-PHYS 14200-PHYS 14300, PHYS 15400, PHYS 18500, and PHYS 23400 with an average of 2.0 or higher to continue in the program.

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Opportunities for Participation in Research

The physics program offers unique opportunities for College students to become actively involved in the research being conducted by faculty of the department. Interested students are welcome to consult with the departmental counselors. The focus of much of the undergraduate research is structured around the PHYS 29100-PHYS 29200-PHYS 29300. Alternatively, third- or fourth-year students majoring in physics may register for research for academic credit (PHYS 29700). In addition to these formal arrangements, students at any level may become involved in research by working in a faculty member's lab or research group on an extracurricular basis.

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Honors

There are two routes to receiving a BA with honors. Both require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the courses listed under Major in the preceding Summary of Requirements section. In the first route, the student must first pass an approved sequence of three graduate courses. The recommended 30000-level sequence typically is PHYS 34100-PHYS 34200 and PHYS 35200; however, if approval is obtained from the program chair, this sequence may be replaced by another sequence of graduate courses. The second route to receiving a BA with honors is to register for PHYS 29100-PHYS 29200-PHYS 29300 and earn a grade of B or higher based on a bachelor's thesis describing an approved research project completed during the year.

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Degree Program in Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics

The program leading to a BA in physics with a specialization in astrophysics is a version of the BA in physics. The degree is in physics, with the designation "with specialization in astrophysics" included on the final transcript. Candidates are required to complete all requirements for the BA degree in physics, plus a two-quarter sequence in astrophysics (ASTR 24100 and ASTR 24200), plus either a third course in astrophysics (ASTR 28200 or ASTR 30500) or a senior thesis project in physics (PHYS 29100-PHYS 29200-PHYS 29300) on a topic in astrophysics. If the latter option is chosen, the thesis topic must be approved by the program chair. (This thesis may simultaneously fulfill part of the requirements for honors in physics.) A grade of at least C- must be obtained in each course.

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Minor Program in Physics

The minor in physics is designed to present a coherent program of study to students with a strong interest in physics but insufficient time to pursue the major. The courses required for the minor are:

One of the following:		100
PHYS 13300	Waves, Optics, and Heat
PHYS 14300	Honors Waves, Optics, and Heat
One of the following:		100
MATH 15300	Calculus III
MATH 16300	Honors Calculus III
MATH 22000	Introduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics
PHYS 15400	Modern Physics	100
PHYS 18500	Intermediate Mechanics	100
PHYS 22100	Mathematical Methods in Physics	100
PHYS 23400	Quantum Mechanics I	100
Two electives, at least one of which is:		200
PHYS 19700	Statistical and Thermal Physics
PHYS 22500	Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I
PHYS 23500	Quantum Mechanics II
The second elective may be any course that is required by the major or can be used as an elective for the major
Total Units		800

The mathematics requirement for the minor is identical to the requirement for the major; please consult the description of the major for more information, particularly regarding MATH 22000 and PHYS 22100. Note that MATH 22000 and PHYS 22100 may be replaced by equivalent courses, as approved by the undergraduate program chair. Note also that the PHYS 13300/PHYS 14300, PHYS 22100, and MATH 15300/MATH 16300/MATH 22000 requirements will be waived for those who must take these courses to satisfy the requirements of a major or another minor. Consequently, the number of additional courses needed for the minor will vary between five and eight.

Students who elect the minor program in physics must meet with the physics undergraduate program chair before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. The approval of the program chair for the minor program should be submitted to a student's College adviser by the deadline above on a form obtained from the College adviser. Courses for the minor are chosen in consultation with the program chair.

Courses in the minor (1) may not be double counted with the student's major(s) or with other minors and (2) may not be counted toward general education requirements. Courses in the minor must be taken for quality grades, and students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the minor. More than half of the requirements for the minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.