PHYSICS MAJOR PROGRAMS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
The Physics undergraduate major is planned to serve students with a broad spectrum of interests and objectives. The department offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. In addition there is a joint Astronomy/Physics BA.
The basic BA is designed for students interested in physics and planning to enter professional schools in business, education, law, and medicine, and for liberal arts students desiring a strong background in physical science but with career objectives in other areas. Beginning in fall 1995 there are new, more flexible requirements for the BA in Physics initiated specifically to meet these objectives. A centerpiece of the new BA program is the pair of courses, Physics 311, 312, Widely Applied Physics, being initiated in the fall of 1995, which treat principles of physics from the perspective of modern applications including electronics, communications, materials, medical physics and aeronautics. For premedical students, a BA in physics requires only five courses (19 hours) in addition to those already required for admission to medical school. Physics majors have an outstanding record of success in admission to medical, law and other professional schools.
Students planning graduate study in physics or physics related areas or preparing to enter jobs in a scientific or technical field should elect the BS or the BA with a Distinguished Major course sequence, or for astronomy or astrophysics, the Astronomy/Physics BA. These programs provide intensive preparation in physics.
If you are curious about how a physics major may fit your interests, please contact one of the physics undergraduate advisors listed below to learn about the various possibilities and to design a program to fit your specific needs.
Physics Department Office - Room 101, Jesse Beams Laboratory Physics,
205 McCormick Road, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 804-924-3781
Undergraduate Advisors Office Office Phone
Arthur S. Brill 305 Physics 924-6570
Bascom S. Deaver, Jr. 311C Physics 924-6574
Alan T. Dorsey 327C Physics 924-6584
James S. McCarthy 311B Physics 924-6783
Stephen E. Schnatterly 303 Physics 924-6798
In the sections that follow we give some information about the department and its activities, describe the requirements for the various degrees, and show some typical course sequences leading to the degrees.
The Physics Major
Physics is concerned with the most basic principles that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Physicists ask "How does the world work?" They search for the most elementary particles; they seek understanding of the behavior of collections of particles ranging from quarks in nuclei and electrons in atoms to stars in galaxies; they strive for insights into the nature of space and time, and they explore the behavior of matter and energy. On a more human scale, physicists study an enormous range of topics including all the devices of modern electronics, complex biological molecules, the atmosphere, and all forms of energy and its uses. Physics is the basis for much of engineering and technology. Studying physics prepares some students to push back the boundaries of knowledge in this most fundamental of the natural sciences. For others it provides training in the concepts and methods of science for application in many professional areas, and for many it gives a more substantial basis for understanding many aspects of modern society.
There are several introductory course sequences leading to the physics major. For all of them it is highly desirable to complete Math 131, 132 or equivalent courses in calculus by the end of the first year. If calculus is not taken during the first year, any of the sequences can be started in the second year and the requirements for the BA, but not the BS, completed in four years.
Requirements for the BA in Physics
There are two options leading to the BA in physics, each having three components:
Option I
(1) Prerequisites - Math 131, 132 and Phys 151, 152.
(2) Math 221 and Phys 251, 252, 221, 222.
(3) Any three 300-level physics courses.
Option II
(1) Prerequisites - Math 131, 132..
(2) Math 221 and Phys 231, 232, 231L, 232L.
(3) Any four 300-level physics courses.
For either of the options, a year of chemistry may be substituted for one of the 300-level physics courses in (3).
It is also possible to enter the introductory physics major through PHYS 142E. Students desiring to use this route should consult one of the physics undergraduate advisors.
The courses, Physics 311, 312 - Widely Applied Physics, if elected in component (3), complete a strong preparation in basic physics. These courses are designed to integrate the concepts learned in the introductory courses and to introduce some more advanced principles from the perspective of modern applications including electronics, communications, materials, medical physics, and aeronautics. Either one (for Option I) or two (for Option II) additional courses complete the requirements of component (3). Phys 315 Electronics and a year of introductory chemistry are good choices for completing this component.
Math 225 is not required for the BA degree, however it is a prerequisite for courses numbered 321 and above, any of which can be chosen to complete component (3).
BA with Distinguished Major Course Sequence This sequence may be entered using components (1) and (2) of either Option I or II above. Component (3) is replaced by the following requirements: Math 225, Phys 315, 317, 321, 331, 342, 343, 355, 356, and 393. If Option II is used, substitution of Phys 221, 222 for Phys 231L, 232L is recommended.
BS in Physics The requirements for the BS in physics are the completion of the Distinguished Major Course sequence plus Math 521, 522 (or equivalent APMA courses) and one additional upper-level physics elective. Except for Echols Scholars, the area requirements for the BS are ENWR 101 and the second writing requirement, one foreign language through the 202-level, six credits in the humanities, and six credits of social science, all taken on a graded basis.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses must be achieved for graduation as a physics major.
BA in Astronomy-Physics This is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy Department. This major prepares a student for graduate study in either astronomy or physics. The requirements are Math 131, 132, 221, 225, 521, 522; CS 182 or 186; Phys 151, 152, 251, 252, 221, 222, 321, 342, 343, 355; and ASTR 211, 212, 313, 395, 498(Senior Thesis), and six additional credits of 300-500 level Astronomy courses.
The course requirements for the BA, BA-DMP and BS are summarized in Tables I & II on pages 6 and 7, which also show the topics and credit hours. The BA Astronomy-Physics requirements are summarized on page 14.
Some Information about the Physics Program
Physics majors are a relatively small but a very outstanding, enthusiastic and diverse group. An average of 20 students graduate each year with bachelors degrees in physics. This year we had an unusually large class of 30 majors, 14 of whom graduated with distinction. Ten ranked in the top 20% of the graduating class of approximately 2400 students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Twelve were double-majors with their second majors including math, history, biology and French.
Typically half of our physics majors go to graduate school in physics or related subjects at top-ranked universities and are very successful there. Some recent graduates are currently attending the University of California at Berkeley, Cal Tech, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. Many recent graduates have taken scientific or technical positions in industry or government immediately after graduating with a bachelors degree. Each year an increasing number go on to professional schools in medicine, education, business and law. Others graduate with physics as a concentration in a broad liberal arts program and enter a variety of careers.
Beginning the first year there are special courses for physics majors. The third and fourth year classes are small, and students have much interaction with faculty members. Since the Department has active research programs in all the major fields of physics that involve all 36 faculty members, there are many opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research on the frontiers of physics. During their third and fourth years, students in the Distinguished Majors and BS programs undertake independent study projects, working on a tutorial basis with a faculty member and often working with a research group. The study culminates in a written and an oral report. Students find these projects among the most valuable and enjoyable parts of their programs.
There is also an outstanding summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program funded by the National Science Foundation and the department's Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics that provides support and stipend for undergraduates to work on research topics. Also there are summer jobs and part-time jobs during the academic year with the various research groups.
In addition to the undergraduate courses, many graduate courses in physics may be taken by advanced undergraduates. Undergraduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the the weekly colloquia. These talks are given by eminent physicists from around the world. They provide further contact with research on the frontiers of physics.
All physics majors are advised and expected to become proficient in the use of computers by taking courses and by using computers for coursework and in the research labs. Students have access to a host of computers ranging from large mainframe computers to a multitude of personal computers. All are linked through local networks and to national and worldwide networks. Computers are available in a new physics departmental computer facility, the computer center, and throughout the instructional and research labs. A wide variety of computer courses is offered through the Mathematics and the Computer Science Departments.
Early declaration of major is encouraged: you do not have to wait until your fourth semester. A valued perquisite for physics majors is that all are provided keys to the Physics Building that give them access at any time to the Physics Library, two conference rooms and the departmental computer facility. Very frequently at night and on weekends one finds groups of physics majors gathered in one of the conference rooms or the library working together (as we encourage them to do) on quantum mechanics, statistical physics or other topics.
Some very interesting facts about the skills physics graduates find most useful emerged from a recent survey by the American Institute of Physics. They queried some thousands of people with physics degrees (bachelors, masters and doctorates) working in industry, government, and secondary and higher education about the skills they used most frequently. At all degree levels and for all types of jobs, whether directly involving physics or not, almost 100% of respondents said that problem solving is their most frequently used skill. Computer skills were highly ranked by most of the respondents, but even more highly ranked were interpersonal skills and technical writing. These same skills have been identified as most important by many companies who hire physics graduates.
We are beginning to address the development of these skills more explicitly in the physics major. Problem solving and computing are already strong components of the program. Now the upper-level physics laboratories and independent study courses are being structured to provide excellent opportunities for developing skills in both oral and written communication of technical material. Spontaneous teamwork on solving problems in the upper-level courses has long been a part of being a physics major. Working with a variety of partners in the elementary and upper-level lab courses also helps develop skills in interpersonal relationships. These experiences are beginning to be supplemented in some physics classes by group problem solving, which has been shown to be an effective way of learning new concepts and has the added effect of teaching and encouraging teamwork.
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) and the Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society provide very valuable support for the physics major program. The weekly SPS meetings offer special talks on topics related to physics by faculty members from Physics and other departments at the university. There are also presentations devoted to giving advice and commentary on graduate and professional schools, and talks about careers in science. At each meeting there are refreshments and time for students to talk to each other and to faculty members who are invited to attend. Membership in SPS is open to any student interested in physics. Membership in Sigma Pi Sigma recognizes special academic achievement.
There are a number of activities each year intended to help students and faculty get to know each other and to recognize academic achievement. There is an annual reception in the Rotunda near the beginning of the fall semester to which all undergraduate majors, students who think they might like to major, and all physics faculty are invited. The Academic Forum sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences is a large public ceremony each fall in which departments recognize students for distinctive academic accomplishments. The annual diploma ceremony is held in one of the gardens behind a pavilion on the Lawn. During this ceremony the Elkins Award is presented to the graduate with the most outstanding academic record in physics.
Distinguished Major Program Provides recognition of outstanding academic performance in a challenging sequence of physics courses including an independent study project. Students who complete the Distinguished Majors Course Sequence or the BS requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given departmental recommendation to receive their degrees (BA or BS) with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction, respectively.
Table I - Requirements for BA in Physics
Option 1 Option 2
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Math 131, 132 Calculus I, II [4,4] Math 131, 132 Calculus I, II [4,4]
Phys 151, 152 Intro. Phys. I, II [4,4]
Requirements Requirements
Math 221 Calculus III [3] Math 221 Calculus III [3]
Phys 251, 252 Intro. Phys. III, IV [4,4] Phys 231, 232 Class. Mod. Phys I, II [4,4]
Phys 221, 222 Elem. Lab. I,II [3,3] Phys 231L, 232L Intro. Lab. I, II [1.5,1.5]
plus plus
any three 300-level physics courses any four 300-level physics courses
For either option, one 300-level physics course can be replaced by a year of chemistry.
______________________________________________________________________________
300-level courses from which to select
Courses numbered 321 and higher require
Math 225, Differential Equations, as prerequisite.
Phys 311 Widely Applied Physics I [4]
Phys 312 Widely Applied Physics II [4]
Phys 315 Electronics [3]
Phys 317 Intermediate Lab I [3]
Phys 318 Intermediate Lab II [3]
Phys 319 Advanced Lab [3]
Phys 321 Mechanics [3]
Phys 331 Statistical Physics [3]
Phys 342, 343 Electricity and Magnetism I, II [3,3]
Phys 355, 356 Quantum Mechanics I, II [3,3]
Phys 393 Independent Study [3]
Table II - Requirements for Physics
BA-Distinguished Major and BS
Prerequisites
Option 1 Option 2
Math 131, 132 Calculus I, II [4,4] Math 131, 132 Calculus I, II [4,4]
Phys 151, 152 Intro. Phys. I, II [4,4]
Math 221, 225 Calc. III, Diff. Eqn. [3,3] Math 221, 225 Calc. III, Diff. Eqn. [3]
Phys 251, 252 Intro. Phys. III, IV [4,4] Phys 231, 232 Class. Mod. Phys I, II [4,4] Phys 221, 222 Elem. Lab. I, II [3,3] Phys 231L, 232L Intro. Lab. I, II* [1.5,1.5]
________________________________________________________________________________p>
Required Courses
BA -Distinguished Major BS
Phys 315 Electronics [3] Phys 315 Electronics [3]
Phys 317 or 318 Int. Lab [3] Phys 317 or 318 Int. Lab [3]
Phys 321 Mechanics [3] Phys 321 Mechanics [3]
Phys 342, 343 EM I, II** [3, 3] Phys 342, 343 EM I, II** [3, 3]
Phys 331 Stat. Phys. [3] Phys 331 Stat. Phys. [3]
Phys 355, 356 QM I, II [3, 3] Phys 355, 356 QM I, II [3,3]
Phys 393 Indep. Study or [3] Phys 393 Indep. Study or [3]
Phys 319 Adv. Lab. Phys 319 Adv. Lab.
Phys Elective*** [3]
Math 521 Adv. Calc. [3]
Math 522 Part. Diff. Eq. [3]
*For BA-DMP and BS programs, replacement of Phys 231L, 232L with Phys 221, 222
is recommended.
** Phys 531 Optics I may be substituted for Phys 343.
***To be chosen from any of the 300-level or 500-level physics courses.
Typical Course Sequences and Upper-level Course List
Information contained on the following pages:
A. Examples of Course Sequences leading to the various degrees
BA - Basic Program
BA including Premed Requirements via Phys 151
BA including Premed Requirements via Phys 231
BA with Distinguished Major Course Sequence
BS in Physics
BA in Astronomy/Physics - Requirements and usual course sequence
B. List of Upper Level Physics Courses
BA in Physics - Basic Program
Example Course Sequence for Option I
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus II [4]
Phys 151 Intro. Physics I [4] Phys 152 Intro. Physics II [4]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
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Second Year
Phys 251 Intro. Physics III [4] Phys 252 Intro. Physics IV [4]
Phys 221 Elem. Lab I [3] Phys 222 Elem. Lab II [3]
Math 221 Calculus III [4] ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Third Year
Phys 311 Widely Applied Physics I [4] Phys 312 Widely Applied Physics II [4]
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
Phys 315 Electronics [3] ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Phys 315 Electronics can be replaced by a year of chemistry, eg. Chem. 141, 142.
Note that the physics sequence can be started in the second year, however, the courses must be taken in the order shown above, except for Phys 315, which can be taken in either fall or spring after completing Phys 222.
If Option II is chosen, the four-semester introductory sequence, Phys 151, 152, 251, 252 and Phys 221, 222 Elem. Lab is replaced by Phys 231, 232 and Phys 231L, 232L Physics Lab taken in the second or third year as preparation for the upper level physics courses. With this substitution, Phys 315 Electronics, taken in the third or fourth year, and Chem 141, 142, complete the requirements for the basic BA.
If Math 225 is taken, any of the 300-level physics courses can be chosen to complete the BA.
Physics BA - Premed I
Example Course Sequence for Option I including Premed Requirements
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus II [4]
Chem 141 Intro. Chem. I [3] Chem 142 Intro. Chem. II [3]
Chem 141L Intro. Chem. Lab I [2] Chem 142L Intro. Chem. Lab II [2]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Second Year
Math 221 Calculus III [4] -----------
Phys 151 Intro. Phys. I [4] Phys 152 Intro. Phys II [4]
Bio 201 Intro. Bio I [3] Bio 202 Intro. Bio. II Bio 204 Intro. Bio. Lab II [2] Bio 203 Intro. Bio. Lab. I [2] ------------ ------------
Third Year
Phys 251 Intro. Phys III [4] Phys 252 Intro. Phys IV [4]
Phys 221 Elem. Lab I [3] Phys 222 Elem. Lab II [3]
Chem 241 Organic Chem. I [3] Chem 242 Organic Chem. II [3]
Chem 241L Organic Lab I [3] Chem 242L Organic Lab II [3]
Fourth Year
Phys 311 Applied Phys I [4] Phys 312 Applied Phys II [4]
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------------ ------------
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Physics BA - Premed II
Example Course Sequence for Option II including Premed Requirements*
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus II [4]
Chem 141 Intro. Chem. I [3] Chem 142 Intro. Chem. II [3]
Chem 141L Intro. Chem. Lab I [2] Chem 142L Intro. Chem. Lab II [2]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Second Year
Math 221 Calculus III [4] ------------
Phys 231 Physics I [4] Phys 232 Physics II [4]
Phys 231L Physics Lab I [1.5] Phys 232L Physics Lab II [1.5]
Bio 201 Intro. Bio. I [3] Bio 202 Intro. Bio. II [3]
Bio 203 Intro. Bio. Lab I [2] Bio 204 Intro. Bio Lab II [2]
------------ ------------
Third Year
Phys 311 Applied Phys. I [4] Phys 312 Applied Phys. II [4]
Chem 241 Organic Chem. I [3] Chem 242 Organic Chem. II [3]
Chem 241L Organic Lab I [3] Chem 242L Organic Lab II [3]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
Phys 315 Electronics [3] ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Alternatively, Phys 231, 232, 231L, 232L can be taken in the third year and Phys 311, 312 taken in the fourth year along with Phys 315.
*Note that completing the physics major via this option requires only five more courses
(19 hours) than the minimum premedical requirements.
BA in Physics: Distinguished Major
Usual Course Sequence
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus II [4]
Phys 151 Intro. Phys. I [4] Phys 152 Intro. Phys II [4]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Second Year
Math 221 Calculus III [4] Math 225 Diff. Eqn. [4]
Phys 251 Intro. Phys III [4] Phys 252 Intro. Phys. IV [4]
Phys 221 Elem. Lab I [3] Phys 222 Elem. Lab II [3]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Third Year
Phys 315 Electronics [3] Phys 331 Stat. Phys [3]
Phys 321 Mechanics [3] Phys 342 EM [3]
Phys 355 QM I [3] Phys 356 QM II [3]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
Phys 317 Int. Lab [3] Phys 393 Indep. Study or [3]
Phys 343* EM II [3] Phys. 319 Adv. Lab
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
The four semester introductory sequence, Phys 151, 152, 251, 252, can be replaced by Phys 231, 232 taken in the second year as preparation for the upper level physics courses.
*Phys 531 Optics may be substituted for Phys 343.
For students planning to attend graduate school in physics or engineering, Math 521 Advanced Calculus and Math 522 Partial Differential Equations or equivalent APMA courses are strongly advised.
BS in Physics
Usual Course Sequence
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus II [4]
Phys 151 Intro. Phys I [4] Phys 152 Intro. Phys II [4]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Second Year
Math 221 Calculus III [4] Math 225 Diff. Eqn. [4]
Phys 251 Intro. Phys III [4] Phys 252 Intro. Phys. IV [4]
Phys 221 Elem. Lab I [3] Phys 222 Elem. Lab II [3]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Third Year
Math 521 Adv. Calculus [3] Math 522 Part. Diff. Eqn. [3]
Phys 315 Electronics [3] Phys 331 Stat. Phys [3]
Phys 321 Mechanics [3] Phys 342 EM I [3]
Phys 355 QM I [3] Phys 356 QM II [3]
------------ ------------
Fourth Year
Phys 317 Int. Lab [3] Phys 393 Indep. Study or [3]
Phys 343* EM II [3] Phys 319 Adv. Lab
------------ Phys Elective** [3]
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Although the four-semester introductory sequence, Phys 151, 152, 251, 252, is recommended, it can be replaced by Phys 231, 232 taken in the second year as preparation for the upper level physics courses.
*Phys 531 Optics may be substituted for Phys 343.
**This physics elective is to be chosen from any of the 300-level or 500-level physics courses.
BA Astronomy/Physics
Usual Course Sequence
Fall Spring
First Year
Math 131 Calculus I [4] Math 132 Calculus I [4]
Physics 151 Intro. Physics I [4] Physics 152 Intro. Physics II [4]
Language 101 [3] Language 102 [4]
*ENWR 101 [3] **Elective ---
**Elective --- **Elective ---
Second Year
+Astro 211 Gen. Astro. I [3] +Astro 212 Gen. Astro. II [3]
Math 221 Calculus III [4] Math 225 Differential Eqn. [4]
Physics 251 Intro. Physics III [4] Physics 252 Intro. Physics IV [4]
Physics 221 Elem. Lab I [3] Physics 222 Elem. Lab II [3]
Language 201 [3] Language 202 [3]
Third Year
Astro 313 Obser. Astro. [3] Astro 395 Tutorial [3]
Physics 321 Mechanics [3] Physics 342 EM I [3]
Physics 355 QM I [3] Physics 331 Stat. Physics [3]
Math 521 Adv. Calculus [3] Math 522 Part. Diff. Eqn. [3]
**Elective --- **Elective ---
Fourth Year
+300-500 Level Astro [3] 300-500 Level Astro [3]
Physics 343 EM II [3] Astro 498 Senior Thesis [3]
Comp. Sci. 182 or 186 [3] Electives ---
Electives ---
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED [120]
*Unless excused.
**The electives in the first three years should be chosen to meet the general BA degree requirements of six hours each in the humanities and the social sciences and a second writing requirement.
+May be taken in first year with permission of instructor.
++Astro 451 is strongly advised.
Upper Level Physics Courses
Phys 311, 312 Widely Applied Physics I, II [4,4]
Phys 315 Electronics [3]
Phys 317, 318 Intermediate Lab [3,3]
Phys 319 Advanced Lab [3]
Phys 321 Mechanics [3]
Phys 331 Statistical Physics [3]
Phys 342, 343 Electricity and Magnetism I, II [3,3]
Phys 355, 356 Quantum Theory I, II [3,3]
Phys 381, 382 Topics in Physics Related Research Areas [3,3]
Phys 384 Physics of the Human Body [3]
Phys 393 Independent Study [3]
Phys 519 Electronics [3]
Phys 521 Mechanics [3]
Phys 524 Introduction to General Relativity [3]
Phys 531, 532 Optics I, II [3,3]
Phys 542 Introduction to Atomic Physics [3]
Phys 547 Introduction to Molecular Biophysics [3]
Phys 551, 552 Selected Topics in Classical and Modern Physics [3,3]
Phys 562 Introduction to Solid State Physics [3]
Phys 572 Introduction to Subatomic Physics [3]
Phys 577 Introduction to High Energy Physics [3]