The department offers a major in physics and a major in
astrophysics. Requirements for the latter are described under the
"Astrophysics" subject heading in this catalog. For the major in
physics there are three options available. In all physics major
options, at least 15 credits of physics courses at the 300 level or
higher that are applied toward the major must be completed at
Rutgers-New Brunswick/Piscataway.
The professional option is
a thorough introduction to the subject for all those who expect to make
physics an important component of their career. It may lead to careers
in research, technical development, or education in physics, or related
fields. It provides suitable preparation for graduate study in physics.
The applied option is intended for students who wish to work in
industry without graduate study. The required courses give a breadth of
knowledge in technical fields rather than specialized preparation for
graduate school.
The general option is for students who have
an interest in physics but do not expect to become physicists or to do
graduate work in physics. It is suitable preparation for careers in
education, medicine, law, and business, and is particularly appropriate
in an interdisciplinary course of study. A well-balanced sequence of
courses should be chosen in consultation with an adviser in the
department.
In addition, the department offers a five-year
program in cooperation with the School of Engineering, leading to a
degree in engineering and a degree in physics.
Prospective majors should consult an adviser in the physics department before choosing their courses.
Professional Option (Bachelor of Science)
Required courses and suggested curricula for honors students and other well-prepared students:
First year: 01:640:151-152; 01:750:271-272, 275-276.
Second year: 01:640:244, 251; 01:750:273, 326, 327, 351, 381-382.
Third year: 01:640:421 or 423; 01:750:361, 385-386, 387-388; 01:750:368 is recommended.
Fourth year: At least two courses out of 01:750: 305, 406, 417,
418, 441, 442, 443, 444, 451, 464. At least one of these two courses
must be 305, 406, or 418.
An alternate curriculum is available for students who did not begin with the honors physics sequence:
First year: 01:640:151-152; 01:750:123-124.
Second year: 01:640:244, 251; 01:750:227, 228, 229-230, 381-382.
Third year: 01:640:421 or 423; 01:750:326, 327, 351, 361, 385-386; 01:750:368 is recommended.
Fourth year: 01:750:387-388, and at least two courses out of
01:750:305, 406, 417, 418, 441, 442, 443, 444, 451, 464. At least one
of these two courses must be 305, 406, or 418.
Students who
took 01:750:203-204 (or 201-202) as their introductory physics sequence
should consult a departmental adviser to plan an appropriate curriculum
for the professional physics major.
Applied Option (Bachelor of Science)
First year: 01:640:CALC1-CALC2; 01:750:203-204 (or equivalent); 205-206 (or 229-230 or 275,276).
Second year: 01:160:159-160, 171; 01:640:CALC3;
01:750:323-324, 326, 327.
Third year: 01:198:111 or 14:440:127; 01:640: CALC4; 01:750:305,
313, 351, 389; 9 credits in natural science electives chosen in
consultation with a departmental adviser to form a coherent
concentration in a physics-related applied area.
A grade-point
average of at least a C in the courses applied toward the major is
required for graduation in the applied option.
General Option (Bachelor of Arts)
Introductory courses: 01:750:203-204 (or equivalent) and
laboratory 205-206 (or 229-230 or 275-276). Two terms of any calculus
sequence.
Advanced courses: Six advanced physics courses,
including 01:750:323-324, 326, 327, and two additional 300- or
400-level physics courses (except 490 level). It is recommended, but
not required, that the two additional courses be selected from the
following: 01:750:301, 305, 313, 341, 342, or 397.
Electives:
18 additional credits with grades of C or better in science or
mathematics, chosen in consultation with a departmental adviser to form
a coherent sequence.
At least a C average in the physics
and mathematics courses is required for admission, retention, and
graduation in the general option. Four of the six advanced physics
courses must be taken at Rutgers-New Brunswick/Piscataway.
