Rutgers-Camden's Department of Physics offers flexible degree program to its majors. In the bachelor of science (B.S.) program, students will be prepared for both graduate study and industrial employment (requirements, sequence).
In the classroom they will receive well-rounded exposure to classical and modern physics. For practical training, the department is equipped with advanced materials characterization equipment, lasers, optics, vacuum equipment, and computational facilities.
The bachelor of arts (B.A.) is designed for the needs of students who wish to attend medical school or to become physics teachers (requirements).
Finally, physics majors in the B.S. program may choose the biophysics (requirements) track that allows them to develop quantitative skills for investigating life sciences.
Physics majors and minors must complete their respective curricula (B.A., B.S.) and maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 in their physics and mathematics courses. Lectures which have an associated laboratory session must be registered with the laboratory session concurrently, unless prior permission has been obtained from the department chairperson. Students should be aware that certain 300- and 400-level courses may be offered only in alternate years. Evening students should consult with the department for the scheduling of courses.
Note: General Degree Requirements, as set by the Rutgers-Camden Faculty of Arts and Sciences, must also be met by majors and minors. Similarly, students seeking teacher certification in physics must complete both the below outlined major requirements as well as additional certification requirements as dictated by the Rutgers-Camden Teacher Education program.
The required courses are:
First Year
First Semester
50:640:121 Unified Calculus I (4)
50:750:131 Elements of Physics I (3)
50:750:133 Introductory Physics Laboratory I (1)
Second Semester
50:640:122 Unified Calculus II (4) 50:750:132 Elements of Physics II (3)
50:750:134 Introductory Physics Laboratory II (1)
50:750:140 Introduction to Scientific Programming (3)
Sophomore Year
First Semester
50:160:115 Chemical Principles I (3)
50:160:125 Chemical Principles Laboratory I (1)
50:640:468 Mathematical Methods for Scientists I (3) or 50:640:221 Unified Calculus III (4)
50:750:233 Electric Circuits I (3)
50:750:235 Electric Circuits I Laboratory (1)
50:750:232 Elements of Modern Physics (3)
50:750:238 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Second Semester
50:160:116 Chemical Principles II (3)
50:160:126 Chemical Principles Laboratory II (1)
50:640:469 Mathematical Methods for Scientists II (3) or 50:640:314 Elementary Differential Equations (3)
50:750:362 Biophysics (3)
Upper-level courses are offered biennially so the sequence in which students take these courses will vary depending on the year.