There are four options for completing a major in physics. 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 astrophysics
option is a thorough introduction to the subject for all those who
aspire to a career in research, technical development, or education in
astrophysics. 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, 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, 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.
Astrophysics 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, 341-342, 351, 381-382.
Third year: 01:640:421 or 423; 01:750:343, 344, 361, 385-386. 01:750:368 is recommended.
Fourth year: At least two of the following courses: 01: 750:441, 442, 443, 444.
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; 01:750:341-342, 351, 361, 385-386. 01:750:368 is recommended.
Fourth year: 01:750:343, 344, and at least two of the following courses: 01:750:441, 442, 443, 444.
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.
