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 four 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.
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.
The Ocean Physics Option is similar to the Applied Option, but replaces four of the required 300-level physics courses in the latter by four courses offered by the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, pertaining to the physics of the oceans.
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: 01:640:423 or 421; 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 those 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: 01:750:326, 327, 351, 361, 385-386; 01:750:368 is recommended.
Fourth year: 01:640:423 or 421; 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 those 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)
Any introductory physics sequence, including laboratory
Calculus: 01:640:CALC1, CALC2, CALC3, CALC4
Chemistry: 01:160:159-160 (or equivalent); 01:160:171
Computing: 01:198:107 or 111 or 14:440:127
Physics: 01:750:323-324, 326, 327, 305, 313, 351, 389
Nine 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.
Ocean Physics Option (Bachelor of Science)
Any introductory physics sequence, including laboratory
01:160:161-162 General Chemistry (or equivalent)
01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation
01:640:CALC1, CALC2, CALC3, CALC4
14:440:127 Introduction to Computers for Engineers (or equivalent)
01:750:323-324 Advanced General Physics
01:750:326 Computer-Based Experimentation and Physics Computing
01:750:327 Modern Instrumentation
01:750:451 Physical Oceanography
11:628:320 Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems
11:628:364 Oceanographic Methods and Data Analysis
11:628:497 or 498 Special Problems in Marine and Coastal Sciences
