The Major
Lower-level Courses for the Major
Students who major in physics usually start by taking two of our half-term introductory physics courses, P131 or 132 or 141 or 142, and P151, and two or three terms of calculus. Physics 131/2 deal with Newtonian mechanics, P 141 applies Newtonian mechanics to gravitation and the cosmos, P142 takes a bottom-up atomic perspective to Newtonian mechanics, and P151 concentrates on special relativity and particles. Students with a particularly good high school introduction to mechanics are encouraged to take P141 (Gravity and the Cosmos) or P142 (Matter and Interactions). Next students will ordinarily take P228 (Atomic and Nuclear Physics, fall term) and two 5-week courses, P229/230 (Classical Mechanics/Computational Mechanics, winter term). The content of Atomic and Nuclear Physics emphasizes the experimental and empirical side of the discipline, while that of Classical Mechanics stresses its theoretical and mathematical aspects as well as computational problem solving techniques. While some students may feel more at home with pencil and paper or computers, and others with wires and switches and meters, our curriculum is designed to give you experience and appreciation for all parts of modern physics theory, experiment, and computation.
Following Classical and Computational Mechanics in the normal physics sequence is P235, Electricity and Magnetism, offered in the spring term. It combines some circuit theory and laboratory work with the electromagnetic theory leading up to Maxwell's equations.
Every spring term, both prospective and declared majors are encouraged to take P123 (What Physicists Do). This one-credit course brings to campus alums and others who are making active use of their background in physics or astronomy. Each visitor gives a talk on his or her work and students have ample opportunity for more personal interaction, at lunch and over cookies after the talk.
Most prospective majors take P131/2 or P141/2, and P151 in the fall or winter of their first year at Carleton and P228 and P229/230 as sophomores. If they declare a physics major, it will be while continuing in P235 in spring term. Some students enter the major having delayed P131/151 until as late as winter term sophomore year. It is still easily possible to complete the major after a late start, though most students in this situation will not be able to take some of the upper-level elective courses. (See below for possible course sequences.) Still wondering what intro physics course is right for you? Check out our Introductory Physics Decision Tree. If you have questions, e-mail or come and see us and we'd be happy to help you decide what course is right for you.
Upper-level Courses for the Major
Upper-level courses required for the major are Contemporary Experimental Physics (P342), Quantum Mechanics I (P336), Thermal and Statistical Physics I (P339) and one other upper-level applied physics course of the student's choosing (Astrophysics, Electronics, Materials Science, Digital Electronics, Computer Simulations, Waves, Classical and Quantum Optics, and Medical Physics). Courses offered in other departments that involve a significant and broad application of physics may count toward this requirement if specifically approved by the department.
Other courses are optional. Students planning graduate work in physics or astronomy should take P350 (Advanced Classical Mechanics), P337 (Quantum Mechanics II), P340 Thermal and Statistical Physics II, P352 (Advanced Electricity and Magnetism), and P353 (Statistical Mechanics). P234 (Computer Simulations) gives students valuable experience using computers to investigate physical problems. P343 (Electronics) is particularly appropriate for students considering experimental physics and astronomy, engineering, or computer science. P260 (Materials Science) integrates the fields of physics needed to understand the properties of solid materials. P239 and P354 are generally offered alternate years. P261 (Medical Physics) covers topics in electromagnetism and nuclear physics as applied to medical and biological phenomena. P341 (Waves) explores oscillations and waves in a wide variety of physical systems and examines the interaction of sound and light with matter. P344 (Classical and Quantum Optics) investigates classical optical phenomena such as interference and diffraction as well as quantum optical applications. P341 and P344 are also offered alternate years. Each faculty member has an active research program and welcomes student participation through Special Projects (A/P356). The opportunity also exists for independent study courses; these courses are initiated by students and are supervised by individual faculty members.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics plays an important role in modern astronomical research. The best way to prepare for study in astronomy is to have a solid physics background. Students wishing to pursue careers in astronomy should major in physics and take A.113 (Observational and Laboratory Astronomy) and one or both of A/P232, 233 (Astrophysics I, II).
Astronomy 113 (Observational and Laboratory Astronomy) presents the theory and practice of basic techniques in observational and laboratory astronomy. Use is made, when appropriate, of the 16-and 8-inch telescopes in Goodsell Observatory. In recent years this course has been augmented to include modern CCD digital imaging technologies. Astronomy 232 (Astrophysics I) is an intermediate level course on the fundamentals of the physical structure of stars and star systems, stellar evolution, neutron stars and black holes. Astronomy 233 (Astrophysics II) covers the interstellar medium, our galaxy, external galaxies, quasars and cosmology. A232 and A233 are not prerequisites for each other; students may take either or both. The two courses are offered in alternate years.
Both Cindy Blaha and Joel Weisberg gather data at major observatories, including Arecibo and the Parkes observatory in Australia, and analyze them on workstations at Carleton with the assistance of student researchers who sign up for Special Projects, A356. Consult Cindy or Joel for details about the Astrophysics program and research opportunities.
Other Support Courses
Several courses offered in other departments and programs have particular relevance to students majoring in physics. Most obvious are those in mathematics. Physics courses depend heavily on mathematics, and majors are urged to begin early with their courses in that department. Math 111 (Introduction to Calculus), 131 (Inverses and Integration), 151 (Sequences and Series), 211 (Multivariable Calculus) and 232 (Linear Algebra) are required for the physics major. Math 241 (Differential Equations) and Math 341 (Partial Differential Equations) are highly recommended to physics majors planning postgraduate work in physics, engineering, and related fields, and are prerequisites for one or more of the optional advanced physics courses in our curriculum. Further, many students recommend that Math 241 be taken with or before P229/230, and Math 341 is generally helpful for the senior level physics courses. Math 351 (Functions of a Complex Variable, offered alternate years) is also valuable for students going on for advanced work in physics. Students wanting further mathematical background of particular relevance to physics often take Math 332 (Advanced Linear Algebra).
Good programming principles and the Java language are taught in Computer Science 117 and 127. These are very useful skills for physicists. P247 (Digital Electronics) is of special interest to students considering computer science.
Chemistry 123 (Principles of Chemistry) is taken by many physics majors; we recommend it for the background it provides in a closely allied field.
The concentration in Environment and Technology Studies (ENTS) offers courses that look at the interaction of science, government, and society in an interdepartmental fashion, and will be of interest to some physics majors.
Typical Programs of Study
In the programs suggested below, the courses in parentheses are optional; the others are required for the major. Keep in mind that these programs are flexible and are intended only as guidelines for planning a sequence of courses for the physics major.
PROGRAM A: The most common sequence.
|
Fall Term |
Winter Term |
Spring Term |
|
|
Frosh |
Math 111: Introduction to Calculus |
Math 1311: Inverses and Integration P1311 or 1411/1512: Intro sequence |
Math 221: Multivariable Calculus |
|
Soph |
Math 232: Linear Algebra |
[Math 341: Partial Diff Eq] |
|
|
Junior |
Elective |
Phys 3361/[337]2:Intro & Advanced Quantum |
Phys 342: Contemporary Experimental Physics |
The senior year is open except for comps, which normally demand work equivalent to a six-credit course. For students planning on graduate work in physics, a typical senior year is as follows:
|
Fall Term |
Winter Term |
Spring Term |
|
|
Senior |
[P. 3502/3531: Advanced Mech and Stat Mech] |
Comps |
[P. 239: Computational] |
* Note that 131 may be skipped upon successfully passing the departmental placement exam, with 141 strongly suggested as a replacement for 131.
1 Three-credit course offered first half of term
2 Three-credit course offered second half of term
PROGRAM B: For a student who begins calculus late and thus must postpone Physics 131*/151 until the sophomore year.
|
Fall Term |
Winter Term |
Spring Term |
|
|
Frosh |
Math 111: Introduction to Calculus |
Math 1311: Inverses and Integration Math 1512: Sequences and Series [Chem 123: Principles] [CS 117: Intro.] |
|
|
Soph |
Math 211: Multivariable Calculus Phys 131 or 1421/1512: Intro sequence |
Math 232: Linear Algebra |
|
|
Junior |
[Math 241: Ordinary Diff Eq] Phys 3361/[337]2:Intro & Advanced Quantum Phys 3391:Thermal and Statistical Physics |
[Math 341: Partial Diff Eq] |
|
|
Senior |
Same as program A |
Same as program A |
Same as program A |
* Note that 131 may be skipped upon successfully passing the departmental placement exam, with 142 strongly suggested as a replacement for 131.
PROGRAM C: For a student who does not begin calculus until the sophomore year.
Same as Program A, delayed by a year. This is possible since the only requirement in the normal senior year is comps, which can be taken concurrently with P.336/(337) and P.339. Such a student wanting additional work in physics could also fit in P.353 and P.354, but, in most cases, not other upper-level courses.
PROGRAM D: For a student pursuing the 3-2 program in engineering with a Carleton major in physics.
|
Fall Term |
Winter Term |
Spring Term |
|
|
Frosh |
Math 111: Introduction to Calculus |
Math 1311: Inverses and Integration Math 1512: Sequences and Series P1311 or 1411/1512: Intro sequence |
Math 211:Multivariable Calculus |
|
Soph |
Math 232: Linear Algebra |
Math 241: Ordinary Diff Eq |
Phys 235: Electricity and Magnetism Chem 230: Equil & Analysis |
|
Junior |
Elective |
Phys 3361/[337]2:Intro & Advanced Quantum Phys 339: Thermal and Statistical Physics |
The non-physics courses listed are required by the engineering schools involved.
* Note that 131 may be skipped upon successfully passing the departmental placement exam, with 141 strongly suggested as a replacement for 131.
1 Three-credit course offered first half of term
2 Three-credit course offered second half of term
Integrative Exercise (Comps)
Passing an integrative exercise, or "comps," is part of the requirement for completion of the baccalaureate degree at Carleton. Comps is usually taken during the senior year, although in some cases (double majors, 3-2 program) comps may be taken during the junior year.
We conceive of comps as a learning and sharing experience for both students and faculty. The integrative exercise in physics consists of an extensive study by each student in some field and/or topic in physics, culminating in a 70-minute presentation during the winter or spring term. In addition two papers are required: a short introduction before the presentation and a longer summary after it. Each year the final papers will be bound and made available to the public in the library and at the departmental office; students also have the option of storing their comps electronically in the library. The topic chosen may involve a currently active field of research, a significant development in the history of physics, or an integrative theme from the physics curriculum. It must be sufficiently broad to allow the student to synthesize material from the various courses required for the major. Past topics have included solar satellite power systems, the aurora borealis, gravitational waves, optical fibers, universality in chaos, controlled nuclear fusion, atmospheric tides, scanning tunneling electron microscopy, residential application of solar power, and superfluid helium and its vortices. Comps represents a stringent test of a student's integration of knowledge, research and independent study skills, and writing and speaking ability. It also involves group interaction, with students listening to, questioning, and offering written criticism of each other's presentations. Seniors are required to attend ten comps talks in the department and write reflection papers on two of the comps talks.