Chair: Professor Joel Weisberg

There are several physics and astronomy courses available for first year students. Physics 131, 132, 141, or 142 are introductory physics courses that focus on Newtonian mechanics that are taught during the first five weeks of the term. Students can only take one of these four courses for credit, and they are offered at various different times during the year. Physics 151 is a five-week course taught during the second five weeks that focuses on Relativity. For students interested in a general introduction to Astronomy, ASTR 110 is available in the Fall. This course will satisfy 6 credits toward the science distribution requirement and has no prerequisites.

Can I major in it? Yes, a major in physics/astronomy is offered.

Topics Explored: Mechanics, Relativity, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Computational Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Astrophysics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Materials Science, and Electronics.

How to get started: See the flowchart for an overview of the introductory courses in the physics and astronomy department. It is worth noting that many of the introductory courses in physics are five-week courses, so care will be needed in choosing your courses. Students interested in majoring in physics should plan on taking Physics 131/151 OR Physics 141/151 OR Physics 142/151 in their first year. PHYS 131 (Fall, Winter, Spring), 141 (Winter), and 142 (Fall) are classes offered in the first five weeks, while Physics 151 (Fall, Winter, Spring) is offered during the second five weeks. The Physics 131, Physics 141, Physics 151 courses offered in winter term are freshman priority. Students with strong high school backgrounds are encouraged to take either the 141/151 in Winter or 142/151 sequence in Fall. Note that Math 131 is a pre- or co- requisite for Physics 141, Physics 142, and Physics 151. Students who have not taken calculus in high school should plan to take Physics 131/151 in the winter term. All introductory physics courses have a required 4-hour lab each week associated with the course. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics will find a physics/astronomy major will provide excellent preparation. Premed students are required to take 2 full terms of physics (with labs). The topics covered in Physics 131, 153, 161, and 163 are the most relevant for those wishing to take the MCAT. Students are encouraged to discuss their potential physics schedule with any faculty member in physics and astronomy.