Typical Plans of Study
What follows are some common plans of study for the physics major.
While it is ideal to start the major in the fall of your first year, you can complete the major starting in the spring of your first year or even in the fall of your second year. Several plans are given as a guide (three plans with different starting semesters, two plans for semester abroad).
These plans are not the only ones possible because there is a lot of flexibility in when you might take certain courses (except that 201/250 needs to be taken before senior year and that the order of 300-level laboratory courses should be 320/305, 310/315, and 335). Apart from PHY 125/130 and PHY 225/230/235, the courses listed are only either taught in the fall or the spring. For example, PHY 320/305, 310/315, and 360 are always in the fall and PHY 200/240, 201/250, 335, and 350 are always in the spring. There is at least one 400-level elective offered every semester. (Course Descriptions)
We strongly recommend that you talk to Professor Tim Gfroerer, Physics Department Chair, as soon as possible if you are considering majoring in physics.
Starting Major Fall of First Year
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PHY 130/125
|
PHY 235/230/225
|
PHY 320/305
|
PHY 200/240
|
|
PHY 201/250
|
|||
| Year 3 Fall | Year 3 Spring | Year 4 Fall | Year 4 Spring |
|
PHY 310/315
|
PHY 350
|
PHY 360
|
PHY 335
|
|
PHY 330
|
|
Starting Major Spring of First Year
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PHY 130/125
|
PHY 235/230/225
|
PHY 200/240
|
|
|
PHY 201/250
|
|||
| Year 3 Fall | Year 3 Spring | Year 4 Fall | Year 4 Spring |
|
PHY 320/305
|
PHY 350
|
PHY 310/315
|
PHY 335
|
|
PHY 330
|
PHY 360
|
|
Starting Major During Fall of Sophomore Year
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PHY 130/125
|
PHY 235/230/225
|
||
|
PHY 201/250
|
|||
| Year 3 Fall | Year 3 Spring | Year 4 Fall | Year 4 Spring |
|
PHY 320/305
|
PHY 200/240
|
PHY 310/315
|
PHY 335
|
|
PHY 330
|
PHY 350
|
PHY 360
|
|
Plan for Studying Abroad Fall Junior Year
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PHY 130/125
|
PHY 235/230/225
|
PHY 320/305
|
PHY 200/240
|
|
PHY 201/250
|
PHY 330
|
||
| Year 3 Fall | Year 3 Spring | Year 4 Fall | Year 4 Spring |
|
PHY 350
|
PHY 360
|
PHY 335
|
|
|
PHY 310/315
|
|
Plan for Studying Abroad Spring Junior Year
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PHY 130/125
|
PHY 235/230/225
|
PHY 320/305
|
PHY 200/240
|
|
PHY 201/250
|
|||
| Year 3 Fall | Year 3 Spring | Year 4 Fall | Year 4 Spring |
|
PHY 310/315
|
PHY 360
|
PHY 335
|
|
|
PHY 330
|
|
PHY 350
|