Physics (BS in Physics)

Program

Traditionally, many physics undergraduates continue in graduate school in pursuit of Ph.D. degrees in physics or engineering. Previous students who have completed a physics major also enter a variety of other fields, including among many others, archaeology, astronomy and astrophysics, biology, mathematics, computer science, high school teaching, law, medicine, environmental sciences, operations research, technical sales, industrial management, engineering and oceanography. Because physicists are scientific generalists, undergraduate work in physics followed by specialization in other areas has become one of the preferred preparations for many activities that are setting new directions in society. The requirements for major in physics are relatively flexible, and are designed to prepare people for either graduate work in physics or for later specialization in other areas.

Information on the program can be obtained through the World Wide Web at the address https://www.wm.edu/physics.

Graduate Program

The department offers the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Degree requirements and a full description of graduate courses in physics can be obtained through the World Wide Web at https://www.wm.edu/physics or you may request application forms by e-mail at grad@physics.wm.edu or by writing to the Chair of the Graduate Admission Committee in Physics.

Required Credit Hours: 34

(Honors and the Premed track have additional requirements. See below.)

Course Requirements

Core Requirements

Students completing a major in physics must take the following courses. Substitutions for these requirements must be approved by the departmental undergraduate committee and the chair. The requirement of senior project or Honors insures that all majors will engage in independent research during the senior year. Because of the extensive facilities available through the graduate program of the department, the senior projects generally deal with problems at the frontiers of physics. It is only through being actively involved in such pursuits that a student can appreciate the nature of the discipline.

Major Computing Requirements

The departmental computer proficiency requirement is satisfied through the completion of course work demonstrating programming ability. This is typically satisfied by completion of PHYS 256 Practical Computing for Scientists and Engineers. Students may petition the Physics Undergraduate Committee to satisfy the requirement by another course or a senior/honors research project that demonstrates computational proficiency.

Major Writing Requirements

Additional Information

Students who plan to attend graduate school in physics should take all of the courses listed above including the courses below. To prepare for some engineering or professional programs it may be appropriate to substitute courses or elect additional courses.

Suitable mathematics courses should also be taken, including the MATH courses listed below.