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Undergraduate |
The Physics Major
Physics is concerned with the most basic principles that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Physicists ask, “How does the world work?” They search for the most elementary particles; they seek understanding of the behavior of collections of particles ranging from quarks in nuclei and electrons in atoms to stars in galaxies; they strive for insights into the nature of space and time, and they explore the behavior of matter and energy. On a more human scale, physicists study an enormous range of topics including all the devices of modern electronics, complex biological molecules, the atmosphere, and all forms of energy and its uses. Physics is the basis for much of engineering and technology. Studying physics prepares some students to push back the boundaries of knowledge in this most fundamental of the natural sciences. For others it provides training in the concepts and methods of science for application in many professional areas, and for many it gives a more substantial basis for understanding many aspects of modern society.
The Physics undergraduate major is planned to serve students with a broad spectrum of interests and objectives. The department offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. In addition there is a joint Astronomy/Physics BA. The basic BA is designed for students interested in physics and planning to enter professional schools in business, education, law, and medicine, and for liberal arts students desiring a strong background in physical science but with career objectives in other areas. Students planning graduate study in physics or physics related areas or preparing to enter jobs in a scientific or technical field should elect the BS or the BA with a Distinguished Major course sequence, or for astronomy or astrophysics, the Astronomy/Physics BA. These programs provide intensive preparation in physics.
If you are curious about how a physics major may fit your interests, please contact one of the physics undergraduate advisers listed below to learn about the various possibilities and to design a program to fit your specific needs. Extensive information about the department and its programs can be found through the Physics Department site on the Internet at http://www.phys.virginia.edu.
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Physics Department Office: |
Room 101, Jesse Beams Laboratory Physics |
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Mailing Address: |
Physics Department, University of Virginia |
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382 McCormick Road, PO Box 400714 |
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Charlottesville, VA 22904 - 4714 |
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Phone: 434-924-3781 |
Fax: 434-924-4576 |
Internet Address: http://www.phys.virginia.edu |
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Undergraduate Advisors |
Office |
Office Phone |
email address |
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Bascom S. Deaver, Jr. |
311C Physics |
434-924-6574 |
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Thomas Gallagher |
107A |
434-924-6817 |
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Eugene Kolomeisky |
322 Physics |
434-924-6809 |
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Blaine Norum |
136 Physics |
434-924-6789 |
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Keith Williams |
159 Physics |
434-924-6136 |
There are several introductory
course sequences leading to the physics major. For all of them it is
highly desirable to complete Math 131, 132 or equivalent courses in calculus by
the end of the first year. If calculus is not taken during the first
year, any of the sequences can be started in the second year and the
requirements for the BA, but not the BS, completed in four years.
Requirements for the BA in Physics
There are two options leading to the BA in physics, each having three components:
Option I
(1) Prerequisites - Math 131, 132 and Phys 151, 152.
(2) Math 231 and Phys 251, 252, 221, 222.
(3) Three courses chosen from PHYS 254 and/or 300-level physics courses.
Option II
(1) Prerequisites - Math 131, 132.
(2) Math 231 and Phys 231, 232, 201L, 202L, 252.
(3) Four courses chosen from PHYS 254 and/or 300-level physics courses.
For either of the options, a year of chemistry may be substituted for one of the 300-level physics courses in (3).
Students choosing Option II who want more extensive preparation in basic physics and particularly those planning to take physics courses numbered 315 and higher should replace Phys 201L, 202L in component (2) with the higher level laboratory sequence Phys 221, 222 to be taken after completing Phys 231, 232.
It is also possible to enter the physics major through Phys 142E. Students desiring to use this route should consult one of the physics undergraduate advisers.
For students electing the basic BA program, the courses, Physics 311, 312 - Widely Applied Physics, if elected in component (3), can be used to complete a strong preparation in basic physics. These courses are designed to make use of the concepts learned in the introductory courses to understand some modern applications including fluid dynamics, aeronautics, musical sound, chaos, superconductivity and electronic communications. Either one (for Option I) or two (for Option II) additional courses complete the requirements of component (3). Phys 254 Fundamentals of Scientific Computing and a year of introductory chemistry are good choices for completing this component. Students completing the basic BA program have an outstanding record of success in admission to medical, law, business and education schools.
Math 325P is not required for the BA degree, however it is a prerequisite for courses numbered 321 and above, any of which can be chosen to complete component (3).
Strong preparation for graduate study in physics and physics-related areas and for scientific and technical jobs is provided by the following programs:
BA with Distinguished Major Course Sequence This sequence may be entered using components (1) and (2) of either Option I or II above. Component (3) is replaced by the following requirements: Math 325P, Phys 254, 317, 321, 331, 342, 355, 356, 393 and one 300-500 level physics elective. If Option II is used, substitution of Phys 221, 222 for Phys 201L, 202L is strongly recommended.
BS in Physics The requirements for the BS in physics are the completion of the Distinguished Major Course sequence plus Math 521, 522 (or equivalent APMA courses) and Phys 343. Except for Echols scholars, the requirements for the BS in Physics include completion of the standard College of Arts and Sciences competency and area requirements.
Two special concentrations can be pursued by students in either the BA or the BS progams: A Computational Physics Concentration (Phys 553, 554 Computational Physics I, II); An Optics Concentration (Phys 531, 533 Optics & Optics Laboratory and Phys 532, 534 Fundamentals of Photonics & Photonics Laboratory). A concentration in experimental physics can be obtained by taking Phys 315 Electronics, Phys 317 Intermediate Laboratory I and Phys 318 Intermediate Laboratory II.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses must be achieved for graduation as a physics major.
BA in Astronomy-Physics This is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy Department. This major prepares a student for graduate study in either astronomy or physics. The requirements are Math 131, 132, 231, 325P, 521, 522; Phys 151, 152, 221, 222, 251, 252, 254, 321, 342, 343, 355; and ASTR 211, 212, 313, 395, 498(Senior Thesis), and six additional credits of 300-500 level Astronomy courses.
Some Additional Information about the Physics Program
Physics majors are a relatively small but a very outstanding, enthusiastic and diverse group. During the last decade an average of 30 students has graduated each year with bachelors degrees in physics. Over the last five years an average of 28% of our graduates were women. There is a wide diversity of interests, and many students have double majors - 18 in the Class of 2003. In the last several years second majors have included anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics, English, environmental science, French, German language and literature, government, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and Slavic languages and literature.
Approximately half of our physics majors go on to graduate or professional schools, most at top-ranked universities, and they are very successful there. Recent graduates have attended the University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Santa Barbara, Cal Tech, Chicago, Colorado, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. Many recent graduates have taken scientific or technical positions in industry or government immediately after graduating with a bachelors degree. Each year an increasing number go to professional schools in medicine, education, business and law. Others graduate with physics as a concentration in a broad liberal arts program and enter a variety of careers.
Beginning the first year there are special courses for physics majors. The third and fourth year classes are small, and students have much interaction with faculty members. Since the Department has active research programs in all the major fields of physics that involve all 35 faculty members, there are many opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research on the frontiers of physics. During their third and fourth years, students in the Distinguished Majors and BS programs undertake independent study projects (Phys 393), working on a tutorial basis with a faculty member and often working with a research group. The study culminates in a written and an oral report. Students find these projects among the most valuable and enjoyable parts of their programs. Also there are summer jobs and part-time jobs during the academic year with the various research groups.
In addition to the undergraduate courses, many graduate courses in physics may be taken by advanced undergraduates. Undergraduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the weekly colloquia. These talks are given by eminent physicists from around the world. They provide further contact with research on the frontiers of physics.
All physics majors are advised and expected to become proficient in the use of computers by taking courses and by using computers for coursework and in the research labs. Phys 254 Fundamentals of Scientific Computing introduces some programming concepts and numerical methods. We provide an introduction to data acquisition and analysis in the introductory laboratory courses, an introduction to microprocessors in Phys 315-Electronics, more advanced data acquisition and analysis in the intermediate physics laboratory courses, and many class and laboratory exercises requiring use of computers. As mentioned above, there are courses providing a concentration in computational physics. In addition a wide variety of computer courses is available through the Computer Science Department and numerous workshops are presented by Information Technology and Communication staff.
Personal computers and computer systems are widely available. A departmental computer facility is open to all majors, and there are computers in the undergraduate labs, as well as in research labs in which students participate. All are linked through local networks and to national and worldwide networks.
Early declaration of major is encouraged: you do not have to wait until your fourth semester. A valued perquisite for physics majors is that all are provided keys to the Physics Building that give them access at any time to the Physics Library, two conference rooms and the departmental computer facility. Very frequently at night and on weekends one finds groups of physics majors gathered in one of the conference rooms or the library working together (as we encourage them to do) on quantum mechanics, statistical physics or other topics.
Some very interesting facts about the skills physics graduates find most useful emerged from a recent survey by the American Institute of Physics. They queried some thousands of people with physics degrees (bachelors, masters and doctorates) working in industry, government, and secondary and higher education about the skills they used most frequently. At all degree levels and for all types of jobs, whether directly involving physics or not, almost 100% of respondents said that problem solving is their most frequently used skill. Computer skills were highly ranked by most of the respondents, but even more highly ranked were interpersonal skills and technical writing. These same skills have been identified as most important by many companies who hire physics graduates.
We address the development of these skills explicitly in the physics major. Problem solving and computing are already strong components of the program. The upper-level physics laboratories and independent study courses are structured to provide excellent opportunities for developing skills in both oral and written communication of technical material. Spontaneous teamwork on solving problems in the upper-level courses has long been a part of being a physics major. Working with a variety of partners in the elementary and upper-level lab courses also helps develop skills in interpersonal relationships. These experiences are supplemented in physics classes by group problem solving, which has been shown to be an effective way of learning new concepts and has the added effect of teaching and encouraging teamwork.
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) and the Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society provide very valuable support for the physics major program. The weekly SPS meetings offer special talks on topics related to physics by faculty members from Physics and other departments at the University. There are also presentations devoted to giving advice and commentary on graduate and professional schools, and talks about careers in science. At each meeting there are refreshments and time for students to talk to each other and to faculty members who are invited to attend. Membership in SPS is open to any student interested in physics. Membership in Sigma Pi Sigma recognizes special academic achievement.
There are a number of activities each year intended to help students and faculty get to know each other and to recognize academic achievement. There is an annual reception in the Rotunda near the beginning of the fall semester to which all undergraduate majors, students who think they might like to major, and all physics faculty are invited. The annual diploma ceremony is held in one of the gardens behind a pavilion on The Lawn. During this ceremony the James W. Elkins Award is presented to the graduate with the most outstanding academic record in physics.
Distinguished Major Program This program provides recognition of outstanding academic performance in a challenging sequence of physics courses including an independent study project. Students who complete the Distinguished Majors Course Sequence or the BS requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given departmental recommendation to receive their degrees (BA or BS) with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction, respectively.
Career Planning In addition to the extensive resources available through University Career Services (UCS), the Physics Department offers assistance with career planning in a number of ways:
Discussions with undergraduate advisers and other physics faculty members
Talks about graduate schools and careers at SPS meetings
A brochure, “What can I do with a physics major”
Contacts with UVa alumni who are willing to offer career information
Pointers to information on the Internet:
UCS web site, http://www.virginia.edu/~career/
The American Institute of Physics site, http://aip.org/
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Summary of Requirements for BA in Physics
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Option I |
Option II |
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites |
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Math 131, 132 |
Calculus I, II |
[4,4] |
Math 131, 132 |
Calculus I, II |
[4,4] |
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Phys 151, 152 |
Intro. Phys. I, II |
[4,4] |
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Requirements |
Requirements |
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Math 231 |
Calculus III |
[3] |
Math 231 |
Calculus III |
[3] |
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Phys 251, 252 |
Intro. Phys. III, IV |
[4,4] |
Phys 231, 232 |
Class. Mod. Phys I, II |
[4,4] |
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Phys 221, 222 |
Elem. Lab. I,II |
[3,3] |
Phys 201L, 202L |
Intro. Lab. I, II |
[1.5,1.5] |
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Phys 252 |
Intro. Phys. IV |
[4] |
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plus |
plus |
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Three courses chosen from Phys 254 and/or 300-level physics courses |
Four courses chosen from Phys 254 and/or 300-level physics courses |
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For either option, one elective physics course can be replaced by a year of chemistry. |
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*Students choosing Option II who want more extensive preparation in basic physics and particularly those planning to take physics courses numbered 315 and higher should replace Phys 201L, 202L with the higher level laboratory sequence Phys 221, 222 to be taken after completing Phys 231, 232.
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300-level courses from which to select |
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Phys 304 |
Physics of the Human Body |
[3] |
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Phys 311 |
Widely Applied Physics I |
[4] |
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Phys 312 |
Widely Applied Physics II |
[4] |
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Phys 315 |
Electronics |
[3] |
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Phys 317 |
Intermediate Lab I |
[3] |
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Phys 318 |
Intermediate Lab II |
[3] |
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Phys 319 |
Advanced Lab |
[3] |
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Courses numbered 321 and higher require Math 325P Differential Equations as prerequisite. |
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Phys 321 |
Mechanics |
[3] |
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Phys 331 |
Statistical Physics |
[3] |
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Phys 342, 343 |
Electricity and Magnetism I, II |
[3,3] |
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Phys 355, 356 |
Quantum Mechanics I, II |
[3,3] |
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Phys 393 |
Independent Study |
[3] |
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Summary of Requirements for BA-Distinguished Major and BS in Physics |
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Prerequisites |
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Option I |
Option II |
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Math 131, 132 |
Calculus I, II |
[4,4] |
Math 131, 132 |
Calculus I, II |
[4,4] |
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Phys 151, 152 |
Intro. Phys. I, II |
[4,4] |
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Math 231, 325P |
Calc. III, Diff. Eqn. |
[3,3] |
Math 231, 325P |
Calc. III, Diff. Eqn. |
[3] |
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Phys 251, 252 |
Intro. Phys. III, IV |
[4,4] |
Phys 231, 232 |
Class. Mod. Phys. I, II |
[4,4] |
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Phys 221, 222 |
Elem. Lab. I, II |
[3,3] |
*Phys 201L, 202L |
Intro. Lab. I, II |
[1.5,1.5] |
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Phys 252 |
Intro. Phys. IV |
[4] |
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Required Courses |
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BA -Distinguished Major |
BS |
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Phys 254 |
Fund. Scientific Computing |
[3] |
Phys 254 |
Fund. Scientific Computing |
[3] |
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Phys 317 or 318 |
Intermediate Lab. |
[3] |
Phys 317 or 318 |
Intermediate Lab. |
[3] |
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Phys 321 |
Mechanics |
[3] |
Phys 321 |
Mechanics |
[3] |
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Phys 342 |
Electricity & Magnetism I |
[3] |
Phys 342 |
Electricity & Magnetism I |
[3] |
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Phys 331 |
Statistical Physics |
[3] |
Phys 331 |
Statistical Physics |
[3] |
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Phys 355, 356 |
Quantum Physics I, II |
[3, 3] |
Phys 355, 356 |
Quantum Physics I, II |
[3, 3] |
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Phys 393 |
Independent Study |
[3] |
Phys 393 |
Independent Study |
[3] |
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Physics Elective** |
[3] |
Physics Elective** |
[3] |
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Phys 343 |
Electricity & Magnetism II |
[3] |
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Math 521 |
Advanced Calculus |
[3] |
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Math 522 |
Partial Differential Equations |
[3] |
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*For BA-DMP and BS programs, replacement of Phys 201L, 202L with Phys 221, 222 is strongly recommended. |
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**To be chosen from any of the 300-level or 500-level physics courses. |
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Typical Course Sequences and Upper-level Course List
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Information contained on the following pages shows:
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A. |
Examples of Course Sequences leading to the various degrees
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BA - Basic Program
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BA including Premedical Requirements via Phys 151
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BA including Premedical Requirements via Phys 231
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BA with Distinguished Major Course Sequence
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BS in Physics
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BA in Astronomy/Physics - Requirements and usual course sequence
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B. |
List of Upper Level Physics Courses |
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BA in Physics - Basic Program |
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Example Course Sequence for Option I |
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Fall |
Spring |
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First Year |
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Math 131 |
Calculus I |
[4] |
Math 132 |
Calculus II |
[4] |
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Phys 151 |
Intro. Physics I |
[4] |
Phys 152 |
Intro. Physics II |
[4] |
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Second Year |
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Math 231 |
Calculus III |
[4] |
Phys 254 |
Fund. Scientific Computing |
[3] |
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Phys 251 |
Intro. Physics III |
[4] |
Phys 252 |
Intro. Physics IV |
[4] |
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Third Year |
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Phys 221 |
Elem. Lab I |
[3] |
Phys 222 |
Elem. Lab II |
[3] |
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Fourth Year |
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Phys 311 |
Widely Applied Physics I |
[4] |
Phys 312 |
Widely Applied Physics II |
[4] |
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Note that this program can be started in the second year, and completed by moving Phys 221, 222 to the fourth year.
If Option II is chosen, the four-semester introductory sequence, Phys 151, 152, 251, 252 and Phys 221, 222 Elem. Lab is replaced by Phys 231, 232. 252 and Phys 201L, 202L Physics Lab taken in the second or third year as preparation for the upper level physics courses. Students choosing Option II who want more extensive preparation in basic physics and particularly those planning to take physics courses numbered 315 and higher should replace Phys 201L, 202L in Component 2 with the higher level laboratory sequence Phys 221, 222 to be taken after completing Phys 231, 232.
If Math 325P is taken, any of the 300-level physics courses can be chosen to complete the BA.
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Physics BA - Premed I |
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Example Course Sequence for Option I including Premed Requirements |
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Fall |
Spring |
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First Year |
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Math 131 |
Calculus I |
[4] |
Math 132 |
Calculus II |
[4] |
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Chem 141 |
Intro. Chem. I |
[3] |
Chem 142 |
Intro. Chem. II |
[3] |
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Chem 141L |
Intro. Chem. Lab I |
[2] |
Chem 142L |
Intro. Chem. Lab II |
[2] |
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