Physics / Astronomy Home

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Ursinus College

Programs in Physics and Astronomy

Major in Physics

Major in Physics, Astrophysics Track

Minor in Physics

Minor in Astronomy

Secondary School Teaching Certification

Pre-Engineering



Requirements for Majors in Physics

Physics Track

Astrophysics Track

CHEM-105, 206: General Chemistry
CHEM-105a, 206aQ: Laboratory in General Chemistry

MATH-111, 112: Calculus [Note: MATH-107, 108, Calculus with Review, may be substituted for Math 111]
MATH-211: Multivariate Calculus

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-121, 122: Problem-Solving Techniques
PHYS-207: Modern Physics
PHYS-209: Circuits
PHYS-210: Mechanics I
PHYS-210a: Laboratory in Mechanics I
PHYS-212: Classical and Quantum Mechanical Waves

PHYS-308W: Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYS-315: Mathematical Physics I
PHYS-450: Senior Seminar
or PHYS-492W: Research/Independent Work

At least two of the following (physics electives)
PHYS-301: Introduction to Astrophysics
PHYS-304: Thermodynamics
PHYS-309: Electric and Magnetic Fields
PHYS-316: Mathematical Physics II
PHYS-401: Applications of Quantum Mechanics
PHYS-408: Materials Science
PHYS-410: Mechanics II

CHEM-105, 206: General Chemistry
CHEM-105a, 206aQ: Laboratory in General Chemistry

MATH-111, 112: Calculus [Note: MATH-107, 108, Calculus with Review, may be substituted for Math 111]
MATH-211: Multivariate Calculus

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-121, 122: Problem-Solving Techniques
PHYS-207: Modern Physics
PHYS-209: Circuits
PHYS-210: Mechanics I
PHYS-210a: Laboratory in Mechanics I
PHYS-212: Classical and Quantum Mechanical Waves
PHYS-301: Introduction to Astrophysics
PHYS-315: Mathematical Physics I
PHYS-358W: Seminar in Astrophysics
PHYS-450: Senior Seminar
or PHYS-492W: Research/Independent Work

At least two credits of research from the following
PHYS-411, 412: Research
PHYS-421, 422: Research
PHYS-491: Research/Independent Work

Students anticipating graduate study in physics or astrophysics should select additional courses from PHYS-304, 309, 316, 401, 408, 410, and from MATH-214 (Differential Equations and Mathematical Models), 235 (Linear Algebra), and 462 (Numerical Analysis).

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Requirements for Minors in Physics and Astronomy

Minor in Physics

Minor in Astronomy

MATH-111, 112: Calculus [Note: MATH-107, 108, Calculus with Review, may be substituted for Math 111]

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-121, 122: Problem-Solving Techniques
PHYS-207: Modern Physics

At least seven credits from the following, including at least one laboratory course [PHYS-209, PHYS-210a, PHYS-308W]
PHYS-209: Circuits
PHYS-210: Mechanics I
PHYS-210a: Laboratory in Mechanics I
PHYS-212: Classical and Quantum Mechanical Waves

PHYS-304: Thermodynamics
PHYS-308W: Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYS-309: Electric and Magnetic Fields
PHYS-315: Mathematical Physics I

PHYS-316: Mathematical Physics II
PHYS-401: Applications of Quantum Mechanics
PHYS-408: Materials Science
PHYS-410: Mechanics II

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-201: Topics in Modern Astronomy
PHYS-301: Introduction to Astrophysics

At least three credits of seminar (PHYS-317, 318, or 358W) on one of the following topics:
solar system astronomy, celestial mechanics, galactic astronomy, astrometry.

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Secondary School Teaching Certification

CHEM-105, 206: General Chemistry
CHEM-105a, 206aQ: Laboratory in General Chemistry

MATH-111, 112: Calculus [Note: MATH-107, 108, Calculus with Review, may be substituted for Math 111]
MATH-211: Multivariate Calculus

PHYS-101Q: Introduction to Astronomy
or PHYS-201: Topics in Modern Astronomy

BIO-100:
or BIO-111:

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-121, 122: Problem-Solving Techniques
PHYS-207: Modern Physics
PHYS-209: Circuits
PHYS-210: Mechanics I
PHYS-210a: Laboratory in Mechanics I
PHYS-212: Classical and Quantum Mechanical Waves

PHYS-308W: Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYS-450: Senior Seminar
or PHYS-492W: Research/Independent Work

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Pre-Engineering Program

The following courses are taken by all students in the program. Additional courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics are chosen in consultation with the pre- engineering adviser. The courses are determined by the particular field of engineering the student plans to enter.

CHEM-105, 206: General Chemistry
CHEM-105a, 206aQ: Laboratory in General Chemistry

MATH-111, 112: Calculus
MATH-211: Multivariate Calculus
MATH-214:
MATH-271: or BIO-111:

PHYS-111Q, 112: General Physics
PHYS-121, 122: Problem-Solving Techniques
PHYS-207: Modern Physics
PHYS-209: Circuits
PHYS-212: Classical and Quantum Mechanical Waves

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