Degree Requirements

 

"Precision of communication is important, more important than ever, in our era of hair-trigger balances, when a false, or misunderstood, word may create as much disaster as a sudden thoughtless act." - James Thurber

Those who major in physics seek an understanding of the nature and activity of all matter and energy. Gettysburg College students explore relativity, quantum mechanics, and the basic laws relating to the smallest units of matter; the varied properties in macroscopic systems such as fluids and solids; and more complex systems such as stars and planets, earth and oceans, and living matter. Training in physics - mixing observation, imagination, calculation, and reasoning with finely tuned communication skills - provides an invaluable foundation for those seeking careers in a wide variety of fields, including medicine, music, engineering, education, law, business, and public administration, to name only a few. With this in mind, the Physics Department offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree.

B.A. Requirements: A minimum of nine physics courses is required for the major. This includes the following six core courses: Physics 111, 112, 211, 255, 310, 325, and three (3) additional courses at the 200-level or higher, at least one of which must be from Physics 312, 319, 330 or 341. In addition, majors are required to complete mathematics courses through Mathematics 212 or its equivalent.

B.S. Requirements: In addition to the six core courses mentioned above, the B.S. degree requires Physics 462, at least three courses from Physics 312, 319, 330 and 341, and any two courses at the 200-level or above. Candidates for the B.S. degree must also complete Mathematics 363.

A physics minor consists of Physics 111, 112, 211, and three additional courses in physics at the 200-level or above. A physics minor is an appropriate complement to a great variety of majors, including  mathematics, computer science - even music!

A typical 4-year schedule for a physics major is as follows:

FIRST YEAR:

FALL	SPRING
Physics 111	Physics 112
Math 111	Math 112
Foreign Language	Foreign Language
English 101/elective	Seminar 100

SOPHOMORE YEAR: 

FALL	SPRING
Physics 211	Physics 255
Math 211	Math 212
Foreign Language/elective	Foreign Language/elective
Distribution Requirement***	Distribution Requirement/Elective
	Physics 240**/352**

JUNIOR YEAR:

FALL	SPRING
Physics 310	Physics 325
Physics 319**/330**	Physics 312**/341** or Physics 240**/352**
Math 255*	Math****
Distribution Requirement	Distribution Requirement

SENIOR YEAR:

FALL	SPRING
Physics 330**/319**	Physics 462*
Physics 381	Physics 312**/341** or Physics 240**/352**
Distribution Requirement	Elective
Elective	Elective

  
     *These courses are not required for the BA, but are required for the BS.
   **Courses taught every other year
 ***At least one of the distribution requirements must satisfy the College non-western
      studies requirement.
****Possible courses include Math 364.

Please be assured  that this curriculum is more than adequate for students who wish to continue the study of physics in graduate school.

Students who wish to combine their physics education with another discipline such as chemistry, computer science, management, or mathematics should consider the following electives:

Chemistry:Chemistry 111-112, 305, 306, 317.
Computer Science: Computer Studies 103, 104, 216, 311, 341, 371, 373.
Economics/Management: Economics 103, 104, 241, 242, 243, 245, 351; Management 153,154, 247, 266.
Mathematics: Mathematics 321-322, 351-352, 356, 362, 364, 366.

Because physics is such a versatile major, there are many other possibilities for courses. If you are interested in securing a job immediately after graduation rather than pursuing graduate studies in physics, you should be able to tailor a curriculum to suit your specific needs.

 "You cannot teach a man anything;
  you can only help him to find it within himself." -Galileo