We offer both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree for the Physics major. These flexible programs are well suited for a variety of careers. We graduate about 10-15 majors per year. Between a third to a half of our graduates enter PhD programs in physics and astronomy or MS programs in engineering. Most of the rest go directly into industry, mostly working in technical fields using their problem-solving skills developed in the physics department.
Gettysburg College physics majors have succeeded in diverse careers, including government, law, management, engineering, teaching, nuclear physics, plasma physics, astronomy research, data and computer analytics, consulting, and medicine. You’ll also be well prepared for graduate study in fields including astronomy, all the subfields of physics from nuclear to condensed matter to biophysics to astrophysics, business, geophysics; and environmental, electrical, nuclear, and mechanical physics and engineering.
Whatever career you pursue in the future, a background in physics will provide you with the foundational and technological skills needed to excel in the 21st century.
Our curriculum prepares students for success in a range of careers and graduate study. Our courses build a strong foundation in problem solving, important physical principles, and the application of math to real-world situations.
Laboratory training stresses the design of experiments, the techniques of precise measurement, the interpretation of data, and written and oral communication. In advanced classes, you’ll apply your skills through independent study and research projects in collaboration with our involved faculty, who often form mentorship relationships with students.
Students also have the opportunity to combine their physics studies with other scientific pursuits through physics concentrations. Students learn by doing through research as part of the Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute and our capstone course. Our Engineering Dual-Degree program combines the enhanced communication skills and creativity of a liberal arts education with the focused rigor of a highly regarded engineering program.
First Year Advising and Registration recommendations
Students planning to major in Physics should take PHY 111 and MATH 111 followed by PHY 112 and MATH 112 (or a higher-level math sequence) in their first year.
All dual-degree engineering students must take Physics 111, 112, 211 or Physics 109, 110 (depending on engineering field this is likely the preferred option for non-physics majors); Mathematics 111, 112, 211, (plus 212 and 225 for many engineering fields); Chemistry 107; and Computer Science 107 or 111 (depends on engineering field).
Students interested in the Dual-Degree Engineering Program should attend the dual-degree advising session and make an appointment to discuss their plans with Dr. Yoshihiro Sato (ysato@gettysburg.edu), the dual-degree advisor. There are fifteen engineering majors that students can pursue across our four affiliate programs, so prospective dual-degree students are highly encouraged to make an appointment with Dr. Sato and their academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in the correct sequence of courses that will transfer to their intended engineering major. As with all students, prospective dual-degree students must enroll in a First Year Seminar, complete the first-year writing requirement, pursue a major at Gettysburg College, and complete a second language along with the other general Gettysburg College curricular requirements.
The physics major leading to the BA degree leaves flexibility to pursue other interests. Students may want to pair the physics major with a minor in another discipline to create a physics concentration that will help propel them into a career. The BA track also leaves room for students interested transferring to one of our partner engineering schools after their junior year to take the necessary pre-engineering courses as well as complete the liberal arts requirements.
The additional requirements in the physics major leading to the BS degree ensures that students are well prepared with upper-level math and physics courses to succeed in graduate school. Our alumni have gone to excellent graduate schools in a variety of physics sub-fields and engineering disciplines.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physics
Category
Courses
Core Courses
Physics 111, 112 and 211 or Physics 109 and 110
Physics 255
Physics 310
One advanced lab from the following: Physics 240, 324, 350, 352, 358, or other approved course
Physics 420a or 420b (or 460 with approval of department)
Math through Math 211
Elective Courses
Three (or four*) additional courses at the 200-level or higher (may include Chemistry 306 if not already counted as an advanced lab).
One of these must be one of the following: Physics 312, Physics 319, Physics 330, or Physics 341.
*Four courses required if Physics 109/110 are taken instead of 111/112/211.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics
Category
Courses
Core Courses
Physics 111, 112 and 211 or Physics 109 and 110
Physics 255
Physics 310
One advanced lab from the following: Physics 240, 324, 350, 352, 358, or other approved course
Physics 420a or 420b (or 460 with approval of department)
Math through Math 211
Math 225.
Elective Courses
Three courses chosen from the following: Physics 312, Physics 319, Physics 330, or Physics 341.
Two (or three*) additional courses at the 200-level or higher, which may include Chemistry 306 if not counted as an advanced lab.
*Three additional courses required if Physics 109/110 are taken instead of 111/112/211.
Physics Minor
The knowledge and skills practiced in a Physics Minor compliment the analytic thinking required by any degree program. A minor in Physics consists of six courses in Physics.
Requirements for the Physics Minor
Category
Courses
Core Courses
Physics 109 and 110 or Physics 111, 112, and 211.
Elective Courses
Three (or four*) additional Physics courses at the 200-level or above.
One of these may be a non-Physics course chosen from the following:
Chemistry 305
Chemistry 306
Math 325
Math 361
Math 363
Math 364
*Four additional courses required if Physics 109/110 are taken instead of Physics 111/112/211.
Physics Concentrations
Mathematical Physics
Math and Physics tend to go hand-in-hand. Given the math requirements for our physics major, many physics majors opt to get a minor in math. Pursuing the BS track in physics with a math minor or double major is excellent preparation for physics, astronomy, or engineering graduate school and is recommended for students interested in theoretical physics.
Mathematical Physics Concentration
Program Component
Details
Physics Major (BA or BS)
Suggested electives (best to take all):
Phy312: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Phy319: Classical Mechanics
Phy330: Electricity and Magnetism
Phy341: Quantum Physics
Math Minor
Suggested electives:
Math212: Linear Algebra
Math225: Differential Equations
Math302: Applied Research in Mathematics
Math325: Partial Differential Equations
Math364: Complex Analysis
Physics and Data Science
More and more science disciplines use big data, from astronomical sky surveys to molecular simulations of materials such as liquid crystals or DNA. Adding a Data Science Minor to a physics major builds proficiency with large data sets alongside deep knowledge of physical processes relevant across STEM fields.
Physics and Data Science Concentration
Program Component
Details
Physics Major (BA)
Suggested electives:
Phy240: Analog and Digital Electronics (upper-level lab)
Or Phy350: Observational Astronomy (upper-level lab)
Phy335: Computational Physics
Computational modeling now plays a central role in physics research—from Monte Carlo simulations in particle physics to molecular dynamics in condensed matter and biophysics. Strong coding and computational skills open doors across modern physics.
Computational Physics Concentration
Program Component
Details
Physics Major (BA)
Suggested electives:
Phy240: Analog and Digital Electronics (upper-level lab)
Or Phy350: Observational Astronomy (upper-level lab)
Phy335: Computational Physics
Computer Science Minor or Major
Computer Science Minor or Computer Science Major (BS degree)
Entrepreneurial Physics
In an increasingly technological world, businesses must adapt quickly and anticipate scientific breakthroughs. Physics develops analytic agility and problem-solving skills; pairing it with business training allows students to translate scientific insight into innovation.
Entrepreneurial Physics Concentration
Program Component
Details
Physics Major (BA)
Suggested skill-focused electives:
Phy240: Analog and Digital Electronics (upper-level lab)
Or Phy352: Optics and Laser Physics (upper-level lab)
Phy335: Computational Physics
Business Minor
Business Minor
Physics and Philosophy
Students gain fluency in both Physics and Philosophy, approaching fundamental questions about life and existence through scientific and humanistic lenses.
Suggested electives:
PHIL233: Philosophy of Science
PHIL312: History and Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics
PHIL315: The Nature of Space: Philosophical Revolutions in Physics
Physics of Materials
Develop a strong grasp of physical principles central to condensed matter and materials science. Students gain experience with instrumentation, techniques, and core concepts shaping materials research.
Physics of Materials Concentration
Program Component
Details
Physics Major (BA or BS)
Suggested electives:
Phy240: Analog and Digital Electronics (upper-level lab)
Phy341: Quantum Physics
Phy312: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
or Chem305: Physical Chemistry I: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Chemistry Minor
Suggested electives:
Chem222: Chemistry: Contemporary Issues and Practices
Chem306: Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Chem320: Materials Chemistry
Engineering Dual-Degree
Gettysburg College's engineering dual-degree program combines the enhanced communication skills and creativity of a liberal arts education with the focused rigor of a highly regarded engineering program.
Gettysburg College offers dual-degree engineering programs in conjunction with Columbia University in New York City, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded the bachelor–of-arts degree from Gettysburg and the bachelor-of-science degree in an engineering discipline from one of the four affiliated universities. Since the student graduates with two degrees, all degree requirements from both institutions must be completed, including a major at each institution. The Gettysburg College major can be in any discipline provided the student completes the pre-engineering courses and the Gettysburg College curricular requirements before starting at the engineering school. The affiliation agreement between schools allows many courses to transfer so that the student can complete both degrees in 5 years. American students who qualify for financial aid at Gettysburg College will usually be eligible for similar aid at the engineering affiliate universities. International students who qualify for aid at Gettysburg are not guaranteed financial aid, although it is sometimes available.
In addition to their college advisor, candidates for this program are advised by the Engineering Advisor who is a member of the physics department. Normally, a student will be recommended to Columbia, RPI, Washington University, or Pitt during the fall semester of the junior year. Under the typical "3-2" option, students spend three years at Gettysburg and two at the partner institution.
The grade requirements for guaranteed admission are different for each program, but at a minimum students need a 3.0 GPA to be recommended. However, admission to Columbia University will no longer be guaranteed for the students enrolling in Fall 2019 and thereafter. The specific courses required for admission by each affiliated institution vary and students should schedule courses in close cooperation with the Engineering Adviser at Gettysburg.
All dual-degree engineering students must take Physics 111, 112, 211 or Physics 109, 110 (depending on engineering field this is likely the preferred option for non-physics majors); Mathematics 111, 112, 211, (plus 212 and 225 for many engineering fields); Chemistry 107; and Computer Science 107 or 111 (depends on engineering field). Students interested in Columbia University should also take Economics 103 or 104. All dual-degree engineering students must complete the Gettysburg College curricular requirements while at Gettysburg. We recommend that 3-2 students begin working on their Gettysburg College major their first year.
While the 3-2 option is considered typical, our affiliate schools also allow the 4-2 option, whereby students complete four years at Gettysburg before transferring. In both cases the student receives two bachelor degrees at the end of the program. For financial aid reasons it is strongly recommended that students delay their Gettysburg College graduation until the end of their work at the engineering school (the 5th or 6th year depending whether 3-2 or 4-2). Both 3-2 and 4-2 students are allowed to march at the Gettysburg College graduation with their graduating class even if they are not graduating provided certain criteria are met.
Some students choose to transition to engineering by finishing 4 years at Gettysburg College and then applying to graduate schools in engineering. In this case students can apply to a broad range of schools, though some of our affiliate schools have special programs our students can consider. The graduate school option changes the financial aid picture as the student would no longer be an undergraduate. In addition, skipping the undergraduate degree in engineering usually prevents the student from sitting for professional licensure exams.
Courses
This list is a sampling of the kinds of courses offered through the Physics curriculum. Not all courses shown here will be offered every semester. For a complete list of currently available courses, students may log into their account on Student Center.
Overview of the fundamental principles of classical physics (including gravitation and electromagnetism), the theory of relativity, and quantum physics. Course includes topics such as: the four fundamental forces of nature; nuclear and atomic physics; elementary particles; grand unified theories; and cosmology, including the origin and fate of the universe. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for non-science majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
General algebra-based coverage of the fields of classical and modern physics. Topics include kinematics, mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for students in biology, environmental science, the health professions. Prerequisite: Sophomore status and facility with algebra and geometry. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
General algebra-based coverage of the fields of classical and modern physics. Topics include waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and topics from modern physics. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for students in biology, environmental science, the health professions. Prerequisite: Physics 103 and facility with algebra and geometry. Three class hours and three laboratory hours
An introduction to the physical basis of music and sound production. Topics include the mechanical and sonic characteristics of common musical instruments, room acoustics, human perception of sound, and the mechanics of the human ear. Special emphasis is placed on how fundamental concepts from math and physics (vibrations and waves, logarithmic measurement scales, the Fourier Series, frequency spectra) explain many of the aspects of how music is produced and perceived. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for non-science majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Standard first semester calculus-based Physics course designed to support the curricula of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors. The course will explore a wide range of topics including Newtonian mechanics, work & energy, circular motion, rotational kinematics/dynamics, fluids, concepts of heat & temperature, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: Calculus 111 (can be taken concurrently), sophomore or higher status, and CHEM or BMB Major. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Standard second semester calculus-based Physics course designed to satisfy the major requirements for Chemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors but can be taken by other students that meet the requirements. The course will explore a wide range of topics including vibrations and sound, light, optics, electricity and magnetism, and electric circuits. Prerequisite: Physics 109. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
An introduction to mechanics and modern physics: the conservation of momentum, energy, and angular momentum as fundamental laws, Newton’s dynamical laws of motion, and the special theory of relativity. Four class hours and three laboratory hours. Prospective physics majors or students interested in dual-degree engineering. Open to first-year students; sophomore students interested in the physics major may enroll with permission of instructor.
An introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics: Continuation of the special theory of relativity; introductory principles of quantum physics; applications in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics; and an introduction to thermodynamics. Differential and integral calculus is introduced and used. Prerequisites: Physics 111 and Math 111, which may be taken concurrently, or permission of instructor. Four class hours and three laboratory hours. Prospective physics majors or students interested in dual-degree engineering. Open to first-year students; sophomore students interested in the physics major may enroll with permission of instructor.
An introduction to classical electromagnetic theory and applications: electrostatic fields, currents, magnetic fields, magnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations. Other topics include electric circuits, waves, light as a propagating electromagnetic disturbance, and radiating charge. Prerequisites: Physics 112 and Mathematics 112, which may be taken concurrently; or permission of instructor. Four class hours and three laboratory hours.
Principles of electronic devices and circuits using integrated circuits, both analog and digital, including amplifiers, oscillators, and logic circuits. Prerequisites: Physics 211, Physics 110 or permission of instructor. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
The course is designed to provide a basic familiarity with the most common techniques used in structural biology and their applications to challenging biochemical, biotechnology and medical problems. Course focuses on current state-of-the-art biophysical methods that are being applied to study structure and function of biological macromolecules and biological systems with a focus on the most informative methods, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and single molecule techniques. Theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications are covered. Three class hours. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 108, or either PHYS 110 or PHYS 211, or permission from the instructor
Intermediate treatment of mathematical methods used in physics. Topics include elements of vector calculus, complex variables, ordinary and partial differential equations, solution of Laplace's equation, special functions, determinants, and matrices. Prerequisites: Physics 211 and Math 112. Three class hours.
Quarter credit internship graded S/U.
Quantum interference, potential wells, barriers, and one-electron atoms are studied. Other topics include the quantum mechanical basis for solid state, nuclear and particle physics. Co-requisite: Physics 255. Three class hours plus 1-hour problem session.
Temperature, heat, first and second laws of thermodynamics, and introductory statistical mechanics of physical systems based on the principle of maximum entropy. Topics include the ideal gas, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein 'gases,' electrons in metals, blackbody radiation, low temperature physics, and elements of transport theory. Prerequisite: Physics 211. Three class hours.
Intermediate-level course in mechanics for upper class physics majors. Topics include chaos, nonlinear dynamics, central forces, oscillations, and the formalisms of Lagrange and Hamilton. Prerequisites: Physics 211, Physics 255 and Math 211. Three class hours.
Experimental investigation of quantum phenomena. A suite of single photon measurements will explore the statistical nature of quantum physics. Other experiments include alpha-, beta-, and gamma-spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and UV-fluorescence. The course emphasizes error analysis and communicating scientific results through oral and written reports. Prerequisites: Physics 310. Six laboratory hours.
Intermediate course in electromagnetism, including vector fields and vector calculus, electrostatic field theory, dielectrics, magnetic phenomena, fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, Laplace's equation and boundary value problems, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: Physics 211 and Physics 255. Three class hours.
Upper-level physics course focusing on computational methods in various topics including classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Python computer language is used throughout the course. Prerequisite: Physics 211.
Introduction to the Schrodinger and Heisenberg formulations of quantum mechanics. Topics include free particles, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, matrix mechanics, spin wave functions, helium atom, and perturbation theory. Prerequisites: Physics 255 and Physics 310; or permission of instructor.
Examination of the development of views about the origin and evolution of the universe. From ancient times, humans have tried to answer the biggest of the big questions: where did it all come from? This course traces the course of the answers given from ancient mythology through contemporary models of contemporary Big Bang cosmology, focusing the interaction between advances in physical science and their philosophical ramifications.
An introduction to the acquisition, processing and analysis of astronomical images. Obtaining a science-quality astronomical image requires knowledge of photons’ complete path from their source through the telescope and finally onto the detector. Along this path, the light may be attenuated or contaminated by various sources (atmospheric, mechanical and electronic). In order to produce images that most faithfully represent the light from a source, students identify and account for all of these sources of contamination. Prerequisites: Physics 211, Physics 110 or permission of instructor.
Advanced laboratory course that introduces intermediate optical systems and diagnostic techniques for laser-plasma applications. Labs include optical alignment, periscopes, compound lens systems, interferometry, and Schlieren. Lectures cover the nature of light, geometric optics, physical optics, lasers, introductory plasma physics, and common/advanced plasma diagnostic techniques. Students are required to have taken Physics 112 and encouraged to have taken Physics 211
Combined upper-level chemistry and physics lab designed to emphasize the use of tools in these disciplines to answer questions in biology. This course concentrates on the role of lipids (fats) and ions (salt) in biology. Utilizing multiple biochemical and biophysical techniques, students will perform multiple experiments to ultimately answer a complex biological problem. Two laboratories. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 108 and either PHY 110 or PHY 211, or permission from the instructor.
Topics in physics not covered in the usual curriculum. Topics vary from year to year and may include relativity; astrophysics; advanced topics in modern optics, solid state physics and electromagnetism; fundamental particles and nuclear structure; the physics of plasmas and various mathematical topics in physics (topology, special functions, fractals). Prerequisites: Upper division standing and approval by instructor. Three class hours
Capstone course in physics that teaches advanced research skills. Students either perform in-class intensive research in instructor’s research area or integrate research experience from the previous summer. Prerequisite: Advanced laboratory course or permission of instructor.
Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F. Designed to cover physics or physics-related topics not otherwise available in the curriculum. Open to upper class physics majors who arrange with a staff member for supervision. Possible areas of study include advanced electronics, medical physics, astrophysics, acoustics, nuclear physics and plasma physics. Prerequisite: Approval by Department.
Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U. Designed to cover physics or physics-related topics not otherwise available in the curriculum. Open to upper class physics majors who arrange with a staff member for supervision. Possible areas of study include advanced electronics, medical physics, astrophysics, acoustics, nuclear physics and plasma physics. Prerequisite: Approval by Department.
Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F. Designed to cover physics or physics-related topics not otherwise available in the curriculum. Open to upper class physics majors who arrange with a staff member for supervision. Possible areas of study include advanced electronics, medical physics, astrophysics, acoustics, and optics. Prerequisite: Approval by department.
Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U. Designed to cover physics or physics-related topics not otherwise available in the curriculum. Open to upper class physics majors who arrange with a staff member for supervision. Possible areas of study include advanced electronics, medical physics, astrophysics, acoustics, and optics. Prerequisite: Approval by department.
Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F. Experimental or theoretical investigation of a research-level problem selected by a student in consultation with a faculty member. Students should arrange for supervision by the end of the junior year. Open only to senior physics majors. Results of the investigation are reported in a departmental colloquium and senior thesis. Prerequisite: Approval by department by the end of junior year.
Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U. Experimental or theoretical investigation of a research-level problem selected by a student in consultation with a faculty member. Students should arrange for supervision by the end of the junior year. Open only to senior physics majors. Results of the investigation are reported in a departmental colloquium and senior thesis. Prerequisite: Approval by department by the end of junior year.
Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor graded A-F. Experimental or theoretical investigation of a research-level problem selected by a student in consultation with a faculty member. Students should arrange for supervision by the end of the junior year. Open only to senior physics majors. Results of the investigation are reported in a departmental colloquium. Prerequisite: Approval by department.
Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor graded S/U. Experimental or theoretical investigation of a research-level problem selected by a student in consultation with a faculty member. Students should arrange for supervision by the end of the junior year. Open only to senior physics majors. Results of the investigation are reported in a departmental colloquium. Prerequisite: Approval by department.
Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U. Prior approval by Department required. Results of the internship are reported in a departmental colloquium.