The Major and Minor
A physics major is an excellent preparation for work in many fields,including physics, astronomy, engineering, medical school and more.
Beginning in fall of 2010 the course numbers of most physics courses are going to change. The course numbers on this page reflect the new numbering system, which is already in the printed catalog for 2009-10. Course registration for spring 2010 will use the old numbering system, however. A list of the course number changes is available here (PDF).
Major Requirements
- PHY 115 General Physics I or 117 Advanced General Physics I
- PHY 118 General Physics II
- PHY 210 Mathematical Methods of Physical Sciences and Engineering I
- PHY 217 Modern Physics I
- PHY 218 Modern Physics II*
- PHY 240 Electronics*
- PHY 250 Intermediate Physics Lab*
- PHY 300 Current Topics in Physics (a.k.a. Journal Club)
- PHY 317 Classical Mechanics
- PHY 318 Electricity & Magnetism
- PHY 319 Thermal Physics*
- PHY 327 Quantum Mechanics
- One additional 300-level physics course or approved course from another department.
*For students interested in using a physics major as a route to other fields, the courses marked with asterisks may be replaced by some courses in other departments. See the Smith College Course Catalog for details. We do not recommend this option for students intending to pursue graduate study in physics.
Minor Requirements
- PHY 115 or 117
- PHY 118
- PHY 217 Modern Physics I
- Two additional 200- or 300-level physics courses
