[course listing] | [curricular structure]
Physics represents an inquiry, both theoretical and experimental, into the nature of the physical universe. The theoretical approach involves constructing and exploring abstract models of nature, while the experimental approach involves investigations of physical systems that provide avenues for evaluating theories and for suggesting new theories. Taken together, theory and experiment aim at the construction of a single, compact, and far-reaching conceptual framework that accounts for all properties of the physical universe.
The physics curriculum at Lawrence is structured to help the student develop a firm grasp of the important theories and a secure competence in contemporary experimental techniques. Requirements for the major reflect this structure. On the theoretical side, the major moves from a general survey, to more detailed intermediate courses, to advanced electives, possibly culminating in a theoretical research project. On the experimental side, the major moves from a study of standard techniques of data analysis, to an intermediate laboratory in electronics, to a project-oriented advanced laboratory, possibly culminating in an experimental research project. Throughout the curriculum, contemporary computational approaches to problems in physics play a significant role along side the traditional approaches.
Prospective engineers will find that a major in physics automatically fulfills nearly all of the requirements for Lawrence's 3-2 engineering program.
Students who have strong secondary interests in biology, chemistry, or geology may construct majors involving physics and one of the other three natural sciences, using the interdisciplinary major in the natural sciences.
In addition, a minor in physics offers opportunity for those who wish to supplement a major in another discipline with a significant exposure to physics.
Physics 220, 225, 230, 310, 330, and three additional six-unit courses chosen from Physics 320 and above, excluding independent studies and capstone courses. Physics majors without advanced placement should start with Physics 150 and 160. Students who do not intend to pursue graduate study in physics may petition the department to substitute appropriate upper-level offerings in other departments for up to two of the required physics electives. The following program is typical:
Freshman: Physics 150, 160; Mathematics 140,
150, 160
Sophomore: Physics 220, 225, 230;
Mathematics 210
Junior: Physics 310, 330; physics electives
Senior: Physics 599 or 699, physics electives
Additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science are often elected. The prospective major should consult early and regularly with the faculty in the Department.
In the 1996-97 academic year, the department launched a new effort called the Senior Capstone Experience program, which is designed to encourage seniors to engage in ambitious undertakings custom-tailored to their interests, needs, and career plans. All senior majors are encouraged to enroll in one term --- normally the fall or winter term --- of capstone endeavor by electing Physics 599 or 699: Capstone/Independent Study in Physics. A detailed proposal must be submitted to the department well before the project is to be undertaken, e.g., in the spring term of the junior year. The proposal must
A student pursuing a minor in physics must consult with a member of the department early and often to plan and monitor progress in the minor.
The physics curriculum offers non-majors the opportunity to take one or more terms of physics as part of their liberal education. Although every course is open to all suitably prepared students, Physics 103, 107, 110, 112, 115, 120, 130, 150, 160, and 220 have traditionally attracted many non-majors.
The following courses in the physics department satisfy the university's degree requirement of one laboratory course in a natural science: Physics 103, 107, 120, 130, 150, 160, 220, 330.
Majors preparing for graduate school in physics will probably take more courses in physics than the required minimum. Physics 320, 430, 440, and 460 are recommended for all such students. Other departmental offerings (Physics 340, 410, and courses numbered 500-570) are appropriate for students with particular interests in the topics of those courses. All students contemplating graduate studies in physics should undertake at least one term of independent study/research in the senior year and/or seek opportunities at Lawrence or elsewhere for full-time research during the summer after the junior year. Students contemplating graduate studies in physics should discuss their plans early and often with members of the Department.
Majors seeking certification to teach physics at the secondary level should consult early and often with members of the Department of Education. Physics majors who plan to teach physics at the secondary level may petition the department to substitute physics courses numbered below 199 for up to two of the required physics electives.
Courses in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science are frequently elected to support a major in physics, but courses in geology, biology, economics, philosophy, anthropology, and other areas have occasionally been chosen by physics majors whose post-graduation objectives have an interdisciplinary dimension. With departmental approval, physics majors may substitute up to two upper-level courses in other departments for required physics electives.
Students with strong backgrounds should seek advanced placement and credit, normally by submitting scores on the Physics Advanced Placement Examination of the Educational Testing Service. Advanced placement without credit is awarded to students who submit satisfactory evidence that they both understand most of Physics 120 or 150 and are able to remedy weaknesses on their own initiative.
The Associated Colleges of the Midwest program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is available to majors in physics. Further, with careful advance planning, physics majors at Lawrence can arrange to be off campus for a term --- typically the winter or spring term of the junior year --- without jeopardizing progress in the major. Thus, physics majors can participate in off-campus programs, even if those programs contain no scientific components. The Lawrence London Study Program and the Lawrence/Knox program in Besancon, France, have been frequent destinations for physics majors.
Courses of general interest requiring minimal or no prerequisite are numbered 103-130. The introductory courses numbered 150 and 160 require elementary calculus. Intermediate courses are numbered between 200 and 300 and typically list calculus and differential equations as prerequisites. Advanced courses, many of which list one or more intermediate courses as prerequisites, are intended for juniors and seniors and are numbered above 300. Tutorial studies in physics and independent study in physics at several levels of sophistication also are offered.
Last updated: 7 June 2005