The Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed to prepare students for graduate studies,
as well as careers in industry, education and the private sector. The curriculum
consists of four introductory courses that build broad knowledge in the field while
training students in laboratory and computational skills. At the advanced level,
students choose theory and experiment courses to complete their major. Mathematics
through differential equations is required, as is participation in the weekly departmental
seminar beginning the second semester sophomore year. (Sample schedules are given
at the bottom of this page.)
Detailed course descriptions, descriptions of distribution course requirements and
other curricular requirements are given in the Washington College Course Catalog.
1. Required Introductory Physics Courses (Typically taken Freshman and Sophomore Years):
PHY 111
General Physics I with Lab
PHY 112
General Physics II with Lab
PHY 211
Modern Physics with Lab
PHY 252
Scientific Modeling and Data Analysis
2. Required Advanced Physics Courses (Junior and Senior Years):
Two Experiment Courses
PHY 352
Electronics
PHY 451
Advanced Physics Lab
Three Theory Courses Selected from the Following:
PHY 321
Classical Mechanics
PHY 322
Quantum Mechanics
PHY 323
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHY 324
Electricity and Magnetism
3. Physics Seminar:
Five one-credit physics seminar courses beginning the second semester sophomore year.
PHY 292, PHY 391, PHY 392, PHY 491, PHY 492. This course includes informal conversation
about physics topics, writing, presentation, problem solving and discussions of job
preparation and careers.
4. Four Required Courses in Mathematics (and two recommended courses):
MAT 111
Differential Calculus
MAT 112
Integral Calculus
MAT 210
Multivariable Calculus
MAT 310
Differential Equations
MAT 280 (recommended)
Linear Algebra
MAT 340 (recommended)
Numerical Analysis
5. One Additional Science or Math Course:
Selected from among the following: CHE 220, PHY 240, any physics course at the 300+
level, or another science or math course approved by the department.
6. Successful Completion of the Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) during the senior
year (4 course credits).
Example Schedules for Physics Majors
Year 1: Fall
Year 1: Spring
PHY 111
PHY 112
MAT 111
MAT 112
FYS
ENG 101
Language 1
Language 2 or Distribution
Year 2: Fall
Year 2: Spring
PHY 211
PHY 252
MAT 210
MAT 310
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
PHY 292
Year 3: Fall
Year 3: Spring
PHY 321
PHY 322
CSI 201
PHY 352
Elective
Elective
Distribution*
Distribution
PHY 391
PHY 392
Year 4: Fall
Year 4: Spring
PHY 323
PHY 324 (elective)
PHY 451
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
PHY 491
PHY 492
Work on SCE
Work on SCE
Year 1: Fall
Year 1: Spring
PHY 111
PHY 112
MAT 111
MAT 112
FYS
ENG 101
Language 1
Language 2 or Distribution
Year 2: Fall
Year 2: Spring
PHY 211
PHY 252
MAT 210
MAT 310
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
PHY 292
Year 3: Fall
Year 3: Spring
Study Abroad
PHY 322
Study Abroad
PHY 352
Study Abroad
CSI 201
Study Abroad
Distribution
Study Abroad
PHY 392
Year 4: Fall
Year 4: Spring
PHY 323
PHY 324
PHY 451
Elective
Distribution
Elective
Elective
Elective
PHY 491
PHY 492
Work on SCE
Work on SCE
Year 1: Fall
Year 1: Spring
Distribution
Distribution
Elective
Elective
FYS
ENG 101
Language 1
Language 2 or Distribution
Year 2: Fall
Year 2: Spring
PHY 111
PHY 112
MAT 111
MAT 112
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Year 3: Fall
Year 3: Spring
PHY 211
PHY 252
MAT 210
MAT 310
PHY 321
PHY 352
Elective
Elective
PHY 391
PHY 392
Year 4: Fall
Year 4: Spring
PHY 323
PHY 324 (elective)
PHY 451
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
PHY 491
PHY 492
Minor in Physics
1. Required Introductory Physics Courses (Typically taken Freshman and Sophomore Years):
PHY 111
General Physics I with Lab
PHY 112
General Physics II with Lab
PHY 211
Modern Physics with Lab
PHY 252
Scientific Modeling and Data Analysis
2. Two Advanced Physics Courses (Junior and Senior Years) selected from the following:
