Bachelor of Arts| Bachelor of Science| Bachelor of Science Premedical | Engineering Physics

 
Map of CESR, the electron storage ring in Ithaca, New York.
(http://physics.syr.edu/research/)

The Bachelor of Science program is an intensive one and is excellent preparation for many fields; our program is modeled on the recommendations of the American Physical Society for students intending to pursue graduate work in physics.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in physics normally requires at least 39 credit hours of physics coursework, including at least 30 credit hours of upper division courses (numbered 300 or above). The B. S. degree is awarded by petition to the physics faculty based on your work on a program developed with your advisor.

For more information, see "Contact".

Sample Course Sequence for Bachelor of Science
Time
Prefix
Credits
Full Name
Notes
Freshman
Fall
PHY 211
3
General Physics I
 PHY 215 is the honors and majors version of PHY 211. It is taught in a small class format and emphasizes contemporary research topics.
PHY 221 1 Physics Lab
MAT 295 4 Calculus I
Spring
PHY 212
3
General Physics II
 PHY 216 is the honors and majors version of PHY 212. It is taught in a small class format and emphasizes contemporary research topics.
PHY 222 1 Physics Lab II
MAT 296 4

Calculus II
Sophomore
Fall
 PHY 361 3
Modern Physics

PHY 250 1 Physics Journal Workshop  
MAT 397 4 Calculus III
PHY 307 3 Science and Computers
ELE 291 1 Electronics Laboratory
CHE 106 3 General Chemistry I  
CHE 107 1

General Chemistry I lab

 Chemistry laboratory is recommended, but is not required for the B.S. degree.
Spring
PHY 344
4
Experimental Physics I
  
PHY 322 3 Mechanics I
MAT 485 3 Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra MAT 485 is a pre-requisite for PHY 567.
CHE  116 3 General Chemistry II  
CHE 117 1 General Chemistry II lab Chemistry laboratory is recommended, but is not required for the B.S. degree.
Junior
Fall
 PHY 423 3 Mechanics II  
PHY 424/
ELE 324
3
Electromagnetism I
  
PHY 531 3 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics PHY 531 may be deferred to the senior year; this should be discussed with your advisor. A mechanical engineering course, MAE 251[4] may be substituted for PHY 531; consult your advisor.
Spring
 PHY 567 4 Quantum Mechanics I
MAT 517 3 Partial Differential Equations  
PHY 425/
ELE 325		 3 Electromagnetism II
Senior
Fall
 PHY 568 3 Quantum Mechanics II PHY 576 (3), Introduction to Solid State Physics, may be substituted for PHY 568.

3
Physics Elective
 See below.
    Senior Thesis Research Senior Thesis Research is optional, and is not required for the B.S. degree. It normally replaces PHY 462 and one additional 3 credit course.
Spring
 PHY 462 4 Experimental Physics II May be substituted by independent study involving laboratory research.
    Senior Thesis Research Senior Thesis Research is optional, and is not required for the B.S. degree. It normally replaces PHY 462 and one additional 3 credit course.

The physics elective is selected with approval of your advisor; the following courses are presently recommended as electives:

  • PHY 307 (3) Science and Computers
  • PHY 312 (3) Relativity and Cosmology: Einstein and Beyond
  • PHY 315 (3) Biological and Medical Physics
  • PHY 317 (3) Stellar and Interstellar Astrophysics
  • PHY 319 (3) Astrobiology
  • PHY 351 (3) Instrumentation in Modern Physics
  • PHY 581 (3) Methods of Theoretical Physics I
  • MTS 347 (3) Electronic Materials
  • PHY 576 (3) Introduction to Solid-State Physics
  • MTS 581 (3) X-ray diffraction

 
Department of Physics Syracuse University
201 Physics Building Syracuse, NY 13244-1130
Phone (315) 443-3901 Fax (315) 443-9103 E-mail physics@phy.syr.edu

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