BS in Physics

A typical scenario for a physical explanation of a given situation is this: a small collection of basic physical principles relevant to the situation is used to create a mathematical model of it; computations are carried out using the model, leading to predictions that are checked experimentally; if there is agreement, the physical situation is deemed to have been explained. The objective of the program in physics is to make it possible for students to execute such a scenario for a wide range of physical situations. To that end, students are required to attain a firm grasp of the basic principles of classical physics and familiarity with those of quantum physics, to learn how to decide which principles are relevant to a given situation and how to construct the appropriate mathematical model, to develop the mathematical skills necessary to carry out the computations that generate predictions, and to strengthen the experimental skills used in exploring new phenomena and in carrying out the verification step of the typical scenario. The ability to execute the typical scenario of physical explanation is useful not only to research physicists, but also to scientists in many other fields, especially interdisciplinary ones, such as biophysics and environmental science; it is also useful to engineers, to members of the medical profession, and to architects. For that reason, the physics program has made special arrangements to integrate a physics major with study preparing for a career in any of the areas mentioned above. Students interested in combining biology and physics should see the interdepartmental program in biological physics elsewhere in this Bulletin. Learning Goals The Brandeis physics major offers students a unique opportunity to prepare for graduate school or employment in a variety of technical fields. Our undergraduate program is strongly based on a first-rate research program by our faculty, which gives students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in areas including astrophysics and cosmology, biological physics, condensed matter physics, high-energy particle physics, and theoretical physics, and topics such as string theory, liquid crystals, DNA, polymers, elementary particles, distant quasars, and the early universe. This degree provides the rigorous training needed for students intending to pursue graduate work in physics or engineering. There are 17 total courses required for the major: A. PHYS 11a,b or PHYS 15a,b. B. PHYS 20a. C. PHYS 31a,b. D. PHYS 30a. E. PHYS 40a. F. Three semesters of laboratory courses in Physics; a year of PHYS 19a,b counts as one semester towards this requirement. G. Three additional courses in Physics, two of which must be numbered 20 or above. H. Either MATH 15a and 20a, or MATH 22a,b. I. Two additional upper-level courses in the School of Science excluding Physics courses: Math courses numbered above 22; Computer Science courses numbered above 20; or any other courses approved by the department. Physics courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement, even those that are cross-listed in another department. Courses from other departments that are cross-listed with Physics are eligible. J. No course with a grade of below C- can be used to satisfy the requirements of the major. K. No course taken pass/fail may count toward the major requirements.