# Physics, Bachelor of Science

**Source**: https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/arts-sciences/full-time-residential-programs/degree-programs/physics-astronomy/physics-bachelor-science/
**Parent**: https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/programs/

## Physics Major Requirements (B.S.)

(See also [Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree](/ksas-wse/undergraduate-policies/academic-policies/requirements-bachelors-degree/).)

The major program is structured so that nearly all students take the same classes during the first two years and must complete the same list of core upper-level courses during their second two years, but permits a variety of choices in upper-level electives. The total number of credits required for the B.S. in Physics degree is 126. By the end of the four years our students share an understanding of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and have acquired physics lab skills that will support them in graduate school or in a host of other pursuits.

A grade of C- or higher is required for a course to be counted towards major requirements. This includes required math courses. An exception for a single course taken in the year before graduation may be granted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies under extenuating circumstances.

### Core Courses

#### Mathematics

The standard mathematics requirements for all physics majors consist of:

Course List

| Code | Title | Credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | Calculus I (Physical Sciences & Engineering) | 4 |
|  | Calculus II (For Physical Sciences and Engineering) | 4 |
| or  | Honors Single Variable Calculus | |
|  | Calculus III | 4 |
| or  | Honors Multivariable Calculus | |
|  | Differential Equations and Applications | 4 |
|  | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| or  | Honors Linear Algebra | |
| Total Credits | | 20 |

#### Physics

**The standard physics requirements for all physics majors matriculating on or after September 2024 consist of:**

Course List

| Code | Title | Credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | Classical Mechanics I | 4 |
|  | Classical Mechanics Laboratory | 1 |
|  | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
|  | Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory | 1 |
|  | Special Relativity/Waves | 4 |
|  | Classical Mechanics II | 4 |
|  | Statistical Physics/Thermodynamics | 4 |
|  | Contemporary Physics Seminar | 1 |
|  | Electromagnetic Theory II | 4 |
|  | Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
|  | Quantum Mechanics II | 4 |
| or  | Introduction to Topics in Contemporary Physics | |
|  | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| Total Credits | | 38 |

#### **Additional Requirements**

Course List

| Code | Title | Credits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Four Additional Elective Courses | |  |
| Three Courses in One Area | | 9-11 |
| One Additional Course | | 3 |
| Total Credits | | 12-14 |

\*
:   For the B.S. in Physics four (4) additional courses (at least 3 credits each) at the 200-600 level in the following departments: Physics and Astronomy (171), Biology (020), Biophysics (250), Chemistry (030), Cognitive Science (050), Earth and Planetary Sciences (270), Mathematics (110), Neuroscience (080) and/or the School of Engineering.  Focus areas in the School of Engineering allowed are Applied Mathematics & Statistics (553), Biomedical Engineering ( 580), Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (540), Civil Engineering (560), Computer Science (601), Electrical Engineering (520), Environmental Engineering (570), Materials Science (510), and Mechanical Engineering (530). These courses must constitute a coherent and rigorous program of study approved by the Departmental Advisor and Director of Undergraduate Studies no later than the registration period for the fall semester of the senior year. At least three (3) of these courses must be taken within a single department or program in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering (note: called "Department elective" in the Sample Program of Study). One (1) semester of research may be used as one elective.

**Note:** General Physics: Physical Science Major I**-** General Physics: Physical Science Major II**,** General Physics I for Biological Science Majors**-** General Physics/Biology Majors II**or** General Physics for Physical Sciences Majors (AL)**-** General Physics for Physical Science Majors (AL)**with their labs is acceptable in place of** Classical Mechanics I**-** Electricity and Magnetism I**,** Classical Mechanics Laboratory- Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory.

### **Writing and Communication in the Major**

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Writing and Communication foundational ability coursework in one major. For this major, students would be able to fulfill this requirement by completing the two first year laboratory courses  Classical Mechanics Laboratory (1 credit) and  Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (1 credit),   Contemporary Physics Seminar (1 credit), and  Advanced Physics Laboratory (3 credits).  Students who do not take AS.173.115 and/or AS.173.116 may complete this requirement by taking another course within the major that is designated as a Writing and Communication course.

### **Sample Program of Study**

A typical B.S. in Physics program might include the following sequence of courses:

**\*Note:****Because students arrive with a wide range of mathematical preparation, each student should consult the Department of Mathematics to determine the best individual plan****.**

| First Year | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
|  | 4 |  | 4 |
|  | 1 |  | 1 |
|  | 4 |  | 4 |
|  | 9 |  | 9 |
| Second Year | | | |
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
|  | 1 |  | 4 |
|  | 4 |  | 4 |
|  or   | 4 |  or   | 4 |
|  | 4 |  | |
|  | 13 |  | 12 |
| Third Year | | | |
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
|  | 4 |  or   | 4 |
|  | 4 |  | 3 |
| Department elective #1 | 3-4 | Department elective #2 | 3-4 |
|  | 11-12 |  | 10-11 |
| Fourth Year | | | |
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits |
| Department elective #3 | 3 | Additional major elective | 3 |
|  | 3 |  | 3 |
| Total Credits 70-72 | | | |

### Honors in the Major

Honors in Physics is granted to graduating students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all courses taken to fulfill the major requirements.

### Senior Thesis

Any student majoring in the department may write a senior thesis, based on original research conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Arrangements for this research will be made on an individual basis. The department views the writing of a senior thesis as an excellent capstone experience to an undergraduate education in physics, and encourages all students to consider it.