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Department of Physics
[Academics]
 

Undergraduate Program

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

The study of physics is undertaken by three principal classes of undergraduates:

Physics courses numbered below 100 are planned to serve all three of these groups. The courses numbered above 100 meet the needs mainly of the third group, but also of some students majoring in other branches of science and in engineering.

ENTRY-LEVEL SEQUENCES

The Department of Physics offers three year-long entry level physics sequences, the PHYSICS 20, 40 (formerly 50), and 60 series. The first of these is non-calculus-based, and is intended primarily for those who are majoring in the biological sciences. Such students with AP credit, particularly those who are considering research careers, may wish to consider taking the Physics 20 or 40 series, rather than using AP placement. These introductory series provide a depth and emphasis on problem solving that is of significant value in biological research, which today involves considerable physics-based technology.

For those intending to major in engineering or the physical sciences, or simply wishing a stronger background in physics, the department offers the Physics 40 and 60 series. Either of these will satisfy the entry- level physics requirements of any Stanford major. The 60 series is intended for those who have already taken a physics course at the level of the 40 series, or at least have a strong background in mechanics, some background in electricity and magnetism, and a strong background in calculus. The PHYSICS 40 series begins with the mechanics in Winter Quarter, electricity and magnestism in Spring Quarter, and light and heat in Autumn Quarter. While it is recommended that most students begin the sequence with mechanics (PHYSICS 41) in Winter Quarter, those who have had strong physics preparation in high school (such as a score of at least 4 on the Physics Advanced Placement C exam) may be eligible to start the sequence with PHYSICS 45 in Autumn Quarter.  The best entry point into either the 40 or 60 series will be determined individually via the Physics Placement Test (see below).

Handout: IntroSequences.pdf

PHYSICS PLACEMENT TEST

Beginning in 2011, a Physics Placement Test for the calculus-based introductory physics courses (the PHYSICS 40 or 60 sequence) will be offered during New Student Orientation Week. The Physics Placement Test is designed to help students identify the Physics course sequence in which they will be challenged -- but not overwhelmed.  The test will also help students determine whether they should complete further studies in math and/or physics before entering one of the calculus-based physics sequences. In other words, the Placement Test is meant to be a useful tool to help students calibrate their readiness for the different physics sequences, rather than a barrier to entering courses. The physics teaching staff will provide advice to each student based on their placement-test results.
Who should take the placement test?
Most students who plan to take courses in the PHYSICS 40 or 60 sequence during the 2011/2012 academic year should take the Physics Placement Test. However, students who have completed AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M with a 5 on all tests do not need to take the Placement Test if they plan to take courses in the PHYSICS 40 series; these students are advised to take the Placement Test if they are considering enrolling in the Physics 60 sequence. 
Students who are planning to enroll in the PHYSICS 20 series do not need to take the Placement Test.
What does the test cover?
The Placement Test will cover both conceptual understanding and quantitative skills in mathematics and introductory physics. The Placement Test is intended to assess your existing command of the material; thus, it is neither necessary nor advisable that you study for the placement test. Because the test is designed to assess a broad range of preparation, there will be some material that is not familiar to students who are nonetheless prepared to enter the PHYSICS 40 sequence.  Therefore, even if you cannot answer all the questions, you may very well be prepared to begin the PHYSICS 40 sequence. We will provide you with appropriate advice based on how you do on the entire test.
When and where is the test offered?
In 2011, the Physics Placement Test  for NEW STUDENTS will be held on Wednesday, September 21 at 9 a.m. in Room 200 in the Hewlett Teaching Center. If you need to take the Physics Placement Test and another placement test, take Physics on Wednesday morning and attend a makeup session for the other placement test(s).
See http://www.stanford.edu/dept/undergrad/cgi-bin/drupal_ual/APSU_PlacementTests.html#Schedule for placement test schedules.

A makeup session for the Physics Placement Test will be held on Monday evening, September 26 at 7 p.m. in Hewlett 200;  RETURNING STUDENTS who plan to take one of the calculus-based physics sequences in 2011/2012 are encouraged to attend the makeup session.
What should I bring to the test?
Bring a pencil, eraser, calculator, and your Stanford University ID card, and know your SUNet ID (your Stanford email account).
When do I get feedback on my readiness for the calculus-based physics courses?
Your results on the Physics Placement Test will be emailed to your @stanford.edu email account during the week of NSO.  You will be provided with guidance on your readiness for placement into the PHYSICS 40 or 60 series, or whether the department recommends that you take a math and/or physics course in the Autumn Quarter before beginning PHYSICS 41 in the Winter. If you take the make-up test, results and guidance will be emailed to you during the first week of class.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

A calculus-based-level series is required, either PHYSICS 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67 or 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 (or preferably 67 rather than 44). Students who take the PHYSICS 40 series take PHYSICS 70, which covers foundations of modern physics. This material is also incorporated into the PHYSICS 60 series beginning 2005-06. Students taking the PHYSICS 60 series in 2005-06 or later do not take PHYSICS 70; instead they must take one advanced Physics elective (100-level or higher). In addition, the following, more advanced courses are required: PHYSICS 105, 107 (WIM), 108, 110, 120, 121, 130, 131, 170, and 171; MATH 51, 52, 53, 131; one additional Mathematics course numbered 101 or higher, or PHYSICS 112. MATH 51H 52H, and 53H may substitute for MATH 51, 52, and 53. It is strongly recommended that students intending to complete a Ph.D. in Physics also take PHYSICS 113, 134, and one or more of the following, depending upon their interests: PHYSICS 100, 152A, 152B, 160, 161, 172, 204, 262, APPLIED PHYSICS 192 or EE 261.  PHYSICS 113 is designed to be taken in parallel with 110. The department advises the study of some computer science such as CS106. Mathematics and Physics courses taken to satisfy the department's major requirements cannot be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Prospective Physics majors are also recommended to take PHYSICS 59, Current Research Topics, in their freshman or sophomore year.

To decide which introductory sequence is appropriate, students contemplating majoring in physics are urged to take the Physics Placement Test (see above) to determine whether the Physics 40 or 60 series would be more suitable. Students who begin taking an entry level physics course after their freshman year and wish to major in physics should also take the Physics Placement Test.

Degree Requirements_Handout.PDF

Physics Tutoring Center

Undergraduates are offered help with physics problems in the Physics Tutoring Center, located near the introductory classroom labs in the Physics and Astrophysics Building sub-basement, room S17.

For more information, and scheduled hours, see: Physics Tutoring Center.

2012-2013 Physics Major Curriculum Changes

2005-2006 Changes to Intro Sequences

The following changes were made to the introductory calculus-based physics sequences, as of AY2005/2006:
  1. The Physics 50 series has been renumbered as the Physics 40 series:

    New 40 Series
    		 Old 50 Series
    Phys 41 – Mechanics (Winter)
    		 Phys 53 – Mechanics (Winter)
    Phys 43 – Electricity and Magnetism (Spring) Phys 55 – E&M (Spring)
    Phys 45 – Light and Heat (Fall) Phys 51 – Light and Heat (Fall)

    This new numbering reflects the order in which we recommend most students take this physics sequence. The course contents are unchanged.

  2. Starting in Fall 2005, the Physics 60 series will include the contents of Physics 70 (Foundations of Modern Physics). Special relativity is already part of the Physics 60 series; an introduction to quantum physics will be added.


    		 New 60 Series Old 60 Series
    Phys61 Mechanics and Special Relativity Mechanics
    Phys63 Electricity Magnetism and Waves Electromagnetism
    Phys65 Thermodynamics and Foundations of Modern Physics Thermodynamics and Optics

    Physics majors who took the 50 series or the 60 series prior to 2005/2006 or who take the 40 series are required to take Physics 70.
    Physics majors who take the 60 series in 2005/2006 or later will not take Physics 70 but will take one elective physics course numbered 100 or above.
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