Undergraduate Program Major Declaring Physics as your Major Program Description and Course Requirements Intro Sequences (changed 2005/06) Sample 4-year Physics Major Curriculum Concentrations in Physics Advanced Placement Engineering Physics Major Individually Designed Major for Teaching Physical Science Minor Research Other

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

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

• those including physics as part of a general education;
• those preparing for careers in professional fields that require a knowledge of physics, such as medicine or engineering;
• those preparing for teaching or research careers in physics or related fields.

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.

• Video overview: Choosing Courses in Physics
  (Pat Burchat, 2009, 10 min)

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 start the sequence with PHYSICS 45 in Autumn Quarter.

Handout: IntroSequences.pdf

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

A calculus-based-level series is required, either PHYSICS 61, 63, 64, 65, 67 or 41, 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 100 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 152, 153A, 153B, 160, 161, 172, 181, 204. 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 consult with the instructor of PHYSICS 61, 41, or 45, or the Director of Undergraduate Study, at the earliest possible date to see which sequence is the most suitable. Students who begin taking an entry level physics course after their freshman year and wish to major in physics are generally advised to take the PHYSICS 61, 63, 65 sequence, provided they have previously taken Mathematics 41.

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.

2005/06 Changes to Intro Sequences

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.