The requirements for a major in physics are 56 credits:

• PHYS 111-112 — General College Physics I and II, 4 credits each, may be substituted for PHYS 128 and 211, provided grades of 3.0 or better are earned in both.

• PHYS 128 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, 4 credits

• PHYS 211 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers II, 4 credits 

• PHYS 224 — Introductory Modern Physics I, 4 credits

• PHYS 225 — Introductory Modern Physics II, 4 credits

• PHYS 314 — Classical Mechanics, 4 credits

• PHYS 315 — Electrodynamics, 4 credits

• PHYS 327 — Techniques for Experimental Physics, 4 credits

• PHYS 429 — Quantum Mechanics, 4 credits

• PHYS 316 — Statistical Physics, 4 credits OR 

PHYS 317 — Optics, 4 credits

• PHYS 430 — Physics Senior Seminar, 4 credits 

Required supporting courses:

• MATH 121 — Calculus I, 4 credits

• MATH 122 — Calculus II, 4 credits

• MATH 223 — Calculus III, 4 credits

• MATH 311 — Differential Equations, 4 credits

Courses in computer science are strongly recommended. Chemistry courses through CHEM 128 — General Chemistry II are also recommended.

In addition to the course requirements listed above, students must complete a senior thesis to graduate with a physics major.

The senior thesis is an undergraduate research project involving significant work in theory or experiment beyond that normally expected of students in junior/senior advanced undergraduate physics laboratory classes (such as PHYS 327 – Techniques for Experimental Physics). A formal paper describing the project, surveying the appropriate literature on the topic and discussing the results must be submitted to the department. The paper must be submitted no later than the end of the third week of the semester in which the student intends to graduate. Approval of the paper by a majority of the full-time physics faculty is required for graduation with the physics major.

Students will be able to fulfill the required research component either by working with one of the Concordia faculty on their current research or by participating in a department-approved research experience off campus.

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