The Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
This program is for students who are interested in a career in physics, engineering or a related field where a thorough foundation in physics is of primary concern. Most students in the BS program traditionally go directly into graduate programs leading to Master's degrees or (more often) Doctoral programs, while some choose to go directly into industry. Virtually all BS graduates entering graduate school do so with full financial aid from their host institutions.
Some of the graduate schools our students have attended or are attending include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - physics; Clark University - physics; Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - Fire Protection Engineering; University of Rhode Island (URI) - Oceanography; University of Massachusetts - Mechanical Engineering; Stevens Institute of Technology - Physics; University of Miami - Medical Physics, and many others.
Those entering the BS program will find a rigorous curriculum, comparable to that found in strong university programs. This, coupled with our tradition of providing all our graduates with the advantage of a liberal education, results in a highly structured setting requiring a dedicated commitment to study and research.
The First Year
In all, the first year is the same for all physics majors (BS or BA): Introduction to Physics I and II, Chemistry I and II (usually) and Calculus I and II, along with courses from the Core Curriculum.
There are often exceptions to this general rule: Many applicants for the BS program come already prepared with a physics and/or math background that allows credit for introductory physics and math courses to be granted. Typically, AP credits in physics or calculus (or similar experience) can be used to allow placement in second year courses. Such credit allows early involvement in research and other department offerings, or a fast track to graduation.
The Second Year
The second year is also the same for BS and BA candidates: Introduction to Physics III and IV and upper level math courses (Calculus III and Differential Equations are the usual fare). Requirements of the Core Curriculum are still part of the course structure. Available departmental electives include Scientific Computing I and II, and course work in robotics. Those who have advanced placement (and so some available time) may begin research in robotics or other selected fields.
The Third Year
It is in the third (and fourth) year that the BS program becomes distinct from the BA: Now begins the preparation for graduate school, entry into technical industry, or other pathways requiring in-depth training in the skills of the physicist and engineer. The introductory physics sequence and math courses taken earlier will allow a much more sophisticated exploration of the fundamental fields of physics. The required course listing consists of:
Mechanics I and II - Newton's laws, continuous media, statics and dynamics, Lagrange's equations and special relativity are among the topics covered.
Modern Physics I and II - A study of Bohr's atomic theory, classical and modern analogs, special relativity and an introduction to quantum mechanics.
Methods of Experimental Physics I and II - Laboratory techniques, including data taking and analysis. Introduction to vacuum systems, lasers and electronics. After a general introduction to laboratory techniques, students then work with faculty or cooperating scientists on a range of research topics.
Mathematical Physics - The application of mathematics in the solution of physical problems. Topics include vector calculus, complex variables, partial differential equations and other advanced mathematical techniques.
The Fourth Year
The final year continues with upper level courses in experimental and theoretical physics and, if not already done, the Core Curriculum needs to be finished:
Electricity and Magnetism I and II - Electric and magnetic fields and potentials, electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation.
Statistical Thermodynamics (first semester) - Classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, partition functions.
Physics Seminar (second semester) - A seminar devoted to special topics of interest to faculty and students. Previous seminar topics have included the history of physics, Green's functions, elementary particle physics and general relativity.
Quantum Mechanics I and II - Including wave-particle duality, Schrodinger's equation, expectation values, the harmonic oscillator and the Dirac formalism.
Advanced Physics Lab I and II - This laboratory course continues the Methods of Experimental Physics sequence. Students begin new research topics, or continue with the work begun in the junior year.