Undergraduate Program
Junior Matters
Senior Matters
Important Dates - Jr & Sr
|
|
Undergraduate Program Introduction
A typical physics major takes introductory mechanics (Physics 103
or 105) and introductory electromagnetism (104 or 106) in the
first year, and advanced mechanics (203 or 205) and introductory
quantum mechanics (208) the second year. In addition, math
courses through linear algebra and multivariable calculus are
also completed in the first two years.
An alternative path into the department is through the Integrated Science curriculum. CHM/COS/MOL/PHY 231–234 can be taken in the freshman year, instead of PHY 103–104 or PHY 105–106.
In subsequent years, the core curriculum includes thermal and
statistical physics (301), electromagnetism (304), quantum
physics (305), and experimental physics (312), at least two
300-level mathematics courses including complex analysis, and at
least one additional course that can either be a 400-level
physics course, or a cognate appropriate to the student's
course of study. Students can choose between many electives and cognates. Here is a partial
list.
How this works in an overall undergraduate
schedule is shown here.
In the case shown, the student is ready for Math 203 in the
spring of freshman year. This is typical but can easily vary by a
semester either way. The actual rules for the so-called
departmental courses that meet the
requirements for graduation are given
here.
Students are encouraged to tailor the curriculum to their
interests. In addition to the physics courses at the 400 level,
graduate-level physics courses and
courses in astrophysics, biology and biophysics, chemistry,
computer science, engineering, economics, geophysics, materials
science, and mathematics are appropriate.
In the biophysics and engineering
physics certificate programs, multi-disciplinary courses of study
are focused on providing excellent preparation in these interdisciplinary
areas of concentration. Here is a typical
biophysics schedule. Some majors choose a
less technical path
by taking elective courses in philosophy, history, music, and other
humanities departments. Students interested in Princeton's Teacher
Preparation Program are encouraged to major in physics as a strong
basis for a career in teaching science. One can also fulfill
premedical requirements as a physics major, with
this sample schedule.
The physics curriculum is sufficiently flexible to handle a
number of variations on the basic scheme just outlined. Students
with very good high school preparation
(for example, AP Physics C, part I and II) usually take the "honors sequence"
Physics 105-6 as freshmen. Occasionally, a student might test out of PHY105 and start in advanced mechanics (205) in the first semester of freshman year and follows it with introductory electromagnetism (106) in the second semester.
The sophomore year could then include thermal physics and
introductory quantum mechanics (301 and 208) with the other 300
level courses taken in the junior year. This schedule is shown
here.
It is also possible to
start with 100 level physics courses in the sophomore year
and finish enough courses for a physics major
by the end of the senior year. This option accommodates those
students whose initial interests may have been in some other
field, but who discover a strong interest in physics during their
first year at Princeton.
Here is some extra information for students interested in concentrating in physics.
|
|
