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Go to: Program Requirements
Introductory Course Coordinator: Stuart Gazes, KPTC 205C, 702-7760
Staff Secretary for Instructional Services: Charlotte Coles, KPTC 205, 702-7019
Students who plan to concentrate in physics are encouraged to start physics
courses in their first year. However, these courses can be completed in three
years, so one could start physics in the second year and still concentrate in
physics. Three of the physics and two of the mathematics courses can be
designated as Common Core courses, leaving thirteen to fulfill the
concentration requirement. The remainder of the student's curriculum would
consist of sixteen additional Common Core courses and eight electives.
In general, students should take the most advanced courses for which they have
the appropriate prerequisites. Entering students planning to register for any
of the introductory physics variants must take the optional physical sciences
placement test during Orientation Week. Those wishing to take the honors
sequence (Physics 141) must also take the optional calculus placement test.
Students concentrating in physics usually start their physics program with
Physics 141-142-143. However, students are placed into either Physics 141 or
131 on the basis of their scores on the physical sciences and calculus
placement tests. Beginning the introductory sequence with Physics 131 allows a
more gradual transition from high school physics to the honors-level college
physics in Physics 142. Experience has shown that students following the
131-142-143 route are not handicapped in intermediate-level courses. Another
acceptable (but less preferable) route is to take the complete sequence of
Physics 131-132-133 before the more advanced physics courses.
Go to top of document The recommended mathematics sequence (Mathematics 200-201-202) introduces and
develops practical mathematical tools that are particularly useful in physics.
However, those preferring a more rigorous presentation of advanced calculus may
register for Mathematics 203-204-205 instead. It must be clearly understood
that some of the most useful topics of the recommended course sequence are not
dealt with in Mathematics 203-204-205. Thus, students taking the latter
sequence might have to learn much of the material in Mathematics 200-201-202
independently or by taking more advanced mathematics courses. Those admitted to
Mathematics 207-208-209, the honors version of Mathematics 203-204-205, may
likewise substitute these courses for Mathematics 200-201-202. Students
considering either of these options should discuss their choice thoroughly with
their adviser and/or with the departmental counselor for physics.
Students planning to study physics in graduate school are strongly advised to
include in their eight electives some of the following courses: Physics 226,
316, 341, 342, 343, and 352; Mathematics 250, 273, and 275; Statistics 240; or
Chemistry 121-122-123 or 261. Students considering graduate work in
astrophysics should consult the Astronomy and Astrophysics section of this
catalog.
Summary of Requirements
General Phys 141 (or 131)-142-143
Education Math 151-152 or 161-162
Concentration 1 Math 153 or 163
2 Phys 185-186 (classical mechanics courses)
2 Phys 225, 227 (classical electromagnetism courses)
1 Phys 197 (statistical and thermal physics courses)
4 Phys 234-235-236-237 (quantum mechanics and modern physics courses)
3 Math 200-201-202 or equivalent
13 (total)
Plus the following courses for honors candidates:
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Program for Students with an Early Commitment to a Physics Concentration.
The sample program outlined in the table below illustrates one of several
paths for fulfilling the physics concentration requirements. As shown, the
formal requirements can be completed in three years, thereby allowing time in
the fourth year for electives such as graduate courses or work on a bachelor's
thesis. The program in the table corresponds to honors option A.
Autumn Winter Spring
First year Phys 141 Phys 142 Phys 143
Math 151 Math 152 Math 153
Second year Phys 185 Phys 186 Phys 197
Phys 225 Phys 227 Phys 234
Math 200 Math 201 Math 202
Third year Phys 235 Phys 236 Phys 237
Fourth year Phys 341 Phys 342 Phys 343
Alternatively, the requirements can be satisfied over four years by postponing
Physics 225, 227, and 234 until the third year and then completing the
remainder of the concentration requirements during the fourth year. This
alternative allows the recommended mathematical background to be completed
before beginning the Physics 225, 227 sequence, and in most cases will still
allow the student to complete a bachelor's thesis. Introductory Course. The introductory course in physics is divided into
three variants so students may learn with others who have comparable physics
and mathematics backgrounds. The minimum prerequisite for all three variants is
previous or concurrent registration in a first-year calculus sequence
(Mathematics 131-132-133, 151-152-153, or 161-162-163). The essential physics
content of these variants is the same. Both Physics 131-132-133 and 141-142-143
prepare students for further courses in the Department of Physics.
The optional physical sciences placement test offered during Orientation Week
is required of all entering students planning to register for any of the
introductory physics variants. For Physics 141, the optional calculus placement
test is required as well. Unless excused by satisfactory performance on the
Advanced Placement physics test, first-year students will be assigned to one of
the three variants of general physics based on the results of these calculus
and physical sciences placement tests. Transfer students who have
satisfactorily completed calculus-based introductory physics courses at another
university may be granted appropriate transfer credit upon petition to and
approval by the departmental counselor. However, the procedures for obtaining
credit for the laboratory portions of the courses, described in the section
below on Advanced Placement, will apply. Upperclass students will be assigned
to a variant based on their grade point average in previous mathematics and
chemistry courses taken in the College. For entry into Physics 131, this grade
point average must be above 2.5; for entry into Physics 141, it must be above
3.0. If any student is unhappy with the level of introductory physics
placement, he or she may submit a petition in writing to the departmental
counselor in KPTC 201 (702-7007).
Go to top of document Students who complete Physics 131, 132, 141, or 142 with a grade below C
will normally be required to move to a lower-numbered variant the following
quarter. Petitions for waiver of this requirement will have to be presented to
the coordinator of the 100-level courses before the second day of the
succeeding course. Students who receive A's in Physics 121, 122, 131, or
132 will be encouraged to move to a higher-level variant.
Advanced Placement. Students who took the C Advanced Placement examination
in physics prior to matriculation in the College and received a grade of 4 or 5
will be given credit for the lecture portions of Physics 121-122-123. The
Department of Physics also administers accreditation examinations in Physics
121-122-123 and Physics 141-142-143 at the beginning of the corresponding
quarter of each year. Students may receive credit for the lecture portion of
one or more quarters of general physics on the basis of their performance on
these examinations. All students who receive advanced standing on the basis of
any of the above examinations or who receive transfer credit are interviewed by
the introductory course coordinator to determine the extent of their laboratory
experience. Those who have not completed the equivalent of the laboratory
portions of the courses are asked to do some or all of the experiments when the
relevant courses are offered.
Grading. All regular (nonresearch) physics courses must be taken for letter
grades. The Department of Physics requires that all students achieve a minimum
grade point average of 2.0 in the twelve required physics courses listed above
to graduate with a concentration in physics. In addition, the College requires
that each student achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the courses
designated for the concentration in the preceding Summary of Requirements
section. Also, students concentrating in physics must pass General Physics I,
II, and III and Physics 185, 186, and 197 with a grade point average of 2.0 or
better. Any grade conferring course credit may be counted toward the minimum
grade point average requirements at the time of graduation. Incompletes are
permitted only under exceptional circumstances.
Opportunities for Participation in Research. The physics program offers
unique opportunities for College students to become involved actively in the
research work being conducted by faculty and graduate students of the
department. The focus of much of this undergraduate research is structured
around Bachelor's Thesis (Physics 291-292-293). Alternatively, third- or
fourth-year students concentrating in physics may register for research for
academic credit (Physics 299), and there are other, more limited openings for
students at any level to become involved in research through regular part-time
employment in a faculty member's laboratory or research group. Students
concentrating in physics are encouraged to participate in research through one
of these arrangements. In 1992, a participant in bachelor's thesis research was
awarded the prestigious Apker Award of the American Physical Society for
outstanding achievement in undergraduate research.
Honors Program. There are two alternative routes to a B.A. honors degree.
Both require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the twelve required 100-
and 200-level physics courses. In the first route, the student must pass an
approved sequence of three graduate courses to become eligible for a B.A.
honors degree. Normally, the recommended 300-level sequence is Physics
341-342-343; however, upon approval of the departmental counselor, it may be
replaced by another sequence of graduate courses in physics or graduate courses
offered by the departments of astronomy, biophysics, chemistry, geophysical
sciences, or mathematics. The second route to earning a B.A. honors degree is
to register for Physics 291-292-293 (Bachelor's Thesis) and earn a grade of
B or better based on a bachelor's thesis describing an approved research
project completed during the year.
Go to top of document Internet. Updated departmental and course information can be found
electronically on the Department of Physics home page on the World Wide Web at
URL:http://rainbow.uchicago.edu/physics.
EDWARD C. BLUCHER, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
SUSAN N. COPPERSMITH, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute,
and the College
CORBIN E. COVAULT, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi
Institute, and the College
ALBERT V. CREWE, William E. Wrather Distinguished Service Professor, Department
of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
JAMES W. CRONIN, University Professor, Departments of Physics and Astronomy
& Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
UGO FANO, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and James Franck
Institute
PETER G. O. FREUND, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
HENRY J. FRISCH, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
HELLMUT FRITZSCHE, Louis Block Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck
Institute, and the College
STUART B. GAZES, Senior Lecturer and Introductory Course Coordinator,
Department of Physics
ROBERT P. GEROCH, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
DAVID G. GRIER, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and James Franck
Institute
PHILIPPE GUYOT-SIONNEST, Assistant Professor, Departments of Physics and
Chemistry, James Franck Institute, and the College
JEFFREY HARVEY, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute
ROGER H. HILDEBRAND, S. K. Allison Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus,
Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
HEINRICH M. JAEGER, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck
Institute, and the College
Go to top of document LEO P. KADANOFF, John D. MacArthur Distinguished Service Professor, Departments
of Physics and Mathematics, James Franck Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
WOOWON KANG, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck
Institute, and the College
DAVID KUTASOV, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
KATHRYN LEVIN, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and
the College
RICCARDO LEVI-SETTI, Professor, Department of Physics and the College;
Director, Enrico Fermi Institute
EMIL J. MARTINEC, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute
GENE F. MAZENKO, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and
the College
FRANK S. MERRITT, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
PETER MEYER, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
STEPHAN MEYER, Associate Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
DIETRICH MüLLER, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
SIDNEY R. NAGEL, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and
the College
REINHARD OEHME, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute
JOSEPH J. O'GALLAGHER, Senior Lecturer and Executive Officer, Department of
Physics; Senior Scientist, Enrico Fermi Institute
RENE A. ONG, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi
Institute, and the College
MARK J. OREGLIA, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi
Institute, and the College
EUGENE N. PARKER, S. Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus,
Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
JAMES E. PILCHER, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
THOMAS F. ROSENBAUM, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute,
and the College
JONATHAN L. ROSNER, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
ROBERT G. SACHS, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi
Institute
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Go to: Faculty
Physics
Departmental Counselor: Joseph J. O'Gallagher, KPTC 201C, 702-7007
Program of Study
Physics is concerned with the study of matter, energy, forces, and their
interaction in the world and universe around us. The undergraduate curriculum
in the Department of Physics leading to the Bachelor of Arts in physics
includes a strong emphasis on laboratory experiment and covers the broad
fundamentals necessary for graduate study in theoretical physics, experimental
physics, or astronomy and astrophysics, as well as some fields of engineering
and many interdisciplinary specialties that require a strong technical
background, such as biophysics, medical physics, or atmospheric and
environmental sciences.
Program Requirements
Courses. The curriculum leading to the B.A. degree in physics is designed for
maximum flexibility consistent with a reasonably thorough coverage of the
essential principles of physics. The minimum requirements consist of twelve
physics courses and six mathematics courses, including the required general
education sequences. The twelve required physics courses are General Physics I,
II, III, followed by Physics 185, 186, 197, 225, 227, 234, 235, 236, and 237.
The six required mathematics courses are a first-year calculus sequence and
Mathematics 200-201-202 (or other approved sequence).
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Go to bottom of document Option A 3 Phys 341-342-343 or Option B 3 Phys 291-292-293
approved alternative graduate 3 (total)
sequence 3 (total)
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Faculty
ISAAC D. ABELLA, Professor, Department of Physics and the College
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