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Physics
Departmental Counselor: Joseph J. O'Gallagher, KPTC 201C, 702-7007
Introductory Course Coordinator: Stuart Gazes, KPTC 205C, 702-7760
Staff Secretary for Instructional Services: Charlotte Coles, KPTC 205, 702-7019
World Wide Web: http://rainbow.uchicago.edu/physics
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 three additional intermediate or advanced mathematics courses.
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. 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.
At least three mathematics courses at the 200 level, that is beyond introductory
calculus, are required to complete the Physics concentration. One possible
mathematics sequence (Mathematics 200-201-202) introduces and develops practical
mathematical tools that are particularly useful in physics. Those preferring
a more rigorous presentation of advanced calculus may register for Mathematics
203-204-205. However, it must be clearly understood that some of the most
useful topics of the former 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. Other combinations of advanced mathematics
courses and selected statistics courses (e.g., Statistics 240) may also
be used to fulfill the mathematics requirement. Students should discuss
their choices 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, 270, 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 Education Phys 141 (or 131)-142-143
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 course)
4 Phys 234-235-236-237 (quantum mechanics and modern physics courses)
3 Math courses at the 200 level
13
Plus the following courses for honors candidates:
Option A Option B
3 Phys 341-342-343 or 3 Phys 291-292-293
approved alternative
graduate 3
sequence 3
Sample 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
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 following section on Advanced Placement, will apply. Third- and fourth-year
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).
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.
Internet. Updated departmental and course information can be found electronically
on the Department of Physics home
page on the World Wide Web.
Faculty
ISAAC D. ABELLA, Professor, Department of Physics and the College
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 Emeritus,
Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
JAMES W. CRONIN, University Professor Emeritus, 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 Emeritus, 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, James Franck
Institute, and the College
PHILIPPE GUYOT-SIONNEST, Assistant Professor, Departments of Chemistry and
Physics, 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
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, Enrico Fermi Institute,
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; Chairman, Department of Physics
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
RENé 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; Director, James Franck Institute
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
JOHN P. SCHIFFER, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute;
Associate Director, Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory
DAVID N. SCHRAMM, Louis Block Professor in the Physical Sciences; Professor,
Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
Committee on Conceptual Foundations of Science, and the College
MELVYN J. SHOCHET, Elaine M. and Samuel D. Kersten, Jr. Professor in the
Physical Sciences; Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
JOHN A. SIMPSON, A. H. Compton Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus,
Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute
SIMON P. SWORDY, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi
Institute, and the College
MICHAEL TURNER, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and
Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
YAU W. WAH, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
ROBERT M. WALD, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
PAUL B. WIEGMANN, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute,
and Enrico Fermi Institute
BRUCE WINSTEIN, Professor, Department of
Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
ROLAND WINSTON, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
and the College
THOMAS A. WITTEN, Professor, Department of Physics and James Franck Institute
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