Physics (BS)

Science undergraduates may choose from two different majors within the Department of Physics: physics, and physics-in-medicine. The course sequences in these two programs are designed to accommodate the academic and professional interests of the majority of physics majors

The basic physics major is a particularly flexible option for students, and is the one that will be chosen by the majority of undergraduates majoring in the department. Students following the physics major program will gain a broad understanding of physics. Depth is gained through the addition of one or more supplemental concentration programs offered through the department. Two of these concentration programs, advanced physics and astrophysics, help to prepare the student for graduate work in physics and astronomy or astrophysics. Students with interests in other areas have time to explore second-major, minor, or concentration options offered through departments in the College of Arts and Letters. Students with alternative interests are encouraged to discuss these with the director of undergraduate studies.

The physics-in-medicine major is designed for those students planning to attend medical school after completion of their degree, or who intend to work or study in the fields of biophysics or biomedical technology. The degree contains a core set of requirements in physics, augmented with courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and biophysics.

No supplemental concentration is required of physics majors, but interested students are allowed and encouraged to follow as many concentrations as their schedules and interests allow. Students following the physics-in-medicine major program are not allowed to add concentrations; their major program is designed to accommodate the special interests of students intending careers in medicine, medical technology, or biophysics.

Physics as a second major is an option for students in the colleges of engineering, arts and letters, or business. 

A total of 60 credits in science and mathematics is required for the physics major. The following outlines the course requirements:

¹

Alternatively, Engineering Physics I: Mechanics (PHYS 10310) and its laboratory and tutorial

²

Alternatively, Engineering Physics II: Electromagnetism (PHYS 10320) and its laboratory and tutorial.

³

Alternatives for CHEM 10171 and CHEM 10122 include CHEM 10171– CHEM 10172 or CHEM 10181–CHEM 10182 plus the associated laboratories and tutorials.

⁴

Honors Calculus I through III (MATH 10850 Honors Mathematics I, MATH 10860 Honors Mathematics II, and MATH 20850 Honors Mathematics III) may substitute for Calculus I to III.

Physics majors may add as many of the following concentrations as their interests and schedules allow. Completion of these concentrations is indicated on the student’s final transcript.

Physics Major Sample Curricula (No Concentration)

¹

Assumes no AP credit or advanced placement

²

 One of these courses, minimum, must be taken (Fall or Spring).

Concentration in Advanced Physics

The following outlines the course requirements (totaling 14 credits) for the advanced physics concentration:

¹

Electives must be different than the one chosen for student’s core elective and can be fulfilled by research.

Physics Major with Advanced Physics Concentration Sample Curricula

¹

Assumes no AP credit or advanced placement.

²

One of these courses, minimum, must be taken (Fall or Spring).

Concentration in Astrophysics

The following outlines the course requirements (totaling 14 credits) for the astrophysics concentration:

Physics Major with Advanced Physics Concentration Sample Curricula

¹

Assumes no AP credit or advanced placement.

²

Modern Observational Techniques (PHYS 50481) is offered in the fall of odd years.

³

One of these courses, minimum, must be taken (Fall or Spring).

Concentration in Applied Physics

The requirements are that the student completes at least 15 credits of engineering courses, chosen with the aid of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Honors Track in Physics

The goal of this honors track is to give our most talented students an exceptional background in physics research. This track is open for both Physics majors and Physics in Medicine.

The track will accept physics majors in good academic standing as early as the spring of their sophomore year, who have identified their research advisor in the Physics Department and have already completed one semester of undergraduate research. Acceptance will be based on a research statement and transcript. At acceptance into the track a formal agreement will be set up between the student and the advisor.

To graduate with this honor, students will have to complete:

1. Typically at least three semesters and one summer of independent research either at Notre Dame or another university or research laboratory. Alternate research/internship venues and opportunities must be approved in advance by the DUS or Department Chair. Students are expected to apply for REU, COS-SURF or other summer funding as appropriate.
2. A substantial thesis that needs to be approved by the advisor (a manuscript submitted for publication can substitute only if the student has made substantial contributions to the work).
3. A presentation at a national or regional meeting, or at the Notre Dame COS-JAM conference.
4. Successful completion of all requirements for one of the physics concentrations, or completion of the physics in medicine degree.
5. A GPA of at least 3.33 in College of Science courses.

Thesis Requirements

The final draft of the thesis will be written under the supervision of the advisor, and will be submitted by April I. Each thesis will be reviewed by one member of the Undergraduate Research Committee. If the thesis is not approved, a second committee member will read the thesis and confer. The students will be notified by April 15 if a rewrite is needed. The rewrite will be due May 1.

The thesis is intended to support and develop each student’s independence, scientific communication skills, critical review skills, and understanding of their research in the context of the larger field. It will have the added benefit of helping students prepare for graduate applications and fellowships.

The student’s transcript will carry the notation “Honors Physics” to distinguish it from the Glynn Family Honors Program. If the student is also in the Glynn Family Honors program, the thesis presented in that program could be considered for the Honors Track in Physics, but would need approval by the Physics Undergraduate Research Committee.