Contact  A. Alan Middleton, Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Faculty Christian Armendariz-Picon, Marina Artuso, A. Balachandran, Steven Blusk, Mark Bowick, Duncan Brown, Simon Catterall, Kenneth Foster, Richard Holmes, Edward D. Lipson, M. Cristina Marchetti, Alan Middleton, Raymond Mountain, Liviu Movileanu, Britton Plourde, Carl Rosenzweig, Jureepan Saranak, Peter Saulson, Joseph Schechter, Eric A. Schiff, Richard Schnee, Jennifer Schwarz, Tomasz Skwarnicki, Paul Souder, Sheldon Stone, Gianfranco Vidali, Jianchun Wang, Xiangjun Xing

Physicists idealize the behavior of matter and energy in terms of mathematical representations called the “fundamental laws of nature” and seek to explain the properties of nuclei, atoms, molecules, and systems of these particles (gases, liquids, crystals, etc.). Undergraduate courses provide a background in classical physics, quantum mechanics, and laboratory techniques.
    The department offers coursework leading to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree. The major leading to the B.S. degree is modeled on the recommendations of the American Physical Society for students intending to pursue graduate work in physics. Students submit a petition to receive a B.S. in physics and should consult the director of undergraduate studies concerning required courses. For information about certification to teach physics at the secondary school level, see “Education/Arts and Sciences (dual program)” in this section of the catalog.
    Other information about physics can be found on the Internet at physics.syr.edu.

B.A. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The B.A. degree in physics is an important accomplishment for students considering careers in such widely varying areas as law, journalism, corporate management, and teaching. In all of these fields a liberal education incorporating serious study of a scientific discipline is an asset.
• Development of analytical and computational skills through the study of advanced undergraduate physics.
• Development of written and verbal communication skills, including the specialized skills required for the communication of technical information.
• Development of a broad understanding of the role of science and technology in modern life. The bachelor of arts degree requires completion of at least 30 credits of physics and astronomy courses.

Eight credits of lower-division courses are required:
PHY 211    General Physics I
PHY 221    General Physics Laboratory I
PHY 212    General Physics II
PHY 222    General Physics Laboratory II

Eighteen credits of upper-division physics and astronomy courses are required, including:
PHY 344    Experimental Physics
PHY 361    Modern Physics

B.S. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The B.S. degree is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who will pursue doctoral work in physics or another scientific or engineering discipline. The principal program is modeled on the recommendation of the American Physical Society for students intending to pursue graduate work in physics.
    The B.S. degree in physics requires at least 39 credits of physics coursework, including at least 30 credits of upper-division courses (numbered 300 or above). The B.S. degree is awarded by petition to the Department of Physics based on your work on a curriculum developed with your advisor. The following is a suggested sequence leading to the B.S. degree. For additional options see the web page: physics.syr.edu/undergraduate.

First Year
PHY 211/221, 212/222; MAT 295,296

Second Year
PHY 250,344,360,361; MAT 397; CHE 106,107,116,117; ELE 291,292

Third Year
PHY 423,424,425,567; MAT 485,517

Fourth Year
PHY 462,531,568

option in biological and medical physics
Sophisticated biophysical technologies are increasingly employed in medicine and other health professions; examples include ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, fiberoptic endoscopy, and laser surgery. Moreover, the rapidly advancing knowledge in the biomedical fields depend on biophysical concepts and methods, notably electrophysiology, pharmacological kinetics, and biomolecular structure determination. Accordingly, there is need for health care professionals and life scientists with ample training in the physical as well as biological sciences.
    The following interdisciplinary option under the B.S. in physics is designed for students who are adept at the mathematical problem solving and conceptual aspects of physics, and who are interested in careers in biology, biological physics, medical physics, or medicine. Students with demonstrated proficiency in both physical and biological sciences will have special advantages not only for admission to and performance in graduate and professional schools, but also for their subsequent careers. More specifically, such training would be particularly relevant for the following fields of medi­cine: cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and radiology.
    The following course sequence and variations meet the general prerequisites for medical school admission established by the Association of American Medical Colleges and also apply for careers in most of the other health professions. Credits are shown in square brackets and laboratory courses are indicated in bold face. Courses preceded by an asterisk are specifically required for admission to most medical schools.

First Year, First Semester
General Physics I (PHY 211 [3])
Physics Laboratory (PHY 221 [1])
General Chemistry I (CHE 106 [3])
General Chemistry I - Lab (CHE 107[1])
Calculus I (MAT 295 [4])

First Year, Second Semester
General Physics II (PHY 212 [3])
Physics Laboratory II (PHY 222 [1])
General Chemistry II (CHE 116 [3])
General Chemistry II - Lab (CHE 117 [1])
Calculus II?(MAT 296 [4])

Second Year, First Semester
General Biology w/Lab (BIO 121 [4])
Organic Chemistry (CHE 275 [3])
Organic Chemistry - Lab (CHE 276 [2])
Calculus III (MAT 397 [4])

Second Year, Second Semester
General Biology w/Lab (BIO 123 [4])
Organic Chemistry (CHE 285 [3])
Organic Chemistry - Lab (CHE 286 [2])

Third Year, First Semester
Modern Physics (PHY 361 [3])
Electronics Laboratory (ECE 291 [1])
Molecular and Cell Biology (BIO 325 [3])
Physical Biochemistry (CHE 375 [3])

Third Year, Second Semester
Experimental Physics I (PHY 344 [4])
Mechanics I (PHY 322 [3])
Biological and Medical Physics (PHY 315 [3])
Electives

Fourth Year, First Semester
Electromagnetics I (PHY 424/ELE 324 [3])
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (PHY 531 [3])

Fourth Year, Second Semester
Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra
(MAT 485 [3])
Electives

Seven or more credits should be selected from the following courses:
• BIO 475[2]    Biochemistry Lab
• BIO 575[3]    Biochemistry I
• ELE 524[3]    Applied Optics (w/lab)
• MAT 517[3]   PDEs and Fourier Series
• PHY 462[4]    Experimental Physics II
• PHY 425[4]    Electromagnetics II
• PHY 523[3]    Intermediate Mechanics II
• PHY 567[4]    Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 576[3]    Solid-State Physics

Note: Honors Program students should register for research in a biophysics laboratory, under the auspices of BIO 460[3], CHE 450[3], or PHY 490[3]. For students intending to apply to M.D./ Ph.D. programs, such experience in a ­biophysics research laboratory is strongly ­recommended.