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Suggested Physics Course Schedules, Year-by-Year
If it is even remotely possible that you will major in physics, we recommend that you
take PHY 210 and 230 as soon as you can. Doing so will help ensure that you graduate in
four years, and allows you much greater flexibility in how many physics electives
you can take and when you take them. If possible, a prospective major takes PHY 210 and 230
in the first year, although if you discover an interest in physics while taking PHY 110
during your first year, there is still time to comfortably complete the major as long as you plan
ahead with a member of the physics faculty. PHY 220 is normally taken during the winter
term of the sophomore year because of the requirement that first year students take a
First Year Studies course in their first winter term. Physics majors should also try to take
their math courses as early as possible in order to satisfy the prerequisites for upper-division physics courses.
Several required courses are offered only every other year, so you must be aware of which
courses will be offered during your sophomore, junior, and senior year, and plan accordingly.
Studying abroad may severely restrict your schedule so that there is only one year in which you can
take a required course, so if you plan to study abroad be sure that you have discussed your plans
with your physics faculty advisor. Together you can plan out which physics courses you will take during each of your
four years.
Students majoring in physics benefit greatly from courses in as many different areas of
physics as possible, so it is highly recommended that physics majors take as many electives
in physics as possible. Your time at Centre is brief, so plan ahead to see which elective
courses you can enjoy while you are here, and avoid merely satisfying
the minimum requirements for the major. Students interested in graduate study are especially
encouraged to learn about as many topics as possible. You will find that each subject is enjoyable in
a different way. The various courses complement each other, increasing your ability to
contribute meaningfully in a variety of fields, and making you a well-rounded scientist.
The following suggested schedules may help you plan ahead for a major in physics. You will
still need to consult with a member of the physics faculty during your first two years in
order to ensure that you are on track for completion of all classes in the major. After you
declare your major at the end of your sophomore year, you will be assigned a physics
advisor. Until that time, be sure to consult with a physics faculty member each term before registering.
A physics major taking PHY 210 during the first year
- First Year: PHY 210, 230
- Sophomore Year: PHY 220, 310, 320, 330
- Junior Year: {PHY 300, 340, 380} or {PHY 350, 370, 399}, depending on offerings
- Senior Year: {PHY 350, 370, 399} or {PHY 300, 340, 380}, depending on offerings
A physics major taking PHY 110 during the first year
- First Year: PHY 110
- Sophomore Year: PHY 210, 220, 230
- Junior Year: PHY 310, 320, 330 and {PHY 300, 340, 380} or {PHY 350, 370, 399}, depending on offerings
- Senior Year: {PHY 350, 370, 399} or {PHY 300, 340, 380}, depending on offerings
A 3-2 engineering student taking PHY 210 during the first year
- First Year: PHY 210, 230
- Sophomore Year: PHY 220, 310, and physics electives
- Junior Year: Physics electives
A 3-2 engineering student taking PHY 110 during the first year
- First Year: PHY 110
- Sophomore Year: PHY 210, 220, 230
- Junior Year: PHY 310 and physics electives
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