Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 47 courses
The physics major is designed to help students acquire a broad and varied background in physics and related fields; it provides an excellent intellectual foundation for many careers. The three basic steps toward completing the major are fulfilling prerequisites in introductory physics and calculus; taking a core sequence (common to all concentrations) of classical physics, modern physics, and mathematics; and completing a course concentration. Majors with strong records in their physics, astronomy, and mathematics courses and an interest in pursuing honors should notify the director of undergraduate studies in October of senior year. Eligible students must enroll for 2 units of PHYSICS 398-0/ASTRON 398-0 or PHYSICS 399-0/ASTRON 399-0 by the time of graduation. They participate in research culminating in a written report. Students whose research reports and grades meet department criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For more information consult the director of undergraduate studies and see Honors in the Major.
| Major Requirements (units vary, depending on math courses and concentration selected) | credits |
| 5β6 courses in the chosen concentration (A course may not be counted toward more than one requirement.) | credits |
| Advanced Physics | credits |
| Astronomy | credits |
| Flexible | credits |
Prerequisites
MATH 220-2 may also be replaced by MATH 218-2, MATH 218-3. PHYSICS 126-3 may also be replaced by PHYSICS 135-2, PHYSICS 135-3, PHYSICS 136-1, PHYSICS 136-2, PHYSICS 136-3, PHYSICS 125-1, PHYSICS 125-2, PHYSICS 125-3, PHYSICS 126-1, PHYSICS 126-2, PHYSICS 126-3.
Major Requirements (units vary, depending on math courses and concentration selected)
Core mathematics and mathematical tools courses listed below or equivalent courses approved by the department: 3 PHYSICS 250-0 may also be replaced by MATH 351-0.
Major Requirements (units vary, depending on math courses and concentration selected)
Core physics courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 239-0 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 330-1 | Classical Mech | 1 |
| PHYSICS 332-0 | Statistical Mechanics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 333-1 | Advanced Electricity & Magnetism | 1 |
| PHYSICS 339-1 | Quantum Mechanics | 1 |
Major Requirements (units vary, depending on math courses and concentration selected)
1 lab course chosen from:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 321-0 | Observational Astrophysics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 357-0 | Optics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYSICS 359-0 | Electronics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 360-0 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 1 |
Advanced Physics
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 330-2 | Classical Mechanics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 333-2 | Advanced Electricity & Magnetism | 1 |
| PHYSICS 339-2 | Quantum Mechanics | 1 |
| Total Advanced Physics | 6 credits | |
Advanced Physics
1 lab course from:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 321-0 | Observational Astrophysics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 357-0 | Optics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYSICS 359-0 | Electronics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 360-0 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 1 |
Advanced Physics
2 other 300-level physics or astronomy courses other than:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 312-0 | Scalar and Vector Field Methods in Physics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 398-0 | Independent Thesis Research | 1-2 |
| PHYSICS 399-0 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
| ASTRON 398-0 | Honors Independent Study | 1-2 |
| ASTRON 399-0 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
Astronomy
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 330-2 | Classical Mechanics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 333-2 | Advanced Electricity & Magnetism | 1 |
| PHYSICS 339-2 | Quantum Mechanics | 1 |
| ASTRON 220-1 or ASTRON 220-2 | Introduction to Astrophysics I: Life Cycle of Stars and Planets or Introduction to Astrophysics II: Galactic Evolution and Cosmology | 1 |
| ASTRON 398-0 | Honors Independent Study | 1-2 |
| ASTRON 399-0 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
| Total Astronomy | 6 credits | |
Flexible
2 courses from the following:
Flexible
May not count toward any of these requirements:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYSICS 312-0 | Scalar and Vector Field Methods in Physics | 1 |
| PHYSICS 398-0 | Independent Thesis Research | 1-2 |
| PHYSICS 399-0 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
| ASTRON 398-0 | Honors Independent Study | 1-2 |
| ASTRON 399-0 | Independent Study | 1-2 |
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