Department Website: http://www.sewanee.edu/physics/00index.html
Professor F. Hart
Professor Peterson
Professor Durig, Chair
Professor Szapiro
Visiting Associate Professor Coffey
Adjunct Professor Pender
Major in physics: Three programs are available to students who want to major in physics.
A. An intensive major for students who intend to pursue graduate work in the physical sciences: eight one-semester lecture courses, Physics 305 and 306; two half-course seminars; plus Chemistry 101, 102; Mathematics 207 and 212. The Graduate Record Examination is required as part of the comprehensive examination.
B. A broad major for students who intend to pursue graduate work in medicine, engineering, biophysics, environmental sciences, health physics, or teaching: six one-semester lecture courses, Physics 305 and 306, including Physics 203, 303, and 307; two half-course seminars; plus five full courses in other science or mathematics courses approved by the physics department.
C. The 3/2 plan for engineering students: six one-semester lecture courses including Physics 203 and 303, four with associated laboratories; one half-course seminar; plus Chemistry 101, 102; Computer Science 157; Mathematics 207 and 212.
Research participation and laboratory assistantship are encouraged in all three programs.
For a first-year student planning to major in physics, the following curriculum is recommended:
Physics 103, 104
Humanities 101, 102
Mathematics 101, 102
Physical Education
Foreign Language 103, 104
Students may seek advanced placement in physics, mathematics, and foreign language.
The second-year program should be planned in consultation with the department chair.
Minor in physics/astronomy: The physics department offers a minor in physics/astronomy. The requirements for a minor are Physics 250, Physics 251, and Physics 444B. In addition, each student must complete one of the following three sets of courses: Option A: Physics 201 and either Geology 121 or Geology 228; Option B: Physics 303 and Physics 304; Option C: Physics 307 and Physics 308. The total number of courses required for the minor is 4.5. An average grade of at least C is required for successful completion of the minor. Comprehensive examinations are not required, but each student must present the results of the Physics 444 project during a seminar. Please note that the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics 101, 102 or Physics 103, 104 are presumed for any upper level Physics class except for Physics 250 and 251.
