Course Planning

Physics - Where to Start?

The course planning advice here is limited to completing this major which is just one piece of the overall Hendrix College degree requirements.  For a full description of degree requirements see the Catalog.

Where should I start if I am just sampling this subject as a non-major?

    Non-majors who wish to sample the subject should take a 100- or 200- level course in Physics (PHYS) depending upon interests and preparation in mathematics.

  • Introductory Topics in Physics (PHYS 100);
  • Astronomy (PHYS 160);
  • General Physics I (PHYS 235);

    • Courses at the 100-level do not presume math beyond the high school level. Courses at the 200-level require experience with Calculus I (MATH 130). Experience with Calculus I means that students have credit for Calculus I, are concurrently enrolled in Calculus I (MATH 130), or their Student Placement Record recommends Calculus II (MATH 140) or higher.

Where should I start if I might use this as part of a major or as a potential major?

    Students considering a potential major in Physics should complete two 2-course sequences in the first-year either through coursework or advance placement credits: 

  • General Physics I (PHYS 235) and General Physics II (PHYS 245)
  • Calculus I (MATH 130) and Calculus II (MATH 140).

    • Note: General Physics I (PHYS 235) requires experience with Calculus I (MATH 130). Experience with Calculus I means that students have credit for Calculus I, are concurrently enrolled in Calculus I (MATH 130), or their Student Placement Record recommends Calculus II (MATH 140) or higher.

Where should I start if I have some experience in this discipline before college?

  • For AP or IB credits – please refer to Advanced Placement Credits or International Baccalaureate Credits in the College Catalog.
  • If you have placement credits for the full first year of physics, please consult with the Physics Department Chair or a member of the Physics Department about where to begin. 

When should I declare a major?

 
  • All students must declare a major by March 1st of their sophomore year.