The department offers both a minor and a major in physics. In addition, we support a special track for those interested in a Dual Degree Program in Engineering. We have designed the BA degree program in physics so that it is possible to complete the physics major in three years. But that is a challenging task.
The department places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and provides the support and time for students to become actively involved in projects either on campus or off campus.
In addition to coursework, physics majors are required to complete a senior comprehensive exam. Students have two options for the examination. The first option is to take the GRE Physics test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The
second option is to take an exam given by the physics faculty. The grade for the Senior Capstone Experience is based on student performance on one of these examinations.
The following degree requirements are those reflected in the fall 2014 course catalog.
Major
The major consists of the following course requirements.
- 14 courses distributed as follows:
- Physics (9)
- PHYS 210 General Physics I
or
PHYS 230 General Physics I (Calculus-based) - PHYS 220 General Physics II
or
PHYS 240 General Physics II (Calculus-based) - PHYS 305 Vibrations and Waves
- PHYS 315 Modern Physics
- PHYS 320 Electrodynamics
- PHYS 330 Quantum Mechanics
- PHYS 340 Electronics
- PHYS 370 Thermal Physics
- PHYS 380 Classical Mechanics
- Mathematics (3)
- MATH 130 Calculus I
- MATH 140 Calculus II
- MATH 260 Differential Equations
- Chemistry (1)
- CHEM 110 General Chemistry I: Chemical Structure and Properties
or
CHEM 150 Accelerated General Chemistry
- Electives (1)
- CHEM 120 General Chemistry II
- CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science
- CSCI 385 Scientific Computing
- EDUC 290 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- MATH 230 Multivariable Calculus
- MATH 270 Linear Algebra
- PHYS 450 Directed Research
- PHYS 490 Topics in Physics
PHYS 490 Topics in Physics, MATH 270 Linear Algebra, and CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science are useful preparation for graduate study in physics or engineering. All physics majors should do a research project while at Hendrix. Consult with any physics faculty member about research opportunities.
Minor
The minor degree plan normally consists of the following course requirements.
- 7 courses distributed as follows:
- PHYS 210 General Physics I
or
PHYS 230 General Physics I (Calculus-based) - PHYS 220 General Physics II
or
PHYS 240 General Physics II (Calculus-based) - PHYS 305 Vibrations and Waves
- PHYS 315 Modern Physics
- MATH 130 Calculus I
- MATH 140 Calculus II
- MATH 260 Differential Equations
Cooperative Programs in Engineering
Students who wish to pursue careers in engineering have several options at Hendrix. Some students use their bachelors degree from Hendrix to apply directly to engineering graduate programs, but a very popular option is to take advantage of our cooperative agreements with Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University in St. Louis and pursue one of the Dual Degree Programs in Engineering (sometimes called the "3-2 programs"). More information can be found at Hendrix's Pre-professional Engineering page.