PHYSICS
2019-2020
Undergraduate Program
DEPARTMENTAL ADVISING EXPERTS:
- Brian A. Stewart and Meng-Ju Renee Sher, Class of 2020
- Candice Etson and Reinhold Blumel, Class of 2021
“Physics is the liberal arts education for a technological society.”—Joseph Pimbley
Participation in research and proficiency in the main subject areas of physics are the twin goals of the physics program. The major program is designed to develop competency in quantum theory, electromagnetism and optics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, classical dynamics, and condensed-matter physics. Preparation in mathematical and computational methods is an integral part of the program.
Interested and qualified students may pursue several opportunities for advanced work, including graduate courses and participation with graduate students and faculty in research. The department encourages its students to “do physics” at the earliest opportunity by making arrangements to work with one of the research groups or by arranging an independent research tutorial. Research may be experimental or theoretical and may, but need not, result in a senior honors thesis. Most majors who intend to write a thesis begin research no later than the junior year and continue it through the summer into the senior year. Current research interests include quantum computing, single molecule biophysics, soft condensed-matter physics, charge transport in photovoltaic devices, fluid dynamics, laser plasmas, spectroscopy, collision studies involving excited atoms and molecules, and wave transport in complex media.
Many students also take advantage of Wesleyan’s computing facilities in their research or coursework. The University has a large computer cluster available to all who are doing research.
Each semester, opportunities exist to serve as a teaching apprentice, course assistant, or department assistant in one of the introductory or intermediate-level courses. Many physics majors have found that this is a stimulating way to learn more about the fundamentals of the discipline and how to teach them. The Cady Lounge in the department serves as a focus for the major by providing a place where students can study and discuss physics. There is also a study room where students in the introductory courses can come to get help and to work together. Students are encouraged to attend the weekly colloquium series and to participate in the weekly research seminars in atomic and molecular physics, chemical physics, condensed-matter physics, and theory. The Society of Physics Students is also a great resource for sharing ideas and questions with like-minded students.
The appropriate course for students considering a physics major depends primarily on their preparation. There are four common gateways into the major beginning in the fall semester.
- PHYS113 is a calculus-based introductory mechanics course requiring one semester of calculus, taken in either secondary school or in college, at about the level of MATH121. A student who has had no calculus should discuss with a member of the physics faculty whether to take calculus during the first year, then PHYS113 in the first semester of the sophomore year, or whether to try PHYS113 simultaneously with the first calculus course.
- Students who have had a strong preparation in physics and calculus may take PHYS215/PHYS219.These courses are intended for majors but are available to first-year or other students who have had both integral and differential calculus at about the level of MATH121/MATH122 and a solid course in mechanics with calculus at the level of PHYS113.
- Students from both of the above gateways merge into the electricity and magnetism course, PHYS116, in the spring. Students intending to major in physics should complete either track no later than the end of their sophomore year and preferably by the end of their first year.
- Exceptionally well-prepared students may begin with PHYS213. Students who feel that they fall into this category should consult with a member of the physics faculty.
Laboratory courses. The PHYS113/PHYS116 sequence has associated laboratory courses, PHYS123 in the fall and PHYS124 in the spring. These laboratory sections are half-credit courses associated with the lecture courses. PHYS124 is part of the required gateway to the major. We encourage students to take the laboratory courses for a firsthand opportunity to observe, both qualitatively and quantitatively, some of the physical phenomena discussed in the lectures.
To major in physics, you must complete the requirements shown in the table below. The sequence of gateway courses described above provide the foundation for the core major courses. Students should complete PHYS116 no later than the end of your sophomore year; if you can complete it by the end of your first year, it will give you more flexibility to construct your major. You should also have completed MATH121, MATH122, MATH221, and MATH222 by the end of your sophomore year. It is desirable for those students who are considering graduate work in physics or those who wish to pursue an intensive major to also complete PHYS213 and PHYS214 by the end of the sophomore year. You should note that a few of the advanced courses may not be offered every year, and you should plan your program of study accordingly.
To fulfill the major in physics, a student must complete eight lecture courses and two laboratory courses. The lecture course requirement includes (a) four core physics courses which must be taken graded (A-F): PHYS213, PHYS214, PHYS316 and PHYS324; and (b) an additional four elective lecture credits at the 200, 300, or 500 level. At least one of the elective courses must be a PHYS lecture course at the 300 level, usually PHYS313 or PHYS315. The two laboratory courses can be chosen from PHYS342, PHYS345, PHYS340, or a 1-credit research tutorial with a physics faculty member. One of the two laboratory courses must be an advanced experimental laboratory class, currently PHYS342 or PHYS345.
Students planning graduate study in physics should take a minimum of 14 credits at the 200 level or higher in physics, mathematics, and computer science. PHYS313, PHYS315, and PHYS358 are essential. In addition, the department strongly recommends PHYS565, MATH226, and MATH229. Graduate physics courses may be elected with permission, and experience in computer programming is also extremely valuable.
Students not planning graduate study in physics and who are interested in applying their knowledge of physics to other areas of the curriculum may substitute upper-level lecture courses from other departments to satisfy requirement (b) above. This must be done in consultation with the physics major advisor, and the selections must constitute a coherent, coordinated program of study. Substitution of more than two courses requires approval from the department. Preapproved tracks that satisfy requirement (b) are available here.
PHYSICS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
|
Gateway courses: The necessary foundation for the physics major. |
|
|
General Physics I |
|
|
General Physics II and General Physics Laboratory II |
|
|
Vectors and Matrices or Linear Algebra |
|
|
Multivariable Calculus |
|
|
Core Courses: Four required courses which must be taken graded (A-F) |
|
|
Waves and Oscillations |
|
|
PHYS214 (prerequisite MATH221 or MATH223. Math requirement can be taken concurrently) |
Quantum Mechanics I |
|
Electricity and Magnetism |
|
|
Thermal and Statistical Physics |
|
|
Electives: Four credits from the following list of lecture courses.* One of the four needs to be a 300-level physics course. |
|
|
Introduction to Biophysics |
|
|
PHYS215 (half credit) |
Special Relativity |
|
Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos |
|
|
PHYS219 (half credit) |
Introduction to Contemporary Physics |
|
Classical Dynamics |
|
|
Quantum Mechanics II |
|
|
Condensed Matter Physics |
|
|
Laboratory Courses:** Two laboratory courses |
|
|
PHYS342 (half credit) |
Experimental Optics |
|
PHYS345 (half credit) |
Electronics Lab |
|
PHYS340 (half credit) |
Computational Physics |
|
Research Seminar, Undergraduate |
|
|
* It is possible for elective credits to be substituted by upper-level lecture courses in other departments. This must be done in consultation with the physics major advisor, and the selections must constitute a coherent, coordinated program of study. Preapproved tracks that satisfy the elective lecture course requirement are available. ** One of the laboratory courses must be an advanced experimental lab, currently either PHYS342 orPHYS345. |
|
The Physics Department encourages study abroad for majors because it allows our physics majors to play an active part as citizens of the world scientific community. As with any major, careful planning is needed to be sure that requirements for the major are fulfilled, and sophomores intending to declare a physics major are strongly urged to study these requirements for the major so that they can determine the optimum semester to study abroad. At Wesleyan, we believe that the best study-abroad experience will include work done in the major, because this provides the student with a natural community of fellow students with shared interests and backgrounds and greatly facilitates the process of cultural integration. Physics majors are thus urged to consider direct enrollment in a university abroad, where they can take courses related to their major interests.
Students may receive a maximum of two physics AP credits; one with a score of 5 on the AP physics C mechanics exam and one with a score of 5 on the AP physics C electricity and magnetism exam. However, special regulations apply. Please check with the registrar or a departmental advisor. Students may also receive AP credit with a score of 5 on the noncalculus AP physics exam. Again, special regulations apply.
Dual-degree programs in science and engineering. Wesleyan maintains dual-degree programs with Columbia University, the California Institute of Technology, and Dartmouth College for students wishing to combine the study of engineering with a broad background in the liberal arts. For all options, participating students receive two degrees: a BA from Wesleyan and a BS or BE in engineering from our partner school. In the most popular option, the so-called 3-2 program, students spend their first three years at Wesleyan, followed by two years at the engineering school. Only at the end of the fifth year and after completing all degree requirements from both schools do students receive the two bachelor degrees. During the first three years, prospective 3-2 students complete the minimal requirements of their elected Wesleyan major and, in addition, fulfill science and mathematics requirements for the first two years of the engineering school and engineering major of their choice. During the two years at the engineering school, students follow the regular third- and fourth-year curriculum in whatever field of engineering they selected. During that time, other courses may also have to be taken to satisfy the degree requirements of Wesleyan and/or the engineering school.
Two other options exist to pursue an engineering degree. For Columbia University, the so-called 4-2 option allows students to complete four years at Wesleyan before pursuing the engineering degree. Otherwise, requirements are the same as those for the 3-2 program. Dartmouth offers a so-called 2-1-1-1 option in which students spend their junior year at Dartmouth, return to Wesleyan for their senior year and graduation, and then spend the fifth year to finish the engineering degree. Contact the dual-degree advisor for further information. Please also consult with your class dean to ensure that you can meet all Wesleyan University requirements for graduation.
Certificate Program in Informatics and Modeling. The Certificate Program in Informatics and Modeling enhances student choices and options and is an ideal supplement for interested physics majors. The certificate program provides students with a coherent set of courses and practical instruction in two pathways: (1) integrative genomics science and (2) computational science and quantitative world modeling.
This is a curricular option for those students who feel the need for the intensive research experience that an additional year of study can afford. During the additional year, the student will do additional coursework and write an MA thesis based on original research. Students interested in this possibility should consult their physics major advisors as early as possible, since it takes some planning to complete the requirements for both the BA and MA degrees. For more information, please visit wesleyan.edu/grad/degree-programs/bama.html.
To be a candidate for departmental honors in physics, a major must submit a thesis describing the investigation of a special problem carried out by the candidate under the direction of a member of the Physics Department. In addition, the candidate must have attained a minimum average in the eight lecture courses applied to the major, except those taken in the final semester of the senior year, of B (85.0) for honors and B+ (88.3) for high honors. Honors status is voted by the faculty on the basis of the student’s thesis work.
The Physics Department offers the following capstone experiences:
Graduate Program
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The Physics Department offers graduate work leading to the PhD degree. The small size of the program (12 full-time faculty and about 15 graduate students) permits the design of individual programs of study and allows the development of a close working colleagueship among students and faculty. The department wants its students to do physics right from the start, rather than spend one or two years solely on coursework before getting into research. To this end, graduate students are expected to join in the research activities of the department upon arrival.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
PhD students must take (or place out of) five PhD-level graduate core courses and five advanced topics courses. Students must have demonstrated proficiency in the main subject areas of physics by the time they have completed the program. Incoming students plan a course of study in consultation with the graduate advisor to prepare for the qualifying examination. Each student, after passing the first examination (see below), selects an advisory committee of three faculty members. The committee assists the student to design a program of study, monitors progress, and makes annual recommendations to the department regarding the student's continuation in the program. The advisory committee also administers subsequent examinations.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Three formal examinations serve to define the various stages of the student’s progress to the degree. The qualifying examination, usually taken at the end of the first year, is a written examination on material at an advanced undergraduate level. Advancement to the second stage of candidacy depends on passing this examination as well as on coursework and demonstrated research potential. After passing the qualifying examination, each student should form an advisory committee in consultation with their research advisor. Usually by the end of the second year, each student takes the PhD candidacy examination, which consists of an oral presentation before the student’s advisory committee, describing and defending a specific research proposal. (The proposal might, but need not, grow out of previous research or be adopted by the student as a thesis topic.) The committee then recommends to the department whether to admit the student to the final stage of PhD candidacy or whether to advise the student to seek an MA degree.
Each student who has passed the candidacy examination is required to present an annual informal talk on his or her thesis work in a departmental seminar.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Although the emphasis in the program is on independent research and scholarly achievement, graduate students are expected to improve their skills in teaching and other forms of oral communication. Each student is given the opportunity for some undergraduate teaching under direct faculty supervision. While this usually consists of participation in teaching undergraduate laboratories, direct classroom teaching experience is also possible for more advanced and qualified students.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Current experimental research areas are concentrated in atomic/molecular physics and condensed matter physics. Current interests include Rydberg states in strong fields, molecular collisions, photo-ionization, laser-produced plasmas, wave transport, granular and turbulent fluid flows, single-molecule biophysics, and optoelectronics of renewable energy materials.
Current theoretical and computational research areas include nonlinear dynamics, quantum chaos, properties of nanostructures, soft condensed matter, and wave transport in complex media.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Each candidate for the PhD degree is required to write a dissertation on original and significant research supervised by a member of the faculty. The work must be defended in a final oral examination administered by the advisory committee. This oral examination covers the dissertation and related topics and is open to all members of the Wesleyan community. It is expected that the candidate will submit the results of his or her work to a scholarly journal for publication.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, please visit the department website at wesleyan.edu/physics/graduate.
MASTER OF ARTS
The BA/MA program is a curricular option for those students who feel the need for the intensive research experience that an additional year of study can afford. During the additional year, the student will do additional coursework and write an MA thesis based on original research. Students interested in this possibility should consult their physics major advisors as early as possible, since it takes some planning to complete the requirements for both the BA and MA degrees. For more information, please visit Wesleyan.edu/grad/degree-programs/ba-ma.html.
The Physics Department also offers graduate work leading to the MA degree either through the BA/MA program or through termination of pursuit of a PhD.
MASTER OF ARTS
A minimum of six credits are required for the MA. Of these, three must be in advanced coursework at the 300 level and above. The remaining credits may be earned through research and seminar courses. The student must complete at least two semesters of thesis research culminating in an MA thesis. MA credit will only be awarded for courses in which grades of B minus or higher are earned.
MASTER OF ARTS
Students pursuing an MA through the BA/MA program or through termination of pursuit of a PhD should form an advisory committee early in their program in consultation with their research mentor.
Each MA student is required to present an annual informal talk on his or her thesis work in a departmental seminar.
MASTER OF ARTS
Although the emphasis in the program is on independent research and scholarly achievement, graduate students are expected to improve their skills in teaching and other forms of oral communication. Masters' students have the opportunity for some undergraduate teaching under direct faculty supervision.
MASTER OF ARTS
Current experimental research areas are concentrated in atomic/molecular physics and condensed matter physics. Current interests include Rydberg states in strong fields, molecular collisions, photo-ionization, laser-produced plasmas, wave transport, granular and turbulent fluid flows, single-molecule biophysics, and optoelectronics of renewable energy materials.
Current theoretical and computational research areas include nonlinear dynamics, quantum chaos, properties of nanostructures, soft condensed matter, and wave transport in complex media.
MASTER OF ARTS
Each candidate for the MA degree is required to write a thesis on original and significant research supervised by a member of the faculty. The work must be defended in a final oral examination administered by the advisory committee. This oral examination covers the thesis research and is open to all members of the Wesleyan community. It is expected that the candidate will submit the results of his or her work to a scholarly journal for publication.
For additional information, please visit the department website at wesleyan.edu/physics/graduate.