Students typically declare a field of concentration (major or minor) at the end of their sophomore year, and they must do so by the end of the first semester of their junior year. The requirements for being admitted to a concentration in Physics, or in Physics and Astronomy, are as follows:

1. At least a 2.0 (C) average, or its equivalent, in the introductory physics, mathematics and astronomy courses. A 2.0 average in physics, mathematics and astronomy courses remains a requirement after admission to the major. See the University's Undergraduate Bulletin for course numbers.
   
   
2. Completion of three courses in the introductory physics sequence, or their equivalent (including lab), by the end of the semester in which the concentration is to be approved. These are typically PHY 121, PHY 122 and PHY 123, or the honors PHY 141, PHY 143 and PHY 142. Although the courses should normally be taken in their ordered sequence, PHY 123 can be taken prior to PHY 122 or PHY 142 if one of the latter is taken in the following semester.
   
   
3. Completion of all introductory mathematics courses (MTH 161, 162, 164, 165, or the corresponding honors sequence MTH 171, 172, 173, 174), or the equivalent, by the end of the semester in which concentration is requested.
   
   
4. For a BS in Physics, completion of one course in a natural science outside of physics is required. Astronomy can be used to satisfy this requirement, as can AP credit granted for science courses taken in high school. Certain selected courses in engineering can also be allowed as substitutes, but only with the permission of the undergraduate physics advisor. The Department recommends that this requirement be satsified in the first two years of undergraduate study.
   
   
5. The BS in Physics and Physics and Astronomy has a computer literacy requirement. The computer literacy requirement is satisfied by a passing grade in an introductory high school or college computing course (e.g. CSC 171 or ECE 114), or by PHY 256 (Computational Physics), or by completing a computing-based problem approved by the Department's undergraduate physics or physics and astronomy advisor (possible one associated with a previous class) or by having a faculty member familiar with the student's work certify the computer literacy.
   
   

Forms and general information about the Department's undergraduate programs are available from the Office of Undergraduate Studies, B&L 211, (585) 275-6679 or janf@pas.rochester.edu.

The BA and BS programs of study are subject to department approval. The program should be planned by the student, in consultation with the departmental advisors.

For a typical schedule of courses, serving as a preconcentration in Physics, go here.
For a typical schedule of courses, serving as a preconcentration in Physics and Astronomy, go here.

Go to Undergraduate Programs page.