Overview
Physics is the most fundamental science. It is the foundation for our understanding of the world around us, spanning the ultimate depths within subatomic nuclei to distances beyond the known universe. Physics provides a basis for other sciences, including chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. Physics discoveries, which led to technologies ranging from energy sources to quantum information and nano-communication devices to state of the art medical diagnostics, have revolutionized our world, and will continue to do so. The physics curriculum at Tulane provides strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities for careers ranging from academic research, to industrial development, to large government exploration, to project management, to the financial sector, to creative writing. The curriculum is unusually flexible and has successfully led to degrees with double, and even triple majors in diverse fields. The physics program also promotes and rewards creativity, stimulates intellectual development, and engages our students in life-long learning.
Mission Statement for Physics
The mission of the Physics program is to provide outstanding opportunities for learning and research in physics and teaching of the highest quality and impact, addressing needs and challenges of the 21st century. The program is designed to assist our students in developing deep understanding via powerful problem-solving skills, preparing them for a very broad range of opportunities.
Program Objectives for Physics
The Physics program aims to educate students to become professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills in science and mathematics to understand physical systems; to research, design and solve problems in physics and related disciplines; and to provide the foundation for graduate study and lifelong learning. Our objective is to prepare graduates to be able to successfully pursue:
- Advanced studies leading to research and/or professional careers in physical science;
- Careers in related technical and professional fields in industry or government.
Program Outcomes for Physics
Graduates of the Physics program at Tulane University will attain:
- an ability to apply knowledge of physics, mathematics, other sciences, and engineering;
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems;
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
- an ability to communicate effectively;
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
- a knowledge of contemporary issues;
- an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus, differential equations, and/or numerical techniques;
- a knowledge of contemporary analytical and experimental techniques;
- a competence in the use of computational tools and in the use of a high-level programming language;
- a depth of knowledge in calculus-based physics at an advanced level.
Our physics curriculum places emphasis on:
- physics
- mathematics
- computer science and engineering
- problem solving
- computational skills
- science and scientific principles
- research
- communications
- multi-disciplinary teamwork
- continuous learning
- leadership
- ethics
- preparation for advanced degrees in a broad variety of fields
The basic physics requirements are flexible and accommodate degrees with majors in multiple and diverse fields. Students planning to continue on to graduate school should take more than the minimum courses required.
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General Course Requirements for Physics
The intention of Tulane's physics major program is to encourage students to continue on to graduate education in Physics and related disciplines or to pursue cross-disciplinary preparation in physics for medical or other professional schools. Dual majors are encouraged, however students may not major in both Physics and Engineering Physics due to the substantial overlap. Students pursuing a career in physics are advised to follow the "Pre-Graduate Training" sequence. The minimum GPA for degree certification, counting all courses pertaining to Physics, Mathematics, and approved Science and Engineering electives, is 2.50.
The basic requirements for a Physics Major are as follows:
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least four courses of mathematics 1 | 13 | |
| Required Physics Courses | 18 | |
| PHYS 1310 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1320 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 2350 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 2360 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 3530 | Advanced Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 3800 | Physics Colloquium | 1 |
| Four Physics Electives | 12 | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| PHYS 3010 | Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3630 | Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 3740 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4230 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 4470 | Intro Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4650 | Optics | 3 |
| Select two additional 3-credit PHYS courses at the 2000 level or higher | 6 | |
| Additional Electives | 15 | |
| Select five 3-credit elective courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Engineering. The courses must be at the 2000 level or higher, with exceptions noted in the footnote. One of these five electives must be a computational course. 2 | 15 | |
- 1
At least two courses at the 2000-level or above.
- 2
The five elective courses must be at or above the 2000 level, with the exception of CHEM 1070+1075, CHEM 1080+1085, CMPS 1500, and CMPS 1600. Students should always confirm with the Major Advisor that all their electives are acceptable.
Notes:
- Students are encouraged to consider a bachelor of science in physics as preparation for graduate study in disciplinary and interdisciplinary sciences (physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemistry, neuroscience, materials science, geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, and applied physics), for professional study in medicine, patent law, business, or engineering, and for careers in environmental science, in mathematical or computer modeling, in science writing, or in science and public policy.
- Within the requirements above, programs can be tailored to suit the needs of students who elect these career options. In addition, the department offers a 4+1 program that allows students to obtain a Master's Degree in five years, by enabling them to take graduate level courses as an undergraduate. Tulane University is a member of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) consortium.
- Research opportunities are often available for undergraduate Physics majors in conjunction with faculty, on a case by case basis.
- Students are responsible for fulfilling all TIDES, cultural knowledge, foreign language, writing, service learning, and other requirements, required by Tulane and the School of Science and Engineering.
Sample Schedule of Classes for Physics
(This is only a suggested schedule and students should not feel compelled in any way to model their course of studies on this example. Many other options and alternatives are possible, especially when including a double major. Chemistry, for example, is not a requirement for the B.S. in Physics. The illustration of certain courses in certain semesters below does not guarantee they will be offered in the suggested semester. Many physics courses at the 3000-level and above are given only once every two years. Students should keep abreast of actual course offerings as they are published by the Registrar.)
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| PHYS 1310 | General Physics I | 4 |
| MATH 1210 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 1010 | Writing | 4 |
| CHEM 1070 & CHEM 1075 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| TIDES Course | ||
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 1320 | General Physics II | 4 |
| CHEM 1080 & CHEM 1085 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
| MATH 1220 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Foreign Language or Elective | ||
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 2350 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| MATH 2210 | Calculus III | 4 |
| Cultural Knowledge Elective | ||
| Foreign Language or Elective(s) | ||
| Public Service Course 1 | ||
| Credit Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 2360 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 3170 | Computnl Physics & Engr | 3 |
| PHYS 4230 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| MATH 2240 | Intro To Applied Math | 4 |
| Cultural Knowledge Elective | ||
| Elective(s) | ||
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 3010 | Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3630 | Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 3700 | Electrnc Prop of Materls | 3 |
| PHYS 3800 | Physics Colloquium | 1 |
| Cultural Knowledge Elective | ||
| Elective | ||
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 3530 | Advanced Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 3600 | Nanoscience & Technology | 3 |
| PHYS 4650 | Optics | 3 |
| Cultural Knowledge Elective | ||
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 3150 | Intro To Neutron Science | 3 |
| Elective(s) | ||
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 4470 | Intro Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Elective(s) | ||
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 73 | |
- 1
e.g., Introduction to Physics Pedagogy
Pre-Graduate Training in Physics
The student who intends to continue graduate work in physics should complete at least 32 credits in physics including:
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 1310 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1320 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 2350 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 2360 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 3630 | Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 3740 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4230 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 4470 | Intro Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4650 | Optics | 3 |
Students are encouraged to undertake a research project and write a senior honors thesis under the supervision of a physics faculty member.
Recommended mathematics courses include:
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 3050 | Real Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 3090 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 4060 | Real Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 4210 | Differential Geometry | 3 |
| MATH 4300 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
| Courses in Scientific Computing 1 | ||