Physics, BA

Directors of Undergraduate Studies

Joseph Paulsen

jdpaulse@syr.edu

201 Physics Building

315-443-3901

Faculty

Marina Artuso, Stefan Ballmer, Steven Blusk, Duncan Brown, Craig Cahillane, Simon Catterall, Eric Coughlin, Walter Freeman, Jay Hubisz, John Laiho, M. Lisa Manning, Georgia Mansell, Alan Middleton, Liviu Movileanu, Alexander Nitz, Alison Patteson, Joseph Paulsen, Ivan Pechenezhskiy, Britton Plourde, Jennifer Ross, Matthew Rudolph, Christian Santangelo, Eric A. Schiff, Jennifer Schwarz, Rafael Silva Coutinho, Mirna Mihovilovic Skanata, Tomasz Skwarnicki, Mitchell Soderberg, Paul Souder, Scott Watson, Denver Whittington

Physicists idealize the behavior of matter and energy in terms of mathematical representations called the “fundamental laws of nature” and seek to explain the properties of nuclei, atoms, molecules, and systems of these particles (gases, liquids, crystals, etc.). Undergraduate courses provide a background in classical physics, quantum mechanics, and laboratory techniques.

The department offers coursework leading to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree. The B.A. degree program is an excellent liberal arts major that requires fewer credit hours in the major than the B.S. program. The Physics B.A. provides a flexible and broad education in many topics in physics that prepare students for a diverse array of STEM or STEM-adjacent career options.

Other information about physics be found at physics.syr.edu.

For all Arts and Sciences|Maxwell students, successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in this major requires a minimum of 120 credits, 96 of which must be Arts and Sciences|Maxwell credits, completion of the Liberal Arts Core requirements, and the requirements for this major that are listed below.

Dual Enrollments:

Students dually enrolled in Newhouse* and Arts and Sciences|Maxwell will complete a minimum of 122 credits, with at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences|Maxwell coursework and an Arts and Sciences|Maxwell major.

*Students dually enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences|Maxwell as first year students must complete the Liberal Arts Core. Students who transfer to the dual program after their first year as singly enrolled students in the Newhouse School will satisfy general requirements for the dual degree program by completing the Newhouse Core Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

A student will be able to explain phenomena occurring from sub-atomic to cosmological distance scales using qualitative physical principles.
A student will be able to apply mathematics and logic to solve problems associated with natural phenomena.
A student will be able to assess and explain arguments for physical laws based on experimental and theoretical evidence.
A student will be able to employ basic laboratory and technical skills to solve physics problems as a result of formal laboratory course work and research opportunities with faculty.

B.A. Degree Requirements

The B.A. degree in physics is an important accomplishment for students considering careers in such widely varying areas as law, journalism, corporate management, and teaching. In all of these fields a liberal education incorporating serious study of a scientific discipline is an asset.

Development of analytical and computational skills through the study of advanced undergraduate physics.
Development of written and verbal communication skills, including the specialized skills required for the communication of technical information.
Development of a broad understanding of the role of science and technology in modern life. The bachelor of arts degree requires completion of at least 30 credits of physics and astronomy courses.

10 credits of lower-division courses are required:

PHY 215 - General Physics I for Scientists with
PHY 225 - Experiencing Physics I
PHY 216 - General Physics II for Scientists with
PHY 226 - Experiencing Physics II
Note: Students declaring a Physics B.A. after having successfully completed PHY 211, PHY 221, PHY 212, and PHY 222 are not required to take PHY 215, PHY 225, PHY 216, and PHY 226 but will need to earn at least 2 additional credits in any PHY or AST courses with the approval of the Physics Director of Undergraduate Studies.

18 credits of upper-division Physics and Astronomy courses are required:

a) One course from the following:
PHY 315 - Biological and Medical Physics
PHY 316 - Econophysics
PHY 317 - Stellar and Interstellar Astrophysics
PHY 319 - Introduction to Astrobiology
PHY 360 - Vibrations, Waves and Thermal Physics
AND
b) One course from the following:
PHY 306 - Nuclear Physics in our Lives
PHY 314 - Quantum Computing Demystified
PHY 361 - Statistical Physics and Quantum Phenomena
AND
Either
PHY 344 - Experimental Physics I
Or
PHY 365 - Experiencing Physics III
and
PHY 366 - Experiencing Physics IV
The remaining 8 credits must be completed with PHY courses numbered 300 or above including those listed above not already completed.