Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy
Students in the physics concentration receive training in most basic areas of physics and mathematics. The concentration provides a firm foundation in the principles of physics of contemporary interest. The student with such training is prepared to go on to graduate school for additional specialization in physics, engineering or other applied science fields or professions. The undergraduate degree in physics provides an adequate basis for teaching of physics in high schools and research and development work in industry.
Although it is preferable for the potential physics major to start physics courses as a freshman, the structure of the physics curriculum is such that the Harpur College student is able to satisfy the requirements for the BA degree in physics in two years of study following the completion of general physics and a year of calculus. If the student wishes to complete the requirements for the BS degree, an earlier start than the sophomore year is highly advisable.
The department offers a 3-2 combined physics-engineering program in which students spend three years at Harpur College and two years at an engineering school. Such students receive the BA in physics and the bachelor’s degree in engineering after five years from either Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science or a school other than Binghamton University.
In cooperation with the Computer Science Department of Watson School, the department has established a five-year program leading to the BS in physics and the BS in computer science.
Students not planning to specialize in physics may find some physics courses to be of interest. Among these are the astronomy courses, Physics of Sound and Principles of Photography, all of which are intended for the non-specialist. ASTR 114 satisfies the Harpur College Distribution science requirement. Taken together, ASTR 114 and 115 satisfy the General Education Laboratory Science requirement. General Physics, Sophomore Laboratory, Electronics and various other courses are intended both for the specialist and non-specialist.
No courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the major in physics may be taken with the Pass/Fail option when letter grades are available for the courses. Credit by examination is not granted for courses taught by the department apart from the Advanced Placement procedure.
The student is expected to develop computer skills and apply such skills to the solving of problems encountered within
the framework of courses required for the degree.
Course Prerequisites
The Physics Department views the prerequisites listed for physics courses as essential. If a student does not have the prerequisites, or the equivalent, he or she may take a course only after successful petition to the departmental undergraduate committee.
BA Degree Program
Students planning to major in physics with a BA degree should take PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132) and should complete MATH 221, 222 and 323 as quickly as possible. Mathematics should be continued at least through Mathematical Methods in Science I and II (MATH 371-471). In addition, a major in physics normally requires PHYS 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341 and 421 (a total of nine full courses in physics). If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years. Watson School has several offerings that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete the projects assigned in upper-level physics courses. Prospective physics majors should discuss their programs with a member of the department at their earliest convenience.
Four of the six required 300- and 400- level PHYS courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.
BS Degree Programs
The department also offers a bachelor of science degree in physics for students who want recognition of increased concentration in physics. The BS degree in physics requires PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132), 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341, 411, 421, 422, 427 and 428, or 429 (a total of 12 full courses in physics); MATH 221, 222, 323, 371 and 471; and CHEM 111 (or 107 and 108). If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years. Watson School has several offerings, such as WTSN 204, that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete the projects assigned in upper-level physics courses.
The following is a typical sequence of courses for students who major in physics beginning in their freshman year, with suggested electives shown in parentheses.
Six of the nine required 300- and 400-level PHYS courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Freshman |
|
|
PHYS 131** or 121 |
PHYS 132** or 122 |
|
MATH 221 |
MATH 222 |
|
*** |
*** |
|
Sophomore |
|
|
PHYS 227 |
PHYS 331 |
|
PHYS 323 |
MATH 323 |
|
|
MATH 371 |
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 327 |
|
PHYS 341 |
|
|
CHEM 111 |
MATH 471 |
|
Senior |
|
|
PHYS 411* |
PHYS 422* |
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 427-8, or 429* |
|
(PHYS 463) |
(PHYS 474) |
|
(PHYS 472) |
* Required for BS, not required for BA.
** Offered fall and spring.
*** Computer programming offered fall and spring.
Applied Physics Option
For the student planning a career in applied physics, engineering physics, geophysics, material science or other areas of engineering, the department offers the bachelor of science degree in physics with an emphasis in applied physics.
Appropriate choices from among the elective courses that may be used to complete this option will provide preparation for students intending to pursue a career in one of these applied areas. For further details and advice, the student is urged to consult the departmental undergraduate adviser. The program of study for this option represents a modification of the traditional BS in physics.
The requirements of the option are PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132), 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341, 411, 421 and 427 or 429; MATH 221, 222, 323, 371 and 471; CHEM 111 (or 107 and 108).
In addition to these courses, 12 credits must be taken from the following list of elective courses: PHYS 407, 422, 428, 463, 472; PHYS/GEOL 450, PHYS/GEOL 451, GEOL 453; ME 311, ME 361; CHEM 444, 481.
If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years. The Watson School has several offerings, such as WTSN 204, that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete the projects assigned in upper-level physics courses.
The following is a typical sequence of courses for students who major in physics under this option, beginning in their freshman year.
Six and a half of the required 10 1/2 300- and 400-level PHYS courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Freshman |
|
|
PHYS 131* or 121 |
PHYS 132* or 122 |
|
MATH 221 |
MATH 222 |
|
*** |
*** |
|
Sophomore |
|
|
PHYS 323 |
PHYS 331 |
|
PHYS 227 |
MATH 323 |
|
MATH 371 |
|
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 341 |
|
CHEM 111 |
PHYS 327 |
|
required elective** |
MATH 471 |
|
|
|
|
Senior |
|
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 427 |
|
PHYS 411 |
required elective** |
|
required elective** |
* Offered fall and spring.
** Select a required elective from list of elective courses.
*** Computer programming offered fall and spring.
Engineering Physics Option
For the student wishing to pursue graduate studies in engineering, the department offers the bachelor of science degree in physics with an emphasis in engineering physics.
Appropriate choices from among the elective courses that can be used to complete this option will provide preparation for students intending to pursue a career in engineering. The program of study for this option represents a modification of the traditional BS in physics.
The requirements of the engineering physics option are identical to the applied physics option listed above, with the exception of the elective courses to be taken. For this option, three elective courses are to include the following: ME 351, 421 and 441; EECE 301, 315 and 361.
The first three courses are preparation for a graduate ME program. The last three courses prepare the student for entrance into a graduate EE program.
For further details and advice, the student is urged to consult the departmental undergraduate adviser.
Mathematical Physics Option
For students interested in pursuing graduate education or careers in mathematical physics, or other theoretically oriented fields of physical science, the department offers an option in mathematical physics that leads to the BS degree in physics. Students interested in this option should contact the undergraduate adviser in the Physics Department as soon as possible.
This option requires 18 courses as follows: PHYS 131 and 132 (or 121 and 122), 323, 331, 332, 341, 411, 421 and 422; MATH 221, 222, 304, 323, 330, 371, 471, and 478; and one PHYS course at the 400 level. One of these courses may be substituted by a MATH course numbered 375 or above, with the approval of the Physics Department undergraduate adviser.
Students in this option are encouraged to take laboratory courses in physics, as these courses may broaden their opportunities in graduate schools. If the student does not possess computer programming ability, he or she should take a course or a half course in computer programming during the first two years. The Watson School’s Department of Computer Science has several offerings that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete projects assigned in upper-level physics courses. Six of the nine 300- and 400-level PHYS courses required for the completion of the degree must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.
The following is a typical sequence of courses for students in the mathematical physics option, beginning in the freshman year.
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Freshman |
|
|
PHYS 131or 121 |
PHYS 132 or 122 |
|
MATH 221 |
MATH 222 |
|
*** |
*** |
|
Sophomore |
|
|
PHYS 323 |
PHYS 331 |
|
MATH 304 |
MATH 323 |
|
MATH 371 |
|
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 341 |
|
MATH 471 |
|
|
Senior |
|
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 422 |
|
PHYS 411 |
** |
|
MATH 478 |
** Select a required elective.
*** Computer programming offered fall and spring.
BA or BS Degree Starting in the Sophomore Year
Prior to the junior year, the student must have taken PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132), MATH 323 and, if possible, MATH 371. Candidates for the BS degree should have also completed CHEM 111 (or 107 and 108), and a computer programming course or half course.
The programs for the junior and senior years are identical to those prescribed in the next section for transfer students from two-year colleges.
BA or BS Degree After the Two-Year College
The department has structured its curriculum so that the graduate of a two-year college may complete a BA or BS degree program in two additional years. It is assumed that such students have completed the equivalent of two semesters of general physics and three semesters of calculus by the time of enrollment, as well as a computer programming course. If they have not, an additional semester or two may be necessary. A general physics course with a weekly three-hour laboratory normally satisfies the equivalent of PHYS 121, 122 and 227, although the student must still complete the total required number of physics courses for the degree. If the student is working for the BS degree, it is also important that as many Harpur College Distribution requirements as possible be fulfilled at the two-year school.
The following is a typical sequence of courses for those students who major in physics after transferring from a two-year college.
For the BA degree:
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 227* |
PHYS 341 |
|
PHYS 323 |
PHYS 331 |
|
MATH 371 |
|
|
Senior |
|
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 327 |
|
PHYS 421 |
MATH 471 |
*Elective if general physics with weekly laboratory is transferred.
For the BS degree:
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 227* |
PHYS 341 |
|
PHYS 323 |
PHYS 331 |
|
|
MATH 371 |
|
Senior |
|
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 427 |
|
PHYS 411 |
PHYS 428** |
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 422** |
|
PHYS 327 |
PHYS 407*** |
|
MATH 471 |
* Elective if general physics with weekly laboratory is transferred.
** Required for applied physics option, PHYS 429 may be taken in place of the combination of PHYS 427 and PHYS 428.
*** Required for traditional BS.
It is advantageous for the BS candidate to be more advanced in mathematical preparation than is shown here.
The transfer student from a two-year college interested in the BS-mathematical physics program must have completed at least General Physics (PHYS 121, 122 or equivalent), and calculus through ordinary differential equations (or the equivalent of MATH 371) prior to enrollment in Harpur College. The student should also possess computer programming skills.
Honors in Physics
An upperclass student who has demonstrated superior academic ability may seek honors in physics. Honors in physics may be achieved either through research work or coursework.
Research Work: The student enrolls in PHYS 498, Physics Honors, for a full- or half-course load. With departmental approval, the student then works closely with a faculty member on a research project suggested by the faculty member, for a total of at least four credit hours. The results of this project are presented in a senior thesis defended by the student at a departmental seminar. A successful defense demonstrating a superior research competence and mastery of the subject earns the recognition of distinguished independent work in physics. Further details are available from the department.
Coursework: The student successfully completes two graduate courses: PHYS 521, Analytical Dynamics, and PHYS 522, Electrodynamics I, both with a grade of B or better. In addition, the student completes either PHYS 524, Quantum Mechanics I, with a grade of B or better, or successfully completes a “capstone” project based on a course already taken. The project is a 15- to 20-page paper prepared under a faculty member’s supervision while registered for a one-credit independent study. Further details are available from the department.
A chapter of the national physics honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma, exists in the department.
The George E. Moore Award for Academic Achievement in Physics is given annually to an outstanding senior physics major. This award was established by colleagues and friends to honor the late George E. Moore, a professor in the department for a number of years.
3-2 Program in Physics and Engineering
The combined engineering program is an educational affiliation between Binghamton and several engineering schools. The 3-2 program enables a student to devote three years to the study of liberal arts and sciences at Binghamton before transferring to an engineering school for two years of engineering education. This program leads to a BA in physics from Binghamton and a bachelor’s degree from the engineering school. The range of engineering specializations available is large, so that preparation for almost any engineering career is available in at least one of the engineering schools. In the past, arrangements have been made with SUNY at Buffalo College of Engineering, Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Clarkson University School of Engineering, SUNY at Stony Brook College of Engineering, University of Rochester College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Watson School at Binghamton. Arrangements with other engineering schools are possible and encouraged.
The completion of two sets of requirements in the short period of five years requires careful planning of courses even in the freshman year. Not taking certain crucial courses in the first year may make it difficult to undertake the program in the 3-2 pattern. Though entrance to any given engineering school cannot be guaranteed, our experience has been that careful planning and good academic performance on the part of the student are essential. The student is strongly encouraged to make contact with the chosen engineering school as early as possible so that a careful selection of courses may be made.
Normally, students should take MATH 221 and 222, and PHYS 121 and 122, or 131 and 132, in the first year. If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years. Watson School has several offerings that generate the appropriate level of knowledge required to complete the projects assigned in upper-level physics courses. The requirements for the BA in physics in the 3-2 combined engineering program are the same as for the normal BA in physics. These include PHYS 131 and 132 (or 121 and 122), 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341 and 421. In addition, the following mathematics courses are required: MATH 221, 222, 323, 371 and 471. It is expected that the student will also meet the Harpur College Distribution and other Harpur College requirements. Other elective courses that may be appropriate include CHEM 111, Engineering Graphics and Statics. Depending on the chosen engineering field and school, still other courses may have to be considered.
The following is a typical sequence of courses when the chosen engineering school is not Watson School (commonly selected electives are shown in parentheses):
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Freshman |
|
|
PHYS 131 |
PHYS 132 |
|
MATH 221 |
MATH 222 |
|
Humanities course |
Humanities course |
|
(CHEM 111) |
*** |
|
*** |
|
|
Sophomore |
|
|
PHYS 227 |
PHYS 331 |
|
PHYS 323 |
MATH 323 |
|
MATH 371 |
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
|
Soc Sci course |
|
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 327 |
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 341 |
|
Soc Sci course |
MATH 471 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
Hum/Soc Sci |
*** Computer programming offered fall and spring.
When the chosen engineering school is the University’s Watson School, the suggested course sequence is somewhat different. In this case, the student takes some Harpur College humanities and social science courses during the fourth and fifth years. The following is a sample course program. The blanks below indicate Watson School courses to be chosen with the help of a Watson School academic adviser.
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Freshman |
|
|
PHYS 131 |
MATH 222 |
|
MATH 221 |
PHYS 132 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
WTSN — |
|
WTSN — |
|
|
Sophomore |
|
|
PHYS 227 |
MATH 323 |
|
PHYS 323 |
MATH 371 |
|
CHEM 111 |
PHYS 331 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
WTSN — |
|
Junior |
|
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 327 |
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 341 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
MATH 471 |
|
WTSN — |
Hum/Soc Sci |
For further information about this program, contact the director of undergraduate programs in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy.
BS (Physics) and BS (Computer Science) Five-Year Program
The department, in cooperation with the Department of Computer Science in Watson School, has established a five-year program leading to the BS in physics and the BS in computer science. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue careers or graduate studies in physics or computer science.
Due to the extensive depth of the program, interested students are urged to contact the undergraduate program director in the Physics Department before their initial registration.
|
Fall |
Spring |
|
Year I |
|
|
CS 140 |
CS 210 |
|
MATH 221 |
MATH 222 |
|
PHYS 121 or 131 |
PHYS 122 or 132 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
Year II |
|
|
CS 220 |
CS 240 |
|
PHYS 323 |
MATH 314 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
MATH 323 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
|
|
|
|
Year III |
|
|
CS 333 |
CS 350 |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
PHYS 331 |
|
CHEM 111 |
MATH 371 |
|
CS 373 |
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
Year IV |
|
|
CS 471 |
CS elective |
|
MATH 341 |
PHYS 327 |
|
PHYS 332 |
PHYS 341 |
|
CS elective |
MATH 471 |
|
Year V |
|
|
PHYS 411 |
PHYS 422 |
|
PHYS 421 |
PHYS 427/428 |
|
CS elective |
Hum/Soc Sci |
|
Hum/Soc Sci |
CS elective |
|
CS 495 |
Physics Minor
Requirements for the minor in physics are as follows: (1) PHYS 131 and 132 or (PHYS 121 and 122) and PHYS 323. (2) Any other three 300- or 400-level courses that must be taken for a letter grade. PHYS 227 may be substituted for one of these courses. The 300- and 400- level courses must be taken in residence at Binghamton University.