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Physics Major & Concentrations
The goal of the Physics and Astronomy Department is to prepare students to acquire a high level of analytical thinking and problem solving abilities through in-depth study of challenging physical concepts, both theoretical and experimental. We offer a major in physics with two distinct tracks: Advanced and Applied Studies. The Advanced Studies is a classic physics major, tailored to prepare our graduates for the rigors of graduate studies. In the Applied Studies track, students can select between concentrations in astronomy, computer science, materials science or premedical studies. In addition, we offer minors in both physics and astronomy, and six dual-degree (3+2 or 4+1) programs in electrical and computer science engineering, materials science engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and chemical engineering. Student may also elect to take specialized courses in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University.
Please click on the programs listed below to find out more about them, including course requirements. Advising templates are available at the bottom of this page.
Note: for all majors listed below, ENG 206 taken at any time satisfies the writing proficiency requirement. Information Literacy in the major is satisfied by PHY 220, and 280. Students should check all courses for the accompanying prerequisites. Courses marked 'JHU' are offered through the Johns Hopkins University.
- Physics Major (advanced studies track)
- Physics Major with Astronomy Concentration (applied studies track)
- Physics Major with Computer Science Concentration (applied studies track)
- Physics Major with Pre-medical Concentration (applied studies track)
- Physics Major with Materials Science Concentration (applied studies track)
- Physics Minor
- Astronomy Minor
- Honors and Distinction
- 3/2 Science & Engineering Program
- Post Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program
- Service Courses
Physics Major (advanced studies track)
In addition to the required courses listed, students must take at least one of the electives listed.
Sample schedule for a typical physics major on the advanced studies track.
Required Courses: Physics Major (advanced studies track)
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY 395 - Independent Work in Physics
- MA 222 - Calculus III
- CS 119 - Foundations of Computer Science
Elective Courses: Physics Major (advanced studies track)
- PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics
- AST 310 - Astrophysics
- AST 330 - Relativity and Cosmology
- PHY 304JHU - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
- PHY 313JHU - Introduction to Stellar Physics
- PHY 314JHU - Introduction to Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei
Physics Major with Concentration in Astonomy (advanced studies track)
In addition to the required courses listed, students must take at least threeof the electives listed.
Sample schedule for a typical physics major with an astronomy concentration.
Required Courses: Physics Major with Concentration in Astronomy (applied studies track)
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- AST 110 - Introductory Astronomy
- AST 210 - Intermediate Astronomy
- AST 310 - Astrophysics
- AST 395 - Independent Work in Astronomy
- MA 222 - Calculus III
Elective Courses: Physics Major with Concentration in Astronomy (applied studies track)
At least two of the following:
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics
At least one of the following:
- AST 330 - Relativity and Cosmology
- PHY 313JHU - Introduction to Stellar Physics
- PHY 314JHU - Introduction to Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei
Physics Major with Computer Science Concentration (applied studies track)
In addition to the required courses listed, students must take two elective courses out of which at least one must be at the 300 level.
Sample schedule for a typical physics major with computer science concentration.
Required Courses: Physics Major with Computer Science Concentration (applied studies track)
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY 395 - Independent Work in Physics
- CS 119 - Foundations of Computer Science
- MA 222 - Calculus III
Elective Courses: The Physics Major with Computer Science Concentration (applied studies track)
- CS 220 - Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
- CS 224 - Organization of Programming Languages
- CS 240 - Digital Logic Design
- CS 245 - Software Engineering
- PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics (Material Science)
Physics Major with Pre-medical Concentration (applied studies track)
In addition to the required courses listed, students must take at least one of the electives listed.
Sample schedule for a typical physics major with pre-medical concentration.
Required Courses: Physics Major with Pre-medical Concentration (applied studies track)
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 395 - Independent Work in Physics
- BIO 105 - Biological Diversity II: The Vertebrates
- BIO 210 - Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I
- CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry I: Laboratory
- CHE 151 - Principles of Chemistry II: Lecture
- CHE 152 - Principles of Chemistry II: Laboratory
- CHE 230 - Organic Chemistry I
- CHE 235 - Organic Chemistry II
Elective Courses: Physics Major with Pre-medical Concentration (applied studies track)
- PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Recommended Courses: Physics Major with Pre-medical Concentration (applied studies track)
- BIO 220 - Principles of Genetics
- BIO 260 - Principles of Animal Physiology
- MA 221 - Linear Algebra
- MA 222 - Calculus III
Sample schedule for a typical physics major with materials science concentration.
Required Courses: Physics Major with Materials Science Concentration (applied studies track)
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics (Materials Science)
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 395 - Independent Work in Physics
- MA 222 - Calculus III
- CHE 265 - Physical Chemistry Fundamentals I
- CHE 265L - Physical Chemistry Fundamentals I Laboratory
Recommended courses:
Physics Minor
Our Minor in Physics prepares the student for graduate work or for entrance into professional schools, or forms part of the 3-2 Science and Engineering Program (for more information on this program, refer to the Science and Engineering page in the Goucher Catalogue). In addition to the required courses, four electives must be taken, of which at least one is a 300 level course.
Required Courses: Physics Minor
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
Elective Courses: Physics Minor
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 330 - Introduction to Material Science
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY 395 - Independent Work in Physics
- CHE 265 - Physical Chemistry Fundamentals I
- MA 221 - Linear Algebra
- MA 222 - Calculus III
- MA 231 - Differential Equations with Applications
Astronomy Minor
A minor in astronomy is designed for non-physics majors who have an interest in the field and wish to explore it at more than a superficial level. The minor can easily be completed within 3 years; interested students are encouraged to take the introductory Physics sequence (Phy 125-126) before the end of their sophomore year. Phy 115-116 can be substituted, but only with departmental permission. In addition to the required courses, four electives must be taken, of which at least one is a 300 level course.
Required Courses: Astronomy Minor
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- PHY 220 - Modern Physics
- PHY 230 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory
- AST 110 - Introductory Astronomy
- AST 210 - Intermediate Astronomy
- AST 310 - Astrophysics
- MA 222 - Calculus III
Elective Courses: Astronomy Minor
- PHY 280 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
- PHY 300 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHY 301 - Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory
- PHY 310 - Electronics/Circuits
- PHY 330 - Introduction to Material Science
- PHY 340 - Classical Mechanics
- PHY 350 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- AST 330 - Relativity and Cosmology
- AST 395 - Independent Work in Physics
3/2 Science & Engineering Program
Goucher College has established a dual degree program through which students earn both a bachelor of arts degree from Goucher and a bachelor of science degree from the G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering of The Johns Hopkins University. The purpose of the program is to enable students to explore the liberal arts and sciences, while developing professional knowledge and experience in a specific field of engineering. Students in the program will be admitted initially by Goucher College, where they will typically spend three years fulfilling general education requirements and completing major requirements for the B.A. degree in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics. There are three distinct concentrations within the physics major that may be chosen. However, the Physics major with computer science concentration may be the best suited for the 3/2 engineering program for two reasons: (1) the schedule flexibility and (2) variation of the required courses. Successful students will then complete an additional two years at Johns Hopkins, during which requirements will be completed for the bachelor of science degree in one of the following disciplines: " Electrical and computer engineering, which includes the fields of communications, control systems, electronics, and digital systems. " Material science and engineering, which is concerned with the structure, properties, performance, processing, and production, of all materials. " Mechanical engineering, which deals with the concerns of energy through useful mechanical devices. " Biomedical engineering, which encompasses the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems. " Chemical engineering, which relies on the laws of physics, chemistry, and mathematics to change the structures of chemical substances and purify new substances that are created in the process. " Civil engineering, which reflects the breadth of the engineering disciplines in the planning and design of buildings, bridges, transportation systems, and environmental programs. A typical student will complete one year of physics, one year of calculus in the Freshman Year. PHY220, PHY230, PHY(300 or 330), MA221 and 222 in the Sophomore Year. One course per semester should be taken at Hopkins during the student's third year at Goucher depending on the Engineering discipline. Students interested in pursuing the 3/2 Program are encouraged to speak with Dr. Ali Bakhshai (abakhsha@goucher.edu) for details on the various programs. This program is highly demanding and its completion in five years may be possible only if a student is exempt from some introductory courses or if courses are taken in the summer.
Required Courses: 3/2 Science & Engineering Program
- MA 117/118 - Calculus I, II
- MA 118 - Calculus II
- MA 221 - Linear Algebra
- MA 222 - Calculus III
- MA 231 - Differential Equations with Applications
- CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science
- PHY 125 - General Physics I
- PHY 126 - General Physics II
- CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I
- CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry I: Laboratory
- CHE 151 - Principles of Chemistry II: Lecture
- CHE 152 - Principles of Chemistry II: Laboratory
Post Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program
The Department also participates in Goucher's Post Baccalaureate Program by offering courses which prepare the returning student for the rigors of medical school by providing specific topical material and, more importantly, by providing a forum for instilling such skills as critical thinking, construction of logical arguments, and clear expression of ideas.
Required Courses: Post Baccalaureate Pre-Med ProgramService Courses
Courses at the introductory level in physics are planned to meet various needs. Physics 115 and 116 are designed to give a general survey of physics with emphasis on physical reasoning rather than mathematical analysis and are intended for students who plan to major in the life sciences, enter the health professions, or teach in the elementary schools. Physics 125 and 126 are more comprehensive and analytical and are intended for students who have taken calculus, plan to minor in physics or astronomy, or major in the physical sciences or mathematics. Astronomy 110 is intended to satisfy students' science distribution requirements.
The Degree with Latin Honors
Students who have taken at least 60 semesters credit hours on a letter-grade basis at Goucher or as a part of a Goucher sponsored study-abroad program may be awarded their degrees
- suma cum laude with a grade point average of 3.90
- magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.70 to 3.89
- cum laude with a grade point average of 3.50 to 3.69.
The Degree with Honors in Physics
Majors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are encouraged to strive for Honors in the major at the graduation. Departmental honors will be awarded on the basis of outstanding course work and additional independent research achievements. Students who wish to be considered for Honors in major should plan their schedule to include independent research as described in the guidelines below.
A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in courses required for the physics major exclusive of 100 level courses, and a high level of achievement in either two semesters of independent research work or one summer independent research work plus one semester of independent research work under supervision of a faculty member from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Results of independent work should be presented either at open seminar attended by students and faculty or in Senior Thesis graded by the physics and astronomy faculty members.
Final selection requires the approval of the majority of the faculty members in the Department of Physics
Adivsing Templates:
- Advising Template: Advanced Studies
- Advising Template: Astronomy Concentration
- Advising Template: Computer Science Concentration
- Advising Template: Premedical Studies
- Advising Template: Materials Science Concentration
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