Program Requirements and Opportunities

Students may complete a major or minor in Physics. Within the major, students may complete a minor in educational studies or complete the requirements for secondary education certification. Students may complete an M.A. in the combined A.B./M.A. program. The courses in Physics emphasize the concepts and techniques that have led to our present way of modeling the physical world. They are designed both to relate the individual parts of physics to the whole and to treat the various subjects in depth. 

Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary work and for participation by qualified majors in research with members of the faculty and their graduate students. In addition, qualified majors may take graduate courses. 

Required Introductory Courses for the Major and Minor

The introductory courses required for the physics major and minor are PHYS 121 and PHYS 122 and MATH 101 and MATH 102. Students are encouraged to place out of MATH 101 and 102 if that is appropriate. Although College credit is given for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP tests and for a score of 5 or above on the IB examination, the AP and IB courses are not equivalent to PHYS 121 and PHYS 122 and advanced placement will not, in general, be given. However, students with a particularly strong background in physics and mathematics are encouraged to take the departmental placement examination between the summer before entering Bryn Mawr and the end of the first week of classes in the fall semester or consult with the department major advisor. Based on the results or discussion, the department may place students in a more advanced course. 

Major Requirements

The physics major provides depth in the discipline through a series of required courses, as well as the flexibility to choose from a range of electives in physics and related fields. This allows students to follow various paths through the major and thus tailor their program of study to best meet their career goals and scientific interests.  

Beyond the two introductory physics courses (PHYS 121 and 122) and the two introductory mathematics courses (MATH 101 and 102), eleven additional courses are required for the major with 14 credits in total.  

Eight courses (7 credits) must be: 

• PHYS 201  

• PHYS 214 

• PHYS 206   

• PHYS 306 

• PHYS 398  

• MATH 201 

• MATH 203 

• PHYS 331 OR PHYS 305 

PHYS 206, a half credit computational lab course, must also be taken; PHYS 398, offered each fall, is a half-credit Senior Seminar. PHYS 331 and PHYS 305 are Writing Intensive courses and by completing at least one of them, students can meet the Writing Requirement in the major. Haverford courses may be substituted for Bryn Mawr courses where appropriate. The remaining three courses must be chosen from among the other 300-level physics courses, one of which may be substituted with one course from among ASTR 342, 343, and 344, or a 300-level math course, with the approval of the major advisor. 500-level graduate courses may also fulfil this requirement with advisor's approval. Other substitutions from related disciplines such as chemistry, geology, and engineering may be possible. Please consult with the major advisor to discuss such options. 

Four-Year Plan meeting the minimum requirements for the major:

1st Year  

PHYS 121, 122  

MATH 101, 102 

2nd Year  

PHYS 201, 214, 206 (half-credit)  

MATH 201, 203  

3rd Year  

PHYS 306, 331 or 305, and one other 300-level physics course  

4th Year  

Two 300-level physics courses, plus 398 (half credit)  

The physics program at Bryn Mawr allows for a student to major in physics even if the introductory courses are not completed until the end of the sophomore year.  

Three-Year Plan meeting the minimum requirements for the major: 

1st Year 

MATH 101, 102  

2nd Year 

PHYS 121, 122, 206 (half-credit) 

MATH 201, 203  

3rd Year 

PHYS 201, 214, 306, 331 or 305  

4th Year 

Three 300-level physics courses, plus 398 (half-credit) 

Research

Participation in research with faculty is highly encouraged, though not required aspect to the major. Students can participate in research as early as the summer after their first year through the Summer Science Research program or by enrolling in PHYS 403 for either a half or full unit credit during a semester. Students who engage in research can learn a wide variety of experimental, theoretical, or computational skills in physics, as well as learn how to communicate their work through written reports, oral presentations given at departmental symposia held every semester, or through attendance at physics conferences. Though also not required for the major, research started earlier in one's college career can lead to the eventual completion and submission of a senior thesis, an honors senior thesis (see Honors), or an MA thesis (see A.B./M.A.). A tour of all physics research programs is provided during PHYS 121, but students are encouraged to reach out to physics faculty to learn more about their research programs. 

Honors

 The degree of Bachelor of Arts is awarded with honors in physics in recognition of excellence as demonstrated by both academic work and research. The award is made upon the recommendation of the department based on the following criteria:  

• distinction in undergraduate research and quality of a written senior thesis;  

• achievement of a major GPA of at least 3.6 and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.  

For purposes of honors, the major GPA is computed from the following courses:  

Physics courses at the 200-level and above at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, excluding PHYS 380, 390, 398, and 403 at Bryn Mawr College and their analogs at Haverford College; 200-level courses in mathematics required for the physics major (MATH B201 and B203); 300-level courses in mathematics, astronomy (or in some cases another field) only if substituted for a 300-level course in physics with the approval of the major advisor.  

Study Abroad

Many physics majors participate in the College's junior year study abroad program.  Undergraduate physics courses are surprisingly standardized throughout the world. The Majors Adviser will work with you to design an appropriate set of courses to take wherever you go. If you are considering a physics major as well as studying abroad, you are encouraged to consult with the Physics Majors Advisor as early as possible.

Minor Requirements

The requirements for the minor, beyond the introductory sequence, are PHYS 201, 214, 306; PHYS 331 or 305; MATH 201, 203; and one additional 300-level physics course. The astronomy and mathematics courses described under "Major Requirements" may not be substituted for the one additional 300-level physics course.  

Preparation for Graduate School

The department has been very successful in preparing students for graduate school in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, engineering, and related fields. To be well prepared for graduate school, students should take, at a minimum, these upper-level courses which span the basis of a traditional physics education: PHYS 302, 303, 308, and 309. Students should also take any additional courses in physics and allied fields that reflect their interests and should engage in research with a member of the faculty by taking PHYS 403. (Note that PHYS 403 does not count towards the 14 credits required for the major.) Majors can also take graduate courses to get a head start on graduate school. The department generally offers graduate courses in Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics, and Classical Mechanics. 

Minor in Educational Studies or Secondary-School Teacher  Certification

Students majoring in physics can pursue a minor in educational studies or state certification to teach at the secondary-school level. Students seeking the minor need to complete six education courses including a two-semester senior seminar, which requires five to eight hours per week of fieldwork. To earn secondary-school certification (grades 7-12) in physics, students must: complete the physics major plus two semesters of chemistry and one semester as a teaching assistant in a laboratory for introductory or intermediate physics courses; complete six education courses; and student teach full-time (for two course credits) second semester of their senior year. For additional information, see Education.

Pre-Health Professions

A major in physics can be excellent preparation for a career in the health professions. A (2010) study by the American Institute of Physics finds that "…as a group, physics bachelor's degree recipients achieve among the highest scores of any college major on the entrance exams for medical school…" In addition to one year of physics, most medical and dental schools require one year of English, one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, and one year of organic chemistry. Students wishing to pursue this path should consult the physics major's advisor early in their studies as well as the Health Professions Advising Office to develop an appropriate major plan. For additional information, see Health Professions Advising.

A Physics Major With an Engineering Focus

Students interested in enriching their physics education by incorporating engineering coursework can do so through coursework in engineering at Swarthmore College or the University of Pennsylvania. Bryn Mawr students also have the opportunity to transition to an engineering program through a combined degree program. See below for a short description of the programs available through the physics major. In addition, while departmental research programs are focused on physics, participation in experimental physics research laboratories can expose students to many engineering concepts, design cycles, and construction, and can adequately prepare students for careers in industry or continuing engineering-focused education. 

Master's Programs

University of Pennsylvania 4+1 Program

Qualified students can earn a master's degree in engineering following the completion of four years at Bryn Mawr and at least one year at UPenn. A GPA of 3.0 in all courses and of 3.0 in science and math courses is required to apply. Contact Dr. Evan Arena for more information regarding the program and learn more here.

University of Rochester 4+2 Master's in Optics

Earn a master's degree in optics following completion of four years at Bryn Mawr and two years at The University of Rochester's Institute of Optics. Contact Dr. Mike Noel for more information.

Villanova University 4+1 Program in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering 

Qualified students can earn a Masters degree from Villanova University in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering through the Villanova bridge program. Students must be accepted to the program no later than Spring of junior year. The program includes a bridge course during the summer between junior and senior year, two graduate courses taken at Villanova during the senior year, and seven additional courses taken at Villanova in the summer before and during the fifth year. A GPA of 3.0 at Bryn Mawr is required to apply. Contact Dr. Evan Arena for more information regarding the program. 

Dual Degree Programs

Caltech 3+2 AB/BS Program
Columbia 3+2 AB/BS Program

Students interested in earning a BS degree in engineering in addition to an AB degree in physics can apply for either the Caltech or Columbia 3+2 program. A student in this program would complete three years of coursework at Bryn Mawr College and then attend Caltech or Columbia for the remaining two years, receiving both an AB and a BS at the end of five years total. Both programs require that a student take specific prerequisite courses and submit an application. Contact Dr. Xuemei Cheng for more information.

A.B./M.A. Program

Students with a physics major GPA of 3.60 or above are encouraged to explore the combined A.B./M.A. program in physics, which provides the opportunity to work towards their bachelor's and master's degrees concurrently in four to five years. Students normally apply to this program during their sophomore or junior year.  

To earn an M.A. degree in physics in the College's A.B./M.A. program, a student must complete the requirements for an undergraduate physics major and must complete six units of graduate level work in physics. Of these six units, as many as two units may be undergraduate courses at the 300 level taken for graduate credit (these same two courses may be used to fulfill the major requirements for the A.B. degree), at least two units must be graduate course at the 500 level (or equivalent courses taken at the University of Pennsylvania), and two units must be graduate research at the 700 level leading to the submission and oral defense of an acceptable M.A. thesis. Students interested in the A.B./M.A. program should contact the Physics Majors Advisor to develop a feasible curricular workplan and start supervised research as early as possible. 

Courses at Haverford College

Many upper-level physics courses are taught at Haverford and Bryn Mawr in alternate years as indicated in the listings of the specific courses below. These courses (numbered 302, 303, 308, and, 309) may be taken at either institution to satisfy major requirements. Haverford 335 and Bryn Mawr 325 are both topics in advanced theoretical physics and they also tend to alternate. In addition, 100- and 200-level courses at Haverford can be used to replace 100- and 200-level courses at Bryn Mawr but these courses are not identical and careful planning is required.  

Introductory Physics Sequences

Students on a pre-health professions track wanting to take one year of physics should take PHYS 101 and PHYS 102. Some students on a physical sciences major track could take PHYS 121 and PHYS 122 and others might take PHYS 122 and PHYS 201. See your major adviser and carefully note the math pre- and co-requisites for these courses. PHYS121/122/201/214 is a coordinated, four-semester sequence in physics. Students are encouraged to place out of MATH 101 and 102 if that is appropriate. 

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