Physics (BS, BA, minor)

Program Overview

Physics involves the study of matter and its motion, energy and force. Physicists strive to understand nature at its fundamental level, from the path of a marble rolling off a table to the collective state of electrons in a superconductor. The Physics Department at Binghamton University offers tracks in pure physics, mathematical physics, engineering physics and applied physics.

Degrees Offered

• BS in Physics
• BA in Physics
• BS in Physics: Applied and Engineering Physics
• BS in Physics: Mathematical Physics

Minors

• Physics

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The Physics Department provides several opportunities for students to participate in both experimental and theoretical research:

• atomic, molecular and optical physics
• condensed matter
• high energy theory
• Biophysics

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• PHYS 121 - General Physics I

  Basic concepts underlying physical phenomena, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, forces found in nature, rotational motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Helps students understand natural phenomena and technology encountered in modern world. Prior experience in physics and calculus is not assumed. For majors and non-majors. Prerequisites: high school trigonometry and algebra. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 131 - Gen. Physics I(Calculus Based)

  A calculus based introduction to the basic concepts underlying physical phenomena, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, forces found in nature, rotational motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Lectures, discussion, demonstration, and laboratory. Prerequisites: high school trigonometry and algebra; AP calculus or MATH 221 as corequesite. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 224 - Differential Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in differential calculus covering limits, continuity, and differentiation. Prerequisites: MATH 223 with a grade of C- or better, or Placement Exam. Offered each half semester. 2 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• MATH 225 - Integral Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in integral calculus covering optimization and integration. Prerequisites: MATH 224 with a grade of C- or better. Offered 2nd half of fall semester and both half semesters of spring semester. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 122 - General Physics II

  Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, wave motion and light. Lecture, laboratory, demonstration and discussions. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 131. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 132 - Gen. Physics II(Calculus Based

  Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, light, wave motion and relativity. Lectures, discussion, demonstration and laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 131. Corequisite: MATH 222. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 226 - Integration Tech & Application

  This is a 2-credit course covering the calculus of transcendental & inverse functions, L’Hospital’s Rule, integral techniques, improper integrals, calculus of parametric curves, and polar coordinates. Prerequisites: Math 225 with a grade of at least a C- or consent of instructor. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• CHEM 111 - Chemical Principles

  A one-semester introductory course in modern chemistry for potential science and engineering majors. Covers molecular structure and bonding, solids, organic chemistry and polymers, acid/base and redox chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry and kinetics in both lecture and laboratory. Fulfills all requirements met by CHEM 107-108.Credits: 4. Format: 3 hour lecture; 2 hour discussion; 3 hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry. Not open to students who have credit for CHEM 107 or CHEM 108. If taken as a part of a pre-health track an additional semester of inorganic chemistry must be taken to fulfill the requirement. Offered Fall and Spring. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

After You Graduate

A bachelor’s degree in physics can lead to graduate study in physics, engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics. The curriculum encourages the development of analytical, laboratory and reasoning skills that make physics majors useful in a variety of work environments. Students with a degree in physics can find work in fields such as law, astronomy, computer science, engineering, medicine and finance.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Physics website.