Physics BS Degrees
The department 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 (or Math 224, Math 225), MATH 222 (or Math 226, Math 227), 323, 324 (or 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.
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.
BS in Applied Physics
A Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with the applied Physics emphasis is offered for those students planning a career in Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Geophysics, Material Science or other areas of engineering.
Appropriate choices from among the elective courses that may be used to complete this degree 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 director.
The program of study for this degree represents a modification of the traditional
BS in physics. The requirements to earn the BS-Applied Physics degree are the same
as the BA-Physics degree plus CHEM 111 and an additional 12 credits taken from the
following list of required elective courses: PHYS 463, PHYS472, PHYS/GEOL 450 PHYS/GEOL
451, GEOL 453, ME 311, ME 361, CHEM 444, CHEM 481.
Six and a half of the required ten and a half 300- and 400-level PHYS courses must
be taken in residence at Binghamton University.
BS in Mathematical Physics
For students interested in pursuing graduate education or careers in mathematical physics, or other theoretically oriented fields of physical science, the department offers an emphasis in mathematical physics. Students interested in this degree should contact the undergraduate director in the Physics Department as soon as possible.
The 18 courses required for this degree are: PHYS 131 and 132 (or 121 and 122), 323, 331, 332, 341, 411, 421 and 422; MATH 224/225, 226/227, 304, 323, 330, 324 (or 371), 471 and 478; and one additional 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 director.
Students are encouraged to take laboratory courses in physics, as these courses may broaden their opportunities in graduate schools. 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.
BA/BS Starting in 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 CHEM 107 and 108).
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/BS After the Two Year Degree
The Department has secured 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. 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, PHYS 122 and PHYS 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 general education requirements as possible be fulfilled at the two-year school.
Undergraduate Program Director
Masatsugu Suzuki
Office: SN 2048
Phone: (607) 777-4320
E-mail: suzuki@binghamton.edu
