UNDERGRADUATE PHYSICS

Program Director: Robert McCarthy
Physics P-105
Hours: M,Tu 1-3 PM during the  semester and by appointment
robert.mccarthy@stonybrook.edu

The main reason to major in physics or to take physics courses is that it teaches you how to think. You may wish to apply this ability in many different directions--from research in physics to applied work in geology, medicine, biochemistry, engineering or many other fields, or to teaching in high school.  A good way to explore a direction of your choice is to do research. Recent undergraduates have done research in physics, biology, physiology, neurobiology and geology.  Another way to find a direction which fits you is through a minor or second major.  Recent double majors with physics have included astronomy, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science and biomedical engineering.  Most students take their first physics course in one of the following introductory sequences,   

 

Introductory Sequences in Physics

Course Sequence	Setting	Calculus required?	Typical # students
Physics for Environmental Sciences
PHY119	lecture	no	30
Physics for the Life Sciences
PHY121/123-PHY122/124	lecture/lab	yes	500
	lecture/lab	yes	70
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
PHY125-PHY126-PHY127	lecture	yes	150
PHY131-PHY132	lecture	yes	450
	online	yes	150
	lecture/lab	yes	70
PHY141-PHY142	lecture	yes	40
PHY133-PHY134	lab	yes	800

We offer Physics for Environmental Sciences as a one semester course sampling the most important parts all of physics, as seen from the perspective of an environmental scientist.

We also offer a two-semester Physics for the Life Sciences sequence requiring some use of calculus and covering all of classical and modern physcs.  This sequence is currently accepted for all life-science applications including medical school.

In the studio version of PHY121-122 lecture, recitation and lab are all combined in one room with flexible boundaries in time--and in a relatively small class setting.

We offer three sequences of Physics for Scientists and Engineers depending on the level at which the student enters the sequence. The basic sequence is PHY131-PHY132 which teaches all of classical physics in two semesters. The pace of this course is very fast, matching the abilities of students who have taken advanced placement classes in high school. For students who feel this pace is too fast (perhaps because they obtain a poor grade on the first midterm exam), there is a three-semester sequence, which teaches the same topics covered in PHY131-PHY132, but in three semesters: PHY125-PHY126-PHY127. Students who obtain a poor score on the first midterm in PHY131 can drop-down into PHY125 just after the first midterm in PHY131.

We also offer an online version of PHY131. All the tests must be taken in a classroom, but the lecture and recitation are totally online, including clicker questions.

In the studio version of PHY131-132 lecture, recitation and lab are all combined in one room with flexible boundaries in time--and in a relatively small class setting.

The honors version of PHY131-132 is called PHY141-142. It goes at the same speed as 131-132 but covers its topics in more depth.

The PHY133-PHY134 labs follow the PHY131-PHY132 sequence of topics.

Courses

Click on "Courses" in the left border of this page to see all the courses available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy,  The courses for non-science students are highlighted in red on this page.

Major and Minor Requirements in Physics

Click on "Undergraduate Bulletin" in the left border of this page then "Programs and Courses" → "Majors, Minors &Programs" → "Physics"

Specialization in Optics (Physics Majors)

Click on "Undergraduate Bulletin" in the left border of this page then "Programs and Courses" → "Majors, Minors &Programs" → "Physics"

Minor in Optics (Non-Physics Majors)

Click on "Undergraduate Bulletin" in the left border of this page then "Programs and Courses" → "Majors, Minors &Programs" → "Optics"

Undergraduate Research
Click on "Research" in the left border of this page.