Applied Physics

专业详情

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature. Applied physics uses these laws to understand phenomena that have practical applications. Engineering in turn makes use of these phenomena for human purposes. Applied physics thus forms a link between the fundamental laws of nature and their applications. Students majoring in Applied Physics take courses in both physics and engineering, as well as courses specifically in applied physics. Students completing the program in Applied Physics are prepared for graduate study in applied physics, in physics, in nanoscience, or in engineering, and, with appropriate prerequisites, in medicine; or they may choose careers in a wide range of technical and commercial fields, or in fields such as technical writing or patent law that draw on interdisciplinary subjects.

Contemporary physical science and engineering are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Traditional boundaries between fields have blurred, and new areas are constantly emerging, e.g., nanotechnology. The Applied Physics major provides a flexible framework on which students can build a curriculum tailored to their own interests, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).

Prerequisites 

During their first year, students interested in Applied Physics should start by taking courses in mathematics, and in physics if possible, appropriate to their level of preparation. The choice between different starting points is generally made on the basis of performance on Advanced Placement tests. The multiplicity of choices facing students interested in this general area indicates the importance of informed advice for first-year students. Students should consult freely with DUSes and individual faculty members in their departments of interest to optimize choices and to ensure maximum flexibility at the time a major is selected.

The required prerequisites for students interested in Applied Physics include two physics courses and one physics lab; APHY 151 or MATH 120; and PHYS 301 (or APHY 194 with either MATH 222 or MATH 225 or MATH 226).

The recommended starting courses in physics are PHYS 200 and 201. These courses should be taken in the first year by students who have a strong preparation in mathematics and physics. Students with a particularly strong background in physics and mathematics may take PHYS 260 and 261 instead. Students who are less well prepared in physics and mathematics may choose to take PHYS 180 and 181 during their first year, or PHYS 200 and 201 during their sophomore year after they have taken more mathematics courses. One laboratory course, PHYS 166L or 206L, should be taken at some time during the first or second year.

Requirements of the Major 

The major in Applied Physics requires eight courses beyond the introductory sequence. Two of these must be APHY 471 and 472. All majors are also required to take APHY 322, 439, and 420, or equivalents. The three remaining advanced courses should focus on a particular area of concentration. For example, a student interested in solid-state and/or quantum electronics might choose from APHY 321, 448, 449, EENG 320, and 325. A student interested in the physics of materials and/or nanoscience might choose from APHY 448, 449, CHEM 220, and MENG 285. Many other concentrations are possible.

Credit/D/Fail All courses required for the major, beyond the prerequisites, must be taken for a letter grade, with the single exception that one such course may be taken Credit/D/Fail with permission of the DUS. The senior special projects, APHY 471 and 472, may only be taken for a letter grade.

Senior Requirement 

Seniors must complete an independent research project, taken as APHY 471 and 472. The independent research project is under the supervision of a faculty member in Applied Physics, Physics, Engineering, or related departments. The project may be started in the junior year and continued into the senior year. Students planning to do a research project should contact the DUS as early as possible to discuss available options and general requirements.

Advising

The Applied Physics major provides for various programs corresponding to a range of student interests. Substitutions of equivalent courses may be permitted. Students interested in an Applied Physics major should contact the DUS as early as possible, and in any case by the end of their sophomore year.