Physics

Distribution Requirements

Any course in physics numbered 103 or above may be counted toward the fulfillment of the distribution requirement in Natural Science and Mathematics. Physics 120, 220, 130, or 230 satisfies the distribution requirement in laboratory science. AP credit for Physics 118 or 119 does not satisfy the distribution requirement in laboratory science.

Major Requirements

Physics 120 or 130 is a prerequisite to a major in physics. Only with specific permission of the department chair can Physics 118 satisfy this prerequisite. The major consists of ten physics courses: 200, 220 or 230, 310, 320, 330, 335, 350, and 360; the mathematics requirement; and one course chosen from courses numbered 400 to 460. If Physics 201 is not taken to fulfill the mathematics requirement, then an additional physics course is required at the 400 level with the approval of the department.

Mathematics Requirement

Major Requirements (Engineering Dual Degree (3-2) Track)

Students seeking to complete the dual degree engineering (3-2) track with a physics major are required to take the following courses in order to receive a B.S. degree in Physics from Davidson: Physics 230, 310, 320, 335; the mathematics requirement; and two courses chosen from 330, 350, and 360.

Honors Requirements

In addition to completing the requirements for a major in physics, a candidate for honors in physics must submit a written thesis covering an independent research project. Such a project may be based upon work completed in Physics 495, 496, or in an undergraduate research program on or away from campus that is approved by the department. Applications for honors in physics should be made in writing to the chair of the department no later than the end of the junior year.

The awarding of honors in physics is based on:

1. An overall average of at least 3.2, with an average of at least 3.5 in physics courses taken at Davidson.
2. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination in Physics.
3. An oral presentation of the research in a departmental seminar.
4. The favorable vote of the physics faculty concerning the qualities of the candidate, the course of study, the written thesis, and the oral defense.

Applied Mathematics Concentration

Computer Science Concentration

Physics Courses

• PHY 103 - Physics of the Environment
• PHY 105 - Astronomy
• PHY 110 - The Physics Around You
• PHY 115 - Musical Technology
• PHY 118 - Advanced Placement Credit: Mechanics
• PHY 119 - Advanced Placement Credit: Electricity and Magnetism
• PHY 120, 220 - General Physics
• PHY 130, 230 - General Physics with Calculus
• PHY 200 - Computational Physics (= CSC 200)
• PHY 201 - Mathematical Methods for Scientists
• PHY 310 - Electronics and Instrumentation
• PHY 320 - Introduction to Modern Physics
• PHY 330 - Intermediate Mechanics
• PHY 335 - Advanced Laboratory
• PHY 350 - Electricity and Magnetism
• PHY 360 - Quantum Mechanics I
• PHY 391, 392 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 395, 396 - Independent Study
• PHY 397 - Independent Study in Advanced Software Development in Science (= CSC 397)
• PHY 400 - Statistical and Thermal Physics
• PHY 410 - Intermediate Astrophysics
• PHY 415 - Optics and Lasers
• PHY 430 - Advanced Mechanics
• PHY 495, 496 - Independent Research