Physics Minor
Astrophysics Minor
Specializations
Overview
The Department of Physics offers three degree paths, each of which confers a BS in Physics: Physics, Physics and Secondary Education, and a 7-Year Physics BS/MD (Medical) Program.
Consistent with the goals of TCNJ, the physics faculty has substantial contact with each student. Faculty advisors meet regularly with students to assist in defining educational paths that will best allow the pursuit of career goals. The Department strongly encourages students to engage in independent research during the academic year through independent study courses (PHY 393/493) and also during the summer through the Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experiences Program (MUSE). Students have the opportunity to participate in research programs with faculty members in each sub-discipline of physics in well-equipped research laboratories. Some projects have multidisciplinary aspects and involve collaborations both within and outside of the department. Students have hands-on access to an array of modern instrumentation.
For a complete description of the Physics program, please consult the TCNJ Undergraduate Bulletin
TCNJ Undergraduate Bulletins
After clicking on the link above, select “Science” and then “Physics”.
The Physics Major
The physics major has been designed to promote thorough preparation in physics and flexibility for students to engage in academic opportunities across campus. To optimally prepare for graduate study or for competitive career prospects after graduation, students are encouraged to work with their advisors to select additional courses in physics and mathematics beyond the basic major requirements.
Physics Major Requirements
- 8 Core Courses
- 4 Physics Options
- 5 Specialization Options
- 1 Capstone Course
Physics students planning to become certified to teach physics in NJ public schools should indicate this preference to the Physics Department in order to ensure adequate advising through the required School of Education courses.
The Department of Physics offers three degree paths, each of which confers a BS in Physics:
Physics Minor
The Physics Minor is intended to promote preparation in physics and to help prepare for graduate work in physics, astronomy, geophysics, interdisciplinary sciences, engineering, or graduate school in professions such as medicine or law. The minor will also improve skills and competency for careers in industry, public service, or teaching. The minor consists of 5 courses:
- PHY 201/203
- PHY 202/204
- PHY 321
- Two additional 3XX/4XX, with minimum one 4XX (excluding PHY 361 and PHY 466††)
†† If interested in PHY 361/466, please consider the astrophysics minor
Note: Most PHY 4XX courses require either PHY 306 or MAT 229. Students should plan accordingly to ensure they are able to enroll in their selected 400-level course.
Note: up to one combined unit of PHY 393/493 may be used with approval from the Department Chair.
Astrophysics Minor
The Astrophysics Minor is intended to promote preparation in astrophysics and to help prepare for graduate work in physics, astronomy, geophysics, and interdisciplinary sciences. The minor will also improve skills and competency for careers in industry, public service, or teaching. The minor consists of 5 courses:
- PHY 162/163
- PHY 201/203
- Two of the following: PHY 361, PHY 413, PHY 466
- One of the following: PHY 311, PHY 321, PHY 345, PHY393/493, PHY 411, PHY 421, PHY 425, PHY 426, PHY 431, PHY 361 (if not selected above), PHY 413 (if not selected above), PHY 466 (if not selected above)
Note: up to 1.0 combined unit of PHY 393/493 may be used. Requires a short justification of how the project will add to the student’s understanding of astronomical content to be approved by the Astro minor advisor.
Specializations
Specializations are a coherent set of 7 option courses that are chosen from within the 10 required major option courses.