Undergraduate Physics Degree Programs (2024-25)
Physics is concerned with the most basic principles that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Physicists
ask, “How does the world work?” They search for the most elementary particles; they seek to understandthe emergent behavior of systems ranging from quarks in nuclei to stars in galaxies; they strive for insights
into the nature of space, time, matter and energy. On a more human scale, physicists study an enormous
range of topics including all the devices of modern electronics, complex biological molecules, theenvironment and atmosphere, and novel energy resources. Studying physics prepares some students topush back the boundaries of knowledge in this most fundamental of the natural sciences. For others it
provides training in the concepts and methods of science for application in a variety of professional areas.
All students of physics benefit from excellent problem-solving skills and a deep understanding oftechnology in modern society.
Physics majors at UVa are an outstanding, enthusiastic and diverse group. Typically, about fifty students
graduate each year with bachelor’s degrees in Physics. These students have a wide range of interests, andmany have double majors. Recent second majors include anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics,
English, environmental science, French, German, government, history, mathematics, music, philosophy,
psychology, religious studies, Slavic, and studio art, along with all fields of engineering.
Approximately half of our BS Physics and BS Astronomy/Physics majors enter the work force after
graduation, where their employment opportunities are excellent. Large companies where our graduates
have recently started include KPMG, Epic, NOVA, Exxon Mobile, General Dynamics, GE Lighting, Rolls
Royce, McKinsey, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Entry-level salaries for physics majors are similar to thosein other technical fields, as illustrated in the graph below. Copious information about careers in physics isavailable from the American Physical Society, the American Institute for Physics, and thenational Society for Physics Students.

1

The other half of our majors go on to graduate or
professional schools, many at top-ranked universities
where they are very successful. Recent graduates haveattended UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, Cal Tech,
Chicago, Cornell, Princeton, Duke, Georgia Tech,
Harvard, Toronto, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, MIT,
Stanford, and Yale. While the majority of these students
continue their physics studies, others go on toprofessional schools in medicine, education, businessand law.
All together, physics offers an unparalleled combinationof intellectual satisfaction and career prospects. If thissounds appealing, get in contact with a physics advisor
and let us tell you more about it!
If you are curious about how a physics degree may fit your interests, please contact one of the physics
undergraduate advisers listed below to learn about the various possibilities and to design a program to fit
your specific needs. No prerequisite classes have to be taken before a Physics Major or Minor is declared.

Undergraduate Advisors

OfficeOffice Phone

Email Address

Gai-Wei Chern

Physics 310C

924-4276

gc6u@virginia.edu

Craig GroupHEP 113243-5552

rcg6p@virginia.edu

Bob Hirosky

HEP 101

982-5721

rjh2j@virginia.edu

Kent Paschke

Physics 163

924-4543

paschke@virginia.edu

Olivier Pfister

Physics 309

924-7956

op6n@virginia.edu

Jency Sundararajan

Physics 022B

243-8016

zey9gt@virginia.edu

Jongsoo Yoon

Physics 063

982-2197

jy2b@virginia.edu

Cass Sackett

Physics 311

924-6795

cas8m@virginia.edu

2REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN PHYSICSThe Physics BA degree is designed for students interested in physics but planning to enter professional
schools in business, education, law, and medicine, and for liberal arts students desiring a strong
background in physical science but with career objectives in other areas. It is a highly flexible programthat you can customize to support your specific interests, wherever they may lie. Official information
regarding the major requirements is available in the Undergraduate Record.
While it is not required, we recommend that prospective physics majors take PHYS 1930 (Physics in the
21st Century), which introduces many of the 'big ideas' in physics, provides an overview of potential
career paths, and helps connect students with research opportunities in the department.
There are three groups of courses that are needed for the BA degree:(1) MATH 23101 and PHYS 1420, 1429, 2410, 2419
(2) MATH 3250 and PHYS 2620, 2720
(3) Four courses chosen from PHYS 2660 and/or 3000-level physics courses
A sample course schedules is shown on page 8.
The classification of the courses into prerequisites and requirements, and into components, reflects theorder in which classes are taken. Physics courses are more sequential than courses in some other majors.
Each course descriptions in SIS may list other courses that are expected to be taken earlier (prerequisites), or concurrently (co-requisites).
Students can substitute APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III), APMA
2130 (Applied Differential Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations), PHYS1425(Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1), and PHYS 2415
(Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2). Electrical andComputer Engineering Students can substitute PHYS 2415 and PHYS 2419 with ECE 3209
(Electromagnetic Fields).
The elective courses PHYS 3110 (Widely Applied Physics), PHYS 3120 (Applied Physics: Energy), and
PHYS 3140 (Intermediate Lab) can be used to complete a strong preparation in applied physics. These
courses are designed to make use of the concepts learned in the introductory courses to understand somemodern applications with a focus on energy production and use. PHYS 3630 (Computational Physics) is
another good choice for students interested in computation, or PHYS 3040 (Physics of the Human Body)
for students with interest in biology or medicine. Students completing the B.A. program have an
outstanding record of success in admission to medical, law, business, and education schools.
All required courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C, and a grade point average of at least
2.000 must be achieved in these courses for graduation. Required courses are those listed as component(2) and (3) above, and their substitutes. The Schools impose other requirements for graduation; e.g.
students in the College of Arts and Sciences need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols
scholars, must fulfill General Education requirements.

1

MATH 2310 is the last of a course sequence that includes MATH 1310 and MATH 1320

3

3000-level courses that are chosen often as electives and that are offered regularly:
PHYS 3040
Physics of the Human Body
[3]
PHYS 3110
Widely Applied Physics[3]
PHYS 3120
Applied Physics: Energy[3]
PHYS 3140
Intermediate Lab[4]
PHYS 3150
Electronics[3]
PHYS 3170
Advanced Lab A[3]
PHYS 3180
Advanced Lab B[3]
PHYS 3250
Applied Nuclear Physics[3]
PHYS 3620
Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [3]PHYS 3995
Research[3]
Classes that are admissible, but directed towards the BS majors, include:
PHYS 3210
Classical Mechanics
PHYS 3310
Statistical Physics
PHYS 3420, 3430
Electricity and Magnetism I, II
PHYS 3650, 3660
Quantum Mechanics I, II

4

[3]
[3]
[3,3]
[3,3]

REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN PHYSICSThe Physics BS degree is designed for students who are planning graduate study in physics orphysics-related areas, or who are planning careers in a scientific or technical field. The programprovides intensive preparation in physics and lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of
discovery. Official information regarding the major requirements is available in the Undergraduate
Record.
While it is not required, we recommend that prospective physics majors take PHYS 1930 (Physics
in the 21st Century), which introduces many of the 'big ideas' in physics, provides an overview ofpotential career paths, and helps connect students with research opportunities in the department.
There are three groups of courses that are needed for the B.S. degree:(1) MATH 23102 and PHYS 1420, 1429, 2410, 2419
(2) MATH 3250, PHYS 2620, 2720 and either PHYS 1655 or PHYS 3630
(3) MATH 4220, and PHYS 3140, 3170 or 3180, 3210, 3310, 3340, 3420, 34303, 3650, 3660, 3995
and one 3000-5000 level Physics elective.
Sample course schedules are shown on pages 9, 10 and 11.
Students can substitute APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III), APMA
2130 (Applied Differential Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations), APMA 3140
(Applied Partial Differential Equations) for MATH 4220 (Partial Differential Equations), PHYS1425(Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1), and PHYS 2415
(Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2).
Three special concentrations can be pursued by students in either the BA or the BS programs: A
Computational Physics Concentration (PHYS 5630, 5640 Computational Physics I, II); an Optics
Concentration (PHYS 5310 Optics and PHYS 5320 Fundamentals of Photonics); and an Experimental
Physics Concentration (PHYS 3150 Electronics, and both of PHYS 3170 Advanced Laboratory 1, and
PHYS 3180 Advanced Laboratory 2).
A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses with a minimum grade of C must be
achieved for graduation. Required courses are the ones listed as components (2) and (3) above, and theirsubstitutes. The School imposes other requirements for graduation; e.g. students in the College of Arts
and Sciences need to earn a certain number of credits, and, if not Echols scholars, have to fulfill General
Education requirements.
Distinguished Major Program - This program provides recognition of outstanding academic
performance in a challenging sequence of Physics courses including a research project. Students whocomplete the BS requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given
departmental recommendation to receive their degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest
distinction, respectively.

2

MATH2310 is the last of a course sequence that includes MATH1310 and MATH1320
Your advisor may allow substituting PHYS 3430 with PHYS 5310 (Optics), in which case PHYS 5310 would not doublecount as an elective. Students that plan to continue in graduate school in physics should take PHYS 3430.
35

REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY/PHYSICSThe Astronomy/Physics BS is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy
Department. The program prepares a student for graduate study in either astronomy or physics, or in
related fields. Students in this major have advisors both from Astronomy and Physics. Official information
regarding the major requirements is available in the Undergraduate Record.
While it is not required, we recommend that prospective majors take ASTR 1610 (Introduction to
Astronomy Research), which introduces many of the 'big ideas' in astronomy and helps connect students
with research opportunities in the department.
Students take MATH 1310, 1320, 2310, 3250, 4220; PHYS 1420, 1429, 2410, 2419, 2620, 1655 or 3630,
2720, 3210, 3310, 3420, 3430, 3650; ASTR 2110, 2120, 3130, 4998 (Senior Thesis), and six additional
credits of 3000-5000 level astronomy courses. A sample course schedule is shown on page 12.
Students can substitute PHYS1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory
Physics 1), and PHYS 2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics
2).
Distinguished Astronomy-Physics Major Program - Students must maintain a GPA of 3.400 or
better. For the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP), students must meet the requirements of theastronomy-physics major described above, must complete either PHYS 3660 or any PHYS course at
the 5000-level, complete a two-semester Senior Thesis (ASTR 4998), and complete at least two
ASTR courses at the 4000 or 5000-level (excluding ASTR 4993 and 4998) as part of the six creditsof elective astronomy courses. This program leads to the award of degrees with distinction, highdistinction, or highest distinction.

6

REQUIREMENTS: MINOR IN PHYSICSIn addition to a major subject, students may choose a minor in a second subject. The physics minor is an
excellent option for students whose primary interests lie elsewhere, but who enjoy physics and want todevelop their proficiency with it. Official information regarding the minor requirements is available in
the Undergraduate Record.
There are two options leading to a Physics Minor:
Option I
Math 23104 (Calculus III) and PHYS 1420, 1429, 2410, 2419 (Introductory Physics I-II for Physics
Majors and accompanying workshops), 2620 (Modern Physics), 2720 (Problem Solving), and one
3000-level physics course.
Option II
Math 23106 (Calculus III) and PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 (the Introductory Physics Courses thatsatisfy pre-health requirements), 2620 (Modern Physics), 2720 (Problem solving), and one 3000level physics course.
*Option II is intended for exceptional students only. Modern Physics, and most electives, requirecalculus-based physics, and mathematics preparation as it is taught in MATH 2310 (Multivariable
Calculus). It is strongly recommended to see a physics major advisor, or the course instructor, before
taking Modern Physics.
Students can substitute APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III),PHYS1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1), and PHYS
2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2).
A grade point average of at least 2.0 for all the required courses for the minor with a minimum grade of
C must be achieved.
The college does not allow for double counting of courses between minor and major(s) for college
students. A physics advisor can grant exceptions to this if the course which is to be double counted is an
introductory physics course that is a required component in the major.

4

MATH 2310 is the last of a course sequence that includes MATH 1310 and MATH 1320

7

TYPICAL COURSE SEQUENCES
Example Course Sequence for BA Physics
Shown is a typical schedule for a student who intends to major with a BA in physics. The course sequence
shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major. A Physics BA can easily be started in thesecond year.
Fall
SpringFirst Year
MATH 1310
Calculus I[4]MATH 1320
Calculus II[4]st*
PHYS 1930
Phys. 21 century[2]
PHYS 1420
Intro. Physics 1[3]
PHYS 1660
Practical Computing*[1]
PHYS 1420
Intro. Phys. 1 Workshop[1]----------------------Second Year
MATH 2310
Calculus III[4]
MATH 3250
Differential Eqn.
[4]
PHYS 2410
Intro. Physics 2[3]
PHYS 2620
Modern Physics[4]
PHYS 2419
Intro. Phys. 2 Workshop [1]PHYS 2720
Problem solving[2]----------------------Third Year
PHYS 2660
Fund. Sci. Comp.
[3]
PHYS 3140
Intermediate Lab[4]----------------------Fourth Year
PHYS 3110
Widely Applied Physics [3]PHYS 3120
Applied Physics: Energy [3]-----------------------*

These courses are not required8First Example Course Sequence for BS in Physics
The standard schedule shown here assumes no AP credit or summer classes, and it is suitable for a student
who does not need to prepare for the Physics GRE in fall of the fourth year. The course sequence shown
covers only the courses that are relevant for the major.
Fall*

MATH 1310
PHYS 1930
PHYS 1660------------

Calculus I
Phys. 21st century*
Practical Computing*

MATH 2310
PHYS 2410
PHYS 2419
PHYS 1655------------

Calculus III
Intro. Physics 2
Intro. Phys. 2 Workshop
PythonMATH 4220
PHYS 3210
PHYS 3310------------

Part. Diff. Eq.
Class. Mech.
Statistical Physics

PHYS 3430
PHYS 3650
PHYS 3995------------

Electricity & Magn. II
Quantum Physics I
Research

SpringFirst Year
[4]
MATH 1320[2]
PHYS 1420[1]
PHYS 1420-----------Second Year
[4]
MATH 3250[3]
PHYS 2620[1]
PHYS 2720[3]----------------------Third Year
[3]
MATH 4210[3]
PHYS 3420[3]
PHYS 3140-----------Fourth Year
[3]
PHYS 3660[3]
PHYS 3180[3]
PHYS 3xxx------------

These courses are not required.

9

Calculus II
Intro. Physics 1
Intro. Phys. 1 Workshop

[4]
[3]
[1]

Differential Eqn.
Modern Physics
Problem solving

[4]
[4]
[2]

Mathematics for Physics
Electricity & Magn. I
Intermediate Lab

[3]
[3]
[4]

Quantum Physics II
Advanced Lab B
Elective

[3]
[3]
[3]

Second Example Course Sequence for BS in Physics
Students applying to graduate school typically take the physics GRE exam in fall of the fourth year. The
course sequence shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major.
Fall*

MATH 1310
PHYS 1930
PHYS 1660------------

Calculus I
Phys. 21st century*
Practical Computing*

MATH 2310
PHYS 2410
PHYS 2419
PHYS 1655------------

Calculus III
Intro. Physics 2
Intro. Phys. 2 Workshop
PythonMATH 4220
PHYS 3210
PHYS 3650------------

Part. Diff. Eq.
Class. Mech.
Quantum Physics I

PHYS 3430
PHYS 3310
PHYS 3995------------

Electricity & Magn. II
Statistical Physics
Research

SpringFirst Year
[4]
MATH 1320[2]
PHYS 1420[1]
PHYS 1420-----------Second Year
[4]
MATH 3250[3]
PHYS 2620[1]
PHYS 2720[3]
MATH 4210-----------Third Year
[3]
PHYS 3660[3]
PHYS 3420[3]
PHYS 3140-----------Fourth Year
[3]
PHYS 3180[3]
PHYS 3xxx[3]-----------------------

These courses are not required.

10

Calculus II
Intro. Physics 1
Intro. Phys. 1 Workshop

[4]
[3]
[1]

Differential Eqn.
Modern Physics
Problem solving
Mathematics for Physics

[4]
[4]
[2]
[3]

Quantum Physics II
Electricity & Magn. I
Intermediate Lab

[3]
[3]
[4]

Advanced Lab B
Elective[3][3]

Third Example Course Sequence for BS in Physics
This course sequence assumes AP credit (or similar) for Calculus I, Calculus II, and Introductory Physics
1. The course sequence shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major.
Fall
MATH 2310
PHYS 2410
PHYS 1429-----------------------

Calculus III
Intro. Physics 2
Intro. Phys. 1 Workshop

MATH 4220
PHYS 3210
PHYS 3310
PHYS 1655------------

Part. Diff. Eq.
Class. Mech.
Statistical Physics
PythonPHYS 3430
PHYS 3650
PHYS 3995------------

Electricity & Magn. II
Quantum Physics I
Research

SpringFirst Year
[4]
PHYS 2419[3]
MATH 3250[1]
PHYS 2620
PHYS 2720-----------Second Year
[3]
PHYS 3420[3]
PHYS 3140[3]
MATH 4210[3]----------------------Third Year
[3]
PHYS 3660[3]
PHYS 3180[3]
PHYS 3xxx------------

Intro. Phys. 2 Workshop
Differential Eqn.
Modern Physics
Problem solving

[1]
[4]
[4]
[2]

Electricity & Magn. I
Intermediate Lab
Mathematics for Physics

[3]
[4]
[3]

Quantum Physics II
Advanced Lab B
Elective

[3]
[3]
[3]

The schedule ends after 3 years. Some students take more advanced courses in physics, and someconcentrate on a second major in their fourth year. Some students graduate early.

11

Example Course Sequence for BS Astronomy/Physics
This schedule is for students who intend to major with a BS in Astronomy / Physics. The course sequence
shown covers only the courses that are relevant for the major. Students in the Distinguished AstronomyPhysics Major Program are required to take more courses, mostly in their fourth year.
This schedule assumes one semester of calculus experience from high school, either via dual enrollment
or AP Calculus AB. The major is still readily accessible to students with no calculus background, consult
with an advisor about developing a schedule suitable to your situation.
Fall*

MATH 1320
PHYS 1660----------------------------------

Calculus II
Practical Computing*

ASTR 2110
MATH 3250
PHYS 2410
PHYS 2419
PHYS 1655

Intro Astrophys. I
Differential Equations
Intro. Physics 2
Intro. Phys. 2 Workshop
PythonMATH 4220
PHYS 3210
PHYS 3650------------

Part. Diff. Eq.
Class. Mech.
Quantum Physics I

PHYS 3430
PHYS 3310
ASTR 4810------------

Electricity & Magn. II
Statistical Physics
Astrophysics*

SpringFirst Year
[4]
MATH 2310[1]
PHYS 1420
PHYS 1420
ASTR 1610*-----------Second Year
[3]
ASTR 2120[4]
PHYS 2620[3]
PHYS 2720[1]
PHYS 3340[3]-----------Third Year
[3]
PHYS 3420[3]
ASTR 3130[3]
ASTR 3/4xxx-----------Fourth Year
[3]
ASTR 3/4xxx[3]
ASTR 4998[3]-----------------------

These courses are not required.

12

Calculus III
Intro. Physics 1
Intro. Phys. 1 Workshop
Intro. Astr. Research

[4]
[3]
[1]
[1]

Intro Astrophys. II
Modern Physics
Problem solving
Math for Physics

[3]
[4]
[2]
[3]

Electricity & Magn. I
Observational Lab
Astronomy elective

[3]
[3]
[3]

Astronomy elective
Thesis[3][3]