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Program Goals

A Physics major or minor at Austin College prepares students to:

	Think critically as scientists
	Engage actively in their learning
	Understand fundamental physics concepts
	Explore contemporary topics and active areas of research
	Read scientific textbooks and journal articles critically
	Communicate scientific ideas effectively

We believe that students learn physics best by doing physics. Students begin “doing physics” in the very first course. The calculus-based introductory physics courses use a guided-discovery, activity-based approach that makes extensive use of computer acquisition and analysis of data. Faculty provide supervision for exploration and group discussions, but there are no formal lectures.

Exploration and “doing physics” permeate throughout the curriculum as students investigate more advanced topics in classical and modern physics. Six core courses provide a strong foundation in mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Students utilize advanced laboratory, theoretical, and computational approaches in upper-level courses. Depending on personal interest, students may choose from a variety of elective courses as they explore the frontiers of physics.

Student research is a vital component of the physics curriculum at Austin College.

Beginning in the sophomore year, students work closely with faculty on physics research as part of our unique Research Experience in Physics course sequence. These courses provide a valuable introduction to the research process, and students often find these research projects to be a favorite part of the course work. Past student research projects include analysis of human motion, fabrication of a superconductor, dark energy and the accelerating universe, and investigation of dust devils on Mars.

Courses

Physics Course Descriptions
Math Course Descriptions
January Term Courses

Further details on specific courses may be found on an individual faculty member’s web page.

Recommended Course Sequence for Physics Majors

	Fall	Spring
First Year	PHY 111: Calculus-Based Introductory Physics I (Workshop Physics) MATH 151: Calculus I	PHY 112: Calculus-Based Introductory Physics II (Workshop Physics) MATH 152: Calculus II
Second Year	PHY 211: Vibrations, Waves, and Optics PHY 261: Research Experience MATH 252: Calculus III	PHY 212: Modern Physics PHY 262: Research Experience MATH 301: Differential Equations
Third Year	PHY 311: Classical Mechanics PHY 361: Advanced Research Experience	PHY 312: Electromagnetism PHY 362: Advanced Research Experience
Fourth Year

Three additional one-credit physics electives (2 numbered 200 or above and 1 numbered 300 or above) are required for a physics major. Electives are often taken in the junior or senior years and in the Spring semester of the sophomore year. Students interested in Physics graduate programs are encouraged to take PHY 411 Quantum Mechanics as an elective. Recent elective offerings include:

	PHY 230 Electronics
	PHY 240 Atmospheric and Environmental Physics
	PHY 341 Computational Physics
	PHY 350 Advanced Laboratory Techniques
	PHY 411 Quantum Mechanics
	PHY 452 Advanced Topics in Physics (recent course offerings include Cosmology, Extreme Places in Our Solar System, Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, and Laser Optics)

Recommended Course Sequence for Physics Minors

	Fall	Spring
First Year	PHY 111: Calculus-Based Introductory Physics I (Workshop Physics) MATH 151: Calculus I	PHY 112: Calculus-Based ntroductory Physics II (Workshop Physics) MATH 152: Calculus II
Second Year	PHY 211: Vibrations, Waves, and Optics PHY 261: Research Experience MATH 252: Calculus III	PHY 212: Modern Physics PHY 262: Research Experience MATH 301: Differential Equations
Third Year	PHY 311: Classical Mechanics

In special circumstances, PHY 105 Algebra-Based Introductory Physics I may be substituted for PHY 111. Please see David Baker, the physics department chair for more information.

Recommended Course Sequence for Pre-Engineering

Since the pre-requisite curriculum for the dual-degree program varies between our partner schools, please visit the Pre-Engineering Program web site and click on the school of your choice to view their requirements.