DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS 8.05 Quantum Physics II 24

& 8.06 and Quantum Physics III

Students should also begin to take the restricted elective subjects,

Undergraduate Study one in mathematics and at least two in physics. The mathematics
subjects 18.04 Complex Variables with Applications, 18.075
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Course 8) Methods for Scientists and Engineers, and 18.06 Linear Algebra are
An undergraduate degree in physics provides an excellent basis particularly popular with physics majors. Topical elective subjects
not only for graduate study in physics and related elds, but also in astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter, plasma, and
for professional work in such elds as astrophysics, biophysics, nuclear and particle physics allow students to gain an appreciation
engineering and applied physics, geophysics, management, of the forefronts of modern physics. Students intending to go on to
law, or medicine. The undergraduate curriculum oers students graduate school in physics are encouraged to take the theoretical
the opportunity to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of physics sequence:
fundamental physics. The core departmental requirements begin
this process. The student then chooses one of two options to 8.07 Electromagnetism II 12
complete the degree: the focused option (http://catalog.mit.edu/ 8.08 Statistical Physics II 12
degree-charts/physics-course-8/#focusedoptiontext) is designed for 8.09 Classical Mechanics III 12
students who plan to pursue physics as a career, and is an excellent
choice for students who want to experience as deep an engagement An important component of this option is the thesis, which is a
as possible with physics; the flexible option (http://catalog.mit.edu/ physics research project carried out under the guidance of a faculty
degree-charts/physics-course-8/#flexibleoptiontext) also provides member. Many thesis projects grow naturally out of UROP projects.
a very strong physics framework, and gives students who may want Students should have some idea of a thesis topic by the middle
to pursue additional academic interests the flexibility to do so. of the junior year. A thesis proposal must be submitted before
Both programs prepare students very well for graduate studies in registering for thesis units and no later than Add Date of the fall term
physics, as well as for a variety of academic or research-related of the senior year.
careers. Either option provides a considerable amount of time for
A relatively large amount of elective time usually becomes available
exploration through electives. Students proceed at the pace and
during the fourth year and can be used either to deepen one's
degree of specialization best suited to their individual capacities.
background in physics or to explore other disciplines.
Both options lead to the same degree: the Bachelor of Science in
Physics.
Physics: Flexible Option
This option is designed for students who wish to develop a strong
Physics: Focused Option
background in the fundamentals of physics and then build on
This option—which includes three terms of quantum mechanics, 36
this foundation as they prepare for career paths that may or may
units of laboratory experience, and a thesis—is ideal preparation for
not involve a graduate degree in physics. Many students nd an
a career in physics.
understanding of the basic concepts of physics and an appreciation
In the second year, students take: of the physicist's approach to problem solving an excellent
preparation for the growing spectrum of nontraditional, technology-
8.03 Physics III 12 related career opportunities, as well as for careers in business, law,
8.033 Relativity 12 medicine, or engineering. Additionally, the flexible option makes
8.04 Quantum Physics I 12 it more possible for students with diverse intellectual interests to
pursue a second major in another department.
8.044 Statistical Physics I 12
8.223 Classical Mechanics II 6 The option begins with the core subjects:

Important skills for experimentation in physics may be acquired 8.01 Physics I 12

by starting an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program 8.02 Physics II 12
(UROP) (http://catalog.mit.edu/mit/undergraduate-education/ 8.03 Physics III 12
academic-research-options/undergraduate-research-opportunities-
8.04 Quantum Physics I 12
program) project.
8.044 Statistical Physics I 12
In the third year, students normally take laboratory subjects: 8.21 Physics of Energy 12
or 8.223 Classical Mechanics II
8.13 Experimental Physics I 36
& 8.14 and Experimental Physics II

Department of Physics | 3
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

Students round out their foundation material with either an 1

18.03 Dierential Equations 12
additional quantum mechanics subject (8.05 Quantum Physics Select ve Course 8 subjects beyond the General 57-60
II) or a subject in relativity (8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity Institute Requirements
or 8.033 Relativity). There is an experimental requirement of 8.13
Total Units 69-72
Experimental Physics I or, with the approval of the department, a
laboratory subject of similar intensity in another department, an 1
18.032 Dierential Equations is also acceptable.
experimental research project or senior thesis, or an experimentally
oriented summer externship. An exploration requirement consists Students should submit a completed Minor Application Form to
of one elective subject in physics. Students can satisfy the Physics Academic Programs, Room 4-315. The Physics Department's
departmental portion of the Communication Requirement by taking minor coordinator is Catherine Modica. See Undergraduate
two of the following subjects: Education for more information on minor programs (http://
catalog.mit.edu/mit/undergraduate-education/academic-programs/
8.06 Quantum Physics III 12 minors).
8.13 Experimental Physics I 18
8.14 Experimental Physics II 18 Minor in Astronomy
8.225[J] Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: 12 The Minor in Astronomy (http://catalog.mit.edu/interdisciplinary/
Physics in the 20th Century undergraduate-programs/minors/astronomy), oered jointly with
the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences,
8.226 Forty-three Orders of Magnitude 12
covers the observational and theoretical foundations of astronomy.
8.287[J] Observational Techniques of Optical 15
For a description of the minor, see Interdisciplinary Programs.
Astronomy

The department and the Subcommittee on the Communication Inquiries

Requirement may accept substitution of one of the department's two Additional information concerning degree programs and research
required CI-M subjects with a CI-M subject in another department if it activities may be obtained by contacting the department oce
forms a natural part of the student's physics program. ([email protected]), Room 4-315, 617-253-4841.

Students following this option must also complete a focus

requirement—three subjects forming one intellectually coherent unit
in some area (not necessarily physics), subject to the approval of the
department and separate from those used by the student to satisfy
the HASS requirement. Areas of focus chosen by students have
included astronomy, biology, computational physics, theoretical
physics, nanotechnology, history of science, science and technology
policy, philosophy, and science teaching. Some students may
choose to satisfy their experimental and exploration requirements in
the same area as their focus; others may opt for greater breadth by
choosing other elds to fulll these requirements.

Although students may choose this option at any time in their

undergraduate career, many decide on the flexible major during their
sophomore year in order to have enough time to cra a program that
best suits their individual needs. Specic subject choices for the
experimental and focus requirements require the written approval of
the Flexible Program coordinator, Dr. Sean P. Robinson.

Minor in Physics
The Minor in Physics provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of
a broad range of professional activities in science and engineering.
The requirements for a Minor in Physics are as follows:

4 | Department of Physics