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BA in Physics

The undergraduate Physics major at Boston University gives students a foundation of knowledge and problem-solving ability on which they can build a variety of careers. The Physics Department prides itself on the quality of its teaching while also maintaining a vigorous research program. The diverse faculty ensures majors an opportunity for close interaction with their instructors and mentors. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects; many students get involved as early as their sophomore year. Qualified students can enroll as seniors in independent projects leading to a degree with honors (CAS PY 401/402).

In addition to on-campus research, in the spring term of their junior year, students may participate in the Geneva Physics Program. The Geneva Program, in cooperation with the University of Geneva, brings students directly to the cutting edge of modern physics. With classes at the University of Geneva and directed research at CERN, students work with the world's leading physicists to explore the universe on the level of its most basic constituent particles. For more information, visit the Geneva Physics Program website.

Although many of our graduates continue their careers in physics or astronomy, a BA in physics also prepares students for careers in areas such as industrial research and development, engineering, environmental science, medical physics, geophysics, oceanography, computer science, and energy resource management. It is also ideal preparation for entering professional schools, such as medicine, law, teaching, engineering, or management.

Reflecting the diversity of careers available to our students, the department offers two curricular track options: the Interdisciplinary Option, which gives students the flexibility to combine physics with another focus area in an interdisciplinary program, and the Graduate Option, which is intended to prepare students for the study of physics or a closely related subject in graduate school.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding and mastery of techniques for solving problems in electro- and magnetostatics.

Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, along with the mathematics necessary for qualitative and quantitative analyses in these areas.

Show evidence of the capability of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data in the core areas of physics.

Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University's general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Physics will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Quantitative Reasoning and Scientific Inquiry, as well as some of the requirements in Communication and the Intellectual Toolkit. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

Physics majors will also satisfy College of Arts & Sciences requirements, described here.

Interdisciplinary Option