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Major, Minor, Honors
& Engineering Requirements
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Major Requirements

   The requirements for a major in physics total ten course units, which include two half-unit courses (Physics 317 and 318):

   Majors contemplating graduate study in physics should take Physics 401, 402 (Theoretical Physics) and should consider acquiring a reading knowledge of German, Russian or French since a few Ph. D. programs still retain some foreign language requirement. Since physics students make extensive use of computers, potential majors are advised to enroll in Computer Science 140 (Intro to Computer Programming) during the sophomore year. The three-course calculus sequence (Mathematics 135, 136, 205) should be completed as soon as possible. Recommended for the major are Math 217 (Linear Algebra) and Math 230 (Differential Equations), and Chemistry 103, 104 (General Chemistry).

Minor Requirements

   A minor in physics consists of five and one-half course units:

Honors

   To qualify for honors, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. A major in physics that includes at least three units of 400 level work in physics, not including units earned in the seminar series 451–454.
  2. Submission for departmental evaluation of a copy of an independent project undertaken in the senior year.
  3. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all courses in the major (see “Honors” in the “Curriculum” chapter of the University Catalog).

Basic Engineering Combined Plan

   Students in the engineering combined plan who choose physics as a major must complete eight course units in physics: 151, 152, 221, 222, 307, 308, 317, 318 and 333. Other requirements for the engineering combined plan are given here and in the “Curriculum” chapter of the University Catalog.

Certification to Teach Physics

   Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 physics teacher in New York must major in physics and also complete the certification minor in education. Physics majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University's Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the physics major and the pre-certification minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates. Consult the education section of the University Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible.

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© St. Lawrence University Department of Physics
Revised: 09 Feb 2007 Canton, NY 13617