Physics Major

Requirements for the Physics Track

A major in physics requires the completion of:

1. Physics Introductory Sequence (see here ) and PHYS 101 PO  
2. PHYS128 PO - Electronics with Laboratory (CP)  
3. MATH 060 PO  and either MATH 032 PO  or MATH 067 PO  (and any prerequisites that may be necessary)
4. One non-Physics laboratory science course selected from the following: ASTR 051 PO , ASTR 101 PO ; BIOL 040 PO ; CHEM 001A PO , , or ; , , or  . Other courses may be substituted with departmental approval.
5. At least three core Physics courses (, ,  or ).
6. One other course chosen from core and upper-division elective courses
7.  
8.  and  
9.  

Courses taken to fulfill requirements for both the physics and astronomy majors must be taken on a letter grade basis. 

A rich and varied weekly colloquium series is offered in conjunction with the Harvey Mudd College Physics Department. Junior and senior physics majors are expected to attend at least three-fourths of the Pomona College colloquia and student research/thesis presentations.

A student planning graduate work in physics should take all four core courses, as well as a broader selection of elective courses in physics and mathematics and should acquire a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language and some competence in computer programming. Modified programs within the physics major are also available for students interested in medicine and high school teaching. Students interested in chemical physics, engineering, geophysics and other specializations may wish to consider proposing a special major. See the department web page for further information.

Requirements for the Astrophysics Track of the Physics Major

Students wishing to pursue the study of modern astronomy and astrophysics and particularly those preparing for graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics, should complete the astronomy track of the Physics Major. The requirements for this track are:

1. Physics Introductory Sequence (see ) and  
2.  and  
3. Two half-courses from the ASTR120  PO series or  and one half-course
4.  and either  or  (and any prerequisites that may be necessary)
5. At least two core PHYS courses (, , , or )
6. One other course chosen from core and upper-division physics electives
7.  or  
8.  and  
9.  

Further aspects of the program may be planned in consultation with Mr. Choi, Mr. Moreno, or Ms. Zook.

Additional tracks of the Physics Major include the astronomy track and the earth, planetary and space science (EPSS) track. The astronomy track prepares students to be broadly educated in the sciences of astronomy and physics and is an ideal preparation for teaching, outreach or technical work in astronomy and related fields. The EPSS track blends astronomy, physics and geology and is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate studies and professional careers in planetary astronomy or space science. A similar track with a slightly different earth science and geology emphasis (i.e., disciplinary focus) is offered by the Geology Department. Further details on the program may be obtained from Mr. Choi or Mr. Grosfils in the Geology Department.

Requirements for the Astronomy Track of the Physics Major

1. Physics Introductory Sequence (see ) and  
2.  and
3. Two half-courses from the ASTR 120 series or  and one half-course
4.  Mathematics through  
5. Two introductory science courses:  or ; , ; GEOL 20, other science courses with permission
6. One non-physics lab science course selected from the following: , or , or  ; ,  or ; other courses with permission
7. At least one additional upper-division (100 or above) ASTR, GEOL or PHYS course (, , or additional ASTR 120-series half-courses are recommended)
8.  
9.  

Requirements for the Earth, Planetary and Space Science (EPSS) Track of the Physics Major

1. Introductory courses: ;  or ; Physics Introductory Sequence (see ); , ,  
2. Disciplinary Focus in Astronomy:  and two half-courses from the ASTR 120 series. Also requires ,  and .
3.  
4.