Physics

Undergraduate

Are you interested in making the next generation of solar cells or using nanotechnology to make computers faster and smaller? Or do you want to program computers to predict how fluids flow or mix? Learning about physics will position you to gain a deeper understanding of how the world works and appreciate what others might miss.

Program Overview

Physics changes Everything!

If you like to think about why the world works the way it does, physics might be the right subject for you. If you want to understand how technology works and design the next innovations, physics has some of the answers. If you want to make contributions to the biggest open scientific questions of our generation, physics can help! We can't explain the entire universe, but we can provide you with the tools you need to find some of the answers on your own.

Our personal and award-winning teaching and emphasis on cutting-edge research opportunities for all students make this possible.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Physics students and alums

Selecting courses in your first year

Entering students considering a major in physics are strongly urged to take PHYS-110 in the first year. Delaying PHYS-110 and PHYS-201 to the second year is possible, but not recommended because it limits opportunities for advanced electives or honors work.

If you have completed AP, IB or A Level courses, please review the tables below to find the correct course for you. Some introductory physics courses beyond physics 100 and 110 require math and physics prerequisites.

Math Courses

Course NameScore NeededAppropriate Physics Course
AP BC CalculusScore of 3Physics 110
AP BC CalculusScore of 4 or 5Physics 110 and/or 201
AP AB CalculusScore of 4 or 5Physics 110
IB CalculusScore of 6+Physics 110 and/or 201

Physics Courses

Course NameScore NeededAppropriate Physics Course
AP C MechanicsScore of 4 or 5Physics 201
AP C E&MScore of 4 or 5Physics 205 and/or 210
IB PhysicsScore of 3-­‐5Physics 110
IB PhysicsScore of 6+Discuss with department
A LevelGrade of A or BPhysics 110 and/or 201

Placement Exams

If you have not completed the above courses or have not received the score or grade needed but feel you have a strong calculus and physics background, please review the tables below to find the correct course for you.

The scores below refer to the Mathematics Assessment exam and the Physics Assessment exams (email the department to request the Physics 110/201 placement exam). You will have one week to complete these open book exams. Please note that all assessments must be turned in by the first day of class.

CourseMath AssessmentPhysics Assessment
Physics 110Calculus, score of 4+ 
Physics 201 Physics 110
Physics 205 and/or 210 Physics 201

Courses and requirements

Learning Goals

Graduating physics majors will be prepared for graduate work in the sciences and engineering, or a wide variety of careers in teaching, industry, or public service. Students will practice and learn how to:

  • Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
  • Understand and apply mathematical and computational techniques to model physical phenomena, including methods of evaluating results.
  • Work cooperatively in groups to solve problems by identifying the relevant physics, articulating questions, forming goals, and listening to diverse perspectives.
  • Gather resources on unfamiliar topics, read technical texts closely, and generate productive questions.
  • Safely and effectively use scientific instrumentation, including following protocols, troubleshooting, and confidently approaching unfamiliar equipment.

  • Understand the scientific process, from problem definition and experimental design, through data collection and analysis.
  • Prepare technical papers, posters, or oral presentations in advanced coursework or research.
  • Obtain familiarity with contemporary research in physics by attending seminars, conferences, or reading scientific literature.
  • Reflect upon the intersection of science with broader society, such as relationships with history, art, or current politics.
  • Recognize that skills developed in the pursuit of a physics major are transferable to many disciplines and a wide range of careers.

Requirements for the Major

A minimum of 37 credits:

As a prerequisite for PHYS-110:
MATH-101
Calculus I
PHYS-110Force, Motion, and Energy 14
As a prerequisite for PHYS-201:
MATH-102
Calculus II
PHYS-201Electromagnetism 14
PHYS-205Introduction to Mathematical Methods for Scientists4
PHYS-210Waves and Optics4
PHYS-250Quantum Mechanical Phenomena4
PHYS-231Techniques of Experimental Physics 21
Students must also take two of:8
PHYS-315
Analytical Mechanics
PHYS-325
Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS-326
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Laboratory Work:
PHYS-220Intermediate Lab in Physics4
or PHYS-308 Electronics
And 4 additional credits of laboratory work from:4
PHYS-295
Independent Study
PHYS-295P
Independent Study with Practicum
PHYS-395
Independent Study
PHYS-395P
Independent Study with Practicum
PHYS-220 or PHYS-308, if you didn't count it already above
or laboratory courses offered at other institutions, as arranged on a case-by-case basis. 3
Total Credits37
1

Students who can demonstrate proficiency in one or both introductory courses by taking placement exams administered by the department may begin their physics study at the appropriate level but must still complete 37 credits of college-level physics courses for the major

2

 PHYS-231 should be taken during the first or second year

3

As arranged on a case-by-case basis

4

PHYS-336 (offered in alternate years) is recommended, as is MATH-211.

Additional Specifications

  • Course substitutions for the above requirements will be allowed on a case-by-case basis where it makes sense for a student’s academic goals.
  • Up to 4 credits of PHYS-295P or PHYS-395P may be earned through summer research, following college guidelines for awarding PHYS-295P/PHYS-395P credit. Note that PHYS-295P and PHYS-395P credit must be arranged with the department before the summer research experience begins; typically, a single eight to ten-week summer research program will account for no more than 2 credits of PHYS-295P or PHYS-395P.
  • Normally, no more than 12 credits of PHYS-295, PHYS-295P, PHYS-395, or PHYS-395P will count towards the major.
  • Physics majors are also encouraged to take CHEM-150.
  • MATH-203 (Calculus III – multivariate calculus) and MATH-211 (linear algebra), while not required, are recommended for those students planning to take advanced physics courses or to pursue graduate study. MATH-302 (complex analysis) and MATH-333 (differential equations) are also recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study in physics or engineering.
  • Students planning to pursue graduate study in physics are encouraged to take at least one graduate-level course in physics at UMass.
  • For advising purposes, several Plans of Study are available in the physics suite showing recommended sequences of course-taking to complete the major.

Requirements for the Minor

A minimum of 16 credits:

Normally, courses for the minor consist of: 1
PHYS-201Electromagnetism4
Any three of:12
PHYS-205
Introduction to Mathematical Methods for Scientists
PHYS-210
Waves and Optics
PHYS-250
Quantum Mechanical Phenomena
PHYS-308
Electronics
Total Credits16
1

Other combinations of courses are also possible with permission of the department chair. Courses must be at or above the 200 level in Physics

Course Advice

Getting Started in Physics

Entering students considering a major in physics are strongly urged to take PHYS-110 in the first year. While it is possible to complete the major by taking PHYS-110 and PHYS-201 as late as the second year, such a program is not recommended because this delay limits the student’s opportunities for advanced electives or honors work.

Introductory Courses and Distribution Requirements

PHYS-100PHYS-150 is a non-calculus introductory course sequence in physics, appropriate for students in the life sciences and for students with a general, nonprofessional interest in physics. This sequence satisfies the physics requirements of medical school.

PHYS-110PHYS-201 is a calculus-based introductory course sequence in physics, appropriate for students intending to major in a physical science. To major in physics, a student must complete PHYS-201 by the end of the sophomore year. A student with excellent preparation in physics may take a departmental placement exam to place out of one or both of these introductory courses. Any 200 or 300-level 4-credit physics course will then count for distribution in physics. PHYS-110 and PHYS-201 do not cover the full range of topics on the MCAT syllabus; the PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 sequence has a better coverage of these topics.

Course Offerings

PHYS-100 Foundations of Physics

Fall. Credits: 4

This is an algebra-based first-semester physics course geared towards students intending on careers in health professions, though it is open to all. Topics are drawn from the MCAT syllabus, and include optics, motion, forces, energy, and fluids.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Coreq: PHYS-100L.

PHYS-104 Renewable Energy

Spring. Credits: 4

We will examine the feasibility of converting the entire energy infrastructure of the U.S. from one that is dependent on fossil fuels to one that utilizes mostly renewable sources of energy. We will examine the potential scale of energy production and the associated costs, natural resource requirements and land usage needs for both renewables, such as solar, wind and biofuel, and non-renewables, such as coal, natural gas, petroleum and nuclear. By applying extensive use of basic algebra and an elementary understanding of the physical processes underpinning each energy technology, we will arrive at a number of urgent conclusions about the challenges facing our energy infrastructure.

Crosslisted as: ENVST-104
Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences

PHYS-109 Science on Screen

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 4

For our entire lives, movies have captured our attention, whether at the theater or on our phones. Filmmaking is a highly technical art, and scientific principles determine what is possible. Filmmakers develop creative solutions within these principles to trick the viewer into believing what they see. Advances in science also advance filmmaking, influencing photography, production design, and so on. Additionally, scientists use these techniques to carry out their research. This course will explore the many intersections of science and filmmaking. Students will use basic mathematics (algebra, geometry) to complete brief weekly homework assignments, and will prepare a final video project.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences

PHYS-110 Force, Motion, and Energy

Fall and Spring. Credits: 4

This a calculus-based physics course designed for students intending to major in physics, astronomy, or another physical science, though all are welcome. It also fulfills pre-health requirements. Students will learn how to apply fundamental physics concepts such as force, energy, momentum to a variety of mechanical situations, including projectile motion, human movement, fluid motion, and planetary motion.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: MATH-101 or equivalent. Coreq: PHYS-110L.

PHYS-132 Engineering for Everyone

In these topics courses, we study how engineered things and systems shape the world we live in, developing a more nuanced understanding of the ways technology and society interact. Students will engage in broad and deep learning via many modes including hands-on experiments, design, and fabrication.

PHYS-132EE Engineering for Everyone

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 4

Engineers change the world we live in every day by developing technologies that influence nearly every aspect of our lives. In this course, we will study how engineered things shape the world we live in. Students will engage in a team-based, hands-on engineering design project, from brainstorming solutions to a contemporary problem, to building, testing, and iterating design solutions. In the process, students will learn basic programming and fabrication skills. We will reflect together on the ethics of engineering design, and leave with a more nuanced understanding of the ways technology and society interact. Who decides what technologies matter? What is a "good" technological solution, and for whom is it "good"?

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Notes: Students interested in continuing with the Engineering Nexus are strongly recommended to take the course.

PHYS-132TB Engineering for Everyone: 'Think Big! Design Big!'

Fall. Credits: 4

Engineers design technologies that influence nearly every aspect of our lives. We will study great works of Big Engineering such as bridges, buildings, wind turbines and wave/tidal generators. We will explore the concept of 'design' and learn to appreciate the creativity and opportunity of design within the constraints of engineering practice. Hands-on practical learning experiences with design and fabrication of is included, as are field trips and experiments on wind energy generation. We will consider the ethics of engineering design, and leave with a more nuanced understanding of the ways technology and society interact. What is a "good" technological solution, and for whom is it "good"?

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences

PHYS-150 Phenomena of Physics

Spring. Credits: 4

This is an algebra-based second-semester physics course geared towards students intending on careers in health professions, though it is open to all. Topics are drawn from the MCAT syllabus, and include electricity, magnetism, waves (sound and light), and nuclear physics. This is the spring semester continuation of the PHYS-100 course in the fall, but students who have taken PHYS-110 (or any equivalent) are also eligible to join.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-100 or PHYS-110. Coreq: PHYS-150L.

PHYS-201 Electromagnetism

Fall and Spring. Credits: 4

This a calculus-based physics course designed for students intending to major in physics, astronomy, or another physical science, though all are welcome. It also fulfills pre-health requirements. This is the second semester of the physics introductory sequence, with PHYS-110 as a prerequisite. Students will use concepts learned in 110 such as force and energy, and learn new concepts such as charge, fields, and potentials. Students will apply these concepts to situations involving electromagnetic phenomena, including electric circuits, magnetism, induction, and radiation.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-110 and MATH-102. Coreq: PHYS-201L.

PHYS-205 Introduction to Mathematical Methods for Scientists

Fall. Credits: 4

Topics include Taylor series, complex numbers, partial differentiation, multiple integration, selected topics in linear algebra and vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, and Fourier series. The course includes a weekly computational lab using Python, in addition to a traditional emphasis on analytic solutions.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-201 (or concurrent enrollment with permission).

PHYS-210 Waves and Optics

Fall. Credits: 4

A comprehensive treatment of wave phenomena, particularly light, leading to an introductory study of quantum mechanics. Topics include wave propagation, polarization, interference and interferometry, diffraction, and special relativity.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: Electromagnetism (PHYS-201) and Intro to Math Methods (PHYS-205) or concurrent enrollment in PHYS-205 with permission.

PHYS-220 Intermediate Lab in Physics

Spring. Credits: 4

This lab-based course is an introduction to modern, investigative, experimental physics. The course is intended as a bridge between the structured introductory lab experience and independent research. In addition to exploring key physical phenomena crucial to modern understandings and gaining familiarity with modern experimental apparatus and techniques, students complete exploratory projects of various sorts and then extended, multi-week experimental projects, participating in experimental design, construction, debugging and implementation. Students will present and interpret their experimental results and develop follow-up questions which they will answer experimentally. This course will introduce students to scientific communications skills and is speaking- and writing-intensive.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Speaking-Intensive, Writing-Intensive
Prereq: PHYS-201.

PHYS-231 Techniques of Experimental Physics

Fall and Spring. Credits: 1

Provides training in the techniques employed in the construction of scientific equipment.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Restrictions: Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors
Advisory: Second-semester first-year students by permission.
Notes: Students schedule weekly 2 hour work sessions. Credit/no credit grading.

PHYS-250 Quantum Mechanical Phenomena

Spring. Credits: 4

This course provides an introduction to quantum phenomena and quantum mechanics. Topics include relativistic dynamics, blackbody radiation, and wave properties of matter. The Uncertainty Principle, Schrodinger's Equation, simple harmonic oscillators and the hydrogen atom are studied in depth, with emphasis on angular momentum, electron spin and the Pauli Exclusion Principle.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-205 and PHYS-210.

PHYS-290 Advanced Laboratory Practicum

Spring. Credits: 1 - 8

This course is a hands-on practicum, intended to introduce students to the practice of modern physics research. Depending on student interest, topics include external research seminars by practitioners in the field, training in oral and written scientific communication, presentation and interpretation of research results, scientific modeling, and hands-on experimental skills. Research projects are an integral part of this course; credit will be apportioned in relation to the intensity of the project.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Speaking-Intensive, Writing-Intensive
Prereq: 8 credits in Physics.
Advisory: Student must be concurrently enrolled in PHYS-295 or PHYS-395 to register in this course.
Notes: Repeatable for credit.

PHYS-295 Independent Study

Fall and Spring. Credits: 1 - 4

Restrictions: Contact instructor for independent study declaration form and signatures.
Instructor permission required.

PHYS-295P Independent Study with Practicum

Fall and Spring. Credits: 1 - 4

Restrictions: Contact instructor for independent study declaration form and signatures.
Instructor permission required.

PHYS-308 Electronics

Fall. Credits: 4

This course is a study of electrical circuits and components with emphasis on the underlying physical principles; solid-state active devices with applications to simple systems such as linear amplifiers; feedback-controlled instrumentation; and analog and digital computing devices.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-150 or PHYS-201.
Notes: Meetings combine lecture and hands-on lab.

PHYS-311 Computational Physics Laboratory

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 4

Computers bring a new dimension to the mathematical theories of physics, including new methods of visualization and new ways to explore theory through computer experiments. This laboratory course will combine mathematics, physics, and computation in projects that make essential use of all three together. Topics from various subfields of physics will be packaged into self-contained modules for exploration through the use of high-level computational tools.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-201 and 205.
Advisory: Students who have completed PHYS-110, PHYS-201 (or equivalents), and have taken separate math courses including: i) multivariable calculus, ii) linear algebra, and iii) differential equations may also be qualified. Contact the instructor to discuss.

PHYS-315 Analytical Mechanics

Spring. Credits: 4

Newton's great innovation was the description of the world by differential equations, the beginning of physics as we know it. This course studies Newtonian mechanics for a point particle in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-205.

PHYS-325 Electromagnetic Theory

Spring. Credits: 4

This course presents the development of mathematical descriptions of electric and magnetic fields; study of interactions of fields with matter in static and dynamic situations; mathematical description of waves; and development of Maxwell's equations with a few applications to the reflection and refraction of light and microwave cavities.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-205 and PHYS-210.

PHYS-326 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Fall. Credits: 4

This course presents thermodynamic and statistical descriptions of many-particle systems. Topics include classical and quantum ideal gases with applications to paramagnetism; black-body radiation; Bose-Einstein condensation; and the Einstein and Debye solid; the specific heat of solids.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: Quantum Mechanical Phenomena (PHYS-250) and Intro to Math Methods (PHYS-205) or permission from department.

PHYS-328 From Lilliput to Brobdingnag: Bridging the Scales Between Science and Engineering

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 4

The performance of many engineered devices is dependent on macroscopic factors (pressure, temperature, flow, conductivity). As a result, engineers often model devices macroscopically considering atomistic level details only through fixed parameters. These parameters do not always capture the full atomistic level picture. More accurate multi-scale approaches for modeling macroscopic properties use basic atomistic level chemistry at key points in larger scale simulations. This course is an introduction to such approaches focusing on fuel cells as a concrete example. Through project/case studies, basic scientific principles will be developed along side of basic engineering principles.

Crosslisted as: CHEM-328
Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Other Attribute(s): Writing-Intensive
Prereq: MATH-102 and any chemistry or physics course.

PHYS-336 Quantum Mechanics

Fall. Credits: 4

This course is an introduction to formal quantum theory: the wave function and its interpretation, observables and linear operators, matrix mechanics and the uncertainty principle; solutions of one-dimensional problems; solutions of three-dimensional problems and angular momentum; and perturbative methods.

Applies to requirement(s): Math Sciences
Prereq: PHYS-250.

PHYS-390 Advanced Laboratory Practicum

Spring. Credits: 1 - 8

This course is a hands-on practicum, intended to introduce students to the practice of modern physics research. Depending on student interest, topics include external research seminars by practitioners in the field, training in oral and written scientific communication, presentation and interpretation of research results, scientific modeling, and hands-on experimental skills. Research projects are an integral part of this course; credit will be apportioned in relation to the intensity of the project.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Speaking-Intensive, Writing-Intensive
Instructor permission required.
Prereq: 16 credits in Physics.
Advisory: Student must be concurrently enrolled in PHYS-295 or PHYS-395 to register in this course.
Notes: Repeatable for credit.

PHYS-395 Independent Study

Fall and Spring. Credits: 1 - 8

Restrictions: Contact instructor for independent study declaration form and signatures.
Instructor permission required.

PHYS-395P Independent Study with Practicum

Fall and Spring. Credits: 1 - 8

Restrictions: Contact instructor for independent study declaration form and signatures.
Instructor permission required.

Contact us

The Department of Physics and Astronomy oversees the programs in Physics and Astronomy. We offer opportunities to help students explore the fundamental principles of the physical world and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe.

Next steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we’re here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.