The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs, as described in the University General Catalog, have very nearly the same basic requirements for courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics. The B.A. program, however, requires approximately eleven courses in the humanities and social sciences, while the B.S. program specifies approximately eight such courses. A second-level year of a foreign language is required for both the B.A. and B.S. programs. Students are also required to complete five writing intensive courses before graduation - see the General Catalogue for more information.

The B.S. degree program in physics has fewer over-all requirements in order to accommodate certain special programs which an undergraduate physics major may deem appropriate. Some of these will be described below.

The physics major is a program that requires careful planning on the part of the student. It is broadly based not only upon physics courses but also upon a good foundation of mathematics and, often, upon advanced work in such related areas as astronomy, chemistry and engineering. In view of the very large variety of opportunities available to those who have a good fundamental background in physics and mathematics, it is important that the student take advantage of his/her undergraduate years at the University to investigate and experience some of these possibilities to the fullest extent practicable.

Special Emphasis - B.S. Degree Programs

Some examples of specialized preparation which the student can initiate as an undergraduate physics major include the following:

A four-year degree program can prepare the student for work in industrial and government laboratories as an applied physicist in a variety of positions ranging from computer programming to experimental physics. For this purpose, the student should select elective courses in advanced mathematical analysis (including Physics 400) and basic engineering, such as, for example, electronics. Abroad four-year physics major program plus some courses in business administration can be good preparation for laboratory and industrial management, and for an M.S. program in Business Administration.

Nearly all scientific professions require graduate training (Master of Science, Professional or Ph.D. degrees). For many of these professions, graduate schools consider the physics major, plus properly selected special courses, to be optimum undergraduate preparation.

To prepare for graduate work for research and for university or college teaching of physics, it is recommended that the student include elective courses in advanced physics and mathematics in his/her program. A physics advisor can help in course selection. The appropriate preparation for graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics is the undergraduate physics major, augmented by ASTR 140, Introduction to Astronomy, ASTR 280, Evolution of the Universe, and ASTR 281, Exploration of Space. Undergraduate research is also central to preparation for further education in astronomy and astrophysics, as discussed elsewhere in this booklet.

In order to select the courses that might best complete an undergraduate physics major program in preparation for inter-disciplinary fields, the student should consult not only his/her physics advisor but also the prospective graduate school. These interdisciplinary fields include Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Environmental Science, Geophysics, Medical Physics, Meteorology, and Oceanography. Most graduate schools in engineering will accept the physics major as undergraduate training.

Another important field for which the undergraduate physics major can be strongly recommended is that of Secondary School Science Teaching. The four- year physics major program would then be augmented by basic courses in biology and geosciences. The remaining requirements for the teaching credential, including practice teaching, are easily accommodated in a fifth year with the College of Education.

When entering the University with only high school experience, students may know that they would like to concentrate in science or engineering, but may not yet know which specific natural science or field of engineering they should choose for a lifetime profession. Fortunately, all the B.S. programs (Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology), along with all the majors in the College of Engineering, recommend the same basic first-year program, including first courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics. This effectively allows the student at least one year of university experience before he/she needs to decide on a major program. In this first year, the student can elect a basic course in such other areas as biology, geosciences, astronomy, or engineering to aid his/her decision.

A. Physical Science and Engineering Orientation -- Calculus (Math 205) Prerequisite
These introductory physics courses comprise an integrated three-semester sequence with the following order of subject matter:

• Physics 170, 170L -- Mechanics and Thermodynamics
• Physics 272, 272L -- Electricity and Magnetism
• Physics 274, 274L --
  • Geometric and Physical Optics
  • Special Relativity
  • Quantum Physics
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics

In the lecture courses, 170, 272, and 274, the physical systems are described using mathematics through calculus. The associated laboratory courses, 170L, 272L and 274L, are of equal importance. They allow the student to observe and measure real physical systems using various experimental techniques.

B. Physical Science Orientation -- (Non-Calculus Prerequisite)
A satisfactory completion of the one-year, non-calculus Physics 151-152 sequence may be substituted for the Physics 170-272 courses for physics majors. These courses, along with the pre-calculus Math 140, are presented in the second four-year schedule attached.

Non-calculus physics is offered to potential physical science majors for whom it is of considerable advantage to have the basic elementary physics courses in their first year while simultaneously preparing for their calculus courses. This sequence accommodates those students who may have decided to enter the physical sciences too late to fully prepare themselves by taking advanced high school mathematics.

The associated laboratories for the 151-152 sequences (151L-152L) are essentially the same as the corresponding 170L-272L laboratories described above. They provide the student with the opportunity to practice basic techniques and methods of experimental analysis as applied to scientific research.

The B.S. physics major program requires 41 credit hours of physics courses, including mathematics through calculus and linear algebra and an introductory course in chemistry. These requirements are included in the attached four-year schedules for two types of programs, beginning with the calculus and with the non- calculus introductory physics courses, respectively.

The B.S. physics major requirements are Phys 170-170L, 272-272L, 274-274L, 310, 311, 350, 400, 430, 450, 480, 480L, one course from Phys 440, 481 or 490, and any two courses from Phys 305 or 475 or 481L. Also required are Chem 171, 171L and Math 205, 206, 231, 232, 311. Upon approval of a physics advisor the 170-272L requirements may be satisfied by 151-152L.

It should be emphasized that the Department has provided a means by which the individual student may develop a special physics major program. As stated in the General Catalog, "Requirements for 450, 480L, 481, (or 440 or 490), and 481L may be modified in order to accommodate a special emphasis or interdisciplinary program for which the major in physics is appropriate -- with the recommendation of the physics advisor and the approval of the department chair." For example, the student may substitute advanced courses in a related discipline for corresponding advanced courses in physics and thereby fulfill any additional undergraduate requirements for entering a graduate program in a related discipline.

After completing the introductory courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics, the physics major may choose to apply for admission to the University's special Honors program at the end of the sophomore year. This program is described in the University General Catalog, and in detail in an information bulletin which may be obtained from the Honors Office, Sinclair 504B. (See also the Selected Studies Program for Freshmen and Sophomores.) Typically, the student who is accepted for this program is one with a grade average of B or better and who is interested in gaining more breadth and more depth than usual in his or her university work. He or she is eligible to participate in special Honors Program courses.

The Honors Program student takes the Honors Colloquium, HON 491-492, in the junior or senior year and the Senior Honors thesis HON 493-494, which is a course of independent reading or research in physics that culminates in a formal written report. This work is under the general supervision of a physics faculty member.

At the beginning of each academic year, each student who is majoring in physics should arrange to be assigned to a faculty advisor. This may be done at the Department Office. The faculty advisor can be of assistance not only with such matters as the design of course programs but also with making postgraduation plans and arranging for letters of recommendation. Note that a signature from your advisor is required on your registration form when you register.

In addition to consulting his/her physics advisor, it is recommended that each student take advantage of advising (for example, in regard to University and College general requirements) from the Student Services Office of the College of Arts and Sciences (located in QLC #113).

Each year the Department has a number of part-time positions available to undergraduate physics majors. These include assisting individual faculty members in the grading of papers, in laboratory teaching, and in research projects. It is strongly felt that the experience gained by the student assistant is an important part of his/her over-all education in undergraduate physics. In addition, the assistantship can be of significant financial aid to the student. For information about student assistantships, inquiry should be made at the office of the Department Chair.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has an extensive laboratory and classroom building, Watanabe Hall. It has about 37,000 square feet of research and teaching laboratories, shops, classrooms with special demonstration facilities, and student study rooms. The Institute for Astronomy building, located above the Manoa campus, is a greatly expanded facility for research in astronomy and astrophysics.

Computers are available for physics students in Room 421. The Physics and Astronomy Department Office is in Room 416, Watanabe Hall.

Undergraduate Program Committee
Department of Physics and Astronomy