| The physics option offers instruction in the fundamentals of modern physics and provides a foundation for graduate study, which is generally necessary for a career in basic research. Many individuals have also found that the physics program forms an excellent basis for future work in a wide variety of allied fields. |
While all Caltech students must take the five terms of introductory courses, an intensive version of the sophomore course (waves, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics) is offered for those planning further study in physics. The required junior-level courses give a thorough treatment of fundamental principles. Elective courses taken during the junior and senior years allow students to explore their particular interests. Some electives offer broad surveys, while others concentrate on particular fields of current research. A choice of laboratory courses is offered at several levels. Students are encouraged to become active participants in research on campus. Academic credit for physics work done outside of the classroom can be awarded in a variety of ways. | Students must maintain a grade-point average of 1.9 or better each year in the subjects listed under this division to remain in the physics option. |
| Laboratory Courses:
The first three requirements should be completed by the end of the second year. In planning a program, note that Ph 6 and Ph 7 are each offered only once per year, in the second and third terms, respectively. |
| 1) Ph 3
2) Ph 61 OR APh 24 3) Ph 7 4) 18 units of Ph 78 OR 18 units from Ph 77 OR 9 units from Ph 77 AND 9 units from APh 77 OR Ay 105 5) Ph 702 6) Ph 106 AND Ph 125 |
|
1 Some laboratory courses from other options have considerable physics content, and students wishing to satisfy this requirement with such a course may petition the Physics Undergraduate Committee for approval. 2 Other communication courses (e.g., E 10, Ay 30, Ma 10)may be substituted for Ph 70. |
| Required Electives:
1) 90 units, in addition to the above, of any of the following: any Ph, Ay, or APh course numbered 100 or above, or any of Ph 5, Ph 78, Ph 79, ACM 95, ACM 101, or up to 9 units of Ph 20-22. 9 Units toward the 90-unit requirement will be given for taking three terms of Ph77. Students are encouraged to take ACM 95 as part of this requirement. The pass/fail option cannot be exercised on any courses used for this requirement, with the exception of ACM 95. No more than 9 units of Ph 171-173 may apply toward this requirement without permission from the Physics Undergraduate Committee. In individual cases, this committee may allow other courses with substantial physics content to apply toward the requirement; seniors must submit their petitions for this purpose before the first day of third term. |
2) 9 units of science or engineering electives outside of Ph, APh, Ma, and ACM. These units are in addition to the required Core Science Electives. |
3) Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units, including the courses listed above. |
Typical Course Schedule1
Second Year
Units
Units
Units
Ph 12
Waves, Quantum Physics &
Statistical Mechanics9
9
9
Ma 2 ab
Sophomore Mathematics
9
9
-
HSS and/or PE Electives
15
9
9
Physics Laboratory
-
9
9
Intro. Methods of Applied Math
12
12
12
Core Science Elective
-
-
9
45
48
48
| 1 In addition to the required courses listed here, facility with computer programming at the level of CS 1 is strongly recommended, and further computer-related course work such as CS 2, or Ph 20-22 is highly desirable. Facility with electronics at the level of Ph 5 also is recommended. |
Third Year
Fourth Year
Units
Units
Units
Ph 106 abc
Topics in Classical Physics(3-0-6)
9
9
9
Ph 125 abc
Quantum Mechanics (3-0-6)
9
9
9
HSS and/or PE Electives
9
9
9
Electives
18
18
18
45
45
45
Units
Units
Units
Ph 77
Advanced Physics Laboratory
9
9
-
Ph 70
-
6
-
Advanced Physics Electives
18
18
18
Electives
9
6
18
HSS and/or PE Electives
9
9
9
45
48
45
For questions or problems relating to this page please contact the web master.
Note that this information is for general guidance purposes, more information is available in the Caltech Course Catalog.