Mathematics-Physics Major
NSM PEAK
The Mathematics-Physics major provides an excellent basis for many post-college paths, including teaching, engineering, industry or tech-related business fields, and graduate study in physics, astronomy, and engineering. Our majors enjoy a wide variety of after-college options because they undergo training to become independent problem solvers who utilize both physics and mathematics and who can effectively communicate their understanding.
Major Requirements
41 credits
Mathematics-Physics Core (15 credits)
The Mathematics and Physical Sciences Core provides a strong mathematical background to all Mathematics and Mathematics-Physics majors in the department. This collection of courses incorporates mathematical methods and concepts and fundamentals of computer programming along with the foundational course in analytical physics as an introduction to problem-solving, abstract analysis, and applications.
| CSC-150 | Comp Sci I: Intro to Comp Sci and Prog | 3 credits |
| MAT-175 | Single Variable Calculus | 4 credits |
| MAT-275 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 credits |
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credit |
Depending on placement, completion of MAT-150 Applied Calculus may be required prior to enrolling in MAT-175 .
Colloquium (1 credit)
Complete two semesters of Colloquium at 0.5 credits per semester.
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium | 0.5 credits |
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium | 0.5 credits |
Preparatory Courses (10 credits)
Complete the following courses to prepare for upper-level physics:
| MAT-352 | Differential Equations | 3 credits |
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credit |
| PHY-283 | Modern Physics | 3 credits |
Mathematical Proofs Course (Optional)
Students planning to take upper-division mathematics courses other than MAT-352 Differential Equations must complete MAT-252 Discrete Mathematics.
| MAT-252 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 credits |
Upper-Division Physics (6 credits)
Complete two courses.
| PHY-301 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 credits |
| PHY-313 | Thermal Physics | 3 credits |
| PHY-330 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 credits |
| PHY-400 | Quantum Physics | 3 credits |
Upper-Division Mathematics and/or Physics Electives (8 credits)
Complete 8 credits of any upper-division (300- or 400-level) MAT or PHY courses (except MAT-352). Additional courses from “Upper-Division Physics” beyond the required 6 credits will count towards the elective requirement. MAT-352 is a required preparatory course and does not fulfill credits in the elective area.
| MAT-/PHY- | Upper-Div MAT and/or PHY Courses (except MAT-352) | 8 credits |
Capstone
| MAT-490 | Math-Physics-CS Capstone | 1 credit |
Recommended Courses
Students interested in graduate study in physics are strongly encouraged to take the following courses:
| MAT-252 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 credits |
| MAT-361 | Linear Algebra | 3 credits |
| MAT-431 | Complex Analysis | 3 credits |
| PHY-235 | Electronics | 3 credits |
| PHY-235L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 credit |
| PHY- | All 300- and 400-level PHY Courses | |