Physics, BS

All programs

Bachelor of Science in Physics · 65 credits

Catalog page

Typical path

+ First Year Seminar

+ SBC

+ First Year Seminar

+ SBC

+ SBC ×2

+ SBC ×3

+ PHY-related elective

+ SBC

+ PHY elective

+ PHY-related elective

+ Upper-division SBC ×2

+ PHY elective

+ PHY-related elective ×2

+ Upper-division SBC

All options

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Courses in Related Fields (12 credits)

Pick 12 credits · 84 courses to choose from

100s

200s

300s

400s

Courses in Physics

PHY 131Classical Physics I3 cr
PHY 133Classical Physics Laboratory I1 cr
PHY 132Classical Physics II3 cr
PHY 134Classical Physics Laboratory II1 cr
PHY 251Modern Physics3 cr
PHY 252Modern Physics Laboratory1 cr
PHY 277Computation for Physics and Astronomy3 cr
PHY 300Waves and Optics4 cr
PHY 301Electromagnetic Theory I3 cr
PHY 303Mechanics3 cr
PHY 306Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics3 cr
PHY 308Quantum Physics3 cr
PHY 335Electronics and Instrumentation Laboratory3 cr
PHY 445Senior Laboratory3 cr

Alternative path: replaces PHY 445

AST 443Observational Techniques in Astronomy4 cr

Catalog text

AST 443 may substitute for PHY 445.

Alternative path: replaces PHY 277· PHY/BME double majors who graduate with a BE in Biomedical Engineering

BME 120Programming Fundamentals in Biomedical Engineering3 cr

Catalog text

PHY/BME double majors who graduate with a BE in Biomedical Engineering may substitute BME 120 for PHY 277.

Substitution

The sequence PHY 125, PHY 126, PHY 127 with labs PHY 133 and PHY 134 or PHY 141/PHY 133, PHY 142/PHY 134 may substitute for PHY 131/PHY 133, PHY 132/PHY 134. PHY 127 may be taken before PHY 126.

Catalog text

PHY 131 - Classical Physics I 3 credits (See Note 1); PHY 133 - Classical Physics Laboratory I 1 credit (See Note 1); PHY 132 - Classical Physics II 3 credits (See Note 1); PHY 134 - Classical Physics Laboratory II 1 credit (See Note 1); PHY 251 - Modern Physics 3 credits; PHY 252 - Modern Physics Laboratory 1 credit; PHY 277 - Computation for Physics and Astronomy 3 credits; PHY 300 - Waves and Optics 4 credits; PHY 301 - Electromagnetic Theory I 3 credits; PHY 303 - Mechanics 3 credits; PHY 306 - Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics 3 credits; PHY 308 - Quantum Physics 3 credits; PHY 335 - Electronics and Instrumentation Laboratory 3 credits; PHY 445 - Senior Laboratory 3 credits

Calculus sequence (one of the following)

One of

All of
- MAT 125Calculus A3 cr
- MAT 126Calculus B3 cr
- MAT 127Calculus C3 cr
or
All of
- MAT 131Calculus I4 cr
- MAT 132Calculus II4 cr
or
All of
- MAT 141
- MAT 142
or
MAT 171
or
All of
- AMS 151Applied Calculus I3 cr
- AMS 161Applied Calculus II3 cr

Catalog text

One of the following sequences: MAT 125 - Calculus A; MAT 126 - Calculus B; MAT 127 - Calculus C; OR MAT 131 - Calculus I; MAT 132 - Calculus II; OR MAT 141 - Honors Calculus I; MAT 142 - Honors Calculus II; OR MAT 171 - Accelerated Single Variable Calculus; OR AMS 151 - Applied Calculus I; AMS 161 - Applied Calculus II. Note: Equivalency for MAT courses achieved on the Mathematics Placement Examination is accepted as fulfillment of the corresponding requirements, as indicated in the Course Descriptions section of this Bulletin.

Placement-dependent MAT 123

If students do not place into MAT 125 or MAT 131 on the basis of the math placement examination, MAT 123 (or MAT 119 /MAT 123) is a required course for the major.

Catalog text

If students do not place into MAT 125 or MAT 131 on the basis of the math placement examination, MAT 123 (or MAT 119 /MAT 123) is a required course for the major.

Multivariable calculus (one of the following)

MAT 203Calculus III with Applications4 cr
or
AMS 261Applied Calculus III4 cr
or
MAT 307Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra4 cr

Catalog text

One of the following: MAT 203 - Calculus III with Applications 4 credits; OR AMS 261 - Applied Calculus III 4 credits; OR MAT 307 - Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra 4 credits

Differential equations (one of the following)

MAT 303Calculus IV with Applications4 cr
or
AMS 361Applied Calculus IV: Differential Equations4 cr
or
MAT 308Differential Equations with Linear Algebra4 cr

Catalog text

One of the following: MAT 303 - Calculus IV with Applications 4 credits; OR AMS 361 - Applied Calculus IV: Differential Equations 4 credits; OR MAT 308 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra 4 credits

Linear algebra (one of the following)

One of

MAT 211Introduction to Linear Algebra3 cr
or
AMS 210Applied Linear Algebra3 cr
or
All of
- MAT 307Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra4 cr
- MAT 308Differential Equations with Linear Algebra4 cr

Catalog text

One of the following: MAT 211 - Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 credits; OR AMS 210 - Applied Linear Algebra 3 credits; OR MAT 307 - Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra 4 credits AND MAT 308 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra 4 credits

Courses in Related Fields (12 credits)

Choose 12 credits

AMS 102Elements of Statistics3 cr
AMS 110Probability and Statistics in the Life Sciences3 cr
AMS 301Finite Mathematical Structures3 cr
AMS 303Graph Theory3 cr
AMS 310Survey of Probability and Statistics3 cr
AMS 311Probability Theory3 cr
AMS 315Data Analysis3 cr
AMS 332Computational Modeling of Physiological Systems3 cr
AMS 335Game Theory3 cr
AMS 345Computational Geometry3 cr
AMS 351Applied Algebra3 cr
AST 203Astronomy4 cr
AST 205Introduction to Planetary Sciences3 cr
AST 287Introductory Research in Astronomy0–3 cr
AST 341Stars and Radiation3 cr
AST 346Galaxies3 cr
AST 347Cosmology3 cr
AST 443Observational Techniques in Astronomy4 cr
AST 447Senior Tutorial in Astronomy1–3 cr
AST 487Senior Research in Astronomy0–6 cr
ATM 205Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences3 cr
ATM 247Atmospheric Structure and Analysis3 cr
ATM 305Global Atmospheric Change3 cr
ATM 320Problem Solving with Python3 cr
ATM 345Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics3 cr
ATM 346Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics3 cr
ATM 348Atmospheric Physics3 cr
ATM 397Air Pollution and Global Warming3 cr
ATM 447Senior Tutorial in Atmospheric Sciences1–3 cr
ATM 487Senior Research in Atmospheric Sciences0–6 cr
BIO 201Fundamentals of Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems3 cr
BIO 202Fundamentals of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology3 cr
BIO 203Fundamentals of Biology: Cellular and Organ Physiology3 cr
BIO 204Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry in the Biological Sciences I2 cr
BIO 205Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry in the Biological Sciences IIA2 cr
BIO 207Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry in the Biological Sciences IIB2 cr
BIO 310Cell Biology3 cr
BIO 311
BIO 332Computational Modeling of Physiological Systems3 cr
BME 100Introduction to Biomedical Engineering3 cr
BME 212Biomedical Engineering Research Fundamentals3 cr
BME 260Statics and Dynamics in Biological Systems4 cr
CHE 131General Chemistry IB4 cr
CHE 132General Chemistry II4 cr
CHE 133General Chemistry Laboratory I1 cr
CHE 134General Chemistry Laboratory II1 cr
CHE 152Molecular Science I4 cr
CHE 154Molecular Science Laboratory I2 cr
CHE 301Physical Chemistry I4 cr
CHE 302Physical Chemistry II4 cr
CHE 321Organic Chemistry I4 cr
CHE 322Organic Chemistry IIA4 cr
CHE 351Quantum Chemistry3 cr
CHE 375Inorganic Chemistry I3 cr
CSE 110Introduction to Computer Science3 cr
CSE 130Introduction to Programming in C3 cr
CSE 150Foundations of Computer Science: Honors4 cr
CSE 230Intermediate Programming in C and C++3 cr
ECO 303Intermediate Microeconomic Theory4 cr
ECO 305Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory4 cr
ECO 310Basic Computational Methods in Economics4 cr
ECO 321Econometrics4 cr
ECO 355Game Theory3 cr
ECO 373Economics of Environment and Natural Resources3 cr
ESG 302Thermodynamics of Materials3 cr
EST 291Energy, Environment, and People3 cr
EST 320Communication Technology Systems3 cr
EST 392Engineering Economics3 cr
EST 393Project Management3 cr
EST 499Research in Technology and Society0–3 cr
GEO 287Introductory Research in Geology0–3 cr
HBM 320General Microbiology3 cr
HBM 321General Microbiology Laboratory1 cr
ISE 332Introduction to Visualization3 cr
JRN 365
MAT 310Linear Algebra4 cr
MAT 312Applied Algebra3 cr
MAT 331Computer-Assisted Mathematical Problem Solving3 cr
MAT 333
MAT 341Applied Real Analysis3 cr
MAT 342Applied Complex Analysis3 cr
MAT 351Differential Equations: Dynamics and Chaos3 cr
MAT 362Differential Geometry of Surfaces3 cr
WSE 201Society and Gender in STEM3 cr
WSE 380Research and Discovery in STEM3 cr
WSE 381Service-Learning in STEM1 cr
WSE 401Women's Leadership in STEM1 cr

Catalog text

Twelve credits of physics-related courses that complement a Physics major's education are required. ... Additional related courses are listed below, but they are not exclusive. If another course is of interest and should qualify under the above goals, consult the undergraduate program director to see if it can be included.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement

PHY 459Write Effectively in Physics0 cr

Catalog text

Students are certified as satisfying the upper-division writing requirement by registering for the 0-credit PHY 459 and completing a writing project within their major.

Stony Brook residency for 300-level courses

At least four courses numbered 300 or above must be taken at Stony Brook.

Catalog text

At least four courses numbered 300 or above must be taken at Stony Brook.

C- allowance for lower-division courses

All courses used to satisfy the major requirements must be completed with a grade of C or higher, except that a maximum of three courses at the 100- or 200-level may be completed with a grade of C-.

Catalog text

All courses used to satisfy the major requirements must be completed with a grade of C or higher, except that a maximum of three courses at the 100- or 200-level may be completed with a grade of C-.

Sample schedule

Year 1 · Fall15 cr

First Year Seminar 1011
WRT 101Introductory Writing Workshop3
MAT 131Calculus I4
PHY 131Classical Physics I3
PHY 133Classical Physics Laboratory I1
SBC3

Year 1 · Spring15 cr

First Year Seminar 1021
WRT 102Intermediate Writing Workshop3
MAT 132Calculus II4
PHY 132Classical Physics II3
PHY 134Classical Physics Laboratory II1
SBC3

Year 2 · Fall17 cr

PHY 251Modern Physics3
PHY 252Modern Physics Laboratory1
PHY 277Computation for Physics and Astronomy3
MAT 307Multivariable Calculus with Linear Algebra4
SBC3
SBC3

Year 2 · Spring17 cr

PHY 300Waves and Optics4
MAT 308Differential Equations with Linear Algebra4
SBC3
SBC3
SBC3

Year 3 · Fall15 cr

PHY 301Electromagnetic Theory I3
PHY 303Mechanics3
PHY-related elective3
MAT 341Applied Real Analysis3
SBC3

Year 3 · Spring15 cr

PHY 306Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics3
PHY 308Quantum Physics3
PHY 335Electronics and Instrumentation Laboratory3
MAT 342Applied Complex Analysis3
SBC3

Year 4 · Fall15 cr

PHY 487Research3
PHY elective3
PHY-related elective3
Upper-division SBC3
Upper-division SBC3

Year 4 · Spring15 cr

PHY 445Senior Laboratory3
PHY elective3
PHY-related elective3
PHY-related elective3
Upper-division SBC3

Program rules

Minimum grade
C or higher in “Courses in Physics”, “Calculus sequence (one of the following)”, “Placement-dependent MAT 123”, “Multivariable calculus (one of the following)”, “Differential equations (one of the following)”, “Linear algebra (one of the following)”, “Courses in Related Fields (12 credits)”.

Notes

Grading: All courses used to satisfy the major requirements must be completed with a grade of C or higher, except that a maximum of three courses at the 100- or 200-level may be completed with a grade of C-.
Note: Completion of the major requires approximately 65 credits.
Note: PHY/CSE double majors who graduate with a BS in Computer Science are exempt from PHY 277.
Note: Physics Honors Program (not evaluated): to receive the BS in Physics with honors, a student must complete PHY 487 - Research (0-6 credits, at least 3 credits total), two other 400-level physics courses (three credits each, excluding PHY 475), and an overall GPA of at least 3.30 in all physics courses numbered 300 or higher.
Note: Specialization in Optics (optional, not evaluated): PHY 302, PHY 452, at least three credits of PHY 487 (optics related), and one additional elective (PHY 405 or an approved course from another department). Listed on the official transcript.
Note: The Physics Secondary Teacher Education Program is described under the Education and Teacher Certification entry in the alphabetical listings of Approved Majors, Minors, and Programs.
Advising: Students should consult with the department advisor to ensure that their plan for completing the Upper Division Writing Requirement is consistent with university graduation requirements for General Education. Students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics should choose a program similar to the Research Program example in the catalog (not evaluated).
Note: The Introductory Physics Sequences are PHY 121/PHY 122 (for biological sciences and pre-medical/pre-health majors), PHY 131/PHY 133 with PHY 132/PHY 134, PHY 141/PHY 133 with PHY 142/PHY 134, and PHY 125, PHY 126, PHY 127 with PHY 133 and PHY 134. The two-semester sequences are for students prepared for a faster pace; PHY 141/142 is designed for the strongest physics and math preparation.