The physics major---Students
must take PHYS 131L, 231L,
and 232L, and five courses at the 300 level or above,
three of which must be PHYS 300,
PHYS 307, and PHYS 320.
PHYS 399 and PHYS 490
do not count towards fulfillment of this requirement. In addition, the
student must take PHYS 405, the senior
exercise. Outside the department, the student must take
MATH 231 and 234
and CHEM 111L. Students must obtain grades of
C- or better in all of these courses. It is strongly recommended that
students preparing for graduate study in physics take three or more
additional courses in physics at the 300 level or above, and at least
one year of mathematics at the 300 level or above. The Writing
Intensive Part II requirement is fulfilled by
PHYS 320.
The interdisciplinary computing major in physics---See
the "Interdisciplinary Computing Major" section of the
Bulletin. Students contemplating the
interdisciplinary computing major in physics should contact the chair
of the Physics Department, who will direct them to appropriate
faculty members for guidance and assistance in setting up a plan
of study.
Study Away---Physics
majors with an interest in studying abroad should plan well in
advance of the semester they will be away. This particularly
important since most upper-level physics courses at Trinity
are offered biennially. Students wishing to use courses taken
abroad in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
physics major must obtain the prior approval of the department
chair.
Honors---Students
seeking honors in physics must complete at least one additional
physics course beyond the minimum required for the physics major.
This course may be a semester of independent research
(PHYS 399 or 490).
Honors candidates must attain an average of at least a B+ in all
physics courses. Honors are awarded to qualified students by a
vote of the faculty.
Advanced Placement---Students
who have earned an Advanced Placement exam grade in physics of
4 or 5 may receive course credit. See the "Advanced Placement"
section of the Bulletin for details.
Exceptionally well-prepared students who are exempt from
PHYS 131 and from both
MATH 131 and
MATH 132/142 may petition the chair
of the department to take PHYS 232L
prior to PHYS 231L.