Degree Requirements
The BA in Physics provides Berea College students with a rigorous foundation in the fundamental concepts and principles of physics that will prepare them for careers as professional physicists, astronomers, or physics educators.
A Bachelor of Art degree in Physics is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
| PHY 221 | Intro Physics I with Calculus | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 222 | Intro Physics II with Calculus | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 320 | Modern Physics | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 365 | Thermal Physics | 1 Course Credit |
Required Core Theory Courses
| PHY 460 | Electromagnetic Theory | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 481 | Classical Mechanics | 1 Course Credit |
| PHY 482 | Quantum Physics | 1 Course Credit |
Required Advanced Laboratory
| PHY 341 | Advanced General Laboratory | 1/2 Course Credit |
Required Capstone Course
| PHY 492 | Physics Seminar | 1/2 Course Credit |
| | or | |
The capstone requirement can be satisfied by completing an
approved physics research experience, such as
PHY 492,
PHY 495,
UGR 010 or
UGR 020. To receive capstone credit for a research experience other than
PHY 492, students must (1) submit a formal proposal prior to the start date of the research experience or internship; and (2) give an oral presentation and submit a paper summarizing the work accomplished during the project by the end of the semester following the experience. Each research project is approved on a case-by-case basis.
Required Distribution Courses:
Two (2) additional course credits from Physics Department offerings, at least one (1) of which must be at or above the 300-level.
Required Collateral Courses
| MAT 135 | Calculus I | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 225 | Calculus II | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 330 | Calculus III | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 337 | Differential Equations | 1 Course Credit |