The Carthage Physics Major
Sample Schedule
The schedule below is a sample program of study that a physics major (starting as a freshman with no Advanced Placement or transfer credits in physics or calculus) might expect to take over a four-year period at Carthage College.
This is a sample schedule only. An individual student’s selections will vary, based on high-school background, interests and goals. Every student works closely with a faculty advisor in selecting his or her courses.
In most cases, electives are to be chosen from courses in the Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences divisions, in order to meet distribution requirements for graduation. If one of the concentration areas (astrophysics, engineering, advanced physics for graduate school) or a meteorology and climatology minor is being pursued, some electives will need to be from courses in the Natural Sciences Division.
Most 300-level or higher physics electives are offered in alternate years. This means a student can expect to take any such course either as a junior or senior. Please consult the College Catalog or contact the Department Chair for details.
Freshman Year
Fall Term
PHY 1200 and 1200L Fundamental Physics and Lab
MTH 1120 and 1120L Calculus I and Lab
COR 1100 Western Heritage I
Modern Language course, or Elective
January Term
REL 1000 Understandings of Religion, or Elective
Spring Term
PHY 2200 General Physics I (includes Lab)
MTH 1220 and 1220L Calculus II and Lab
COR 1110 Western Heritage II
Modern Language Course, or Elective
Sophomore Year
Fall Term
PHY 2210 General Physics II (includes Lab)
MTH 2020 Differencial Equations
EXS 0010 Concepts of Physical Fitness (1 credit)
Second Religion course, or Elective
January Term
(Optional) Elective
Spring Term
PHY 2300 and 2300L Modern Physics and Lab
PHY 2470 Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers
EXS Physical Fitness Activity (1 credit)
2 Electives
Summer Term
(Optional - competitive) SURE Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (on-campus research)
Junior Year
Fall Term
PHY 3200 Mechanics, or PHY 3300 Thermodynamics
PHY 3120 Electronics
Writing Intensive (WI) Elective
Elective
January Term
Carthage Symposium (CS) team-taught course, or Elective
Spring Term
PHY 4200 Quantum Mechanics, or PHY 4300 Electricity & Magnetism
PHY 400T Topics in Physics (Biophysics, Nuclear Physics, Fluids)
Global Heritage (GH) Elective, or other Elective
Elective
Summer Term
(Optional - competitive) NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Senior Year
Fall Term
PHY 3200 Mechanics, or PHY 3300 Thermodynamics
PHY 3100 Optics, or PHY 4100 Astrophysics, or PHY 4900 Independent Research
PHY 4000 Senior Thesis Seminar (1 credit)
2 Electives
January Term
PHY 4110 Observational Astrophysics, or PHY 4120 Experimental Physics (Writing Intensive - WI)
Spring Term
PHY 4200 Quantum Mechanics, or PHY 4300 Electricity & Magnetism
PHY 3120 Electronics, or PHY 400T Topics in Physics (Biophysics, Nuclear Physics, Fluids)
Elective
PHY 4010 Senior Thesis Research (1 credit)
PHY 4990 Senior Thesis Completion (required, but 0 credit)
Academics at Carthage
Prospective Students
Research Opportunities
Carthage students have access to some of the world's largest observatories. Read more.
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience leads to real world success. Read more.
Student Voices
"Carthage is providing me an environment where I realize I could go on and do even greater things, and giving me the confidence and determination I need to do so."
Hear what students have to say about studying physics at Carthage.
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Kenosha, WI 53140
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