Program Highlight
SMP Spotlight
Brian Keating, “The Curvature of the Relativistic Rotating Disk,” 2003
Using Albert Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity, Brian explained the paradoxes that occur when a rigid disk rotates at extremely high speeds
Degree Requirements for the Physics Major
1. General College Requirements
2. Required Courses:
a. Physics Core Courses:
PHYS 131: General Physics I
PHYS 132: General Physics II
PHYS 231: General Physics III
PHYS 312: Advanced Physics Laboratory
PHYS 342: Mechanics
PHYS 351: Electricity & Magnetism
PHYS 462: Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 473: Statistical Mechanics
b. Cognate Courses
MATH 151: Calculus 1
MATH 152: Calculus II
MATH 255: Vector Calculus
MATH 256: Linear Algebra
c. Elective Courses (at least one of the following)
PHYS 281: Mathematical Models of Physics
PHYS 382: Optics
PHYS 490: Senior Seminar
MATH 312: Differential Equations
CHEM 451: Physical Chemistry
PHYS 399 or 499: Independent Study
3. Complete a St. Mary's Project
4. GPA
Must maintain a grade of C- or better in the all courses in items 2-3 and a maintain an overall GPA in items 2-3 or 2.0 or better.
Suggested Sequence of Study
First Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, Calculus I & II, General Physics I & II
Sophomore Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, General Physics III, Mechanics
Junior Year:
Core Curriculum requirements, Advanced Physics Laboratory, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, begin St. Mary's Project in second semester, and elective courses
Senior Year:
St. Mary's Project, Core Curriculum requirements, Statistical Mechanics, and elective courses
