study physics but have other career goals. The program for physics majors is composed of the Physics Foundation and one of the four Options listed below.

Physics Foundation: All physics majors must complete a core of five physics courses called the Foundation. In addition to the three-term introductory sequence (Physics 106, 110 or 115, 120), the Foundation includes a course in Modern Physics with laboratory (Physics 240) and a course in Thermal and Statistical Physics (Physics 250). Accompanying these physics courses must be work in mathematics encompassing Calculus 1 (Math 109, 110, or 114), Calculus 2 (Math 120 or 124), Multivariable Calculus (Math 212) and Linear Systems (Math 214).

Options: In addition to the Foundation, all physics majors must complete one of the following Options. Upon graduation, the student's transcript will list both the major (Physics) and the chosen Option. 

Some of the four Options require one or two Physics Selectives, which are any courses from the 260 or 360 series, or any 300-level courses not otherwise required for the Option.

Physics Option: Physics 310, 315, 316, 320, 330, 340 and one Physics Selective. This Option is recommended for students who wish a thorough background in physics, as well are for those who wish to pursue professional or graduate work in physics.

Mathematics Option: Physics 310, 320, one Physics Selective, and eight additional units from any other 300-level Physics course (excluding Junior Seminar). Also required are at least 8 units in Math or Computer Science numbered above 300 and below 397 (these courses must be in addition to those required math courses listed in the Foundation). This Option is recommended for students who wish a broader mathematics or computer science background.

Chemistry Option: Physics 310, 320, 330, either Physics 340 or Chemistry 305. Also required are Chemistry 120 or 130, 220, 221, and 240. This Option is recommended for students who wish a broader physical science background.

Education Option: Physics 320 and two Physics Selectives. Also required are Education 201, 205, and 340. Education 314 is highly recommended. This Option is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in secondary science education.

Students can also supplement their programs by taking courses at the California Institute of Technology under the exchange program described in Special Programs.

The comprehensive requirement for all majors is met by completion of the year-long Junior Seminar (Physics 390/391) with a grade of C or better and by passing a comprehensive examination on the material covered in the Physics Foundation.

The Physics Foundation and one Physics Selective.

Students majoring in Physics will satisfy the writing requirement with a passing evaluation of a student portfolio. The portfolio will consist of two laboratory reports from Modern Physics Laboratory (Physics 240), and two research reports from Junior Seminar (Physics 390/391). Students may revise these reports before submitting the portfolio. Typical formats for the required writings will be presented in the related courses. The writing is expected to be clear, precise, and intelligible to someone who has completed introductory physics. The portfolio will be graded on a pass/fail basis by departmental committee. Students whose portfolios are not satisfactory will be required to take English Writing 401. See Writing Program and the department chair for additional information.

Senior physics majors with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present a written thesis on their research for College Honor consideration at graduation; see Honors Program for details.