Bachelor of Science

Physics

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Explore Matter and Energy to Develop a Deeper Understanding of the Universe and Address Societal Needs

Whether you want to study magnetic fields, develop laser technologies or advance medical imaging, you will gain a conceptual understanding of basic physics principles with the bachelor’s in physics program at the University at Albany.

Learn how to decipher problems using classical and modern experimental techniques, principles of quantum mechanics and basic physics applications. Apply your knowledge to get hands-on research in modern labs with your faculty mentor in subjects like quantum theory, string theory, X-ray analysis information physics, and particle physics and digital holography.

Through coursework and research you will be prepared for a career in areas like engineering, architecture, aerospace, fiber optics, medical physics and education, or to pursue graduate education.

Additional Program Information

Undergraduate Bulletin | Course Catalog | Four-Year Plan | Department Contact: Paul LaBate

Program of Study
Honors Program
Applied Learning
Combined Master's
Career Outcomes
Physics Home

Program of Study

programofstudy

Develop a conceptual understanding of basic physics principles through courses that cover classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, atomic and nuclear physics, and thermal physics. Then take advanced courses to customize your education in areas like electronics, particle physics and cosmology.

You will engage with a faculty mentor on a regular basis throughout the program. They will help you with course selection, career planning and academics. You can also conduct research with your mentor, exposing you to hands-on learning and experience before graduation.

Combined major and minor sequence consisting of 69-76 credits.

Introductory Physics Sequence

Physics I: Mechanics or Honors Physics I Mechanics or Physics I: Advanced Mechanics
Physics II: Electromagnetism or Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism or Physics II: Advanced Electromagnetism
Physics III: Structure of Matter

Lab Sequence for Introductory Courses

Physics Lab I or General Physics Lab I
Physics Lab II or General Physics Lab II
Physics Lab III

Higher Level Physics Courses

Mathematics in Physics or Analysis for Applications I and II
Physics IV: Waves
Classical Mechanics
Advanced Physics Lab
Electromagnetism I: Statics
Electromagnetism II: Electrodynamics
Quantum Physics I
Quantum Physics II
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Chemistry Sequence

General Chemistry I or Advanced Chemistry I
General Chemistry II or Advanced Chemistry II
General Chemistry Laboratory I
General Chemistry Laboratory II

Calculus Sequence

Calculus I and Calculus II OR Honors Calculus I and Honors Calculus II
Calculus of Several Variables

Mathematics Elective

Linear Algebra
Analysis for Applications I
Discrete Probability or
Complex Variables for Applications

Additional Physics Course

Any course numbered 300 or higher and appended with a Y suffix.

Mathematical Models in Physics
Electronics
Introduction to Particle Physics
Optics
Introduction to Cosmology
Medical Imaging
Introduction to Quantum Foundations and Quantum Information
Bayesian Data Analysis and Signal Processing
Symmetry in Physics
Physics of Materials
X-ray Optics, Analysis, and Imaging
Computational Methods

Computer Science Course

Introduction to Computer Science

Honors Program

Challenge yourself with more advanced work in the Physics Honors Program. You will have the opportunity to complete an independent research project culminating in a written report. Outstanding students should apply for admission to the honors program in the beginning of their junior year.

Applied Learning

Collaborate with other physics majors by signing up for the Living Learning Community program. This gives you the opportunity to live in the same residence hall as students who are physics majors so you can study and participate in social activities together.

You can also join the UAlbany chapter of the Society of Physics Students, a group that encourages you to pursue your education beyond the general classroom setting. Engage in hands-on activities like rocket building, view science movies, attend lectures and discuss career choices.

Take advantage of research opportunities that have the potential for professional publication through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for program.

honors

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options

You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Physics undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MS in Physics
This master’s program studies subjects like condensed matter, digital holography and Bayesian data analysis for a sound understanding of computational methods, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics.

MS in Information Science
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.

MS in Secondary Education
This New York State-approved teacher preparation program provides you with initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools.

Career Outcomes

With a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree you will be prepared for positions in industries such as engineering, astrophysics, software, science journalism, architecture and medical physics.

Potential job titles for a BS in physics include:

Electrical engineer
Laser engineer
Software developer
Programmer
High school physics or science teacher
Optical engineer
Research assistant
Lab technician
Accelerator operator

Colleagues Writing Mathematical Formulas On Transparent Wipe Board

career

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Science

Students will master Newton's Law.
Students will master basic electricity and magnetism.
Students will master advanced mechanics (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations).
Students will understand the fundamental nature of measurement in the scientific method, the role of experimental uncertainty in comparing theory to experiment.
Students will master writing clear and complete reports of laboratory measurements.

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What Makes The University at Albany Great

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors

Acting
Africana Studies
Anthropology
Art
Art History
Atmospheric Science
Bioethics
Biology
Broadcast Meteorology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese Studies
Cognitive Science
Communication
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice Studies
Cybersecurity
Documentary Studies
East Asian Studies
Economics
Educational Studies
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electronics
Film Studies
Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
English

Financial Market Regulation
Forensic Science
French
Game Design and Development
Geographic Information Science
Geography
Globalization Studies
Hebrew
History
Informatics
International Studies
Italian
Japanese Studies
Journalism
Judaic Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Law and Philosophy
Leadership
Legal Studies
LGBTQ Studies
Library and Information Science
Linguistics
Machine Learning
Mathematics
Medical Anthropology

Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Music
Musical Theatre
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Portuguese
Pre-Education
Psychology
Public Health
Public Policy
Religious Studies
Russian
Russian and Eastern European Studies
Social Welfare Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Sustainability
Theatre
Theatrical Design/Technology
Urban Studies and Planning
U.S. Latino Studies
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies