Physics forms a foundation for all other sciences. Five introductory Physics lecture sequences and two introductory laboratory sequences are open to freshmen. Placement in some courses depends on the student's preparation or on concurrent enrollment in an appropriate course in mathematics.
If students have the appropriate background in mathematics, they
are advised to take a calculus-based physics course. Sir Isaac Newton developed calculus while trying to describe the world around him;
it is the natural language of physics. Students enrolled in one of the calculus-based introductory courses will be invited to a series of "Chairman's Teas," which provide an opportunity to discuss topics
on the frontiers of physics with faculty and peers. Completion of a
calculus-based introductory course also prepares students for a series of 340-level electives, which cover special topics of interest to both majors and nonmajors.
Lecture Courses (No Calculus Prerequisite)
PHYS 110a or b, Developments in Modern Physics, is for non-science students with little or no background in physics. There is no mathematics requirement. This course counts toward the distributional requirements in science and quantitative reasoning.
PHYS 150a, 151b, General Physics, is for students with some physics and mathematics who will probably not major in the physical sciences but who may be interested in the medical and biological sciences. Only high school mathematics is required; MATH 112a and 115b, Calculus of Functions of One Variable I and II, should be taken concurrently.
PHYS 180a, 181b, Advanced General Physics, is for students who plan
to major in the physical sciences. Calculus at the level of MATH 112a or b is a prerequisite; MATH 115a and 120b, Calculus of Functions of Several
Variables, should be taken concurrently.
PHYS 200a, 201b, Fundamentals of Physics, is for students with good training in physics and mathematics and an interest in the physical
sciences. Calculus at the level of MATH 115a or b is presumed; MATH 120a
and either 225b (Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory) or 222b (Linear Algebra with Applications) are generally taken concurrently.
PHYS 260a, 261b, Intensive Introductory Physics, is for students who have both excellent training in physics and mathematics and a flair for mathematical methods and quantitative analysis. PHYS 301a, Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Physics, or MATH 230, Vector Calculus and Linear Algebra, or the equivalent should be taken concurrently.
Laboratory Courses
PHYS 165La, 166Lb, General Physics Laboratory, is for students who do not plan to major in the physical sciences. It does not require a strong high school physics laboratory preparation. Related lecture courses are PHYS 150a, 151b, or 180a, 181b. Many students take the lecture courses first, and then take the laboratory sequence in a subsequent year.
PHYS 205La or Lb, 206La or Lb, Modern Physical Measurement, is for students who plan to major in the physical sciences. The related lecture courses are PHYS 180a, 181b, or 200a, 201b, or 260a, 261b. Students are advised to start this laboratory sequence with 205Lb in the spring of the freshman year or with 205La in the fall of the sophomore year.
PHYS 150a, 180a, 200a, and 260a are taught at the same time so that students are easily able to change levels if necessary. Questions about placement should be addressed to the DUS in the fall. The DUS will be present at several events described in the Calendar for the Opening Days.
The following table summarizes some important information about the lecture and laboratory courses described above.
Course sequence
Meets medical school requirement
Acceptable for Physics major
Math taken concurrently
110a or b
no
no
none
150a, 151b
yes
no
112a, 115b
180a, 181b
yes
yes
115a, 120b
200a, 201b
yes
yes
120a or b
260a, 261b
yes
yes
230* or PHYS 301a*
165La, 166Lb
yes
no
--
205La or Lb,
206La or Lb
yes
yes
--
*MATH 222a or b or 225a or b and 246a or b may substitute for MATH 230 and
PHYS 301a. Consult the DUS.
There will be a meeting in the fall for all freshmen interested in majoring in Physics. Details will be listed in the Calendar for the Opening Days. Further information about undergraduate physics at Yale can be found on the Department of Physics Web site.
