Wabash College: Physics Crawfordsville, Indiana

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Photo of Professor Martin Madsen's ion trap and vacuum system. Visible are the electron gun on the top, the rf trap (the interlocking rings) and the calcium atomic oven on the bottom.

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that govern our universe. Our curriculum is designed to give our students a solid foundation for understanding these laws and how they were uncovered. The language that best expresses these laws is mathematical so there are a significant number of mathematics courses which serve as prerequisites for our courses. However, since physics describes the real world, our curriculum also incorporates a significant laboratory component to ensure that our students will learn how to interrogate nature and understand the answers it gives. Only by balancing theoretical concepts with experimental reality can one reach a more complete understanding of the world.

Our physics majors and minors will master valuable analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be applied to a wide variety of situations beyond physics. By integrating these skills with their liberal arts experiences, our students are prepared for a vast spectrum of careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in physics research, engineering, computer programming, teaching, environmental studies, law, business, and other fields.

Prof. Krause

For Senior Comprehensives, majors must pass two written exams: (1) a three-hour examination during which the major must write a detailed essay on a physics topic selected by the department (students will be given a list of possible topics several weeks before the exam) and (2) a three-hour examination requiring the solution of several groups of problems/questions.

Requirements for a Major: Nine course credits in physics. These must include Physics 111, 113, 114 (or 211 and 212), 210, 310, 314, 315, 381 (taken at least two semesters), and one additional physics course credit (excluding Physics 101 and Physics 112 which do not count toward the major). Students accepted to a 3-2 engineering program may substitute Chemistry 111 for the one elective physics course. Those planning to go on to graduate school in physics should also plan to take Physics 230 and 316.

In addition, mathematics courses that are prerequisites or co-requisites for physics courses are Mathematics 111, 112, 223, 224, and 225. Although not required, Computer Science 111 is also highly recommended, and Mathematics 324 and 344 are useful.

Since physics is a hierarchical subject, it is important to take Physics 111 and 113 during the freshman year if one wishes to major in physics. Below is a possible schedule of how one might fulfill all the necessary requirements:

	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Freshman	Physics 111 Mathematics 111	Physics 113 Mathematics 112
Sophomore	Physics 114 (or Physics 211/212) Mathematics 223	Physics 210 Mathematics 224
Junior	Physics 310 Physics 381 Mathematics 225	Physics 314 Physics 381
Senior	Physics 315	Physics 220, 230, or 316

Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in physics. These must include Physics 111, 113, 114 (or 211 and 212), 210, and one additional physics course (excluding Physics 101 and Physics 112). Mathematics prerequisites (or co-requisites) are Mathematics 111, 112, and 223.