Undergraduate Advising and Research
Parker House, HB 6201
Hanover, NH
03755-3529

Phone: 603.646.3690

Fax: 603.646.8190

Physics and Astronomy

The department offers three basic majors: Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy; and offers minors in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematical Physics (in conjunction with the Mathematics department), and Materials Science (in conjunction with the Engineering Sciences and Chemistry departments).
The Physics Major offers a solid training in the fundamentals of the discipline.
The Engineering Physics Major is done in conjunction with Engineering Sciences at Thayer (comparable to a modified major)
Astronomy is a separate major, which includes relevant study in physics.
The portal to all three of these majors is PHYS 13 (Introductory Physics I) and PHYS 14 (Introductory Physics II). Students entering with credit for MATH 3 can take these courses fall and winter terms respectively, but they are also offered in winter and spring. Especially motivated and well-prepared students may select the more rigorous honors sequence, PHYS 15 (Introductory Physics I – Honors) and 16 (Introductory Physics II – Honors), offered in fall and winter terms respectively, which take the place of the PHYS 13-14-19 sequence.

Students should begin with PHYS 13 (fall or winter), followed by PHYS 14 (winter or spring); or PHYS 15 (fall) followed by PHYS 16 (winter).
Students interested in Astronomy should consider taking ASTR 15 (spring). An introductory course in Physics, and credit for Math 3 are prerequisite.
PHYS 19 (offered fall term) follows the PHYS 13-14 sequence. A student who completes the PHYS 15-16 (honors) sequence may proceed directly to PHYS 24. A student who takes 13 and 14 in their first year can then enroll in 19 in the fall of their sophomore year. On rare occasions, an exceptionally well-prepared student will place out of PHYS 13-14 and take PHYS 19 in the fall of their first year. Entry is by departmental placement examination, or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 3-4 is a terminal physics track for students who need some knowledge of physics for another course of study (pre-med or non-physical science majors). The PHYS 3-4 sequence is seldom elected by first-year students.
ASTR 1 (Exploration of the Solar System) is designed for non-majors and fulfills the Science with Lab (SLA) requirement.
ASTR 2 or 3 (Exploring the Universe) is geared toward the interested non-specialist. ASTR 2 and 3 meet at the same time, but ASTR 3 includes a lab. ASTR 2 fulfills the SCI requirement. ASTR 3 fulfills the SLA requirement. No student may receive credit for both ASTR 2 and 3.