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Frequently Asked Questions

Please note:

These answers cover significant points but should not be considered a substitute for one-on-one academic advising. Any Emory student contemplating a physics or physics/astronomy major or minor should schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, as early in his or her academic career as possible.

  • What are the main differences between the BS and the BA for a physics major

    The BS in Physics is a concentrated, mathematics-rich program for students planning on graduate education in physics or engineering. Therefore, BS students have more mathematics and physics requirements, continue to learn and apply higher-level mathematics throughout their program, and are required and encouraged to do more research than BA students. While covering the core physics curriculum, the BA in Physics requires fewer mathematics courses, fewer physics courses, and offers more choice in physics electives. It is well-suited for students planning to enter medicine, dentistry, law, business, science writing, and teaching.

    In addition, the BA schedule works well for students who take Physics 151 and 152 as sophomores (or in some cases, juniors) rather than during their freshmen year. BS students, on the other hand, who do not take Physics 151 and 152 as freshmen will face a particularly challenging Fall semester in their junior year when they have to take three physics requirements instead of two. Having said that, many motivated students manage this late start well, so it should not prohibit qualified students from choosing the BS even if they take Physics 151 and 152 as sophomores or even juniors.

    No student should attempt to choose either major without first speaking with the director of undergraduate studies.

  • What are the main differences between the BS and the BA degrees for physics and astronomy majors

    The BS in Physicsand Astronomy is designed for students planning on graduate school and a career in astronomy. Therefore, BS students have more mathematics and physics requirements, and they continue to learn and apply higher-level mathematics throughout their program. The BA in Physics and Astronomy is ideal for those students with a serious interest in astronomy who would prefer a program containing fewer mathematics requirements, fewer physics/astronomy requirements, and more electives than the BS. The BA is well-suited to students preparing to enter medicine, dentistry, law, business, science writing, secondary school teaching and multidisciplinary fields of science.

    Like the BS physics students, BS physics/astronomy students take Physics 361 and 365 (Analytical Mechanics I and Electromagnetic Fields I).

    Physics 116: Introduction to Astronomy with Lab counts as a required course for BA Physics/Astronomy students but not for BS Physics/Astronomy students. (It is, however, recommended for BS students who do not have any previous experience with astronomical observation techniques.)

    BS students take both Physics 311 and 312 (Astrophysics I and II) whereas BA students can choose one or the other. Physics 311 and 312 are not a sequence and may be taken in any order; they are offered in alternate Spring semesters

  • Are there any physics courses that do not count toward the BS or BA degrees in physics?

    Physics 115, 116, 121, and 190 do not fulfill requirements for the BS or BA physics degree. [Physics 116, however, does fulfill a requirement for the BA in physics /astronomy.] Under special circumstances 141 and 142 may fulfill requirements for the physics or physics/astronomy major; this decision is made by the director of undergraduate studies. Normally, 141 and 142 are considered courses for non-science majors. If you have doubts about any other physics courses, please contact the director of undergraduate studies.

  • When are required courses offered?

    Essentially all physics courses are offered only once a year in either the Fall or Spring semester, except for (usually) Physics 116 and Physics 444. Physics 311S and 312S are offered in the Spring in alternate years. Therefore, physics and physics/astronomy students follow the sequence of courses as presented on the recommended schedules. Schedules are offered for students beginning the major as Freshmen and for beginning the major as Sophomores.

    Please see Degree Requirements for specific requirements and recommended schedules pertaining to each one.