Undergraduate Programs
Why pursue physics at Brandeis University? Brandeis offers students the unique opportunity to prepare for graduate school or employment in a variety of technical fields. Our undergraduate program is strongly based on a first-rate research program by our faculty, which gives students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in areas including astrophysics and cosmology, biological physics, condensed matter physics, highenergy particle physics, and theoretical physics, and topics such as string theory, liquid crystals, DNA, polymers, elementary particles, distant quasars, and the early universe!
A new major in Biological Physics at Brandeis combines mathematics, physics, and biology in an unusual and exciting opportunity for undergraduates. This is the perfect major for the student whose abilities tend toward the quantitative sciences of mathematics and physics, but whose enthusiasm and aspirations lean toward the life sciences. Rod MacKinnon, a former undergraduate at Brandeis and a pioneer in the field of biological physics, shared the 2003 Nobel Prize for chemistry.
Students majoring in physics can work toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. One can also minor in physics. The Brandeis University Bulletin describes the requirements for these options in detail. The core curriculum in physics for a bachelor’s degree includes a sequence of six semester courses plus laboratories, starting with Classical Mechanics, and ending with Quantum Mechanics. Normally, students take one or more years of mathematics beyond the required courses in calculus. For the Bachelor of Science degree, more courses in physics, math, and other sciences are required, encouraging students to broaden their preparation for interdisciplinary studies, or to strengthen their preparation in physics. Most students preparing for graduate studies pursue the B.S. degree, while the B.A allows ample time for joint majors in a broad range of fields including mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, biological physics, or neuroscience, but also with economics, music,philosophy, and creative writing, among others.
Electives for the physics major cover a range of topics, both fundamental and of special interest for different career objectives. The physics major requires three laboratory courses. Our advanced labs cover electronics, microprocessors, and modern experimental methods.
 | These courses are popular, since they relate to technology and applications of physics to practical problems. Some basic electives offered by the department are Statistical Physics, Classical Physics, and Mathematical Physics. More specialized electives include Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, and Biological Physics. Besides establishing a sound basis for continuing work in physics, these courses are valuable for preparing students to do research with our faculty. This is perhaps the most important part of an undergraduate career in science, and it is one of the strongest points of the program at Brandeis. |
Undergraduate Research Opportunities. All physics students are strongly encouraged to get involved in research projects. In 2007, 6 seniors did thesis research projects in physics, astrophysics and biological physics. Click here to see the abstracts and PDF presentations of these research projects.
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Combined physics and engineering programs Brandeis University and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science of Columbia University have established a dual degree program whereby students complete three years of course work at Brandeis, then spend two years at Columbia University to complete the requirements for an engineering degree. Students admitted to the program and completing it successfully would be awarded a BA in physics (or possibly some other science major) from Brandeis University and a BS in engineering from Columbia University.
Olin College offers a five-course Certificate in Engineering for students at Brandeis University as part of a special collaboration. This Certificate is not equivalent to an engineering degree, but represents a substantial investment in engineering courses that could help students pursue a wider field of post graduate opportunities in industry or graduate school.
Follow this link for more information on these programs.
What else does the physics program offer? We bring to campus a steady stream of visitors who present lectures that bring us up to date on the latest advances in research. In 2005, we had a symposium on Einstein’s discoveries and the modern consequences of his work, including the latest studies of gravity and the cosmos. Moreover, we are a small and interactive department, with active student involvement in department events, including physics club, research symposia, and picnics. Our department staff and our graduate students are a constant source of interaction with our undergraduates. We are a community in which we all get to know and appreciate one another.
Most of our graduates go on to graduate school, while some go into high-tech employment, medical school, or other professional studies. Our students have a record of entering the best graduate programs.