Why Major in Physics?

Democritus and his contemporaries were certainly early theorists in physics. Galileo may have been the first experimentalist in the field. But the 20th century has been the century of physics. The staggering and the sublime of our century, bombs to quarks, have followed upon the trailblazing of physicists. What follows is just a start:

• The World Wide Web was developed to ease research collaboration among a dispersed group of high-energy physicists.
• Fiber Optics, ubiquitous in today's information technology systems, were pioneered by physicists UM physicists, in fact.
• Lasers, from CD players to the Strategic Defense Initiative, were a fundamental development of physicists. Today U-M has a large group of the world's leading laser researchers.
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was developed by physicists and eventually applied by engineers to the medical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Physicists venture after nature's secrets. They want to know the properties of matter, what governs its motion, what it is composed of, and how its components interact. They seek to understand electricity, magnetism, radiation, heat, and gravitation, and the relations between them. They are interested in order and in chaos. The range of ideas that excites their curiosity from the glory of the cosmos to the most fundamental of particles is broader than any list could indicate.

Among their rewards is the assurance that for each fascinating problem they solve, other problems will be birthed to challenge them tomorrow. There is also the deep satisfaction of being able to use their imaginative and intellectual talents to the full measure of their capabilities. When you talk to physicists about why they do what they do, one of the most often-heard descriptors is "exciting."

• Learn how the universe works:
• Study nature from elementary particles to galactic clusters
• Learn the principles of silicon microchips and rocket propulsion
• Understand Einstein's relativity and electrodynamics
• Encounter quantum mechanics and Shrodinger's cat
  
• Carry out research with faculty members probing the scientific frontier
  
• Prepare for graduate school and a career in basic or applied research
  
• Develop problem solving skills applicable to any career

Normal prerequisites for the major:

• Physics 140/141, 240/241, 340/341
   
• Math 115, 116, 215, 216

Normal course requirements for the major (BS, physics):

• Physics 390, 401, 405, 406, 441, 442, 451, 453 and 465
   
• Two from among: Physics 402, 411, 413, 417, 418, 435, 438, 452, 455, 460 and 463

The physics major is challenging but very rewarding.

Because of the many prerequisites and requirements, it is best to start course work early.

There are two additional majors: Honors BS in Physics and BS in General Physics.

Physics minor requirements: Physics 140/141/240/241 or 125/126/127/128 and 340/341/390.