Physics (PY)
The physics major offers a thorough grounding in classical and contemporary physics. It provides a basis for graduate education in physics, engineering, astronomy, and related fields; for careers in which analytical and problem-solving skills are important; and for immediate employment in physics and related fields of science, engineering, and technology. The College also offers dual degree engineering programs with Dartmouth College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Students interested in these programs should consult the section of this guide for Engineering under "Programs of Interest."
Students who plan to major in physics or who are interested in the engineering program should take PY 130: Introductory Physics I with Lab: Forces and Energy and its co-requisite, MA 111: Calculus I, in their first semester. Those with strong preparation in calculus should begin with MA 113: Calculus II (see the calculus placement exam in the department of Mathematics and Statistics).
Placement in General Physics: Most students will begin with PY 130 (Introductory Physics I with Lab: Forces and Energy), but those with strong physics preparation may be able to enroll directly in PY 140 without taking PY 130 at Skidmore. Students who might be prepared for PY 140 (or want to challenge themselves) should take the General Physics Placement Test. The placement test has 33 multiple-choice questions and may take about an hour to complete.
PY 161 Physics Seminar (1 credit) provides opportunities to explore the many research areas within physics and the careers that use physics training. All students with an interest in physics are encouraged to enroll in PY 161.
Physics Courses That Fulfill General Education Requirements
This fall, the Physics Department is offering the following courses that are open to first-year students and fulfill the All-College Requiremens for Applied Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) and Scientific Inquiry through Practice (SIP):
- PY 109 Sound and Music
- PY 111 Astronomy
- PY 115 How Stuff Works
Students should contact the Chair or Associate Chair of the department with any questions.
Recommended courses for a prospective major:
Fall (First year)
PY 130 Introductory Physics I with Lab: Forces and Energy
PY 161 Physics Seminar
MA 111 Calculus I (co-requisite for PY 130)
Fall (Second year)
PY 209 Experimental Methods in Physics
PY 210 Foundations of Modern Physics
MA 200 Linear Algebra
Spring (First year)
PY 140 Introductory Physics II with Laboratory: Electrodynamics
MA 113 Calculus II (co-requisite for PY 140)
Spring (Second year)
PY 213 Electronics
PY 216 Mathematical Methods in Physics and Engineering
MA 211 Calculus III
The Physics faculty offices and labs are on the third floor of the Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences.
Administrative Office: BTCIS 280H
518-580-5304