Physics (PY)
The physics major offers a thorough grounding in classical and contemporary physics, culminating in a Senior Coda research experience. 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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Clarkson College. Students interested in these programs should consult the section of this guide under "Other Programs of Interest."
PY 161, Introductory Seminar in Physics (1 credit), is designed for all incoming students with an interest in physics. It 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.
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.
Physics Courses That Fulfill General Education Requirements: This Fall, the Physics Department offers PY 110 (Astronomy) and PY 111 (Astronomy with Lab) open to first-year students. Both courses fulfill the Applied Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) requirement, and PY 111 also fulfills the Scientific Inquiry through Practice (SIP) requirement.
Students should contact the Chair or Associate Chair of the department with any questions.
Recommended courses for a prospective major:
Fall 2023
PY 130 Introductory Physics I with Lab: Forces and Energy
PY 161 Introductory Seminar in Physics
MA 111 Calculus I (co-requisite for PY 130)Spring 2024
PY 140 Introductory Physics II with Laboratory: Electrodynamics
MA 113 Calculus II (co-requisite for PY 140)2nd floor, Annex
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