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 Physics at Virginia

In addition to a major subject, students may choose a minor in a second subject. The physics minor is an excellent option for students whose primary interests lie elsewhere, but who enjoy physics and want to develop their proficiency with it. Official information regarding the minor requirements is available in the Undergraduate Record.

Starting in the 2021/22 academic year, we have updated the minor requirements. If you take the introductory physics courses in Fall 21 or later, you should use these new requirements. There are two options leading to a Physics Minor:

Option 1:

  • PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 (prereq: Calc 1)
  • PHYS 1429 - Physics 1 Workshop
  • MATH 2310 or APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus (prereq: Calc 2)
  • PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 - Introductory Physics 2 (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
  • PHYS 2419 - Physics 2 Workshop
  • PHYS 2620 - Modern Physics (prereq: Intro Physics 2)
  • PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving (coreq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
  • One additional 3000-level physics elective

Option 2: 

  • PHYS 2010 - Principles of Physics 1
  • PHYS 2020 - Principles of Physics 2
  • PHYS 2030 - Principles of Physics 1 Workshop
  • PHYS 2040 - Principles of Physics 2 Workshop
  • MATH 2310 or APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus (prereq: Calc 2)
  • PHYS 2620* - Modern Physics (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
  • PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving (coreq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
  • One additional 3000-level physics elective

If you took the introductory courses prior to Fall 2021, you should use the old requirements, which have three options:

Option 1:

  • PHYS 1710, 1720, 2620
  • Two additional 3000-level physics electives, or one 3000-level elective and PHYS 2630 (Elementary Lab 1)

Option 2:

  • PHYS 1425, 1429, 2415, 2419, 2620
  • Two additional 3000-level physics elective

Option 3:

  • PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, 2620*
  • Two additional 3000-level physics elective

*Warning! Modern Physics and most physics electives assume the calculus-based introductory course sequences PHYS 1420/2410 or PHYS 1425/2415. It is recommended to to discuss your situation with a physics major advisor or the course instructor before enrolling in Modern Physics after taking the PHYS 2010/2020 sequence.

In all cases, required courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C-, and the grade point average for the required courses must be at least 2.000.

Declaring the Minor

To declare a physics minor, please fill out this form to request a physics advisor.

Double-Counting Courses

Arts and Sciences does not allow for double counting of courses between minor and major(s) for college students. A physics advisor can grant exceptions to this rule if the course which is to be double-counted is an introductory physics course that is a required component in the major.

 

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