Undergraduate Program
Science undergraduates may choose from two different majors within the Department of Physics: physics, and physics-in-medicine. The course sequences in these two programs are designed to accommodate the academic and professional interests of the majority of physics majors.
The basic physics major is a particularly flexible option for students, and is the one that will be chosen by the majority of undergraduates majoring in the department. Students following the physics major program will gain a broad understanding of physics. Depth is gained through the addition of one or more supplemental concentration programs offered through the department. Two of these concentration programs, advanced physics and astrophysics, help to prepare the student for graduate work in physics and astronomy or astrophysics. Students with interests in other areas have time to explore second-major, minor, or concentration options offered through departments in the College of Arts and Letters. Students with alternative interests are encouraged to discuss these with the director of undergraduate studies.
The physics-in-medicine major is designed for those students planning to attend medical school after completion of their degree, or who intend to work or study in the fields of biophysics or biomedical technology. The degree contains a core set of requirements in physics, augmented with courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and biophysics.
No supplemental concentration is required of physics majors, but interested students are allowed and encouraged to follow as many concentrations as their schedules and interests allow. Students following the physics-in-medicine major program are not allowed to add concentrations; their major program is designed to accommodate the special interests of students intending careers in medicine, medical technology, or biophysics.
Physics as a second major is an option for students in the colleges of engineering, arts and letters, or business.
Physics Majors
- Overview of Undergraduate Physics at Notre Dame
- Why Physics at Notre Dame? (FAQs on the undergraduate physics program at Notre Dame)
- Physics Course Descriptions (link to the Undergraduate Bulletin of Information)
- The Physics Major (a comprehensive guide of requirements for Physics majors)
- Required Science Courses for Physics Majors (link to PDF file)
- Required Science Courses for Physics in Medicine Majors (link to PDF file)
- American Physical Society/Careers InSight (link to PowerPoint presentations on the APS web site, including "What do physics majors do after graduation?")
Undergraduate Students
- Notre Dame Undergraduate Admissions Information
- Physics Summer Research Positions: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
- Research Experiences and Scholarship Opportunities for Undergraduates at Notre Dame
Are you having problems registering for a physics class? Contact Lori Fuson in the Department of Physics at fuson.1@nd.edu and include the following information:
- What is the exact error message you are receiving?
- What is the course CRN?
- What is your ND ID number?
- What is your full name?
Do you have questions about the undergraduate physics program at the University of Notre Dame? You can contact:
Prof. Philippe Collon, Associate Chair and Director for Undergraduate Studies
pcollon@nd.edu or phone 574-631-3540
OR
Lori Fuson, Undergraduate Administrative Assistant
fuson.1@nd.edu or phone 574-631-3540
