DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Sample Schedules for Physics Majors

• The sample schedules are common examples. Individual placement, scheduling, and additional program requirements can require modifications.
• Lab and Elective course slots can be moved around as needed and are just shown as representative examples.
• MATH 230-1 is required at least concurrently for PHYSICS 135-1. MATH 230-2 is required at least concurrently for PHYSICS 135-2. MATH 240 is required before PHYSICS 250.
• PHYSICS 211 is not a prerequisite for other physics courses, but it is useful to prepare for advanced courses so there is benefit in taking it early.
• Students intending to go to graduate school immediately after NU should ideally take all core physics courses by Fall of senior year in preparation for applications.
• If you plan to take Physics 333-2 (required for the Advanced Physics and Astronomy concentrations), you MUST take Physics 333-1 during your junior year (or earlier) since it is offered in the Spring.
• For Astronomy concentration: ASTRON 220-1,2 typically offered Winter or Spring. ASTRON 331 may be an acceptable alternative to 220. Speak with the DUS.

SCHEDULE 1

For students who enter with:

• BC Calculus Credit
• No Physics Credit

SCHEDULE 2

For students who enter with:

• No Math Credit
• No Physics Credit

Schedule 3

• Placement into any MENU sequence (or similar advanced math placement such as ISP)
• No Physics credit

Schedule 4

For students who enter with:

• No Math credit, placement into the Math 218 sequence, or starting later such that Physics 135-1 is not appropriate in Year 1. 
• No Physics credit

COMMENT: This path is not standard for Physics majors, as it corresponds to less math preparation than is typical of Physics majors. However, each year some students follow a similar path successfully, and what is shown here, or a variation specific to a student's placement, can be a viable path to complete the Physics major for students who need to push courses later. 

^MATH 360-1 is a MENU course equivalent to MATH 250.

*Astronomy concentration only. 

For more information, email the Director of Undergraduate Studies at dusphysics@northwestern.edu