Physicists and astronomers study the basic principles of nature. Students learn the fundamental principles governing the behavior nature, from elementary particles to the entire universe. Understanding these basic principles, as well as the problem solving skills developed, prepare students for a wide variety of technical careers.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
|
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (2-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
All students interested in pursuing one of the Physics major options should contact the Undergraduate Advisor to discuss appropriate classes per their math placement test results and prior Physics coursework (ie AP credits). At your APA session, include the following courses in your registration, then follow up with Dr. Cizewski this summer by emailing her at
Students with MA:640:CLS Calculus math placement:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
| Analytical Physics | 01:750:123 | 2 | Physics (750) |
| Calculus I for Math and Physical Sciences | 01:640:151 | 4 | Mathematics (640) |
Students with MA:640:CLG Calculus math placement:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
| Analytical Physics | 01:750:123 | 2 | Physics (750) |
| Calculus I for Life and Physical Sciences | 01:640:135 | 4 | Mathematics (640) |
Students with MA:640:PCA Calculus math placement:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
| Extended Analytical Physics | 01:750:115 | 2 | Physics (750) |
| Precalculus College Mathematics | 01:640:115 | 4 | Mathematics (640) |
Students with math placement below Precalculus College Mathematics (MA:640:CMA, MA:640:CMP, MA:640:EAL, MA:640:IMA)
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
| Math course per placement | 3-4.5 credits | Mathematics (640) | |
| Astronomy & Cosmology (not for Physics major/minor credit) | 750:109 or 110 | 3 | Physics (750) |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments: Environmental Studies (381) Geological Sciences (460) also known as Earth and Planetary Sciences Mathematics (640) Philosophy (730) 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters. Additional Information Beyond the Classroom For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning. In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options! Many students do work on in faculty research labs/programs. No, but about a dozen students per year do an honors thesis. Many students to go graduate school, and we have excellent placement in to graduate schools. Other common placement are in high schools, local industry, or the military.
Introdoction to Philosophy
01:730:103
3
Philosophy (103)
Intro Oceanography
01:460:120
3
Geological Sciences (460)
Planet Earth
01:460:100
3
Geological Sciences (460)
