How to Declare a Major in Physics
Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics, including transfer and prospective students, please schedule an appointment with the Physics advisors or email the advisors at physastr@arizona.edu.
Newsletter
The Physics advising team publishes a weekly newsletter throughout the semester that includes information about both the Department of Physics and the Department of Astronomy, as well as course enrollment, graduation, and opportunities to get involved. The newsletter also has a “Guides” page that has checksheets, degree requirements, four-year plans, and prerequisites.
Major Documents
Physics | Physics & Astronomy | Physics & Mathematics |
Physics Research Requirement
Physics majors are required to engage in at least 3 units of physics-related research. Many physics students engage in more than one research opportunity or continue with the same research opportunity for multiple semesters. Please work with an advisor to determine the best opportunity to receive units for your experiences.
Most students will take at least one semester of PHYS 492 (Directed Research). Honors students would take two semesters of PHYS 498H (Honors Thesis). Please note that to get credit for your research, there will need to be some sort of ‘deliverable’ at the end of the experience – this deliverable could be a presentation, paper, etc.
Enrollment in Independent Study/Directed Research
Students looking to enroll in Physics Independent Study (PHYS 399, 499, or 499H) or Directed Research (PHYS 392, 492, 498H), need to complete the Independent Study/Research Form with their research advisor and return the completed and signed form to the Academic Support Office or Physics Advisor.