Welcome to UW–Madison and Physics!
Do you think (or know!) that the physics major or certificate is right for you?
- You may start the physics major sequence your first semester if you have tested out of Math 221 (first-semester calculus). If you are taking Math 221 your first semester or later, it is still possible to complete the physics major in four years.
- The preferred introductory physics sequence for physics majors is Physics 247/248/249. Some students may instead choose the Physics 207/208/241 sequence. [The Physics 201/202/235 sequence is also a path to the major, however it is designed for engineers.]
Not sure you want to be a Physics major yet, or are leaning broadly toward a STEM major?
- Physics 201 or 207 are both introductory physics courses that are required for many STEM majors. If you take one of these courses in any of your first three semesters, you have many STEM options ahead of you, including physics.
- Students can take Physics 115 (Energy & Climate) or Physics 107 (Ideas of Modern Physics) their first year to gauge their interest in physics. These courses are not part of the physics major, but showcase the broad applications of physics to such diverse topics as carbon-less energy production, understanding and combating climate change, exploring the history of our entire universe, and quantum computing.
Looking for a fun way to satisfy a natural science and/or quantitative reasoning requirement?
Physics offers four courses that satisfy QR-B and science, primarily for non-STEM majors.
- Physics 106 (Physics of Sports) — 3cr, Lecture only: A tenth of a second, a single inch, or a slightly different angle can make all the difference in a sporting event. This course applies physics principles to competitive sport, leading to a better understanding of how physics aids performance in such sports as track and field, cycling, archery, golf, football and basketball.
- Physics 107 (Ideas of Modern Physics) – 3cr, Lecture & Discussion: Join a journey of physics from its origins in Greek philosophy to the revolutionary concepts that formed our modern physical world picture. Learn about the fascinating work of the most influential scientists in classical physics, relativity, and quantum theory, and the impact it has on society.
- Physics 109 (Physics in the Arts) – 3cr, Lecture & Laboratory: An engaging, accessible exploration of sound and light, offering a route to science literacy for those interested in the arts, music and photography. Covers the nature of sound and sound perception as well as important concepts and topics such as light and light waves, reflection and refraction, lenses, the eye and the ear, photography, color and color vision, and additive and subtractive color mixing.
- Physics 115 (Energy & Climate) – 3cr, Lecture & Discussion: Introduction to energy, focusing on energy sources and their impacts on humans and the environment, particularly through climate. Develop background to form opinions on energy-related issues affecting the world as well as your own use of energy. Apply these physical principles to understand energy sources and their impacts
GENERAL INFO ABOUT ENROLLMENT
- Requisites are enforced on all Physics courses
- Some courses have waitlists. Wait lists are monitored continually up through the add deadline.
- For more info: Advising and Enrollment Assistance
Physics Major Sequences
There are three introductory course sequences that count toward the physics major. These courses also satisfy requirements for nearly all STEM majors. Which should you take and why?
Physics 247/248/249
- This sequence is preferred but not required for physics majors. It is a calculus-based introduction to physics intended for Physics, AMEP, and Astronomy-Physics majors, and is a more mathematically rigorous and in-depth introduction to physics than the other introductory physics sequences. Students may begin the sequence in either fall or spring semester.
- It is especially recommended for students who may wish to pursue graduate studies.
- This sequence is an honors physics major sequence.
Physics 207/208/241
- This sequence is a good choice for students who are broadly interested in majoring in the non-engineering sciences.
- Physics 207/208 are taken by some physics majors as well as many biological and chemical sciences majors.
- This sequence can be taken as an alternative to the 247/248/249 honors sequence. Physics 207, 208, and 241 are offered every semester.
- Students who take this sequence and declare a physics major are at no disadvantage compared to physics majors who took Physics 247/248/249.
Physics 201/202/235
- Students who are in the College of Engineering or wish to be admitted to an Engineering program should take this sequence.
- It is also provides a path to the physics major, including as part of a double major. Each course is offered every semester.
- Students who take this sequence and declare a physics major are at no disadvantage compared to physics majors who took Physics 247/248/249
*Although we recommend following one of these sequences, students are allowed to mix between the sequences, with the exception that transfers into the Physics 247/Physics 248/Physics 249 honors sequence are not permitted. All three sequences have a prerequisite of Math 221 (or equivalent).
Suggested Program
*After completion of Physics 248, 208, or 202, we encourage students to enroll in Physics 301, Physics Today, as a Physics elective that counts for credit toward the major. This course provides an introduction to research in the department that is typically not covered in other courses, and it helps connect students with undergraduate research opportunities.
Incoming Credits
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Advanced Placement (AP) Credits
- Physics 1 or Physics 2 with a score of 4-5 awards credit for Physics 103/104; these courses do not apply toward the physics major.
- Physics C Mechanics with a score of 4-5 awards 5 credits of Physics 207. These students may enroll in Physics 208 (if Math prerequisites are also completed). We encourage these students to talk to a Physics major advisor before enrolling to discuss if they may benefit from enrolling in the Physics 247/248/249 honors sequence instead.
- Physics C Electric and Magnetism with a score of 4-5 awards 5 credits of Physics 208. These students may enroll in Physics 207 (if Math prerequisites are completed) and then enroll in Physics 241. We encourage these students to talk to a Physics major advisor before enrolling to discuss if they may benefit from enrolling in the Physics 247/248/249 honors sequence instead.
- Students who earn a 4-5 on both Physics C AP exams and therefore are awarded Physics 207 and 208 credits may enroll in Physics 241 their first semester, if Math prerequisites are completed. Still, we encourage these students to talk to a Physics major advisor before enrolling to discuss if Physics 241 is the right course for them, or if they may benefit from enrolling in the Physics 247/248/249 honors sequence instead.
- Students may earn credit for either AP Physics 1 & 2 or AP Physics EM & M, but not both.
International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Level (A-Level), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credits
IB, A-Level, and CLEP only award credit for Physics 103 and 104; these courses do not apply toward the physics major.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit can be awarded to any admitted undergraduate student who has completed coursework at a college or university. Once you are admitted, the Registrar’s office will begin working on an evaluation of your transfer credits and will email you when your evaluation is available to view in your Student Center.
Please contact a physics advisor for any questions you have regarding specific physics transfer credits apply to the physics major.