By graduation, a physics or astronomy major should be able to:
- Examine a physical situation, construct a quantitative model of the situation, analyze the model analytically or numerically, and evaluate the accuracy of the model.
- Demonstrate proficiency in core subject areas and practices:
- Physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, oscillations and waves, relativity, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics, as well as laboratory experiments including the use of computers for data acquisition and analysis.
- Astronomy: stars, planets, the interstellar medium, galaxies, cosmology, and the physical principles that underlie modern astronomy, as well as computational techniques, statistical tools, and observational instrumentation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in advanced physics- or astronomy-related coursework.
- Communicate scientific or technical ideas in oral, written, and visual forms.
- Collaborate with others and reflect on the student’s own role in the group.
- Demonstrate an awareness of open questions in contemporary physics or astronomy.
- Recognize the role that historic and social factors play in the practice of physics or astronomy, as well as the ways physics or astronomy has influenced history and society.