Physics at Virginia
In addition to a major subject, students may choose a minor in a second subject. The physics minor is an excellent option for students whose primary interests lie elsewhere, but who enjoy physics and want to develop their proficiency with it. Official information regarding the minor requirements is available in the Undergraduate Record.
There are two options leading to a Physics Minor:
Option 1:
- PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 (prereq: Calc 1)
- PHYS 1429 - Physics 1 Workshop
- MATH 2310 or APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus (prereq: Calc 2)
- PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 - Introductory Physics 2 (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
- PHYS 2419 - Physics 2 Workshop
- PHYS 2620 - Modern Physics (prereq: Intro Physics 2)
- PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving (coreq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
- One additional 3000-level physics elective
Option 2:
- PHYS 2010 - Principles of Physics 1
- PHYS 2020 - Principles of Physics 2
- PHYS 2030 - Principles of Physics 1 Workshop
- PHYS 2040 - Principles of Physics 2 Workshop
- MATH 2310 or APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus (prereq: Calc 2)
- PHYS 2620* - Modern Physics (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
- PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving (coreq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
- One additional 3000-level physics elective
*Warning! Modern Physics and most physics electives assume the calculus-based introductory course sequences PHYS 1420/2410 or PHYS 1425/2415. It is recommended to to discuss your situation with a physics major advisor or the course instructor before enrolling in Modern Physics after taking the PHYS 2010/2020 sequence.
In all cases, required courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C, and the grade point average for the required courses must be at least 2.000. (For students declaring the minor prior to Fall 2024, the minimum acceptable grade is C-.)
Declaring the Minor
To declare a physics minor, please fill out this form to request a physics advisor.
Double-Counting Courses
Arts and Sciences does not allow for double counting of courses between minor and major(s) for college students. A physics advisor can grant exceptions to this rule if the course which is to be double-counted is an introductory physics course that is a required component in the major.