Some courses in these areas aim to acquaint the student with the most important intellectual traditions of our civilization, while others emphasize the characteristically philosophical activity of exposing and analyzing the arguments for and against the positions under discussion. Quite often, these two approaches are combined in the presentation of the material. Students of philosophy should have the desire to investigate some of the most fundamental and perplexing problems in the history of thought. The abilities and skills inculcated by the philosophical training are of lasting intellectual and personal value, for the ability to form one's own views in a reasoned and rigorous manner forms the foundation of our democratic society, and the critical and analytical skills fostered by philosophy are valuable across a wide variety of other subjects. As part of a complete education, every student should take at least one philosophy course.
Faculty The interests of the twelve faculty members cover all the principal areas of philosophy noted above. The department has a long tradition of commitment to undergraduate teaching, and a number of the faculty have achieved national and international prominence in their fields. All faculty in the department, including its most senior members, regularly teach undergraduate courses and seminars, including the large introductory lecture courses.
Students Approximately seventy students are currently pursuing a major in philosophy. Students can choose from over fifty courses. Introductory lecture courses are usually designed as broad surveys of intellectual thought; these survey courses usually have enrollments of between fifty and two hundred students. Introductory seminar courses, on the other hand, are limited to between fifteen to twenty students and focus on much more specific topics. Upper level courses typically enroll twenty to thirty students. Majors seminars and honors seminars are also offered; enrollment in these courses is limited to fifteen. Some advanced students may prefer to pursue independent study with a faculty member. Because philosophy is not usually taught in high schools, students would do well to begin with a 100-level or 200-level course before trying a 300-level or higher course.
Students who graduate with a philosophy major do so with the knowledge that they will be well prepared for graduate work (more than 50 percent go on to graduate work) or the job market. Many attend law school. According to a recent study by the University's Office of Career Planning and Placement, the average LSAT score for a philosophy major was nearly fifteen points higher than the average score for any other major. It is also worth noting that, according to a study recently completed by the American Medical Association, philosophy majors have the third highest acceptance rate into American medical schools. Those who do not attend graduate school often go into corporate work, with investment banking being the most popular career choice. Students who have studied philosophy are characterized by an independence and rigor of thought that serves them well in a wide variety of careers.
Requirements for Major The major in philosophy is designed to sharpen the student's analytical and creative skills, and to enhance clarity of exposition. It also acquaints the student with some of the most important themes in the history of western thought. In order to fulfill the requirements for a major in philosophy, a student must complete at least three credits of coursework in each of the four areas of metaphysics and epistemology, logic, ethics, and history of philosophy, with the courses to be selected from among those listed below.
| PHIL 331 | Metaphysics |
| PHIL 333 | Materialism and the Mind-Body Problem |
| PHIL 334 | Philosophy of Mind |
| PHIL 332 | Epistemology |
| PHIL 242 | Symbolic Logic |
| PHIL 542 | Symbolic Logic |
| PHIL 141 | Forms of Reasoning |
| PHIL 142 | Basic Logic |
| PHIL 351 | Ethics |
| PHIL 352 | Contemporary Ethics |
| PHIL 356 | Classics in Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 357 | Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 315 | Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz |
| PHIL 316 | Locke, Berkeley, Hume |
| PHIL 317 | Kant |
| PHIL 311 | Plato |
| PHIL 312 | Artistotle |
| PHIL 314 | History of Medieval Philosophy |
| PHIL 513 | Topics in Medieval Philosophy |
The Distinguished Majors Program The Distinguished Majors Program in Philosophy is designed for students who wish to pursue their studies in philosophy beyond the requirements of our regular major. It requires both the study of a broad range of philosophical areas and a more concentrated examination of a single topic in the form of a senior thesis.
Students may apply to the Distinguished Majors Program as early as the fifth semester before graduation and as late as the third semester before graduation. They must have completed at least two philosophy courses, and have a GPA of at least 3.4 in all philosophy courses taken. (In addition, they should have an overall GPA close enough to 3.4 to make it likely that they will be able to satisfy the College requirement of a final cumulative GPA of 3.4 for graduation with Distinction.)
In order to complete the Distinguished Majors Program a student must complete 30 credits of coursework in philosophy, no more than 12 credits of which are at the 200-level. 100-level courses cannot be counted toward the satisfaction of the Distinguished Majors Program requirements. The 30 credits must include:
Requirements for Minor The minor in philosophy consists of 15 credits of which no more than three credits may be below the 200 level. The program of study should be developed in consultation with a departmental advisor.
Additional Information For more information, contact:
Jorge SecadaRequirements for a Minor in Bioethics 21 credits including one course at the introductory level -- either RELG 265 (Theology, Ethics, Medicine) or PHIL 252 (Bioethics: A Philosophical Perspective); BIOL 121 (Human Biology) or BIOL 201-202; 6 credits at the 300-level or higher in ethical and/or political theory, 3 credits of which must be in ethics; 6 credits at 300-level or higher in bioethics electives or closely related courses; and 3 credits in a capstone seminar for fourth-year students.
Undergraduate Advisor
Department of Philosophy
507 Cabell Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804) 924- 7701
Philosophy faculty
In order to fulfill the bioethics electives requirement of 6 credits, students may opt to take one course that, while not specifically focused on bioethics, still relates in a substantial way to the issues or methods of bioethics -- e.g., BIOL 425 (Human Genetics), GFAP 471 (Values, Resources, and Public Policy), ANTH 329 (Marriage, Mortality and Fertility), SOC 426 (Health Care Systems). Students may not take all the electives from the same department. A list of such courses is kept current by Professor John Arras, the Program Director.
While most such electives should be at the 300-level or higher, some exceptions are approved (e.g., for ANTH 234 Race, Gender, and Medical Science). Which courses count is up to the discretion of the program director.
Students may take up to 3 credits for an appropriately structured internship in partial fulfillment of the Bioethics Electives requirement.
No more than 12 credits may be double counted both toward the student's major and this minor. The type and number of courses that are eligible for double counting for each student is handled on a case-by-case basis by the program director in collaboration with students and their academic advisors. The director of the Bioethics Minor works with closely related departments (e.g., Philosophy and Religious Studies) to ensure that appropriate limits are set on the number of bioethics electives that may count toward their respective majors.
Additional Information For more information contact:
John Arras,
Program Director
524 Cabell Hall
Telephone: (804) 924-7868.
PHIL 111 - (3) (Y)
History of Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval
A general survey of the history of philosophy from the Pre-Socratic
period through the Middle Ages.
PHIL 112 - (3) (Y)
History of Philosophy: Modern
A general survey of the history of modern philosophy, beginning with
Descartes and extending up to the nineteenth century.
PHIL 132 - (3) (IR)
Minds and Bodies
Do we really know what we think we know about our world and
the other people in it? Discounting familiar sources of error,
which we can obviate, the epistemological skeptic argues that
there are other sources of error that may well infect our beliefs
however careful we may be. Can he be answered? This aside, if
we know anything at all, we would seem to know ourselves; are
we essentially physical, or could we exist independently of physical
bodies? Through reflecting on these and related questions, the
course constitutes an introduction to basic problems in the theory
of knowledge and in metaphysics.
PHIL 141 - (3) (S)
Forms of Reasoning
An analysis of the structure of informal arguments and of
fallacies which are commonly committed in everyday reasoning.
The course will not cover symbolic logic in any detail.
PHIL 142 - (3) (IR)
Basic Logic
A basic introduction to topics in traditional and symbolic
logic, including some or all of the following: the syllogism,
Venn diagrams, paradoxes, and propositional logic.
PHIL 151 - (3) (IR)
Human Nature
An examination of major theories of human nature and of the
relation between human beings and the natural world. Among the
views to be studied will be Plato's, the Christian view, existentialism
and Marxism. Recent psychological theories like Freud's and Skinner's
will be included, as well as theories drawing from contemporary
biology. The question of nature versus nurture in determining
human conduct will be examined.
PHIL 153 - (3) (IR)
Introduction to Moral and Political Philosophy
An examination of some of the central problems of moral philosophy
and their sources in human life and thought.
PHIL 154 - (3) (Y)
Issues of Life and Death
Study of the fundamental principles underlying contemporary and
historical discussions of such issues as abortion, euthanasia, suicide,
pacifism and political terror. Examines Utilitarian and anti-Utilitarian
modes of thought about human life and the significance of death.
PHIL 161, 169 - (3) (S)
Introductory Philosophy Seminars
Discussion groups devoted to some philosophical writing or topic.
Information on the topics to be taken up in each seminar may be obtained
from the Philosophy Department at course enrollment time.
PHIL 201, 205 - (3) (S)
Seminar in Philosophy
Seminars aimed at showing how philosophical problems arise in
connection with subjects of general interest.
PHIL 206 - (3) (Y)
Philosophical Problems in Law
An examination and evaluation of some basic practices and principles
of Anglo-American law. Discussion of such issues as: the justification
of punishment, the death penalty, legal responsibility, strict
liability, "Good Samaritan laws," reverse discrimination and
plea bargaining.
PHIL 230 - (3) (IR)
Minds and Language
A survey and discussion of theories about mind and language in
contemporary philosophy.
PHIL 233 - (3) (E)
Computers, Minds and Brains
Do computers think? Can a persuasive case be made for the claim that
the human mind is essentially a sophisticated computing device? These
and related questions will be examined through readings in computer
science, the philosophy of mind, logic, and linguistics.
PHIL 242 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Symbolic Logic
A basic introduction to the concepts and techniques of modern
formal logic, including both sentential and quantifier logic.
The course will acquaint the student with the concepts of proof,
interpretation, translation, and validity.
PHIL 245 - (3) (O)
Philosophy and History of Science
An introduction to the philosophy of science. Historical examples
are used to illustrate the changing relationship between science
and philosophy and the role that history of science has played
in the development of scientific method. Topics covered include
scientific explanation, theory structure, revolutions, progress,
and scientific methodology. Illustrations are drawn from both
natural and social sciences, but no background in any particular
science is presupposed.
PHIL 252 - (3) (Y)
Bioethics: A Philosophical Perspective
An introductory survey of biomedical ethics. Although the field
is interdisciplinary, this course emphasizes philosophical issues
and methods. Topics include: moral foundations of the physician/patient
relation, defining death, forgoing life-sustaining treatments,
euthanasia, abortion, prenatal diagnosis, new reproductive technologies,
human genetics, experimentation on human subjects, and the allocation
and rationing of health care resources. Reflects on the various
ethical theories and methods of reasoning that might be brought
to bear on practical moral problems. Not open to students who
have already taken
RELG 265.
PHIL 265 - (3) (Y)
Free Will and Responsibility
An examination of whether our actions and choices are free
and whether or to what extent we can be held responsible for them.
Topics to be discussed include the threat to freedom posed by
the possibility of scientific explanations of our behavior and
by psychoanalysis, the concept of compulsion, moral and legal
responsibility, and the nature of human action.
PHIL 311 - (3) (E)
Plato
An introduction to the philosophy of Plato. Beginning with
a look at several pre-Socratic philosophers, the course consists
mainly of a careful examination of selected Platonic dialogues.
PHIL 312 - (3) (O)
Aristotle and Hellenistic Philosophy
An introduction to the philosophy of Aristotle and of the
major Hellenistic schools (the Stoics, Epicureans and Skeptics).
The orientation of the course is philosophical rather than historical,
and the readings will be mainly in the fields of metaphysics,
philosophy of nature, philosophy of knowledge and ethics.
PHIL 314 - (3) (IR)
History of Medieval Philosophy
The continued development of philosophy from after Aristotle
to the end of the Middle Ages.
PHIL 315 - (3) (O)
Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz
A study of the central philosophers in the rationalist tradition.
PHIL 316 - (3) (O)
Locke, Berkeley and Hume
A study of the central philosophers in the empiricist tradition.
PHIL 317 - (3) (E)
Kant and Nineteenth Century German Philosophy
Primarily a study of Kant's metaphysics and epistemology,
followed by a brief look at the views of some Idealist successors.
PHIL 318 - (3) (O)
From Nietzsche to Habermas
Prerequisite: A course in the history of modern philosophy
or permission of instructor
A survey of the work of Nietzsche, Heidegger, Derrida, Foucault,
and Habermas. An introduction to contemporary French and German
philosophical thought. It presupposes some acquaintance with the
classics of modern philosophy (Descartes, Hume, Kant, etc.). Cross-listed
as ENCR 518.
PHIL 329 - (3) (E)
Contemporary Philosophy
A study of some recent contemporary philosophical movement, writing or topic.
PHIL 331 - (3) (Y)
Metaphysics
An examination of central metaphysical issues such as: time, the
existence of God, causality and determinism, universals, possibility and
necessity, identity, and the nature of metaphysics.
PHIL 332 - (3) (Y)
Epistemology
Problems concerned with the foundations of knowledge, perception,
and rational belief.
PHIL 333- (3) (IR)
Materialism and the Mind-Body Problem
An investigation of the theory that the mind consists of physical
states of the body.
PHIL 334 - (3) (E)
Philosophy of Mind
Recommended preparation: PHIL 132
Some basic problems of philosophical psychology.
PHIL 350 - (3) (Y)
Philosophy of Language
Prerequisites: At least on course in philosophy at the 100 level
or above, or permission of instructor
An examination of central conceptual problems raised by linguistic
activity. Among topics considered are the relation between thought
and language; the possibility of an essentially private discursive
realm; the view that one's linguistic framework somehow "structures"
reality; and the method of solving or dissolving philosophical
problems by scrutiny of the language in which they are couched.
PHIL 351 - (3) (Y)
Ethics
History of modern ethical theory (Hobbes to Mill) with especial
emphasis on the texts of Hume, Treatise, Book III, and
of Kant, Grundlegung, which will be studied carefully and
critically. Among the topics to be considered are: Is morality
based on reason? Is it necessarily irrational not to act morally?
Are moral standards objective? Are they conventional? Is it a
matter of luck whether we are morally virtuous? Is the morally
responsible will a free will? Are all reasons for acting dependent
on desires?
PHIL 352 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Ethics
Anglo-American ethics since 1900. While there are selected
readings from G.E. Moore, W.D. Ross, A.J. Ayer, C.L. Stevenson
and R.M. Hare, emphasis is on more recent work. Among topics to
be considered are: Are there moral facts? Are moral values relative?
Are moral judgements universalizable? Are they prescriptive? Are
they cognitive? What is to be said for utilitarianism as a moral
theory? What against it? And what are the alternatives?
PHIL 356 - (3) (IR)
Classical Political Philosophy
A consideration of some of the perennial questions in political
philosophy through an examination of classical works in the field,
including some or all of the following: Aristotle's Politics,
Hobbes's Leviathan, Locke's Second Treatise of Government,
and Rousseau's Social Contract.
PHIL 357 - (3) (Y)
Political Philosophy
Some problems, involved in understanding the relation between public power and private right.
PHIL 361 - (3) (Y)
Aesthetics
A critical examination of some central philosophical issues
raised by artistic activity. Topics include: To count as an artwork
must a thing have a modicum of aesthetic value, or is it enough
that it be deemed art by the community? Is aesthetic value entirely
in the eye of the beholder or is there such a thing as being wrong
in one's judgment concerning an artwork?
PHIL 363 - (3) (O)
Freud and Philosophy
Philosophical questions arising from Freud's work. The first
part of the course will consist of a study of some of Freud's
more general writings, as well as an examination of some case
histories; the second will be a critical review of writings about
Freud by philosophers, including Wittgenstein, Sartre and Pears.
PHIL 365 - (3) (Y)
Justice and Health Care
Prerequisite:
PHIL 252 or
RELG 265
A philosophical account of health care practices and institutions,
viewed against the backdrop of leading theories of justice (e.g.,
utilitarianism, Rawlsian contractarianism, communitarianism, libertarianism).
Topics covered include: (a) the nature, justifications, and limits
of a right to health care, (b) the value conflicts posed by cost
containment, implicit and explicit rationing, and reform of the
health care system, (c) the physician-patient relationship in
an era of managed care, and (d) the procurement and allocation
of scarce life-saving resources, such as expensive drugs and transplantable
organs.
PHIL 366 - (3) (Y)
Philosophy of Religion
A consideration of the problems raised by arguments for and
against the existence of God; discussion of such related topics
as evil, evidence for miracles, and the relation between philosophy
and theology.
PHIL 367 - (3) (IR)
Law and Society
Examination of competing theories of law; of the role of law
in society; of the legitimacy of restrictions on individual liberties;
of legal rights and conflicts of rights; and of the relationships
between law and such social values as freedom, equality, and justice.
PHIL 368 - (3) (IR)
Crime and Punishment
A philosophical survey of criminal justice, critically examining:
(a) the social force of legally proscribing certain conduct, and
of convicting and punishing those who engage in it; (b) the accepted
notions of actus reus and mens rea, of action, intention, fault
and responsibility; (c) the nature and scope of excusing conditions,
such as ignorance and mental incapacity. Theories of the nature
and justification of criminal punishment.
PHIL 369 - (3) (IR)
Topics in Ethics
Classes will be offered on selected topics in the field of
ethics, considered in a broad sense to include moral philosophy,
political philosophy, social philosophy, and legal philosophy.
PHIL 401, 402 - (3) (Y)
Seminar for Majors
A seminar whose enrollment is restricted to students majoring in
philosophy. The topic changes from year to year.
PHIL 490 - (15) (S)
Honors Program
Enrollment restricted to students in the departmental honors program.
PHIL 493, 494 - (1-3) (S)
Directed Reading and Research
Independent study under the direction of a faculty member.
PHIL 498 - (3) (S)
Senior Thesis
PHIL 505, 506 - (3) (IR)
Seminar on a Philosophical Topic
PHIL 513 - (3) (O)
Topics in Mediaeval Philosophy
A seminar on St. Augustine, St. Bonaventure, St. Thomas Aquinas,
and Duns Scotus. Topics include the existence of God, accounts
of necessity and possibility, the justification and acquisition
of concepts, and the interaction between Platonism and Aristotelianism
in Christian thought.
PHIL 542 - (3) (E)
Symbolic Logic
Prerequisite: PHIL 242 or equivalent
An examination of various results in metalogic, including completeness,
compactness, and undecidability. Effective computability, theories
of truth, and identity may also be covered.
PHIL 543 - (3) (SI)
Advanced Logic
Prerequisite: PHIL 542 or permission of instructor
A continuation of the study of the metatheory of first order logic,
introduced in PHIL 542. The significance of the Lowenheim-Skolem
theorem and of Godel's incompleteness theorems for first order
arithmetic. The limitations of higher order logic. Topics from
specialized areas in logic: set theory, recursion theory, and
model theory.
PHIL 546 - (3) (E)
Philosophy of Science
A logical analysis of the structure of theories, probability,
causality, and testing of theories.
PHIL 547 - (3) (IR)
Philosophy of Mathematics
Prerequisite: Some familiarity with quantifier logic or permission
of instructor
A comparison of various schools in the philosophy of mathematics
(including logicism, formalism, and conceptualism) and their answers
to such questions as "Do numbers exist?" and "How
is mathematical knowledge possible?"
PHIL 548 - (3) (IR)
Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Prerequisites: Six credits of philosophy or permission of
the instructor
Problems studied will include: explanation in the social sciences;
the place of theory; objectivity; the relation between social
science and 1) natural science, 2) philosophy, 3) literature.
The department has research programs in high energy and nuclear physics, atomic and laser physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics, and gravitational physics. It currently receives approximately $5 million each year in research grants. The state-funded Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics includes a number of faculty members with research related to the new $600 million electron accelerator at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia. This accelerator was originally conceived and successfully proposed by physics department faculty members who are now affiliated with this institute.
Faculty The faculty seeks to offer an outstanding undergraduate program, with opportunities for both majors and non-majors, in the context of a vigorous research department. Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses with many different professors.
Among the many awards and honors the faculty has received in recent years are four Outstanding Scientist in Virginia awards, three Sloan Fellowships, and two National Science Foundation Young Investigator Awards. The faculty has also been recognized for its teaching. One professor has received a national award for innovations in continuing education; two others have authored new texts in introductory physics for scientists and engineers; and three professors recently won University outstanding teacher awards.
Students Physics majors make up a small but outstanding, enthusiastic, and diverse group. Approximately twenty students graduate each year with bachelor's degrees in physics. Beginning in the first year, there are special courses for physics majors. All of the courses are taught by faculty members. The third and fourth-year classes are small, and students have much interaction with the faculty. Physics majors participate in independent study projects, working on a tutorial basis with faculty members and often working with a research group. Since the department has extensive research activities, there are many opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research on the frontiers of physics.
The department has programs designed to serve students with a wide variety of objectives. More than half of those graduating with bachelor's degrees in physics go on to graduate school in physics or related subjects at top-ranked universities. Many graduates have taken positions in industry or government immediately after graduating with a bachelor's degree. Each year several go on to professional schools in medicine, education, business, or law. Others graduate with physics as a concentration in a broad liberal arts program without a specific scientific career objective.
Special Resources Summer Research: A Research Experiences for Undergraduates program sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the department's Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics provides lodging and a stipend for fifteen students to work for ten weeks with research groups and attend special lectures and activities related to physics. Work begun under this program is often continued as an independent study project during the academic year.
Requirements for Major The Department of Physics offers both Bachelor of Art (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. In addition, there is a joint Astronomy/Physics BA described under the Department of Astronomy. Students planning graduate study in physics or physics-related areas should elect the BS, the BA with a Distinguished Major Course Sequence, or the Astronomy/Physics BA. The basic BA is designed for students interested in physics and planning to enter other fields including medicine, education, business and law, and for liberal arts students seeking a concentration in physics. Students are urged to contact a physics undergraduate advisor as early as possible to design a program to fit their specific needs.
There are several course sequences leading to the physics major. For all of them it is highly desirable to complete MATH 131, 132 or equivalent courses in calculus by the end of the first year. However, it is possible to begin calculus in the second year and complete the requirements for the BA.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics There are two options leading to the BA in physics, each having three components:
| Option I |
| 1. Prerequisites - MATH 131, 132 and PHYS 151, 152. |
| 2. MATH 221 and PHYS 221, 222, 251, 252. |
| 3. Any three 300-level physics courses. |
| Option II |
| 1. Prerequisites - MATH 131,132. |
| 2. MATH 221 and PHYS 231, 232, 201L, 202L. |
| 3. Any four 300-level physics courses. |
For either of the options, a year of chemistry may be substituted for one of the 300-level physics courses in (3). MATH 225 is not required for the BA degree, however, it is a prerequisite for many of the courses at 300-level and above. Students choosing Option II who want more extensive preparation in basic physics and those planning to take physics courses numbered 315 and higher (except 384) should replace PHYS 201L, 202L in Component 2 with the higher level laboratory sequence, PHYS 221, 222 to be taken after completing PHYS 231, 232. It is also possible to enter the physics sequence through PHYS 142E. Students desiring to use this route should consult one of the physics undergraduate advisors.
Bachelor of Arts with Distinguished Major Course Sequence This sequence may be entered using components (1) and (2) of either Option I or II above. Component (3) is replaced by the following requirements: MATH 225, PHYS 315, 317, 321, 331, 342, 343, 355, 356, and 393.
Bachelor of Science in Physics The requirements for the BS in physics are the completion of the Distinguished Major Course Sequence plus MATH 521, 522 (or equivalent APMA courses) and one additional upper-level physics elective. Except for Echols Scholars, the area requirements for the BS are ENWR 101 and the second writing requirement, one foreign language through the 202-level, six credits in the humanities, and six credits of social science, all taken on a graded basis.
Distinguished Major Program Provides recognition of outstanding academic performance in a challenging sequence of physics courses including an independent study project. Students who complete the Distinguished Majors Course Sequence or the B.S. requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given departmental recommendation to receive their degrees (BA or BS) with distinction, high distinction or highest distinction, respectively.
Requirements for Minor A minor in physics can be earned through one of the following course sequences: 1. PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252, and either 221 or any 300-level physics course; 2. PHYS 231, 232, 201L, 202L and any two 300-level physics courses.
Additional Information For more information, contact:
Bascom Deaver
Chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee
Physics Department Office
Jesse W. Beams Laboratory of Physics
205 McCormick Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
telephone: (804) 924-6574;
FAX: (804) 924-4576
e-mail: bsd@virginia.edu
Physics faculty
A detailed departmental brochure is available.
PHYS 101, 102 - (3) (Y)
Concepts of Physics
For non-science majors; physical knowledge is presented as
a feature of human intellectual development, covering the fundamental
principles, concepts, and procedures of classical and modern physics,
with a view to their humanistic, philosophic, historical, and
sociological contexts. Premedical and predental students should
elect PHYS 201, 202 rather than 101, 102. PHYS 101 is prerequisite
for 102. Three lecture hours.
PHYS 105, 106 - (3) (Y)
How Things Work
For non-science majors: a practical introduction to physics
and science in everyday life. These two courses consider objects
from our daily environment and focus on their principles of operation,
histories, and relationships to one another. PHYS 105 is concerned
primarily with mechanical and thermal objects, while PHYS 106
emphasizes objects involving electromagnetism, light, special
materials, and nuclear energy. They can be taken in either order.
PHYS 109 - (3) (Y)
Galileo and Einstein
For non-science majors: this course examines how new understanding
of the natural world develops, taking two famous scientists as
case studies. Galileo was the first to appreciate the importance
of experiment, while Einstein was the first to realize time is
not absolute and that mass can be converted to energy.
PHYS 121 - (3) (Y)
The Science of Sound and Music
The basic physical concepts needed to understand sound are presented.
Aspects of perception, the human voice, the measurement of sound,
and the acoustics of musical instruments are developed and illustrated.
PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 - (4) (Y)
Introductory Physics I, II, III, IV
Corequisites:
MATH 131,
132, or
221,
225, respectively, or
equivalent. The courses should be taken in sequence.
This series of courses, intended for prospective physics majors, and other science majors who wish to begin the study of physics in their first semester, prepares students for the physics courses numbered 300 and above. Three lecture hours, one problem hour.
PHYS 201, 202 - (4) (Y,SS)
Principles of Physics I, II
A terminal course covering the principles of mechanics, heat,
electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear,
and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary
algebra, and trigonometry is essential. PHYS 201, 202 does not
normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 315 and
above. Students who plan to take more physics should elect
PHYS
151, 152, 251, 252,
221, 222 instead. PHYS 201, 202, in conjunction
with the laboratory,
PHYS 201L, 202L, satisfies the physics requirement
of medical and dental schools. PHYS 201 is prerequisite for 202.
Three lecture hours; and two hours of recitation and problem work.
PHYS 201L, 202L - (1-1/2) (Y,SS)
Basic Physics Laboratory I, II
Corequisites:
PHYS 201, 202 or PHYS 231, 232. Premedical and
predental students should elect this course along with PHYS 201,
202; it is an option for others. PHYS 201L is prerequisite for 202L
Selected experiments in the different branches of physics are
carried out and written up by the student. One
three-hour exercise per week.
PHYS 221, 222 - (3) (Y)
Elementary Laboratory I, II
Prerequisite: PHYS 231, 232; Corequisites: PHYS 251 and PHYS 252 respectively
Selected experiments in mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism,
optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory
hours per week.
PHYS 231, 232 - (4) (Y)
Classical and Modern Physics I, II
Prerequisite: MATH 132 or permission of instructor.
A two-semester introduction to classical and modern physics for
science majors. A calculus-based treatment of the principles of
mechanics, electricity and magnetism, physical optics, elementary
quantum theory, atomic and nuclear physics. This sequence can
be used by prospective physics majors and by other students planning
to take physics courses numbered 300 and higher, however, the
four-semester sequence PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 is recommended.
PHYS 231, 232 in conjunction with the laboratory, PHYS 201L, 202L
satisfies the requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry, and can
be used in place of PHYS 201, 202, 201L, 202L to satisfy the requirements
of medical and dental schools. PHYS 231 is prerequisite for 232.
Three lecture hours and one problem session per week.
PHYS 311, 312 - (4) (Y)
Widely Applied Physics I, II
Prerequisites: PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 or
PHYS 231, 232, and
MATH 131,
132,
221
Applications of physical principles to a diverse set of phenomena.
Topics include materials science and engineering, computers and
electronics, nuclear physics and energy, astrophysics, aeronautics
and space flight, communications technology, meteorology, and
medical physics and imaging. Emphasis on conceptual issues, order
of magnitude estimates, and dimensional analysis. PHYS 311 is a
prerequisite for PHYS 312. Three lecture hours and a discussion
session each week.
PHYS 315 - (3) (Y)
Electronics Laboratory
Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or 201L
Analogue and digital electronics for scientific applications,
including use of transistors, FET's, operational amplifiers, TTL,
and CMOS integrated circuits. Six laboratory hours.
PHYS 317 - (3) (Y)
Intermediate Laboratory I
Prerequisites: PHYS 315 or permission of instructor
Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of
physics. Introduction to precision apparatus, experimental techniques,
and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report
preparation is required. Six laboratory hours.
PHYS 318 - (3) (Y)
Intermediate Laboratory II
Prerequisite: PHYS 315 or permission of instructor
Approximately three to five experiments, selected in consultation
with the instructor, with emphasis on modern aspects. Outside
library research and report preparation are required. Six laboratory
hours.
PHYS 319 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Laboratory
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Normally a single, semester-long experiment chosen in consultation
with the instructor.
PHYS 321 - (3) (Y)
Classical Mechanics
Prerequisites: MATH 225 and PHYS 152 or
231, or permission of instructor
Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with
extensive use of vector calculus; the Lagrangian formulation of
mechanics.
PHYS 331 - (3) (Y)
Statistical Physics
Prerequisites: PHYS 252 and
MATH 225, or permission of instructor
Temperature and the laws of thermodynamics. Introductory treatments
of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics; applications of Boltzmann,
Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distributions.
PHYS 342 - (3) (Y)
Electricity and Magnetism I
Prerequisites: MATH 225 and PHYS 251 or
232 or permission of
instructor
A systematic treatment of electromagnetic phenomena with extensive
use of vector calculus, including Maxwell's equations.
PHYS 343 - (3) (Y)
Electricity and Magnetism II
Prerequisite: PHYS 342
Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves and their interaction
with matter; interference, diffraction, polarization. Waveguides;
antennas; optics.
PHYS 355 - (3) (Y)
Quantum Physics I
Prerequisites: MATH 225; Corequisite: PHYS 321 or permission of instructor
Quantum phenomena and an introduction to wave mechanics; the hydrogen
atom and atomic spectra.
PHYS 356 - (3) (Y)
Quantum Physics II
Prerequisite: PHYS 355
A continuation of PHYS 355. Intermediate quantum mechanics including
perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest.
PHYS 381, 382 - (3) (IR)
Topics in Physics-Related Research Areas
PHYS 381 is not prerequisite to PHYS 382
Application of the principles and techniques of physics to related
areas of physical or life sciences or technology with emphasis
on current research problems.
PHYS 384 - (3) (IR)
Physics of the Human Body
Prerequisites: PHYS 201,
MATH 122; Corequisite:
PHYS 202 or
permission of instructor
Application of basic physical principles to functions of the human
body; selected aspects of hearing, vision, cardiovascular system,
biomechanics, urinary system, information handling.
PHYS 393 - (3) (S-SS)
Independent Study
Prerequisite: PHYS 342 and 355, or permission of instructor
For physics majors in their final year of candidacy. A program
of independent study carried out under the supervision of a faculty
member and culminating in a written report or essay. May be taken
more than once.
PHYS 519 - (3) (Y)
Electronics
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Practical electronics for scientists, from resistors to microprocessors.
PHYS 521 - (3) (Y)
Theoretical Mechanics
The statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Discussion
of the methods of generalized coordinates, the Langrangian, Hamilton-Jacobi
equations, action-angle variables. Relation to the quantum theory
is explored.
PHYS 524 - (3) (SI)
Introduction to the Theory of General Relativity
Prerequisites: Advanced calculus through partial differentiation
and multiple integration; vector analysis in three dimensions
Review of special relativity and coordinate transformations. The
principle of equivalence; effects of gravitation on other systems
and fields. General tensor analysis in curved spaces and gravitational
field equations. Mach's principle. Tests of gravitational theories;
Perihelion precession, red shift, bending of light, gyroscopic
precession, radar echo delay. Gravitational radiation. Relativistic
stellar structure and cosmography. Short survey of cosmological
models.
PHYS 531 - (3) (E)
Optics
Prerequisites: Knowledge of vector calculus and previous exposure
to Maxwell's equations
In a two semester course on classical and nonlinear optics, the
first semester is devoted to the following topics: reflection
and refraction at interfaces, geometrical optics, interference
phenomena, diffraction, Gaussian optics, and polarization. In
the second semester the topics covered are coherence, optical
resonators, sum and difference frequency generation, wave mixing,
and modulation techniques.
PHYS 542 - (3) (O)
Introduction to Atomic Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS 356 or permission of instructor
Principles and techniques of atomic physics with application to
selected topics, including laser and microwave spectroscopy, photoionization,
autoionization, effects of external fields, and collisions.
PHYS 547 - (3) (E)
Introduction to Molecular Biophysics
Prerequisites: PHYS 331 or
CHEM 361,
PHYS 355 or
CHEM 362,
MATH 521, or permission of instructor
A quantitative introduction to the physics of molecular structures
and processes in living systems. The topics treated include: molecular
structure analysis by x-ray (and neutron) diffraction; electronic
configuration of atoms, groups and small molecules of critical
importance in biology; physical methods of macromolecular structure
determination, in solution and in the solid state; thermodynamic
and electronic factors underlying group interactions, proton dissociation,
and charge distribution in macromolecules; solvent-macromolecule
interactions; action spectroscopy; rate processes in series and
parallel.
PHYS 551, 552 - (3) (IR)
Special Topics in Classical and Modern Physics
Prerequisites: PHYS 342, or permission of instructor
Lectures on topics of current interest in physics research and
pedagogy. May be taken more than once.
PHYS 562 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Solid State Physics
Crystal structures, lattice vibrations and electronic properties
of insulators, metals, and semiconductors; superconductivity.
PHYS 572 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
Subatomic structure. Basic constituents and their mutual interactions.
PHYS 577 - (3) (O)
Introduction to High Energy Physics
Prerequisites:
MATH 221 and PHYS 355, or permission of instructor
Experimental basis of high energy principles. Behavior of strong,
electromagnetic, and weak forces and their symmetries. Electroweak
standard model. Interactions of particles. Present and planned
high energy accelerators.
PHYS 593 - (1-3) (S)
Independent Study
A program of independent study carried out under the supervision
of a faculty member, culminating in a written report, essay, or
examination. May be taken more than once.
Service courses offered by the Department of Physics for the School of Architecture (PHYS 203A) and for the School of Engineering and Applied Science (PHYS 142E, 241E, 242E, 241L, 242L) are open to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. These courses count against the degree credits a student may earn for courses taken outside the College. They are described in the course listings in Chapters 7 and 10 respectively.
Advanced graduate courses in the Department of Physics are described in the catalog of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Among the departments that have played a considerable role in the program are government and foreign affairs, history, sociology, anthropology, women's studies, religion, philosophy, and more recently, economics; English and foreign language departments may also play a role.
The program is an excellent major for a variety of future activities -- in many cases better than a major in a single department. Students graduating from this program have been accepted into top graduate schools, including Harvard Law, Yale Divinity, Stanford Business, and many top graduate programs.
Faculty William Lee Miller, the program's director, is Commonwealth Professor of Political and Social Thought, formerly White Burkett Miller Center Professor of Ethics and Institutions, a writer and scholar with a long list of publications and a varied experience.
Assistant Director to the PST program is Professor Michael Smith of the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs.
As an interdisciplinary program with high prestige and able students, PST can draw upon the ablest faculty members from all the relevant departments to serve as advisors and lecturers in the seminars. The seminars are small enough to allow real exchange, not only with one's fellow students but with faculty as well.
Students Another advantage to this major is one's fellow students. Each spring fifteen students who are preparing to enter their third year are selected for the program from a fairly substantial applicant pool. Students are chosen on the basis of strong grades, a writing sample, a faculty recommendation, and a short essay explaining the student's interest in the field. The program attracts able, creative, and independent students with a strong interest, theoretical and/or practical, in politics and society.
These fifteen selected students share a seminar in both the fall and spring semesters of the third year, and a thesis workshop in the fall of the fourth year; all students in the major take these courses, open to them exclusively, so that they develop a strong common bond, with informal and social reinforcement.
Requirements for Major
I. Foundations Each student must complete at least six credits from
these foundational courses, or equivalents approved by the director:
| ANTH 301 | Theory and History of Anthropology |
| ECON 412 | Evolution of Economic Thought (Prerequisite: ECON 201) |
| GFPT 301 | Ancient Political Theory |
| GFPT 303 | Contemporary Political Theory |
| GFPT 302 | Modern Political Theory |
| GFPT 305 | American Political Theory |
| HIEU 367, 368 | History of Modern Europe |
| HIEU 378 | European Intellectual History |
| HIEU 380 | Origins of Contemporary Thought |
| PHIL 318 | Nietzsche to Habermas |
| PHIL 356 | Classics in Political Philosophy |
| PHIL 357 | Political Philosophy |
| RELC 233 | History of Christian Political and Social Thought |
| SOC 302 | Introduction to Social Theory |
| SOC 503 | Classical Sociological Theory |
II. Area Studies Each student is required to concentrate in three different area studies. An area is defined as a particular intellectual theme or subfield of interest to be investigated in the course of one's studies. These areas can be derived from within, between, or outside traditional disciplines and can be large or small. Some examples of area studies might include: ancient political thought -- or Socrates and the state; media studies -- or violence on television; 18th-19th century intellectual history -- or early Marxism; applied ethics; human rights; church and state; feminism; Middle East studies; African-American studies -- or black women writers.
For each area, one must complete two relevant courses at or above the 300-level. The total of six courses necessary to fulfill the area requirement must be drawn from at least three different disciplines, programs or departments. Hence: three areas; two courses/area; three disciplines.
Taken together, the three areas of study should both (1) be constructed in a coherent fashion and (2) form the general basis of study for the thesis.
III. Seminars and Thesis Research (14 credits) Each PST major must complete the following seminars. They are exclusively for PST majors and a foundation for the program:
Students interested in become PST majors should submit the following:
The director of the PST Program holds a meeting for the prospective majors in early February to answer any questions about admission procedures and program requirements. The time and place of the meeting is announced in the student newspapers. Students may also obtain this information by calling the PST Office at (804) 982-2235.
Additional Information For more information, contact:
Director
Political and Social Thought Program
248-A Cabell Hall, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903