Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Majors

The department offers the following majors:

The core of the physics major includes courses in classical physics — mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism; as well as in modern physics — relativity and quantum physics, covered in the modern physics, relativity, theoretical physics and quantum mechanics courses.

The Physics-engineering major comprises a foundation in physics followed by courses in statics, dynamics, circuites, thermodynamics, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics.  Electives are available in the areas of material science, thermal science, and vibrations.

The degree in Chemistry-engineering consists of the primary courses in chemistry and physics along with organic and physical chemistry and engineering courses in statics, dynamics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

The optional 3-2 program (dual-degree program) allows engineering students to earn bachelor's degrees at both Washington and Lee and either Columbia University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

A major in physics leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of 50 credits including the following:

  1. Physics 111, 112, 113, 114, 210, 215, 220, 225 (Engineering 225), 230, 240 (Engineering 240), 340; and Mathematics 332, 333
  2. One of the following laboratory courses: Engineering 207, 208, 251; Physics 207, 208
  3. Ten additional credits chosen from among the following:
    Biology 111 and 113 or those numbered 200 or above
    Chemistry 111 and 112, or those numbered 200 or above
    Computer Science 111 and 112, or those numbered 200 or above
    Engineering numbered 200 or above Geology 100, 101, or those numbered 200 or above
    Mathematics numbered 300 or above Physics numbered 200 or above.

Additional courses required as prerequisites for completion of the above include Mathematics 101 and 102, and 221.

A major in physics-engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires the completion of 50 credits, no more than six credits of which may be from 400-level courses, and including the following:

  1. Engineering 160, 203, 204, 207 (Physics 207), 225 (Physics 225), 240 (Physics 240), 301, 311, 351; Mathematics 332; and Physics 111, 112, 113, 114
  2. Six credits from 300- or 400-level courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, or physics, with no more than three credits at the 400 level
  3. Six credits from the following: Biology 111 or biology numbered 200 or above
    Chemistry 111 and 112 or chemistry numbered 200 or above
    Computer Science 111 and 112, or those numbered 200 or above
    Engineering numbered 200 or above
    Geology 100, 101 or geology numbered 200 or above
    Mathematics numbered 300 or above
    Physics numbered 200 or above.

Additional courses required as prerequisites for completion of the above include Mathematics 101, 102 and 221.

The 3-2 plan in physics-engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of 50 credits including the following:

  1. Chemistry 111, 112; Engineering 203, 225 (Physics 225), 301; Mathematics 101, 102, 221, 332; and Physics 111, 112, 113, 114
  2. Six credits in engineering and/or physics numbered 200 or above.

A major in chemistry-engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of 50 credits including the following:

  1. Chemistry 241 or 241S
  2. Chemistry 242; Engineering 203, 204, 240 (Physics 240), 311; Mathematics 221, 332; Physics 111, 112, 113, 114
  3. Chemistry 260 or 261
  4. Eleven additional credits chosen from the following: Chemistry courses numbered 200 or above; Physics courses numbered 200 or above; Engineering courses numbered 160 and above; Biology 111 or Biology courses numbered 200 or above. No more than three of these credits may be numbered 400 or above.

Additional courses required as prerequisites for completion of the above include Chemistry 111 and 112 and Mathematics 101 and 102.

The 3-2 plan in chemistry-engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of 50 credits including the following:

  1. Chemistry 242, 261; Engineering 203, 204; and Mathematics 221
  2. Eleven additional credits in engineering and/or physics.

Additional courses required as prerequisites for completion of the above include Chemistry 111 and 112 and 241 or 241S and Mathematics 101 and 102.

HONORS: An Honors Program in engineering is offered for qualified students; see department head for details

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