BA in Mathematics & Physics

Mathematics and physics have a deep connection, and many fields of mathematics originated in trying to solve physical problems. The joint major in Mathematics & Physics gives students a broad exposure to core subjects in both disciplines, while emphasizing the connections between them. Students study how physical principles, both classical and quantum, are realized in terms of mathematical concepts, and how physical systems may be modeled and analyzed through a solid foundation of relevant mathematical tools, including rigorous proof. The major includes a computational component, and offers a broad preparation for a variety of STEM careers.

Learning Outcomes

A student completing the joint Mathematics & Physics major will be able to:

• Formulate, present, and understand rigorous mathematical proofs.
• Apply mathematical tools, both concrete and abstract, to solve problems arising in physics.
• Model classical, quantum, and statistical systems, and understand the historical and contemporary interplay between experiment and theory.
• Apply computational tools, such as numerical methods, to problems in physics.

Hub Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Mathematics & Physics will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Quantitative Reasoning and some of the Intellectual Toolkit. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites

• CAS MA 123/124 Calculus I & II OR MA 129 Honors Calculus

Lower Division

• CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus OR MA 230 Honors-Level Vector Calculus
• CAS MA 226 Differential Equations OR MA 231 Honors-Level Differential Equations
• CAS MA 242 Linear Algebra
• CAS PY 251 AND PY 252 Principles of Physics I & II
• CAS PY 351 Modern Physics

Upper Division

• CAS MA 412 Complex Variables
• CAS MA 541 Modern Algebra I
• CAS MA 561 Methods of Applied Mathematics I OR PY 405 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I
• CAS PY 408 Intermediate Mechanics
• CAS PY 410 Statistical Thermodynamics
• CAS PY 451 AND PY 452 Quantum Physics I & II
• And two MA electives (chosen from: CAS MA 411, 511, 512, 539, 542, 562, 563, 564, 565, 573, 579, 581)

Programming Requirement

• CAS PY 421 Intro to Computational Physics OR PY 502 Computational Physics OR MA 539 Methods of Scientific Computing* OR MA 579 Numerical Methods for Biological Sciences*
  • *If CAS MA 539 or MA 579 is used for the programming requirement, then it cannot be used for the MA elective requirement.