Major Requirements
The physics department offers several programs leading to a BS:
- Physics
- Physics, with a concentration in astrophysics
- Radiation Science
In addition, the department offers post-baccalaureate certificates in Radiation Therapy and Medical Dosimetry.
There are several categories of requirements: (1) general requirements for all undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, (2) core requirements of the major, (3) complementary requirements selected by the physics department, and (4) free electives.
A transfer student must see the chair of the department to determine which courses may be accepted for credit toward requirements of the physics major. A minimum of 16 hours of the core requirements must be taken at Suffolk University.
Core Requirements (13 courses, 50 credits)
-
PHYS-151 University Physics I
Prerequisites:
Take MATH-121 or MATH 165. PHYS L151 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics using calculus. The course includes the study of vectors, Newtons laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and temperature.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-L151 University Physics Lab I
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151 concurrently
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: measurements, propagation of errors, vectors, Newtons laws, work and energy, momentum, rotations, oscillations, simple harmonic motion, fluid. Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, differentiation and integration required.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-152 University Physics II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151, PHYS L152 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This calculus based course begins with topics in kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. It then covers electric charge and field, Gauss law, electrical potential and capacitance, electric currents and DC circuits. Next magnetism, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law and AC circuits are discussed. This is followed by Maxwells equations, electromagnetic waves, and properties of light.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-L152 University Physics Lab II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151 and L151 and PHYS 152 must be taken concurrently
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: heat, gas laws, electric forces, field, and potential, DC and AC circuits, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law, optics. Calculus, algebra, trigonometry are required. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks, and formal reports required.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-153 University Physics III
Prerequisites:
Take MATH-121 or MATH-165;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This calculus-based course is the introduction of the topics of modern physics. It begins with special relativity, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, addition of relativistic velocities, then covers early quantum theory, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, photon interactions, pair production, and the Bohr theory of the atom. Then Schrodingers equation is introduced with use of wave functions, particle box, barrier penetration, quantum mechanical tunneling, the Pauli Exclusion principle, the development of the periodic table, and the X-ray spectra. Development of solid state physics with bonding in molecules, band theory of solids and semiconductor behavior. The final topics cover nuclear physics, radioactivity, half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, medical uses of radiation, elementary particle physics and introduction to astrophysics.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-361 Classical Mechanics I
Prerequisites:
PHYS 152 ; MATH 265 which may be taken concurrently
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Newtons laws of motion, projectiles, momentum, energy, conservation laws, oscillations, Lagrange equations, generalized momenta, central forces, orbits. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-362 Classical Mechanics II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 361
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Mechanics in non-inertial frames, rotational motion of rigid bodies, coupled oscillations, nonlinear mechanics and chaos, Hamiltonian mechanics, collision theory, continuum mechanics. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
PHYS-477 Electricity and Magnetism
Prerequisites:
PHYS-362
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Electrostatic field energy, methods for solution of boundary value problems. The magnetostatic field and magnetic circuits. Electromagnetic field energy, plane waves, wave guides and cavity resonators. Interaction of charge particles with electromagnetic fields. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-453 Modern Physics
Prerequisites:
PHYS-153;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Topics include atoms and elementary particles, atomic, molecular and nuclear systems. Quantum states and probability amplitude, wave mechanics and thermal properties of matter. Atomic spectra and structure, and molecular systems. Nuclear reactions, alpha and beta decay and high energy physics. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
ECE-225 Linear Systems
Prerequisites:
MATH 166 and ECE 205 with a minimum grade of C; ECE L225 Concurrently.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Classification of systems, differential equations, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, derivation of the system model, state variable description, impulse response, convolution, frequency response of discrete and continuous systems. Fourier Series,Fourier transforms, Fourier methods of discrete signals, Laplace transforms, Z transform, analysis of control systems.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
ECE-L225 Linear Systems Lab
Prerequisites:
MUST BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY WITH ECE 225
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The Linear Systems lab is designed to supplement the Linear Systems course. Matlab simulation of linear systems, Hardware Implementation of Analog Filters, measurement of the transfer function.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
PHYS-333 Math Methods of Physics
Prerequisites:
Take ECE-225 and ECE-L225;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Applications of specific mathematical methods to problems in physics. Topics include complex analysis, integral transforms, eigenvalue problems, partial differential equations and group theory. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-461 Quantum Mechanics I
Prerequisites:
PHYS 361 and PHYS 362.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Non-relativistic study of particle systems, wave mechanical treatment, development of the concepts of observables, state vectors, operators and matrix representations. Hilbert space, angular momenta, coupling, symmetries, scattering, and perturbation theory. Harmonic oscillator and Hydrogen atom. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once a week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-462 Quantum Mechanics II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 461, PHYS 361 and PHYS 362.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Non-relativistic study of particle systems, wave mechanical treatment, development of the concepts of observables, state vectors, operators and matrix representations. Hilbert space, angular momenta, coupling, symmetries, scattering, and perturbation theory. Harmonic oscillator and Hydrogen atom. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
PHYS-L455 Advanced Laboratory
Prerequisites:
PHYS 451 and PHYS 452 or equivalent.
Credits:
2.00
Description:
Classical and modern experiments in physics; Experiments may include Frank Hertz experiment, Hall effect, nuclear magnetic resonance, quantum dots, detection of muons, x-ray spectroscopy, ellipsometry, physics of timbre of musical instruments, data acquisition.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-411 Physics Senior Project
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The senior project is the capstone research experience of the undergraduate Physics Major. This one semester course requires students to work one on one with faculty in an area of mutually agreed upon research. In general, the effort will involve the use of mathematical and programming skills, laboratory techniques, and possibly field work. The end result will be both a paper and a formal presentation to both faculty and students.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Math and Basic Science Requirements (10 courses, 40 credits)
-
CHEM-111 General Chemistry
Prerequisites:
Placement at MATH 104 or better. Students who do not place at MATH 104 must take MATH 104 concurrently. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM-L111.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Fundamental principles of chemistry are discussed. Topics include introductions to atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodic table, gas laws, nature of chemical bonds, and thermochemistry. 3 lecture hours. Normally offered Fall/Summer I. This course is recommended for science and engineering majors or those considering careers in the heath sciences. Students seeking to satisfy the core science requirement may wish to consider enrolling in CHEM 101/L101.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
CHEM-L111 General Chemistry Lab
Prerequisites:
Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 111.
Credits:
1.00
Description:
Exploration of basic principles of chemistry discovery through laboratory investigation, including recognition of the major reaction types, stoichiometry, and qualitative analysis. Additionally, students will be introduced to good laboratory practices and experimental techniques. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Summer I.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
CHEM-112 General Chemistry
Prerequisites:
CHEM 111/L111;Take MATHT-MPEL0 MATHT-MPEL1 MATHT-MPEL2 or MATHT-MPEL3; CHEM-L112 must be taken concurrently.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Continuation of the discussion of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include introductions to solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base systems, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of CHEM 111 and CHEM L111. 3 hours of lecture 1 term - 3 credits. Normally offered Spring/Summer II.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
CHEM-L112 General Chemistry Lab
Prerequisites:
CHEM 112 must be taken concurrently; Take MATHT-MPEL0 MATHT-MPEL1 MATHT-MPEL2 or MATHT-MPEL3;
Credits:
1.00
Description:
Laboratory investigation in discovery format of topics from CHEM 112, including introduction to instrumental analysis and acid-base chemistry. Quantitative analysis, particularly volumetric analysis, is emphasized. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Spring/Summer II.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
MATH-165 Calculus I
Prerequisites:
Math Placement score or MATH 121 with a grade of C or better
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Functions, limits and continuity; instantaneous rate of change, tangent slopes, and the definition of the derivative of a function; power, product, and quotient rules, trig derivatives, chain rule, implicit differentiation; higher order derivatives; applications(curve sketching, limits at infinity, optimization, differentials); other transcendental functions (inverse trig functions, exponential and log functions, hyperbolic trig functions); anti-derivatives; indefinite integrals; applications (net change). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
-
MATH-166 Calculus II
Prerequisites:
MATH 165 with grade of C or better
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Riemann sums and definite integrals; Fundamental Theorem; applications (areas); integration of exponential functions, trig functions, and inverse trig functions; techniques of integration (by parts, trig substitution, partial fractions); area, volume, and average value applications; differential equations (separable, exponential growth, linear); infinite sequences and series; convergence tests; power series; Taylor and Maclaurin series (computation, convergence, error estimates, differentiation and integration of Taylor series). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
-
MATH-265 Calculus III
Prerequisites:
MATH 166 with grade of C or better
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Parametric equations and polar coordinates (curves, areas, conic sections); vectors and the geometry of space (the dot product, vector arithmetic, lines and planes in 3-space, the cross product, cylinders and quadratic surfaces); vector functions (limits, derivatives and integrals, motion in space); partial derivatives (functions of several variables, limits and continuity, tangent planes and differentials, chain rule, directional derivatives, gradient, extrema, Lagrange multipliers); multiple integrals (double integrals, applications); vector calculus (vector fields, line integrals, fundamental theorem for line integrals, Greens Theorem, curl and divergence, parametric surfaces, surface integrals). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
-
ECE-101 Digital Electronics
Prerequisites:
ECE L101 MUST BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course introduces the elements and tools of digital design. The course covers Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, Logic gates and digital circuits, analysis and design of combinational and sequential circuits, and timing issues. Adders, decoders, multiplexers, flip-flops, counters, and registers are implemented using TTL or CMOS ICs as well as VHDL-programmed FPGAs. Formerly ECE 203
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
ECE-L101 Digital Electronics-Lab
Prerequisites:
ECE 101 MUST BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY.
Credits:
1.00
Description:
Illustrates the concepts of ECE-101. Exercises in various forms of Combinational and Sequential Logic design. Use of test equipment. Design projects will include a digital security system, use of PSPICE to verify feasibility of some designs. FPGA board citing Xilinx, software development tools from Xilinx and other third parties are introduced. Offered yearly. Formerly ECE L203
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
ECE-325 Statistics for Engineering and Science
Prerequisites:
MATH 166 with a minimum grade of C; Must take ECE L325 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Understanding the fundamentals of probability and statistics of experimental data. Measures of central tendency, variation, probability, events, Bayes Rule, discrete and continuous random variables, discrete and continuous distributions including the binomial distribution, normal distribution, chi-square distribution and student distribution, covariance, central limit theorem, hypothesis testing, linear regression, signal processing statistics (EE students), categorical data analysis (non-EE students). Use of Mathematicas statistical packages central to this course. Final project is a project with Biology measuring rat whisker resonance.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
ECE-L325 Statistics for Engineering and Science Lab
Prerequisites:
ECE L325 MUST BE TAKEN WITH ECE 325
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The Engineering Statistics and Probability lab is designed to supplement the Engineering Statistics and Probability course.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
ENS-L202 Technical Communication
Prerequisites:
ENG-102, PHYS 152 AND L152;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Emphasis on clarity, precision, accuracy, and conciseness in scientific writing. Assignments include a team-based design-contest proposal, an oral presentation on current scientific topics, a team-based design of an experiment with a write-up and an oral presentation, a paper on engineering ethics concerning the Challenger and an instruction manual. Memo writing, summary writing, and resumes are also included.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
ENS-333 Programming for Engineers
Prerequisites:
ENS L333 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will introduce programming concepts in the context of solving engineering problems. Emphasis will be placed on applying the high-level programming skills learned to particular platforms such as embedded systems. Students will implement various microcontroller programming exercises as well as an end of the semester project.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
ENS-L333 Programming for Engineers Lab
Prerequisites:
ENS 333 concurrently
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The Programming for Engineers lab is designed to supplement the Programming for Engineers Course.
Minor Requirements
Students may elect a minor program in physics by completing a total of 5 courses and their labs (20 credits) in the department. The suggested course sequence is as follows:
-
PHYS-151 University Physics I
Prerequisites:
Take MATH-121 or MATH 165. PHYS L151 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics using calculus. The course includes the study of vectors, Newtons laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and temperature.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-L151 University Physics Lab I
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151 concurrently
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: measurements, propagation of errors, vectors, Newtons laws, work and energy, momentum, rotations, oscillations, simple harmonic motion, fluid. Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, differentiation and integration required.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-152 University Physics II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151, PHYS L152 concurrently
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This calculus based course begins with topics in kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. It then covers electric charge and field, Gauss law, electrical potential and capacitance, electric currents and DC circuits. Next magnetism, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law and AC circuits are discussed. This is followed by Maxwells equations, electromagnetic waves, and properties of light.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-L152 University Physics Lab II
Prerequisites:
PHYS 151 and L151 and PHYS 152 must be taken concurrently
Credits:
1.00
Description:
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: heat, gas laws, electric forces, field, and potential, DC and AC circuits, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law, optics. Calculus, algebra, trigonometry are required. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks, and formal reports required.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
-
PHYS-153 University Physics III
Prerequisites:
Take MATH-121 or MATH-165;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This calculus-based course is the introduction of the topics of modern physics. It begins with special relativity, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, addition of relativistic velocities, then covers early quantum theory, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, photon interactions, pair production, and the Bohr theory of the atom. Then Schrodingers equation is introduced with use of wave functions, particle box, barrier penetration, quantum mechanical tunneling, the Pauli Exclusion principle, the development of the periodic table, and the X-ray spectra. Development of solid state physics with bonding in molecules, band theory of solids and semiconductor behavior. The final topics cover nuclear physics, radioactivity, half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, medical uses of radiation, elementary particle physics and introduction to astrophysics.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
PHYS-361 Classical Mechanics I
Prerequisites:
PHYS 152 ; MATH 265 which may be taken concurrently
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Newtons laws of motion, projectiles, momentum, energy, conservation laws, oscillations, Lagrange equations, generalized momenta, central forces, orbits. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Most of these courses have substantial mathematics prerequisites (Calculus I, II, Multivariable Calculus) so it might not be possible for a non-science major to minor in physics.
Astrophysics Concentration
Students may choose a concentration in astrophysics, a program which requires the courses shown below and a trip to Suffolk’s Madrid campus. In particular, the student must plan to spend Summer Session II following their junior year and the fall semester of the senior year in Madrid to take upper-level courses in astrophysics. These courses will include trips to the Canary Islands to take data at one of the world’s major astronomical observatories, the Tenerife Observatory. The data taken there will form the basis of the senior project.
Bachelor of Science in Physics - Astrophysics Concentration
Suggested Course Sequence
Freshman Year (8 courses, 32 credits)
Sophomore Year (7 courses, 28 credits)
Junior Year (7 courses, 28 credits)
Summer II - Madrid (3 courses, 10 credits)
Senior Year - Fall Semester in Madrid (4 courses, 16 credits)
Senior Year - Spring Semester in Boston (3 courses, 12 credits)
*The University Cultural Diversity requirement consists of eight credits to be selected from an approved course list. Some of these may be counted toward the Humanities/History and/or Social Science requirement. Consultation with the academic advisor is important.
Suggested Course Sequence
Suggested Course Sequence for the BS in Physics
Freshman Year (8 courses, 32 credits)
Sophomore Year (8 courses, 32 credits)
Junior Year (8 courses, 32 credits)
Senior Year (8 courses, 30 credits)
*The University Cultural Diversity requirement consists of eight credits to be selected from an approved course list. Some of these may be counted toward the Humanities/History and/or Social Science requirement. Consultation with the academic advisor is important.
Honors
Honors Program
The honors program is designed to challenge the most academically capable students. It will also automatically provide these students with additional preparation for standardized examinations required for graduate school and board certification.
Requirements
Students may enroll starting in the beginning of sophomore year, with permission of the departmental honors committee, and must meet the following requirements:
- The student must maintain a minimum 3.4 grade point average in the mathematics and science requirements required for the major and must also complete at least 15 of these credits at Suffolk University.
- The student must successfully complete a competency exam administered by the department at the end of the junior year. The examination covers all technical courses required for the major, taken by the student up to and including that semester. The test consists of problems selected from all of the main topics in each course. A three person honors committee will assist students in preparing for the examination.
- At the end of the senior year, the student must pass an oral examination administered by the honors committee.
Societies
Sigma Pi Sigma
The Suffolk University Chapter of the National Society of Physics Students and criteria for Sigma Pi Sigma, were established in 1979. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma membership is conducted by the active Sigma Pi Sigma members. To be eligible, a student does not have to be a physics major but must rank in the upper 20% of his/her class, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a physics grade point average of 3.3.
