The undergraduate degree in physics emphasizes knowledge and awareness of:

• the basic subfields of physics (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics), as well as at least one specialty area of application (e.g., solid state physics or optics);
• the major principles of physics, their historical development and the roles they play in the various subfields of physics;
• the interrelations between theory and observation, the role of systematic and random experimental errors and methods used to analyze experimental uncertainty and compare experiment with theory;
• physical phenomena and experience in the use of basic experimental apparatus and measuring instruments;
• mathematics sufficient to facilitate the acquisition and application of physical principles; and
• the importance of physics in other fields such as chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine and in society at large.

In addition, students completing the degree in physics are expected to acquire the ability and skills to:

• apply physical principles to new situations;
• construct and assemble experimental apparatus, conduct and analyze measurements of physical phenomena, analyze experimental uncertainty and make meaningful comparisons between experiment and theory; and
• communicate results of scientific inquiries verbally and in writing.