The physics department has developed six learning aims for the physics major:

• Students will develop a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, including:
  -  a firm conceptual grasp of the central principles of physics,
  -  an ability to work with the concepts mathematically, and
  -  a functional understanding of how these ideas play out in the real world
• Students will develop a flexible and creative problem-solving ability
• Students will develop an integrated understanding of the unity of physics
• Students will develop their ability to communicate ideas of science
• Students will develop a functional understanding of symbolic and numerical computation
• Students will develop an expertise in experimental methodologies

A more complete description of these learning aims appears in this document.