Classical mechanics
1–2Classical mechanics trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
A physics curriculum is a sequence, not a shopping list. Early courses build shared vocabulary; middle years introduce methods; the final stretch demands a project that can fail in public.
Elective freedom varies: some systems lock professional accreditation hours; others allow wide minors. The courses below are the common spine, not every university's catalogue.
Core courses
Electromagnetism
1–2Electromagnetism trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Quantum mechanics
1–2Quantum mechanics trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Statistical physics
2–3Statistical physics trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Optics
2–3Optics trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Computational physics
2–3Computational physics trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Lab methods
3–4Lab methods trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Relativity
3–4Relativity trains the habits physics depends on — not trivia for exams, but reusable technique for later studios, labs or clinics.
Common tracks
Condensed matter
A condensed matter emphasis usually appears after foundations, when students choose seminars, labs or studios that deepen one problem family inside physics.
Particle/astro
A particle/astro emphasis usually appears after foundations, when students choose seminars, labs or studios that deepen one problem family inside physics.
Applied physics
A applied physics emphasis usually appears after foundations, when students choose seminars, labs or studios that deepen one problem family inside physics.
Computational
A computational emphasis usually appears after foundations, when students choose seminars, labs or studios that deepen one problem family inside physics.
Skill map
Physical modelling96
Lab technique88
Math fluency94
Computation76
Scientific writing72
Instrument care80
Physical modelling
Physical modelling is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
Lab technique
Lab technique is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
Math fluency
Math fluency is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
Computation
Computation is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
Scientific writing
Scientific writing is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
Instrument care
Instrument care is practised weekly in physics programmes; the percentage is relative strength among skills on this page, not a grade.
How you learn
Lectures & readings
Large-group framing plus primary texts or problem sets that define the week's vocabulary.
Labs / studios / clinics
Supervised practice where mistakes are expected and feedback is specific.
Seminars
Small-group argument; silence is expensive because the group notices.
Capstone / thesis
A public synthesis — defence, exhibition, clinic portfolio or engineered prototype.
Treat the catalogue as a map of practised skills, not a brand promise. The department that grades hard and returns work fast usually teaches more than the one that advertises prestige alone.
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