What do physics majors in university study after physics 1 and 2?

[Jaccobtw]

So after Newtonian mechanics and electricity/magnetism, what do physics majors study? Also, is there a textbook you can reference me to that applies to that?

 

[gmax137]

Statistical mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Fluid mechanics
More classical mech
More Quantum mech
More E&M
etc.

 

[Frabjous]

In my second year we did waves/optics and modern physics. On the math side, everyone got through vector calculus and differential equations in anticipation of the junior year.

 

[berkeman]

So after Newtonian mechanics and electricity/magnetism, what do physics majors study? Also, is there a textbook you can reference me to that applies to that?

So you can just pick some random university and search for the curriculum for their BS Physics degree, like this one:

https://onestop2.umn.edu/pcas/viewCatalogProgram.do?programID=150

<...more...>

 

[symbolipoint]

So after Newtonian mechanics and electricity/magnetism, what do physics majors study? Also, is there a textbook you can reference me to that applies to that?

Some places might still use a "series" like Fundamentals of (1) Mechanics, (2) Electricity & Magnetism, (3) "Modern Physics" including much of the basics of Optics; and radiation and atoms & nuclear physics

 

[jtbell]

As another example, here is the B.S. in Physics at Clemson University in the US.

The details are likely to be different for universities in different countries, and even for different universities in the US (and perhaps some other countries). Nevertheless, the general patterns should be similar.

Of course, if you are already at a university, you should first look at your university's web site and other resources, talk to professors and to students who are ahead of your level, etc.

 

[CrysPhys]

So after Newtonian mechanics and electricity/magnetism, what do physics majors study? Also, is there a textbook you can reference me to that applies to that?

Your profile shows that you're currently an undergrad. So what is the reason for this question? I.e., why not look at what's in your school's curriculum and see what texts it uses? Or are we missing some key info from you?

 

[gwnorth]

Any decent Physics program is going to cover the fundamental courses required to be admitted to graduate studies.

According to Caltech they like their PhD applicants to have preparation in:

What level of undergraduate preparation is necessary for admission?

Mechanics at about the level of Goldstein's Classical Mechanics
Electromagnetism at the level of Reitz and Milford's Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory
Atomic and nuclear physics at the level of R.B. Leighton's Modern Physics
Introductory quantum mechanics at the level of Dicke and Wittke's Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Advanced calculus at the level of T.M. Apostol's Mathematical Analysis

and Cornell recommends:

some of the advanced coursework we look for includes courses in analytical mechanics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and wave motion, and some advanced laboratory work in physics. Familiarity with ordinary and partial differential equations, vector calculus, Fourier analysis, and linear algebra is also expected, while some experience with computing is highly desirable.