Requirements

All students in the Physical Sciences major are required to complete 54 Units in the following:

1. Either Accelerated Organic Chemistry (YSC2224) or Classical Mechanics (YSC2203)
2. Either Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences (YSC2205) or another suitable mathematics course (options listed below)
3. Statistical Thermodynamics (YSC3224)
4. A minimum of 25 Units (5 courses) in the Physical Sciences major, including
   1. At least one course that is laboratory-based (options listed below)
   2. No more than 2 introductory courses (options listed below)
5. A year-long Physical Sciences Research Seminar (YSC4209; 2 Units in both Semesters 1 & 2)
6. A year-long Physical Sciences Capstone Project (YSC4101; 5 Units in both Semesters 1 & 2)

Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences (YSC2205) is cross-listed with Foundations of Applied Math (YSC3240) and is taught by the MCS faculty. Calculus (YSC1216 at Yale-NUS or MA1102R at NUS) will also fulfill the math requirement. However, students who wish to concentrate in physics will need to take math courses beyond calculus in order to be prepared for upper-division courses in the major. For students with sufficiently advanced math preparation, the following courses will also fulfill the math requirement with permission of the Head of Studies: Linear Algebra (YSC2232), Introduction to Real Analysis (YSC3206), Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations (YSC4220), or Complex Analysis (YSC4210).

Laboratory Requirement: The laboratory requirement can be fulfilled by taking any of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (YSC2222; strongly recommended as a co-enrollment with Accelerated Organic Chemistry), Experimental Methods in Physical Sciences (YSC2246), Experimental Physics Laboratory (YSC3213), or Inorganic Chemistry with Laboratory (YSC3228). Students are encouraged to take more than one lab-based course; those additional lab courses count towards the required 25 Units.

Introductory Courses: The two introductory courses currently offered that count towards the major are General Chemistry (YSC1207) and General Physics (YSC1213). Previously offered introductory courses that have been phased out but may still apply to current students include: Introduction to Optics & Imaging (YSC2214), Observational Astronomy & Astrophysics (YSC2217), and Survey of High Energy Physics Experiments (YSC2218). Note that certain introductory electives do not count towards the major. Please see the Introductory Electives for Non-Majors or consult with the Head of Studies.

Capstone: In their fourth year, students will complete a guided independent research project in Physical Sciences in consultation with a faculty advisor. The capstone can comprise original theoretical or experimental work in astronomy, chemistry, or physics. This academic experience will be an opportunity for the students to engage in cutting-edge research in physical sciences while synthesising what they have learned in their courses. The results of the capstone will also be communicated to their peers and faculty, using the presentations and writing styles consistent with practice in the professional scientific disciplines. For more details, see the capstone page.