Physics involves the study of matter and its motion, energy and force. Physicists strive to understand nature at its fundamental level, from the path of a marble rolling off a table to the collective state of electrons in a superconductor. The Physics Department at Binghamton University offers tracks in pure physics, mathematical physics, engineering physics and applied physics. Students planning to major in physics with a BA degree should take PHYS 121 and 122 (or 131 and 132) and should complete MATH 221 (or Math 224, Math 225), MATH 222 (or Math 226, Math 227) and 323 as quickly as possible.<br>Mathematics should be continued at least through Mathematical Methods in Science I and II (MATH 371-471). In addition, a major in physics normally requires PHYS 227, 323, 327, 331, 332, 341 and 421 (a total of nine full courses in physics). If the student does not possess knowledge of a computer programming language, he or she should take a course or half course in computer programming during the first two years.