An upper-class student who has demonstrated superior academic ability may seek honors in physics. Honors in physics may be achieved either through research work or coursework. Research work:With departmental approval, the student enrolls in PHYS 498 - Physics Honors, for a full- or half-course load. The student then works closely with a faculty member on a research project agreed upon by the faculty member, for a total of at least four credit hours. The results of this project are presented in a senior thesis defended by the student at a departmental seminar. A successful defense demonstrating a superior research competence and mastery of the subject earns the recognition of distinguished independent work in physics.