Freshmen:

• If you are a freshman who is a semester ahead, take 8.03 during the spring term - it is easier than in the fall.
• It is okay to take 8.01 and 8.02 rather than 8.012 and 8.022: it is better to learn the material well than to just get by and not really understand the concepts in the more difficult courses.
• The same reasoning can be applied to math classes (like taking 18.03 over the theoretical 18.034)
• 8.282J (Introduction to Astronomy) is a good 9 unit class offered in the spring that you can take as a fifth class while staying within the credit limit.

Upperclassmen:

• It is worth while to take 18.06 before 8.05 - knowledge of linear algebra will help tremendously in quantum mechanics.
• It is also helpful to take 8.09 before 8.05 as it will help you understand quantum mechanics better conceptually.
• Even though it is not required, it is important to take 8.09 because a portion of the physics GRE covers material from this course.
• Outside the set physics curriculum, take classes appropriate for your interests and intended subfield. Senior year especially, you have lots of flexibility in your schedule to take physics (and non-physics) electives. Ideas:

Considering an Astronomy Minor?

If you are interested in Astronomy, the new Astronomy Minor, offered jointly between the Physics Department and the Earth, Atmospheric, Planetary Science Department is a good choice. The Minor requirements are as follows:

• Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics
  Required Subjects:
  • 8.03 (Physics III); 8.282J/12.402J (Introduction to Astronomy); 18.03 or 18.034 (Differential Equations)
• Astrophysics
  Choose One:
  • 8.284 (Modern Astrophysics), 8.286 (The Early Universe), 8.292J/12.330J (Fluid Physics)
• Planetary Astronomy
  Choose One:
  • 12.004 (Introduction to Planetary Science), 12.008 (Classical Mechanics: A Computational Approach)
• Observations
  • 8.287J/12.410J (Observational Techniques of Optical Astronomy)
• Independent Project
  Choose One:
  • 8.UR (Undergraduate Research), 8.THU (Undergraduate Thesis), 12.UR (Undergraduate Research), 12.THU (Undergraduate Thesis), 12.411 (Astronomy Field Camp)