Physics Syllabus 2025: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Diya NihalaniContent Author
Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its essential elements, motion and behaviour in space and time, and the associated phenomena of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific fields that aims to understand how the universe works. Depending on one’s preference and subject to eligibility conditions, one can study Physics as an undergraduate, diploma, certification, or postgraduate major. One should study high school and college mathematics diligently and fit it into their schedule to pursue Physics: study algebra, geometry/trigonometry, and calculus courses, including any Advanced Placement courses.
Physics Syllabus - List of Subjects in Physics
The following table brings the list of core subjects taught under the Physics syllabus.
Typical Core Subjects for Physics
|
Subject title |
Subject details |
|---|---|
|
Foundations of Mechanics |
|
|
Quantum Mechanics |
|
|
Astronomy |
|
Typical Elective Subjects for Physics
|
Subject title |
Subject details |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Cosmology |
|
|
Methods of Mathematical Physics |
|
|
Solid State Physics I |
|
Detailed Syllabus for Physics
Check the table below for BSc Physics subjects details, both core and electives.
|
Core/Elective |
Subject title |
Subject Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Core |
Classical Mechanics |
This subject teaches the motion of macroscopic objects covering several objects like projectiles, machinery pieces, along with astronomical objects such as spacecraft, galaxies, stars and planets. |
|
Core |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Thermodynamics is concerned with simplicity at the macroscopic level, and its laws are expressed in terms of a few observable factors such as temperature and pressure. In principle, statistical mechanics also permits one to explore physical systems that are beyond the area of validity of Thermodynamics. |
|
Core |
Electromagnetism and Photonics |
Electromagnetism is a field of Physics that examines electromagnetic force, which is a sort of physical interaction between electrically charged particles. Understanding the manipulation, creation, and transmission of light particles is central to the study of photonics. |
|
Core |
Relativistic Mechanics |
Relativistic mechanics teaches mechanics associated with general relativity and special relativity. |
|
Core |
Quantum Mechanics |
Quantum mechanics is a basic theory of Physics that describes the physical aspects of nature at the atomic and subatomic particle scales. It is the bedrock upon which all quantum Physics is built, including quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology, and quantum information science. |
|
Core |
Atomic Physics |
Atomic Physics focusses on study of atoms and is primarily concerned with the arrangement of electrons surrounding the nucleus, as well as the mechanisms that cause these arrangements to change. |
|
Core |
Optics and Acoustics |
Acoustic optics studies the interactions between sound waves and light waves, particularly the diffraction of laser light by ultrasound (or sound in general) via ultrasonic grating. |
|
Elective |
Atmospheric Physics |
Atmospheric Physics is an integral part of weather forecast models. It is also known as physical parametrisation. |
|
Elective |
Nuclear and Particle Physics |
The study of atomic nuclei, their components, and the interactions that keep them together is known as nuclear Physics. Particle Physics evolved from nuclear Physics and studies the fundamental building components of matter, radiation, and their interactions. |
|
Elective |
Physics of the Earth |
Natural science deals with the physical processes and physical qualities of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, as well as the application of quantitative methods to analyse them. |
|
Elective |
Nanomaterials and Applications |
Nanoscience refers to the study of ultra-small structures & materials. |
Specialisations Offered in Physics
Physics is a discipline of science that studies the structure of matter and the interaction of the universe's fundamental constituents. It examines different theories utilising quantum mechanics and general relativity. Here are some of the specialisations offered in studying Physics.
|
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Particle Physics |
|
Particle Physics studies the nature of particles that make up matter and radiation. |
|
AstroPhysics |
|
AstroPhysics is a field of space science that seeks to comprehend the universe and our place in it by using laws of Physics and chemistry. |
|
Biotechnology |
|
Biophysics is a branch of biotechnology that has nothing to do with high school Physics. It is totally biological and focuses on the ‘Physics’ of proteins - structure, folding, and protein dynamics in general. |
|
Meteorology |
|
Meteorology is the study of the Earth's atmosphere and the changes in temperature and moisture patterns that cause various weather situations. |
|
Quantum dynamics |
|
Quantum dynamics is concerned with the movements, as well as the exchanges of energy and momentum, of systems whose behaviour is regulated by the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum dynamics is important in emerging fields like quantum computing and atomic optics. |
Books and Authors Related to Physics
As Physics is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their graduation or postgraduation. Listed below are some books that are highly recommended.
|
Book title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Handbook of Physics
|
Arihant Experts
|
The chapters are accompanied by well-designed graphics and images that include examples. The book is a useful resource that may be used as a quick reference. |
|
Relativity |
Dr. Albert Einstein |
Published by Einstein himself with the goal of providing a precise understanding of the theory of relativity to those readers who are interested in the theory from a broad scientific and philosophical standpoint but are unfamiliar with the mathematical toolbox of theoretical Physics. |
|
Quantum Physics |
H.C. Verma |
This book, published by Professor H.C. Verma, provides a basic introduction to quantum mechanics. It includes detailed Physics as well as the mathematical skills needed. |
|
The Oxford Solid State Basics |
Steven H. Simon |
The study of solids is one of the most diverse, fascinating, and productive disciplines of Physics. While the subject of solid-state Physics is sometimes seen as dull and monotonous, this new book portrays it as an engaging explanation of basic concepts and important intellectual advances. |
Physics Syllabus for Distance Programmes
Physics is one of the specialist courses/degrees accessible to students who have completed their high school/bachelor's degree/master’s degree. This programme lasts from two to five years. Many institutions offer distance learning programs for Physics. The distance education programmes in Physics provide individuals with the opportunity to gain knowledge and a degree while remaining at home. Many colleges provide it on a massive scale to candidates who have completed their graduate level of study.
Pace your Degree Program: With a distance education programme in Physics, you may finish the education course at your own pace. The course completion duration is variable since colleges permit students to complete the two-year programme in five years.
Affordability of Program Fee: Distance learning Physics courses are much less expensive compared to other universities. Distance education fees are much cheaper than those charged for normal programmes.
Earn and Learn at the Same Time: If you enrol in a distance learning program in Physics, you will have the opportunity of gaining experience and knowledge at the same time. As a result, you will have the necessary skills and experience to flourish in your career.
Physics distance learning programmes are designed to teach advanced Physics fundamentals. Seminars, lectures, workshops, and practical lab work are all part of the syllabus. The following are the primary Physics disciplines covered in the two-year distance learning curriculum:
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
|---|---|
|
Mathematical Methods |
Nuclear Physics |
|
Classical Mechanics |
Relativity and Cosmology |
|
Quantum Mechanics |
Classical Electrodynamics |
|
Electronics |
Advanced Optics |
|
Solid State Physics |
Statistical Mechanics |
|
Atomic Spectroscopy |
Group Theory |
|
Molecular Spectroscopy |
AstroPhysics |
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