FAQs for Current Undergraduates

1. How can I be forced into a class?
2. Can you set a time conflict override for classes/tests that overlap?
3. How can I get a prerequisite override?
4. Can I register for a “Major’s Only” (Field of Study Restriction) section?
5. What does a Student Attribute Restriction mean when I try to register?
6. What does a Field of Study – Concentration Restriction mean when I try to register?
7. How can I request a Transfer Equivalency?
8. Can I take the lab portion only for PHYS 201, 202, or ASTR 111?
9. How do I q-drop a Physics course?
10. When can I meet with an advisor?
11. What if I want to change my major?
12. What if I don’t know what I want to change to?
13. What is a closet major (curriculum violation)?
14. Can I take a graduate course?
15. Are there scholarships available for Physics majors?

Commonly Asked Questions

How can I be forced into a class?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy does not force, nor we do not keep a waiting list. We encourage you to keep checking back for open seats.

Can you set a time conflict override for classes/tests that overlap?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy does not set time conflict overrides. Please contact your major advisor for more information.

How can I get a prerequisite override?

For prerequisite overrides, send an email to advising@physics.tamu.edu. Your request must include proof of enrollment, unless it comes from your major advisor. Proof of enrollment should show the name of the student, the school where the student took/will take the class and which class is being taken. Proof of completion is not required, only proof of enrollment. All override requests for PHYS 216 or PHYS 217 must come directly from an academic advisor in the College of Engineering.
Please allow 24 hours for processing. During any registration period and summer semesters, please allow 48 – 72 hours for processing. Do not follow-up with an email or submit another request unless it has been more than 72 hours. Weekends and University holidays do not count towards processing times.

Can I register for a “Majors Only” (Field of Study Restriction) section?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy reserves a few sections of certain physics classes required for majors each semester. When all Physics majors have registered, any remaining seats will be released, at which time non-majors can register for those sections.

What does a Student Attribute Restriction mean when I try to register?

The two most common reasons for receiving a Student Attribute Restriction are:

• You have not completed the Lab Safety Acknowledgement, found on the Registration Readiness page in Howdy. Currently, this must be done each semester you are taking a class with a lab. Be sure that you have the upcoming semester selected from the drop-down menu in Howdy, as it will default to having the current semester listed.
• You are attempting to register for an Honors section but are not eligible to take Honors courses. Check the tags in the Aggie Schedule Builder to be sure your desired section is not tagged as Honors. In this case, you will need to register for the non-Honors section of the course.

What does a Field of Study – Concentration Restriction mean when I try to register?

In most cases, this means you are attempting to register for a section of a PHYS course that is offered on the McAllen campus. This is designated by an “M” in the section number of the course. You will need to register for one of the sections offered on the College Station campus instead.

How can I request a Transfer Equivalency?

Email advising@physics.tamu.edu with the catalog description of the course. Please include your name and UIN, the name of the university and the course name and number. A syllabus for the course is preferred.

Can I take the lab portion only for PHYS 201, PHYS 202, or ASTR 111?

Yes, please follow these instructions:

• Choose a lab section for the appropriate class that will work with your schedule.
• Register for one credit hour of PHYS 285 – 514, with Dr. Ford.
• Immediately after registering, send an email to Dr. Ford (ford@physics.tamu.edu) and let him know that you have registered for his section. You will need to include the name of the course and the lab section you will attend.
• Let your TA know they will need to submit your grade to Dr. Ford at the end of the semester, and that you will not be attending the recitation (ASTR 111 does not have a recitation).
• Your advisor will need to submit a substitution request to add the 1 credit hour to the course you have already taken.

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How do I q-drop a Physics course?

Please submit a q-drop request through Howdy. All q-drop requests are processed by your major advisor, regardless of the course.

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Answers For Physics Majors

When can I meet with an advisor?

Appointments are scheduled between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Monday – Friday most weeks. Please schedule an appointment with a Physics advisor through Navigate. Students are welcome to “walk-in” during those times, if an advisor is available. Scheduled appointments take precedence over walk-ins.

What if I want to change my major?

You will need to work with an advisor from the major you want to change into to find out about specific qualifications required, along with timelines and processes. The Office of Undergraduate Studies also provides Change of Major Information. Once you have worked with the other department, you will then need to submit a change of major request through Howdy before your major can be officially changed.

What if I don’t know what I want to change to?

You can visit Student Counseling Services for Career Counseling. They have an assessment that will help you understand your strengths and interests, and which career fields would be most appropriate for you. Also, Transition Academic Programs has a link to information on changing to other majors.

What is a closet major (curriculum violation)?

According to Student Rule 1.5.1, students are required to take the coursework within their designated major. A closet major is a student who is taking classes that are not on the degree plan of their major. These students are blocked from registering for the next semester until their major has been changed, or they have discussed with an advisor how they will follow the degree plan. Please discuss your class choices with an advisor to avoid being a closet major.

Can I take a graduate course?

A 3.25 GPA is required to take a graduate-level course and use it towards your undergraduate degree. Please fill out the Petition for Undergraduate Student to Enroll in Graduate Course and have it signed by the professor. It should be submitted to advising@physics.tamu.edu to obtain the other signatures.

Are there scholarships available for Physics majors?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers competitive scholarships to students upon completion of their first year. If a scholarship has a Financial Need requirement, a FAFSA must be completed. All students who want to be considered for a scholarship must complete the Continuing Student Scholarship Application. This includes students who are receiving scholarships already.