Overview of B.S. Degree Major
The Bachelor of Science degree, which requires a total of 187 units, may be used as preparation for graduate work or as a qualifying degree for professional employment. Selection of electives in astronomy provides substantial background for students planning graduate study in that field.
Programs in physics are built on a foundation of high school studies in mathematics and physical sciences. For completion of a Bachelor of Science degree program in 12 quarters, high school preparation is recommended in physics, chemistry, geometry, trigonometry, and algebra (two years).
In planning their university programs, students who wish to prepare for graduate study in physics are advised to include 12 units of French, German, or Russian, a portion of which will earn general education credit. Student participation in research is strongly encouraged.
Requirements for the Major (115 units)
The major consists of 115 units in physics and related fields, of which 51 are in lower division and 64 in upper division courses. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses used to meet major requirements.
Lower Division Required Courses (51 units)
| PHYS |
201-205 |
General Physics (4, 4, 4, 4, 4) |
| CHEM |
101-103 |
General Chemistry (5, 5, 5) |
| MATH |
206-209 |
Calculus I-IV (4,4,4,4) |
Upper Division Required Courses (44 units)
| PHYS |
306 |
Modern Physics (3) |
| PHYS |
312 |
Basic Electronics (4) |
| PHYS |
410AB |
Mathematical Methods of Physics (4, 4) |
| PHYS |
420 |
Physics Computing (3) |
| PHYS |
425A |
Introduction to Theoretical Physics (4) |
| PHYS |
426AB |
Electricity and Magnetism (3, 3) |
| PHYS |
427 |
Thermodynamics (4) |
| PHYS |
432A |
Introductory Quantum Mechanics (3) |
| PHYS |
470-471 |
Advanced Physics Laboratory I, II (3, 3) |
| CHEM |
360 |
Writing for Chemists (3) |
Upper Division Electives (20 units)
Selected with adviser approval
|
