BS in Physics
61-68 units
Physics is the foundation for most science and engineering disciplines. The study of physics focuses on broad topics such as matter, energy, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear structures, the theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics. By understanding the behavior of matter and energy at a fundamental level, physicists are equipped to further our knowledge of the universe through research and to apply knowledge to new technologies and engineering.
Career Opportunities
The BS in Physics equips graduates to teach physics, work in industrial or government engineering or research, or pursue graduate studies in physics or in a variety of related disciplines. Some specific career options include work in materials science, space exploration, aerospace, technical instrumentation, fundamental research, and the computer industry. A physics major is also an excellent foundation for further studies in a wide range of interdisciplinary fields such as medical physics, engineering, meteorology, hydrology, geophysics, or economics.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Core (Required) | ||
| PHYC 145 | Physics Laboratory I 1 | 1 |
| PHYC 146 | Physics Laboratory II | 1 |
| PHYC 147 | Physics Laboratory III | 1 |
| PHYC 165 | Physics for Science and Engineering: Mechanics 1 | 4 |
| PHYC 166 | Physics for Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYC 167 | Physics for Science and Engineering: Relativity | 1 |
| PHYC 168 | Physics for Science and Engineering: Waves and Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYC 470 | Writing 3: Advanced Laboratory 2, OS | 3 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry I 1 | 4 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 268 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 270 | Ordinary Differential Equations S | 4 |
| Total Units | 35 | |
In addition to the required courses above, complete one of the tracks below:
General Physics Track
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHYC 300 | Physics Research Seminar 3, S | 1 |
| PHYC 361 | Electricity and Magnetism ES | 3 |
| PHYC 370 | Waves and Optics EF | 3 |
| PHYC 380 | Classical Mechanics OF | 4 |
| PHYC 401 | Thermodynamics ES | 3 |
| PHYC 431 | Computational Methods for Physics EF | 3 |
| PHYC 440 | Quantum Mechanics OS | 3 |
| PHYC 499 | Physics Thesis 3, F | 2 |
| MATH 167 | Sequences and Series F | 1 |
| MATH 269 | Vector Calculus OF | 2 |
| CS 120 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| General Biology I 1 | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Electrical Circuits and Systems | ||
| Physics Core | 35 | |
| Total Units | 68 | |
Physics Secondary Education Track
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 151 | General Biology I 1 | 4 |
| PHYC 125 | Earth Science Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| PHYC 311 | Teaching and Learning in STEM 4 | 2 |
| PHYC 312 | STEM Education Research Seminar 4, 5 | 2 |
| PHYC 313 | STEM Teaching Practicum 4, 6 | 3 |
| Upper-division Electives | 12-13 | |
| Choose four of the following: | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism ES | ||
| Waves and Optics EF | ||
| Classical Mechanics OF | ||
| Thermodynamics ES | ||
| Computational Methods for Physics EF | ||
| Quantum Mechanics OS | ||
| Physics Core | 35 | |
| Total Units | 61-62 | |
- 1
Meets the General Education Natural Sciences requirement.
- 2
Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.
- 3
1 unit of PHYC 300 and 2 units of PHYC 499 meet the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.
- 4
These courses are cross-listed as follows: MATH 311/PHYC 311; MATH 312/PHYC 312; and MATH 313/PHYC 313.
- 5
1-unit course taken twice.
- 6
1-unit course taken three times.
| F | Offered in Fall only |
| S | Offered in Spring only |
| F/S | Offered in both Fall and Spring terms |
| EF | Offered in Fall in even years |
| ES | Offered in Spring in even years |
| OF | Offered in Fall in odd years |
| OS | Offered in Spring in odd years |