The Bachelor of Science in Physics

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I (or equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 70-81 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Program: 46 units

Lower-Division Requirements: 36 units

9 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CHEM 111	General Chemistry	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: Second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.) Principles of chemistry for students in science, medical, and related professions. Atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodic table, gases, solids, liquids, solutions, and equilibrium. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)
CHEM 112	General Chemistry	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or better. A continuation of CHEM 111. Chemical energetics, rates of reaction, acids and bases, solubility, oxidation-reduction, and nuclear chemistry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001817)
MATH 120	Analytic Geometry and Calculus	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; both MATH 118 and MATH 119 (or high school equivalent); a score that meets department guidelines on a department administered calculus readiness exam. Limits and continuity. The derivative and applications to related rates, maxma and minima, and curve sketching. Transcendental functions. An introduction to the definite integral and area. A grade of C- or higher is required for GE credit. 4 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005506)
MATH 121	Analytic Geometry and Calculus	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 120. The definite integral and applications to area, volume, work, differential equations, etc. Sequences and series, vectors and analytic geometry in 2 and 3-space, polar coordinates, and parametric equations. 4 hours discussion. (005507)
MATH 220	Analytic Geometry and Calculus	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 121. Vector functions and space curves. Functions of several variables, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Vector calculus line integrals, surface integrals, divergence/curl, Green's Theorem, Divergence Theorem, and Stokes' Theorem. 4 hours discussion. (005508)
MATH 260	Elementary Differential Equations	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 121. First order separable, linear, and exact equations; second order linear equations, Laplace transforms, series solutions at an ordinary point, systems of first order linear equations, and applications. 4 hours discussion. (005509)
PHYS 204A	Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: High school physics or faculty permission. Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 121 (second semester of calculus) or equivalent. Vectors, kinematics, particle dynamics, friction, work, energy, power, momentum, dynamics and statics of rigid bodies, oscillations, gravitation, fluids. Calculus used. A grade of C- or higher is required before progressing to either PHYS 204B or PHYS 204C. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007401)
PHYS 204B	Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A with a grade of C- or higher. Charge and matter, electric field, Gauss' law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law of induction, magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic oscillations and waves. Calculus used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007402)
PHYS 204C	Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics	4.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A with a grade of C- or higher. Temperature, first and second law of thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. Waves in elastic media, standing waves and resonance, and sound. Ray and wave optics, reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, diffraction, and polarization. Selected topics in modern physics. Calculus used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007403)

Upper-Division Requirements: 10 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PHYS 300A	Relativity and Quantum Theory (Modern Physics I)	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C, or PHYS 202A and PHYS 202B and calculus with faculty permission. This course focuses on the radical changes in our conception of the physical world that emerged in the early 20th century. The course begins with the theory of special relativity, which altered our understanding of the nature of space, time, matter, and energy. The course's middle section is devoted to the early experimental work that spurred the birth of the first quantum theories. The last section introduces the formal quantum dynamics of Schrodinger's equation and applies it to several important physical cases. 3 hours discussion. (007417)
PHYS 300B	Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Modern Physics II)	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PHYS 300A. Application of quantum mechanics to atomic, nuclear, molecular, and solid state physics. Introduction to classical and quantum statistical mechanics. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007418)
PHYS 427	Advanced Laboratory	3.0	FA	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PHYS 300B. Experiments involving x-rays, radioactivity, Compton effect, photoelectric effect, velocity of light, lasers, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, Mossbauer effect, including data analysis by high speed computer. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (007437)
PHYS 491	Physics Seminar	1.0	SP
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing in physics. Presentation and discussion of reports based on current physics literature and/or special studies of students and faculty. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007449)

Major Option Course Requirements: 24-35 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements. Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

The Option in Professional Physics
The Option in General Physics

The Option in Professional Physics: 24-25 units

This option is for students who intend to pursue graduate study in physics or related fields or who plan to enter careers in technical fields.

Option Core: 9 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
MATH 361	Boundary Value Problems and Partial Differential Equations	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: MATH 260. Partial differential equations, separation of variables, orthogonal sets of functions, Sturm-Liouville problems, Fourier series, boundary value problems for the wave equation, heat equation, and Laplace equation; Bessel functions, Legendre polynomials. 3 hours discussion. (005540)
PHYS 301A	Analytical Mechanics	3.0	F1
Prerequisites: MATH 260, PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C. Newton's laws of motion, particle dynamics, accelerated reference systems, central force problems, conservation laws, and celestial mechanics. 3 hours discussion. (007419)
PHYS 302A	Electricity and Magnetism	3.0	F2
Prerequisites: MATH 260, PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C. Vector analysis; electrostatic fields and potentials: Poisson's equation, boundary value problems and multipole expansions; dielectrics and magnetostatics. 3 hours discussion. (007422)

Advising Pattern Course Requirements: 15-16 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the advising pattern chosen. Students must select one of the following advising patterns to complete the Option in Professional Physics and major course requirements.

Advanced Study Pattern: 15 units

This option pattern is for students intending to pursue graduate study in physics or related fields. This is also suited to many technical careers.

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
PHYS 301B	Analytical Mechanics	3.0	S2
Prerequisites: PHYS 301A. Many body systems, rotational motion, rigid body dynamics, Euler's equations, Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulations, oscillating systems and waves. 3 hours discussion. (007421)
PHYS 302B	Electricity and Magnetism	3.0	S1
Prerequisites: PHYS 302A or faculty permission. Magnetic fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, field energy and momentum, Fresnel equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves in dispersive media, waveguides and coaxial cables, radiating systems. 3 hours discussion. (007425)
PHYS 415	Thermal Physics	3.0	S2
Prerequisites: MATH 361, PHYS 300A. Statistical mechanics, the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, states of matter. 3 hours discussion. (007434)
PHYS 435A	Quantum Mechanics	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: MATH 361, PHYS 300A. Plane waves, wave packets, De Broglie waves, Schrodinger's equation, probability, simple harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and hydrogen atom. 3 hours discussion. (007441)
PHYS 435B	Quantum Mechanics	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PHYS 435A. Operator methods, matrix mechanics, approximation methods, multielectron atoms, and scattering theory. 3 hours discussion. (007444)

Applied Physics Pattern: 16 units

This option pattern is for students intending to pursue careers in applied physics, optics, telecommunications, or related fields.

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
MECH 210	Materials Science and Engineering	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A; CHEM 111. Processing, structure, properties, and performance of engineering materials. Applied knowledge of material properties as engineering design parameters. Advanced manufacturing processes, including microfabrication. 1 hour discussion, 3 hours laboratory, 2 hours activity. (005402)
EECE 211	Linear Circuits I	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204B. DC and sinusoidal circuit analysis, including resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuit elements and independent sources. Ideal transformer. Thevenin and Norton circuit theorems and superposition. Phasors, impedance, resonance, and AC power. Three-phase AC Circuit analysis. 3 hours discussion. (002519)
EECE 211L	Linear Circuits I Activity	1.0	FS
Corequisites: EECE 211. Experiments to reinforce the principles taught in EECE 211. 2 hours activity. (002520)
PHYS 312	Computer-Assisted Physics Problem-Solving	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PHYS 300A. No previous computer experience necessary. This course prepares physics majors to be self-sufficient in personal computer use to solve experimental and theoretical physics problems. Topics include, but are not limited to, analysis of experimental data, projectile motion, random processes, vector fields and potentials, vibrating systems, and electric circuits. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007411)
PHYS 450	Optics	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C. This course is also offered as EECE 450. Geometrical and physical optics, interference, diffraction, reflection, dispersion, resolution, polarization, fiber optics, laser optics, and holography. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002549)
PHYS 451	Lasers and Their Applications	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: PHYS 204C. Recommended: EECE 450 or PHYS 450. This course is also offered as EECE 451. The theory and mechanism of laser action, various types of lasers and their applications and future use. Laboratory involves measurements with lasers, fiber optics, data transmission, and holography. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002550)

The Option in General Physics: 35 units

This option fulfills all requirements for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science with a Concentration in Physics and a supplementary authorization in a second science. This option is also excellent preparation for students considering physics-related interdisciplinary fields. Students who choose this option should consult with their major advisor.

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BIOL 151	Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology	4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment. Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001122)
BIOL 152	Principles of Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology	4.0	SP	GE
Prerequisites: BIOL 151 or faculty permission; recommend CHEM 112 or concurrent enrollment. Introduction to evolutionary history and biological diversity, microbes and protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. Form and function of plants and animals. Ecological principles. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001123)
GEOS 102	Physical Geology	3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or physics is recommended; students with no previous science courses are advised to enroll in GEOS 101. No college credit for those who have passed GEOS 101. Physical and chemical processes in the earth, including origin and identification of rocks and minerals; earth's interior; movements and major features of the earth's crust; erosion and sedimentation; geological structures; topographic maps; mineral resources. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (004069)
GEOS 300	Earth Science	3.0	FA	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A or PHYS 341. An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on climate change and its impacts. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (004137)
PHYS 489T	Internship in Physics Teaching	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: PHYS 300B and faculty permission. This is a supervised internship in physics teaching which will take place in a local high school physics classroom. This course may be taken more than once, but a maximum of 3 units of any PHYS 289 may be counted toward the degree. This course cannot be used for the minor in physics. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007448)

6 units required:

Any upper-division course in physics (except PHYS 489P and PHYS 489T) with approval of the credential advisor.

Breadth Requirements: 12 units

12 units required:

Any non-General Education courses in Chemistry (CHEM), Biology (BIOL), or Geoscience (GEOS). All 12 units must be selected from one department.

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.