B.S. Physics
The B.S. program is a thorough introduction to the principles of physics, providing a strong foundation for graduate study or industrial research. It is also intended for those students who wish to prepare for interdisciplinary studies on the graduate level in fields such as astronomy, atmospheric science, biophysics, environmental science, geophysics, materials science, and physical oceanography.
Here is the Advising Checklist (PDF) for this degree program. For more information, please consult our Sample Four-Year Plans, Advising page, or the Catalog.
Degree Requirements Summary
| Degree Requirements | Units |
|---|---|
| General Education (48 Units, 9 in the Major) | 39 |
| Major Requirements | 72 |
| University Electives | 9 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 120 |
Major Core Requirements: 40 Units
- PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4
- PHYS 116 - Introductory Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
- PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4
- PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1
- PHYS 313 - Electronics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 313L - Electronics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
- PHYS 314 - Introduction to Physics III Unit(s): 4
- PHYS 320 - Analytical Mechanics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 325 - Introduction To Mathematical Physics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 340 - Light and Optics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 366 - Intermediate Experimental Physics Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
- PHYS 430 - Electricity and Magnetism Unit(s): 3
- PHYS 450 - Statistical Physics Unit(s): 2
- PHYS 460 - Quantum Physics Unit(s): 3
Required Supporting Courses: 26 Units
- CHEM 115A - General Chemistry I Unit(s): 5
- CHEM 115B - General Chemistry II Unit(s): 5
- MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
- MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
- MATH 241 - Linear Algebra with Applications in Differential Equations Unit(s): 4
- MATH 261 - Multivariable Calculus Unit(s): 4
Capstone Requirement: 3 Units
(Complete PHYS 491 and one (1) additional course from the list below)
- PHYS 491 - Capstone Preparatory Seminar Unit(s): 1. Required!
- ASTR 492 - Instructional Design Project Unit(s): 2
- ASTR 497 - Undergraduate Research in Astronomy Unit(s): 2
- PHYS 492 - Instructional Design Project Unit(s): 2
- PHYS 493 - Senior Design Project Unit(s): 2
- PHYS 497 - Undergraduate Research in Physics Unit(s): 2
Physics Electives: 3 Units
To complete the 72 units required for the major, students must choose the remaining units from other upper division physics or astronomy courses. ASTR 303, ASTR 305, ASTR 331 and ASTR 350 are not allowed as electives for the BS-Physics General. ASTR 396 & PHYS 396 are selected topics courses, which will only apply if approved by an advisor. Astronomy courses may not double count towards the Physics Major and the Astronomy Minor. PHYS 494 can be taken three times for a maximum of three units.
Total Units in the Major: 72 Units