Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 General Catalog

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2025-2026 General Catalog

Physics, BA, Sample Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 100 - Descriptive Physics Unit(s): 3 (or ASTR 100 if PHYS 100 is not offered)
MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4 (Meets Lower Division GE Area B4: Quantitative Reasoning)
Lower Division GE Area 1A: English Composition
Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 1C: Oral Communication
(e.g. ASTR 121 How to Influence the World ) Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective (e.g. PHYS 494) Credits / Units: 1

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4 (Meets Lower Division GE Area 5A: Physical Sciences)
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1 Meets Lower Division GE Area 5C: Lab
MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
Lower Division GE Area 1B: Critical Thinking
Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 3A: Arts
Credits / Units: 3

Sophomore Year: 29 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

MATH 261 - Multivariable Calculus Unit(s): 4
PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4
PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1
Area of Consultation (Consult Advisor) Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 3B: Humanities
Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (14 Units)

PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
Area of Concentration (Consult Advisor) Credits / Units: 3
Area of Concentration (Consult Advisor) Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 5B: Life Sciences
Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
OR
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution
Credits / Units: 3

Junior Year: 32 Units

Fall Semester (14 Units)

PHYS 314 - Introduction to Physics III Unit(s): 4
Upper Division Physics Elective Credits / Units: 3
Area of Concentration (Consult Advisor) Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
OR
American Institutions: U.S. History
Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (18 Units)

PHYS 340 - Light and Optics Unit(s): 3 (Meets Upper Division GE Area 5)
Upper Division Physics Elective Credits / Units: 3
Upper Division GE Area 3: Arts and Humanities
Credits / Units: 3
Upper Division GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course Credits / Units: 3

Senior Year: 33 Units

Fall Semester (18 Units)

Upper Division Physics Elective, Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies
, Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course, Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course, Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course, Units: 3

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 491 - Capstone Preparatory Seminar Unit(s): 1
PHYS Capstone Course Credits / Units: 2
Upper Division Physics Elective Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course Credits / Units: 3
Physics Elective OR Student Selected Course Credits / Units: 4

Total Units: 120