Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 General Catalog

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2025-2026 General Catalog

Physics, BS, Sample Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year (29 Units)

Fall Semester (14 Units)

MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4 (Meets Lower Division GE Area B4: Quantitative Reasoning)
Lower Division GE Area 1C: Oral Communication
(e.g. ASTR 121 How to Influence the World ) Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 1A: English Composition
Credits / Units: 3
University Elective (e.g. PHYS 494 Physics Seminar ) Credits / Units: 1

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4 (Meets Lower Division GE Area B1: Physical Sciences)
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1
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: 30 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
Lower Division GE Area 5B: Life Sciences
Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits / Units: 3

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 313 - Electronics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 313L - Electronics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
MATH 241 - Linear Algebra with Applications in Differential Equations Unit(s): 4
CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5

Junior Year: 31 Units

Fall Semester (16 Units)

PHYS 314 - Introduction to Physics III Unit(s): 4
PHYS 325 - Introduction To Mathematical Physics Unit(s): 3
CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
Lower Division GE Area 3B: Humanities
Credits / Units: 3
University Elective (e.g. PHYS 494 Physics Seminar ) Credits / Units: 1

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 320 - Analytical Mechanics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 340 - Light and Optics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 366 - Intermediate Experimental Physics Unit(s): 3
Lower Division GE Area 3A: Arts
OR
Lower Division GE Area 3B: Humanities
Credits / Units: 3
Lower Division GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Credits / Units: 3

Senior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 450 - Statistical Physics Unit(s): 2
PHYS 460 - Quantum Physics Unit(s): 3
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
University Elective (e.g. PHYS 494 Physics Seminar ) Credits / Units: 1

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 491 - Capstone Preparatory Seminar Unit(s): 1
PHYS 430 - Electricity and Magnetism Unit(s): 3
PHYS Capstone Course (ASTR 492, ASTR 497, PHYS 492, PHYS 493 or PHYS 497) Credits / Units: 2
Lower Division GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies
Credits / Units: 3
Upper Division GE Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
, Credits / Units: 3
University Elective, Credits / Units: 3

Total Units: 120