Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 General Catalog 
    
2019-2020 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Physics, B.A.



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The B.A. program allows considerable flexibility for the student who wishes to study physics as part of a liberal arts education. Two advisory plans are offered:

Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Advisory Plan C


This plan uses calculus. Students who choose this, the more popular B.A. advisory plan, have the prerequisites to take nearly all of the courses in the department. They find employment in scientific and engineering fields. Some go on to graduate school in interdisciplinary sciences. This degree program is appropriate for those who wish to earn a California Science Teaching Credential with a concentration in Physics.

  Degree Requirements Units  
  Major requirements 34-38  
  Required area of concentration 12  
  Supporting courses 12  
  General education 41  
  General electives 17-21  
  Total units needed for graduation 120  

Major Core Requirements


The major must include a minimum of 24 upper-division units in physics and astronomy; with an advisor, choose 13-15 units in additional upper-division physics and astronomy courses. PHYS 100  may be used to substitute for an advanced Physics elective course.

Required Area of Concentration


Courses in one other field, chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Units


Total units in the major core: 34-38

Total units in area of concentration: 12

Total units in supporting courses: 12

Total units in the major and supporting courses (up to 9 may be applied in GE): 58 - 62

Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Advisory Plan T


This plan uses algebra and trigonometry. Students may select from upper-division courses, appropriate to careers as science or technical writers, scientific sales personnel, technicians, programmers, or other technical specialists. There is opportunity to take courses that lead to careers in the health sciences or environmental fields. This degree program is appropriate for those who wish to earn a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Advisory Plan T is often taken as part of a double major.

  Degree Requirements Units  
  Major requirements 32-36  
  Required area of concentration 12  
  Supporting course 4  
  General education 41  
  General electives 27-31  
  Total units needed for graduation 120  

Major Core Requirements


The major must include a minimum of 24 upper-division units in physics and astronomy, so, with an advisor, choose 13-16 units in additional upper-division physics and astronomy courses. PHYS 100  may be substituted for an advanced physics elective course.

Choose one of the following two courses in modern physics or astronomy:


Choose one of the following two courses in optics:


Required Area of Concentration


Courses in one other field chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Supporting Course


Units


Total units in the major core: 32-36

Total units in area of concentration: 12

Total units in supporting course: 4

Total units in the major (up to 9 may be applied in GE): 48-52

Sample Four-Year Program


Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Advisory Plan C


The sequential nature of the physics curriculum necessitates an early start with major requirements and the distribution of general education courses over four years.

* Area of Concentration = 12 units in one other subject.

Nine of the units of GE are met by required courses listed here (3 each in areas B1, B3, and B4).

Freshman Year: 30 Units


Sophomore Year: 30 Units


Spring Semester (15 Units)

Junior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Senior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

  • PHYS Elective
  • Area of Concentration *
  • GE 
  • Electives
Spring Semester (15 Units)

  • PHYS Capstone
  • Area of Concentration *
  • PHYS Elective
  • Electives

Total Units: 120


Sample Four-Year Program


Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Advisory Plan T


The sequential nature of the physics curriculum necessitates an early start with major requirements and the distribution of general education courses over four years.

*Area of concentration = 12 units in one other subject.

Nine of the units of GE may be met by required courses listed here (3 each in areas B1, B3, and B4).

Freshman Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Sophomore Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

  • PHYS Elective
  • Elective
  • GE 

Junior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Senior Year: 30 Units


Fall Semester (15 Units)

  • PHYS Electives
  • Area of Concentration *
  • Electives
Spring Semester (15 Units)

  • PHYS Capstone
  • Area of Concentration *
  • Electives

Total Units: 120


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