Physics, B.S.

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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

Program Learning Outcomes

Students are required to demonstrate:

Knowledge, understanding and use of the principles of physics and/or astronomy
Ability to use reasoning and logic to define a problem in terms of principles of physics
Ability to use mathematics and computer applications to solve physics and/or astronomy problems
Ability to design and/or conduct experiments and/or observations using principles of physics and/or astronomy and physics or astronomical instrumentation
Ability to properly analyze and interpret data and experimental uncertainty in order to make meaningful comparisons between experimental measurements or observation and theory
Effectiveness in communication of science, including reading with understanding, and both written and oral communication

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Major Core Requirements

PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1
PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4
PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 314 - Introduction to Physics III Unit(s): 4
PHYS 325 - Introduction To Mathematical Physics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 340 - Light and Optics 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

Supporting Courses

CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 115B - General Chemistry 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

(Complete 1 course from the list below)

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

Upper Division Physics Requirements

(Not required for Astrophysics concentration)

PHYS 313 - Electronics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 313L - Electronics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 320 - Analytical Mechanics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 366 - Intermediate Experimental Physics Unit(s): 3

Physics Electives

To complete the 72 units required for the major, students must choose the remaining units from other upper division physics or astronomy courses including the recommended PHYS 491 - Capstone Preparatory Seminar. ASTR 303, ASTR 305, ASTR 331 and ASTR 350 are not allowed as electives for the BS-Physics General. ASTR 396 & PHYS 396 selected topics courses, 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.