Apr 07, 2025

2022-2023 General Catalog

2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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:

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.

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.

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.

PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4 (may be applied to GE)
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1 (may be applied to GE)
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 340 - Light and Optics Unit(s): 3

Choose one of the following two programming courses:

PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
CS 115 - Programming I Unit(s): 4

Capstone course; One of the following:

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

Required Area of Concentration

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

Supporting Courses

MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4 (3 units may be applied in GE)
MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
MATH 261 - Multivariable Calculus Unit(s): 4

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

Program Roadmaps

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

Fall Semester (15 Units)

MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
GE
PHYS 100 - Descriptive Physics Unit(s): 3 (Recommended)
PHYS 494 - Physics Seminar Unit(s): 1 (Recommended)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1
GE

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
GE

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 314 - Introduction to Physics III Unit(s): 4
Elective
GE

Junior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
Area of Concentration *
GE
Elective

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 340 - Light and Optics Unit(s): 3
PHYS Elective
Area of Concentration *
GE
Elective

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)

MATH 160 - Precalculus Mathematics Unit(s): 4
GE
PHYS 100 - Descriptive Physics Unit(s): 3 (Recommended)
PHYS 494 - Physics Seminar Unit(s): 1 (Recommended)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3
GE
Elective

Sophomore Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 209B - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 210B - General Physics Unit(s): 3
GE
Elective

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS Elective
Elective
GE

Junior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

ASTR 305 - Frontiers in Astronomy Unit(s): 3
PHYS 381 - Computer Applications for Scientists Unit(s): 2
Area of Concentration *
GE
Elective

Spring Semester (15 Units)

PHYS 342 - Light and Color Unit(s): 3
PHYS Elective
Area of Concentration *
GE
Elective