Mar 28, 2024  
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:

  1. Knowledge, understanding and use of the principles of physics and/or astronomy
  2. Ability to use reasoning and logic to define a problem in terms of principles of physics
  3. Ability to use mathematics and computer applications to solve physics and/or astronomy problems
  4. Ability to design and/or conduct experiments and/or observations using principles of physics and/or astronomy and physics or astronomical instrumentation
  5. Ability to properly analyze and interpret data and experimental uncertainty in order to make meaningful comparisons between experimental measurements or observation and theory
  6. 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.

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

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

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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