Physics, BA

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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. Students who choose this degree have the prerequisites to take nearly all of the courses in the department. Students may pair this with another area of interest or degree plan. Students find employment in scientific and engineering fields. Some go on to graduate school in interdisciplinary sciences. This degree program is also the appropriate choice for those who wish to earn a California Science Teaching Credential with a concentration in Physics and teach High School Physics.

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

This plan is built on the calculus-based Physics sequence. Students who choose this 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 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
It is expected that students take PHYS 491 Capstone Preparatory Seminar in the same semester as they complete their capstone course.

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

Total Units: 120

Total GE units: 48

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

Total units required to graduate: 120

Program Roadmaps

Physics, BA, Sample Four-Year Plan