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2022-2023 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Roadmap: B.S. in Physics

The Physics curriculum gives students a thorough understanding of the fundamentals and modern applications of physics. The Bachelor of Science program prepares the student for graduate school, a career in scientific research and development, or industrial work. It is also intended for students preparing for interdisciplinary studies at the graduate level in fields such as astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric science, biophysics, engineering, environmental science, geophysics, or physical oceanography.

This Roadmap is a recommended advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

 

First Year
Fall Semester
Course
Units
MATH 1100 Precalculus   4 
General Education Area A1 3
General Education Area C1 3
General Education Area D1 3
General Education Area E 3
Total Units 16
Cumulative Total 16
Spring Semester
Course
Units
MATH 1410 Calculus I   4  
General Education Area A2 3
General Education Area B2 3
General Education Area C2 3
General Education Area D1 3
Total Units 16
Cumulative Total 32

  • The lower division courses may be taken in any sequence. ETHS 2050 does not need to be taken first but it is recommended.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

 

Second Year
Fall Semester
Course
Units

Choose one of the following courses:

  • General Education Area C1
  • General Education Area C2
 3 
MATH 1420 Calculus II   4 
PHYS 2250 General Physics I   4 
PHYS 2252 General Physics I Laboratory   1 
General Education Area A3 3
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 47
Spring Semester
Course
Units
MATH 2410 Multivariate Calculus   4 
PHYS 2260 General Physics II   4 
PHYS 2262 General Physics II Laboratory   1 
General Education Area D2 3
General Education Area F 3
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 62

  • Math-1420 Calculus II satisfies General Education Area B4

  • PHYS-2250 General Physics I satisfies General Education Area B1

  • PHYS-2252 General Physics I Lab satisfies Lab General Education Area B3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Third Year
Fall Semester
Course
Units
CHEM 1100 General Chemistry I   4 
CHEM 1102 General Chemistry I Laboratory   1 
PHYS 3010 Intro Mathematical Physics I   3 
PHYS 3520 Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics   3 
PHYS 4250 Analog and Digital Electronics   4 
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 77
Spring Semester
Course
Units
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry II   4 
CHEM 1112 General Chemistry II Laboratory   1 
PHYS 3100 Classical Mechanics   4 
PHYS 3320 Electricity and Magnetism I   3 
PHYS 4510 Quantum Mechanics I   3 
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 92

  • CHEM-1100 General Chemistry I satisfies General Education Area B1

  • CHEM-1102 General Chemistry I Lab satisfies B3.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Fourth Year

*Apply for Graduation
Fall Semester
Course
Units

Choose one of the following courses :

 3 

Choose one of the following courses:

 3 

Choose one of the following courses:

 3 
PHYS 4910 Spectroscopy, Techniques and Application (WP)   3 
Elective Units 1
Total Units 13
Cumulative Total 105
Spring Semester
Course
Units

Choose one of the following courses:

 3 
PHYS 4102 Experimental Physics (WP)   2 
PHYS 4530 Thermal and Statistical Physics   4 
General Education Area UD-B 3
General Education Area UD-D 3
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 120

  • For additional dates and details to apply for graduation, visit the Graduation Website.

  • ENGL-3550 Years of War, Days of Peace satisfies General Education Areas UD-C and the University’s Multicultural Requirement.