Oct 07, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]


Baccalaureate Degree Requirements Advising Sheet

Physics B.A./B.S.



View information for the Department of Physics, Physical Sciences, and Geology , including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

View the degree program Roadmap, which provide recommended advising maps to complete the degree program. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

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.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program is designed for students seeking to enter professions requiring a moderate training in physics. The lower-division requirements of both degree programs also may be used to prepare for study in engineering. After completion, the student may transfer to engineering programs for upper-division coursework and study in engineering.

Program Learning Outcomes


Physics and Physical Sciences majors will be able to:

  1. Our graduates will master material in advanced courses, which presuppose understanding of physics at a more fundamental level.
  2. Our graduates will think critically when analyzing problems in physics, including appropriate use of advanced mathematical tools.
  3. Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment, including the use of advanced technologies.
  4. Our graduates will be satisfied with the overall quality of their physics education.
  5. Our graduates will have a strong command of the nature of oral and written communication and of intra-group interactions in the traditions of physics.
  6. Our graduates will have the skills necessary to pursue a career in physics or a related field, or to enter a graduate program.

Requirements


1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements.


A student must comply with all University regulations and satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Units and Residency  (minimum of 120 units: 40 units of upper division coursework and 30 semester units at Stanislaus State. At least 24 of these 30 units must be earned in upper-division courses, at least 12 must be in the major, and at least 9 must be applicable to General Education-Breadth requirements)
  2. Grade Point Average  (minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better)
  3. General Education  (minimum of 49 units)
  4. Upper Division Writing Proficiency  (minimum of 3 units)
    - Writing Proficiency (WP) Course (may double count in the major)
  5. United States Constitution and California State and Local Government  (minimum of 3 units)
  6. Multicultural Requirement  (minimum of 3 units) (may double count with General Education requirements or in the major)

Subsequently all students must submit an application for graduation and receive approval from the major advisor, department chair, and Director of Academic Advising. For more information see the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

2. Complete the following prerequisites to the major:


(32-35 units)

b. Required courses in supporting fields:


(22-25 units)

3. Complete the major


of not less than 25 upper-division units as specified for the Bachelor of Arts degree, or 35 upper-division units as specified for the Bachelor of Science degree. No courses graded CR may be counted towards the major except for eight units graded exclusively CR/NC.

4. Completion of a minor is not required.


The Bachelor of Arts Major


(25 units)

The Bachelor of Science Major


(35 units)

Environmental Sciences Concentration


A Physics major may complete additional requirements in the sciences and mathematics to qualify for a concentration in Environmental Sciences. This program requires study in biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physical sciences, along with an environmental seminar and investigation of an environmentally related problem. Further details are found in the Environmental Sciences  section of this catalog.