Physics B.A./B.S.

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

View the degree program Roadmaps , 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:

Our graduates will master material in advanced courses, which presuppose understanding of physics at a more fundamental level.
Our graduates will think critically when analyzing problems in physics, including appropriate use of advanced mathematical tools.
Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment, including the use of advanced technologies.
Our graduates will be satisfied with the overall quality of their physics education.
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.
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:

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)
Grade Point Average (minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better)
General Education (minimum of 49 units)
Upper Division Writing Proficiency (minimum of 3 units)
- Writing Proficiency (WP) Course (may double count in the major)
United States Constitution and California State and Local Government (minimum of 3 units)
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:

(35-38 units)

a. Required courses in major field:

(10 units)

PHYS 2250 - General Physics I 4 unit(s)
PHYS 2260 - General Physics II 4 unit(s)
PHYS 2252 - General Physics I Laboratory 1 unit(s)
PHYS 2262 - General Physics II Laboratory 1 unit(s)

c. Required courses in supporting fields:

(22-25 units)

CHEM 1100 - General Chemistry I 4 unit(s)
CHEM 1102 - General Chemistry I Laboratory 1 unit(s)
CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry II 4 unit(s)
CHEM 1112 - General Chemistry II Laboratory 1 unit(s)
MATH 1410 - Calculus I 4 unit(s)
MATH 1420 - Calculus II 4 unit(s)
MATH 2410 - Multivariate Calculus 4 unit(s)
Bachelor of Arts students complete additionally:
CS 1500 - Computer Programming I 3 unit(s)

b. Required course in research methods:

(3 units)

PHYS 1024 - Introduction to Scientific Computing 3 unit(s)
or
CS 4010 - Computing for the Sciences 3 unit(s)

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)

1. Complete the following courses:

(19 units)

PHYS 3010 - Intro Mathematical Physics I 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3100 - Classical Mechanics 4 unit(s)
PHYS 3320 - Electricity and Magnetism I 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3520 - Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4102 - Experimental Physics (WP) 2 unit(s)
PHYS 4250 - Analog and Digital Electronics 4 unit(s)

2. Complete at least six (6) units of upper-division electives from the following courses:

(6 units)

ASTR 3000 - Contemporary Astronomy 3 unit(s)
ASTR 4600 - Stellar Astrophysics 3 unit(s)
ASTR 4700 - Galaxies and Cosmology 3 unit(s)
PHSC 4100 - Atmospheric Science 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3020 - Intro Mathematical Physics II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3330 - Electricity and Magnetism II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4400 - Computer Simulation Methods in Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4450 - Introduction to Particle Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4560 - Solid State Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4900 - Modern Optics and Lasers 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4910 - Spectroscopy, Techniques and Application (WP) 3 unit(s)

The Bachelor of Science Major

(35 units)

1. Complete the following courses:

(26 units)

PHYS 3010 - Intro Mathematical Physics I 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3100 - Classical Mechanics 4 unit(s)
PHYS 3320 - Electricity and Magnetism I 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3520 - Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4102 - Experimental Physics (WP) 2 unit(s) (2 units required if student does not take PHYS 4910)
PHYS 4250 - Analog and Digital Electronics 4 unit(s)
PHYS 4510 - Quantum Mechanics I 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4530 - Thermal and Statistical Physics 4 unit(s)

2. Select nine (9) units of upper-division electives from the following courses:

(9 units)

Note: The department recommends the following electives:

ASTR 3000 - Contemporary Astronomy 3 unit(s)
ASTR 4600 - Stellar Astrophysics 3 unit(s)
ASTR 4700 - Galaxies and Cosmology 3 unit(s)
PHSC 4100 - Atmospheric Science 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3020 - Intro Mathematical Physics II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 3330 - Electricity and Magnetism II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4400 - Computer Simulation Methods in Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4450 - Introduction to Particle Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4520 - Quantum Mechanics II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4560 - Solid State Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4900 - Modern Optics and Lasers 3 unit(s)
PHYS 4910 - Spectroscopy, Techniques and Application (WP) 3 unit(s)

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.