Roadmap: Physics, BS

The following roadmap is a sample advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your MyPlanner and major advisor as you develop your individualized academic plan. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in GE UD courses.

*Courses marked with an asterisk may be taken in a different semester than listed.

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1

Fall Semester (15 units)

PHYS 20 - Invitation to Physics and Astronomy 1 unit
CHEM 1A - General Chemistry 5 unit(s) (GE Areas 5A + 5C)
MATH 30 - Calculus I 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2)
GE Area 1A (Recommend ENGL 1A ) 3 unit(s)
GE Area 4 + US 123 3 unit(s)*

Spring Semester (15 units)

PHYS 40 - Introduction to Computational Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 50 - General Physics I: Mechanics 4 unit(s) (GE Areas 5A + 5C)
MATH 31 - Calculus II 4 unit(s) (GE Area 2)
GE Area 1C 3 unit(s)*
Physical Education 1 unit*

Year 2

Fall Semester (16 units)

PHYS 51 - General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 4 unit(s) (GE Areas 5A + 5C)
MATH 32 - Calculus III 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2)
MATH 39 - Linear Algebra I 3 unit(s)
GE Area 1B 3 unit(s)*
GE Area 3B 3 unit(s)*
Complete the Upper Division Writing - Directed Self Placement

Spring Semester (16 units)

PHYS 52 - General Physics III: Waves, Light, Heat 4 unit(s) (GE Areas 5A + 5C)
PHYS 120A - Electronics, Data Acquisition & Analysis 3 unit(s)
MATH 33A - Ordinary Differential Equations for SCI & ENGR 3 unit(s)
GE Area 3A 3 unit(s)*
GE Area 4 + US 123 3 unit(s)*

Year 3

Fall Semester (14 units)

PHYS 105A - Advanced Mechanics I 4 unit(s)
PHYS 122 - Modern Physics 4 unit(s)
GE Area 6 3 unit(s)*
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)

Spring Semester (15 units)

PHYS 100W - Methods of Research and Communication in Physics 3 unit(s) (WID)
PHYS 130 - Mathematical Methods in Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 140 - Computational Methods in Physics 3 unit(s)
Astronomy / Physics Elective - Upper Division 3 unit(s)
GE UD Area 4 3 unit(s)*
Apply to Graduate

Year 4

Fall Semester (15 units)

PHYS 110A - Electricity and Magnetism I PHYS 120C - Advanced Physics Lab: Optics PHYS 185 - Seminar 4 unit(s)
PHYS 120B - Advanced Scientific Measurements Laboratory OR PHYS 120C - Advanced Physics Lab: Optics 3 unit(s)
Note: PHYS 120B and PHYS 120C are offered only in Fall.
PHYS 180 - Individual Studies OR PHYS 184 - Directed Reading & Professional Development OR PHYS 185 - Seminar 1 unit
PHYS 163 - Quantum Mechanics 4 unit(s)
GE UD Area 2/5 3 unit(s)*

Spring Semester (14 units)

PHYS 110B - Electricity and Magnetism II 3 unit(s)
PHYS 160 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics 3 unit(s)
PHYS 180 - Individual Studies , PHYS 184 - Directed Reading & Professional Development OR PHYS 185 - Seminar 1 unit
Astronomy/Physics Elective - Upper Division 3 unit(s)
GE UD Area 3 3 unit(s)*
Physical Education 1 unit*

Roadmap Notes

*Courses marked with an asterisk may be taken in a different semester than listed.

Lower division courses should generally be taken in years 1-2, and upper division courses in years 3-4. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in Upper Division GE courses. Students should work with an academic advisor to create an individual roadmap using the MyPlanner tool.

BS Physics majors are exempt from GE Area 5B .

A minimum of 120 units is required for this degree.