Traditional Physics Track

Typical Sequence of Classes for Students
Taking PHYS 141P and MATH 141Q Fall Term of their First Year


The sequence of classes listed below roughly outlines the physics and mathematics classes that a physics major can expect to take if he or she starts taking physics courses as a first-year student who has a solid enough foundation in mathematics to be taking the regular Calculus I course (MATH 141Q, Calculus I with Analytic Geometry) in the fall semester.  Students who are not fully prepared for MATH 141Q should see the sequence of courses for students taking PHYS 141P and MATH 130 in the fall term of their first year.

The selection of courses offered each semester is determined both by student interest and the availability of faculty to teach them.  Physics and Mathematics courses that are in bold font are generally offered every year, and those shown in italics are generally offered in alternate years.

 

FALL OF FIRST YEAR  
PHYS 141P - University Physics I 1 unit
MATH 141Q - Calculus I with Analytic Geometry 1 unit
FSEM - First Year Seminar 1 unit
ENGL 101 (or other appropriate Writing course as indicated by the Writing Placement criteria) or a General Education course 1unit
   
SPRING OF FIRST YEAR  
PHYS 142P - University Physics II 1 unit
MATH 142Q - Calculus II with Analytic Geometry 1 unit
ENGL 101 (or other appropriate Writing course as indicated by the Writing Placement criteria) or a General Education course 1 unit
General Education course 1 unit
   
FALL OF SOPHOMORE YEAR  
PHYS 243 - Modern Physics 1 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium non-credit
MATH 243Q - Calculus III with Analytic Geometry 1 unit
General Education course 1 unit
General Education course 1 unit
   
SPRING OF SOPHOMORE YEAR  
PHYS 304 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences 1 unit
PHYS 312 - Laboratory Techniques 1 unit
PHYS 322 - Mechanics I 1 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium non-credit
General Education course 1 unit
   
Note: Students should verify on their degree audit that they have met all their General Education course requirements (noting that their JSEM will be taken junior year) before considering them completed on this checklist. 
   
FALL OF JUNIOR YEAR  
PHYS 332 - Electricity & Magnetism 1 unit
PHYS 343 - Quantum Mechanics I 1 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium non-credit
JSEM - Junior Seminar or Elective course  1 unit
Physics Elective:  PHYS 352 - Optics or PHYS 356 - Electronics  1 unit
   
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR  
PHYS 497 - Senior Project Proposal 1/2 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium non-credit
JSEM - Junior Seminar or Elective course 1 unit
Elective course 1 unit
Elective course 1 unit
Elective course 1 unit
The elective courses may include either one or more of the following physics courses or other courses:
        PHYS 362 - Thermophysics
        PHYS 412 - Advanced Laboratory Techniques
        PHYS 422 - Mechanics II
        PHYS 432 - Electromagnetic Theory
        PHYS 443 - Quantum Mechanics II
 
   
FALL OF SENIOR YEAR  
PHYS 498 - Senior Project 1 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium non-credit
Physics Elective:  PHYS 352 - Optics or PHYS 356 - Electronics  1 unit
Elective course 1 unit
Elective course   1 unit
   
SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR   
PHYS 499 - Senior Seminar   1/2 unit
PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium  non-credit
Elective course  1 unit
Elective course 1 unit
Elective course  1 unit
Elective course   1 unit
The elective courses may include either one or more of the following physics courses or other courses:
        PHYS 362 - Thermophysics
        PHYS 412 - Advanced Laboratory Techniques
        PHYS 422 - Mechanics II
        PHYS 432 - Electromagnetic Theory
        PHYS 443 - Quantum Mechanics II