Traditional Physics Track
Typical Sequence of Classes for Students
Taking PHYS 141P Fall Term of their Sophomore 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 during the fall semester of sophomore 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 SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| PHYS 141P - University Physics I | 1 unit |
| MATH 141Q - Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 1 unit |
| General Education course | 1 unit |
| General Education course | 1 unit |
| SPRING OF SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| PHYS 142P - University Physics II | 1 unit |
| MATH 142Q - Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 1 unit |
| General Education or Elective course | 1 unit |
| General Education or Elective 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 304 - Modern Physics | 1 unit |
| PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium | non-credit |
| MATH 243Q - Calculus III with Analytic Geometry | 1 unit |
| Physics Elective: PHYS 352 - Optics or PHYS 356 - Electronics | 1 unit |
| JSEM - Junior Seminar or Elective course | 1 unit |
| SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR | |
| PHYS 304 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences | 1 unit |
| PHYS 312 - Laboratory Techniques | 1 unit |
| PHYS 322 - Mechanics I | 1 unit |
| PHYS 497 - Senior Project Proposal | 1/2 unit |
| PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium | non-credit |
| JSEM - Junior Seminar or Elective course | 1 unit |
| FALL OF SENIOR YEAR | |
| PHYS 332 - Electricity & Magnetism | 1 unit |
| PHYS 343 - Quantum Mechanics I | 1 unit |
| PHYS 498 - Senior Project | 1 unit |
| PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium | non-credit |
| Physics Elective: PHYS 352 - Optics or PHYS 356 - Electronics or Elective course |
1 unit |
| SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR | |
| PHYS 499 - Senior Seminar | 1 unit |
| PHYS 380 - Physics Colloquium | non-credit |
| 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 |
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