2023-24 Edition

Physics, B.S.

The goal of the undergraduate majors in Physics and Applied Physics is to develop expert problem solvers with a broad understanding of physical principles. The programs are flexible and prepare students for careers in industrial research, applications programming, education, law, or business, as well as for graduate study in astronomy, biomedical physics, engineering, or physics.

Students choose a major in either pure Physics or Applied Physics. The major in Physics includes a standard track for graduate study in physics, a Specialization in Astrophysics, and Concentrations in Computational Physics, the Philosophy of Physics, and Physics Education. The major in Applied Physics allows students to combine physics courses with courses from overlapping disciplines, such as materials science, electrical engineering, geosciences, biomedical imaging, or other fields. Annual mandatory meetings with faculty advisors assist students in selecting the right program for their aptitudes and interests.

Different sequences of lower-division physics courses are distinguished by their intended audience, their mathematical prerequisites, and the extent to which they offer preparation for more advanced courses. These aspects of the introductory courses are summarized as follows:

Physics 3: Intended audience: Premedical students, Biological Sciences majors. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in MATH 2A. Preparation for advanced courses: PHYSICS 7D with permission.

Physics 7: Intended audience: Physical Sciences and Engineering majors. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MATH 2B. Preparation for advanced courses: PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A.

Physics 12-21: Intended audience: Nonscience majors. Prerequisites: none. Preparation for advanced courses: none.

Students may be admitted to the Physics or Applied Physics majors upon entering the University as freshmen, via change of major, or as transfer students from other colleges and universities. Information about change of major policies is available in the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office and at the UCI Change of Major Criteria website. For transfer student admission, preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of approved calculus and one year of calculus-based physics with laboratory for engineering and physics majors. Completion of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations is recommended. 

All students must meet the University Requirements.
School Requirements: None.
Departmental Requirements
MATH 2A Single-Variable Calculus I
or MATH 5A Calculus for Life Sciences I
MATH 2B Single-Variable Calculus II
MATH 2D- 2E Multivariable Calculus I
and Multivariable Calculus II
MATH 3A Introduction to Linear Algebra
MATH 3D Elementary Differential Equations
PHYSICS 7C- 7D- 7E Classical Physics
and Classical Physics
and Classical Physics
PHYSICS 7LC- 7LD Classical Physics Laboratory
and Classical Physics Laboratory
PHYSICS 50 Introductory Mathematical Physics
PHYSICS 52A- 52B- 52C Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
and Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
and Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
PHYSICS 53 Introduction to Programming and Numerical Analysis (or another programming course)
PHYSICS 60 Thermal Physics
PHYSICS 61A Modern Physics for Majors
PHYSICS 61B Modern Physics for Majors
or PHYSICS 61C Introduction to Astrophysics
PHYSICS 111A- 111B Classical Mechanics
and Classical Mechanics
PHYSICS 112A- 112B Electromagnetic Theory
and Electromagnetic Theory
PHYSICS 113A Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 115A Statistical Physics
PHYSICS 121W Advanced Laboratory
PHYSICS 125A Mathematical Physics
PHYSICS 194 Research Communication for Physics Majors
And select five additional coherently related four-unit courses. (This requirement is normally satisfied by concentrations, specializations, and tracks, as listed below.)

Upper-Division Writing Requirement: Physics majors are required to satisfy the upper-division writing requirement by completing PHYSICS 194 with a grade of C- or better, followed by PHYSICS 121W with a grade of C- or better.

Sample Program — Physics Core Curriculum
Freshman
Fall Winter Spring
MATH 2BMATH 2DMATH 2E
PHYSICS 7C- 7LCPHYSICS 7D- 7LDPHYSICS 7E
(PHYSICS 99)  
Sophomore
Fall Winter Spring
MATH 3AMATH 3DPHYSICS 52C
PHYSICS 52APHYSICS 52BPHYSICS 53
PHYSICS 60PHYSICS 61APHYSICS 61B or 61C
Junior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 111APHYSICS 111BPHYSICS 112B
PHYSICS 50PHYSICS 112APHYSICS 113A
Senior
Fall Winter  
PHYSICS 115APHYSICS 121W 
PHYSICS 194PHYSICS 125A 

For a student planning graduate study in physics, additional courses in advanced physics are strongly recommended.

Concentration in Computational Physics

The Computational Physics concentration provides training for positions in software development in a wide variety of high-technology fields. For example, consider medical imaging software for magnetic resonance imaging. To write a first-rate program, one must understand the apparatus and analysis techniques (physics), use appropriate numerical techniques (numerical analysis), and employ a convenient object-oriented interface (computer science). The concentration develops this unique set of skills: physical and mathematical insight through the Physics curriculum, knowledge of modern computer programming techniques, and knowledge of numerical analysis.

Requirements:
Three courses in computer science:
I&C SCI 31 Introduction to Programming
I&C SCI 32 Programming with Software Libraries
I&C SCI 33 Intermediate Programming
Two courses in numerical analysis plus the accompanying laboratories:
MATH 105A- 105B Numerical Analysis I
and Numerical Analysis II
MATH 105LA- 105LB Numerical Analysis Laboratory
and Numerical Analysis Laboratory
One advanced computational course and accompanying laboratory:
MATH 107- 107L Numerical Differential Equations
and Numerical Differential Equations Laboratory
Sample Program — Computational Physics Concentration
Junior
Fall Winter Spring
I&C SCI 31I&C SCI 32I&C SCI 33
Senior
Fall Winter Spring
MATH 105A- 105LAMATH 105B- 105LBMATH 107- 107L

Concentration in Philosophy of Physics

The Philosophy of Physics concentration is concerned with the study of the conceptual history of physics, the method of inquiry that has led to our best physical theories, and the structure and interpretation of the theories themselves. Students take courses in deductive and inductive logic, the philosophy and history of physics, and quantum mechanics. The emphasis on careful argument makes this concentration useful for anyone who wishes to pursue a graduate degree in philosophy or law, or for other careers that employ both verbal and quantitative analysis.

Requirements:
Select one from the following:
The Nature of Scientific Inquiry
The Making of Modern Science
Honors: Critical Issues on the Social Sciences
What Is Time?
or another approved Campuswide Honors course
Select one of the following:
Introduction to Symbolic Logic
Introduction to Logic
Elementary Set Theory
and Metalogic
and Undecidability and Incompleteness
Introduction to Mathematical Logic
Complete:
LPS 31 Introduction to Inductive Logic
Select one from the following:
Introduction to Logic
Elementary Set Theory
and Metalogic
and Undecidability and Incompleteness
Topics in Philosophy of Science
Introduction to Mathematical Logic
Complete:
PHYSICS 113B Quantum Mechanics
Select three from the following:
Geometry and Spacetime
Probability and Determinism
or other approved Philosophy of Physics course

Concentration in Physics Education

The Physics Education concentration is for students who plan a career in secondary education. An Education course, four general science courses, a research methods course, and two quarters of classroom experience complete the requirements for the concentration. Students are encouraged to take PHYSICS 191 (outreach).

Requirements:
EDUC 55 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science
PHY SCI 5 California Teach 1: Introduction to Science and Mathematics Teaching
PHY SCI 105 California Teach 2: Middle School Science and Mathematics Teaching
PHYSICS 193 Research Methods
Select four courses from the following:
Life Sciences
From DNA to Organisms
From Organisms to Ecosystems
General Chemistry
and General Chemistry
and General Chemistry
Introduction to Earth System Science
Physical Geology
Introduction to Astronomy
and Cosmology: Humanity's Place in the Universe

 NOTE: With this concentration, a Secondary Teaching Certification option is available.

Secondary Teaching Certification Option: With additional course work and field experience offered through the UCI Cal Teach program, students who complete the concentration in Physics Education can also earn a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential. Completing the bachelor’s degree, concentration, and teacher certification in four years is possible with careful, early planning. Additional courses required for teacher certification are:

LPS 60 The Making of Modern Science
EDUC 109 Reading and Writing in Mathematics and Science
EDUC 143AW Classroom Interactions I
EDUC 143BW Classroom Interactions II
EDUC 148 Complex Pedagogical Design 1
EDUC 158 Student Teaching Mathematics and Science in Middle/High School (two quarters)
1

Successful completion of EDUC 143AW-EDUC 143BW and EDUC 148 will be accepted in lieu of PHYSICS 125A and PHYSICS 194 for Cal Teach students.

For additional information about teacher certification requirements and enrollment procedures, see Preparation for Teaching Science and Mathematics. Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact the Cal Teach Resource and Advising Center or the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office.

Sample Program — Concentration in Physics Education with Secondary Teaching Certification Option
Freshman
Fall Winter Spring
MATH 2BMATH 2DMATH 2E
PHYSICS 7C- 7LCPHYSICS 7D- 7LDPHYSICS 7E
General Education General EducationGeneral Education
(PHYSICS 99)PHY SCI 5General Education
Sophomore
Fall Winter Spring
MATH 3AMATH 3DPHYSICS 60
PHYSICS 52APHYSICS 61APHYSICS 61B
PHY SCI 105PHYSICS 52BPHYSICS 52C
 PHYSICS 193LPS 60
Junior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 50PHYSICS 111BPHYSICS 53
PHYSICS 111APHYSICS 112APHYSICS 112B
General ScienceGeneral SciencePHYSICS 113A
General ScienceEDUC 143AWEDUC 148
EDUC 55  
Senior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 115AGeneral EducationPHYSICS 121W
General ScienceEDUC 109General Education
EDUC 143BWEDUC 158EDUC 158

Specialization in Astrophysics

The Astrophysics specialization is primarily taken by two types of students, those planning on going on to graduate school in astronomy or astrophysics and those planning to work in aeronautics or astrophysics-related industries or government research laboratories after receiving their bachelor’s degree. It also is an excellent focus for students who anticipate careers in science journalism, teaching, science administration, or public relations. The course work includes:

A. Complete:
PHYSICS 61C Introduction to Astrophysics
PHYSICS 139 Observational Astrophysics
B. Select three courses from the following:
Introduction to Cosmology
Astrophysics of Galaxies
Stellar Astrophysics
High-Energy Astrophysics
C. Two or more upper-division Physics courses. Of the Physics electives, students bound for graduate school are strongly advised to include:
Quantum Mechanics
Mathematical Physics
Other recommended electives include:
Relativity and Black Holes
Physical and Geometrical Optics
Plasma Physics
Introduction to Particle Physics
Sample Program — Astrophysics Specialization
Junior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 137PHYSICS 116PHYSICS 144 or 145
Senior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 113BPHYSICS 138PHYSICS 135
PHYSICS 139 PHYSICS 125B
  PHYSICS 144 or 145

The Honors Program in Physics provides an opportunity for selected students majoring in Physics or Applied Physics to pursue advanced work in one of the research areas of the Department. Admission to the program is based on an application normally submitted by the sixth week of the spring quarter of the junior year. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.4 and a grade point average in physics courses of 3.5 or better. (Exceptions to these procedures and standards may be granted in unusual circumstances.) In selecting students for the program, the Department considers evidence of ability and interest in research.

Students admitted to the program participate in a year-long course, PHYSICS H196A-PHYSICS H196B-PHYSICS H196C, which includes two quarters of research and a final quarter in which a written thesis is submitted. If this work and the student’s final GPA are deemed of honors quality by the program advisor, the student then graduates with Departmental Honors in Physics.

Physics 3 is a one-year course suitable for premedical students, students majoring in Biological Sciences, and nonscience majors. It surveys most of the important branches of physics. Laboratory work accompanies the course. Nonscience majors with some mathe­matical skill may wish to consider Physics 3 as an alternative to PHYSICS 12 through PHYSICS 21.

A student who decides to major in Physics after completing Physics 3 should meet with the Department Undergraduate Advisor for placement information.

Physics 7 is an intensive three-quarter course for students in Physical Sciences and Engineering who are interested in a more quantitative approach to introductory physics. Two units of laboratory work accompany the course.

Physics courses numbered between 12 and 21 are general education courses intended for nonscience majors. The content and format of PHYSICS 21 may vary from year to year.

The introduction to mathematical methods (MATH 2E, MATH 3A, MATH 3D, and PHYSICS 50), microscopic physics (PHYSICS 61A-PHYSICS 61B), and experimental physics (PHYSICS 52A-PHYSICS 52B-PHYSICS 52C) are normally taken in the sophomore year.

Courses numbered 100 and above are for Physics majors and other qualified students. Courses numbered between 111 and 115 emphasize the mathematical and theoretical structures that have unified our understanding of nature. It should be noted that multi-quarter courses such as 111A-B must be taken and passed in sequential order. Any student who is so inclined may take more than the minimum one quarter of advanced laboratory work. Courses numbered between 133 and 149 introduce active subdisciplines in current research. Independent research (PHYSICS 195, PHYSICS 196) is strongly encouraged. In PHYSICS 194, students learn the basics of writing about science, proper use of references and background material, presentation of research proposals, and more.

Transfer students are specifically advised to seek individual consultation with the Department Undergraduate Advisor before deciding on a program of courses.

All Physics and Applied Physics majors must complete the core courses listed with the sample programs. By the end of the junior year, each student is encouraged to select a concentration or track.

Note that alternatives to Physics major requirements can be approved upon petition to the Department and the Office of the Associate Dean. Furthermore, exceptionally prepared students are allowed to enroll in graduate-level courses; to do so requires the approval of the Department Undergraduate Advisor.

Sample Program - Physics Graduate School Track
Junior
Fall    
PHYSICS 115A or 116  
Senior
Fall Winter Spring
PHYSICS 113BPHYSICS 113CPHYSICS 135
PHYSICS 115A or 116Physics ElectivePHYSICS 125B
Physics Elective Physics Elective

Students preparing for graduate school in atmospheric science or physical oceanography should complete the minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.