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. 

Sample Program - Engineering Physics Concentration in Applied 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

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