Applied 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
| A. Complete the following: | |
| MATH 2A | Single-Variable Calculus |
| or MATH 5A | Calculus for Life Sciences |
| MATH 2B | Single-Variable Calculus |
| MATH 2D- 2E | Multivariable Calculus and Multivariable Calculus |
| MATH 3A | Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| MATH 3D | Elementary Differential Equations |
| PHYSICS 50 | Introductory Mathematical Physics |
| PHYSICS 61A | Modern Physics for Majors |
| or PHYSICS 51A | Modern Physics |
| PHYSICS 111A | Classical Mechanics |
| PHYSICS 112A | Electromagnetic Theory |
| PHYSICS 113A | Quantum Physics |
| PHYSICS 115A | Statistical Physics |
| B. Complete one of the following series: | |
| Classical Physics and Classical Physics Laboratory and Classical Physics and Classical Physics Laboratory and Classical Physics | |
| or | |
| Basic Physics I and Basic Physics II and Basic Physics Laboratory and Basic Physics III and Basic Physics Laboratory | |
| C. Complete one of the following: | |
| Introduction to Programming and Numerical Analysis | |
| Programming in C/C++ as a Second Language | |
| Introduction to Programming for Numerical Analysis | |
| Computational Methods in Electrical and Computer Engineering | |
| Introduction to Programming | |
| D. Complete one of the following: | |
| Thermal Physics | |
| General Chemistry | |
| Honors General Chemistry | |
| Majors Quantitative Analytical Chemistry | |
| Introduction to Thermodynamics | |
| E. Complete six units of lower-division laboratory using any combination of the following courses: | |
| Fundamentals of Experimental Physics and Fundamentals of Experimental Physics and Fundamentals of Experimental Physics | |
| General Chemistry Laboratory and General Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Honors General Chemistry Laboratory and Honors General Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Majors General Chemistry Laboratory and Majors General Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Honors Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Honors Organic Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Majors Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Majors Organic Chemistry Laboratory | |
| Introduction to Engineering I and Introduction to Engineering II | |
| Network Analysis I Laboratory and Network Analysis II Laboratory | |
| F. Complete eight units of upper-division laboratory using any combination of the following courses: | |
| Advanced Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Scientific Writing | |
| Electronics for Scientists | |
| Advanced Laboratory | |
| Observational Astrophysics | |
| Research Methods | |
| Thesis in Physics III | |
| or one approved upper-division laboratory course outside of Physics | |
| G. Complete two units of writing communication from the following courses: | |
| Research Communication for Physics Majors 1 | |
| Technical Writing and Communication Skills | |
| Classroom Interactions II | |
| or alternate upper-division writing course with department approval | |
| H. Complete 32 additional units of coherently-related electives in accord with the following rules: | |
| - Up to eight units may be lower-division electives in physics such as PHYSICS 20, PHYSICS 61B, or PHYSICS H90 | |
| - Any upper-division physics courses PHYSICS 100-150 | |
| - Any graduate level physics courses PHYSICS 200-299 with approval of the Department Undergraduate Advisor | |
| - Any combination of physics and non-physics courses pre-approved as a formal Concentration or Specialization | |
| - Any other combination of physics and non-physics courses approved by the Physics Department Undergraduate Committee. | |
| 1 | PHYSICS 194 does not satisfy the University’s upper-division writing requirement. It is a prerequisite course for PHYSICS 121W, which does satisfy the upper-division writing requirement. |
NOTE: Students may not double major in Physics and Applied Physics.
Concentration in Biomedical Physics
The Biomedical Physics Concentration in Applied Physics is designed for the student who anticipates a career in physics applied to biology and medicine, such as health physics or radiological physics, or who intends to work in a scholarly field which deals with the physical aspects of biology or medicine, such as molecular biology or physiology. Completion of requirements for the Physics major is required, as are nine quarters of basic courses in biology and chemistry. Students who wish to follow the Biomedical Physics Concentration are advised to seek guidance early in their college careers. The requirements are such that coordination of a program in the second year is essential.
| A. Complete the following: | |
| BIO SCI 97 | Genetics |
| BIO SCI 98 | Biochemistry |
| BIO SCI 99 | Molecular Biology |
| B. Select one of the following: | |
| CHEM 1A- 1B- 1C | General Chemistry and General Chemistry and General Chemistry |
| or | |
| CHEM H2A- H2B- H2C | Honors General Chemistry and Honors General Chemistry and Honors General Chemistry |
| C. Select one of the following: | |
| CHEM 1LC- 1LD | General Chemistry Laboratory and General Chemistry Laboratory |
| or | |
| CHEM H2LA- H2LB | Honors General Chemistry Laboratory and Honors General Chemistry Laboratory |
| or | |
| CHEM M2LA- M2LB | Majors General Chemistry Laboratory and Majors General Chemistry Laboratory |
| D. Complete: | |
| CHEM 51A- 51B | Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry |
Sample Program - Biomedical Physics Concentration in Applied Physics
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| CHEM 1A | CHEM 1B | CHEM 1C- 1LC |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| CHEM 1LD | CHEM 51B | N/A |
| CHEM 51A | ||
| Junior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| BIO SCI 97 | BIO SCI 98 | BIO SCI 99 |
Concentration in Engineering Physics
The Engineering Physics Concentration in Applied Physics is designed to provide appropriate education to students who anticipate a career in industrial or technological research. It combines the fundamental knowledge of physical processes obtained from physics courses with the technical knowledge obtained from engineering courses.
Students in the Engineering Physics Concentration must complete 32 units of coherently related electives, with at least 24 of these units from courses in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. Students may propose any sequence for approval by the Department Undergraduate Advisor. Pre-approved courses include:
| EECS 70A | Network Analysis I |
| EECS 70B- 70LB | Network Analysis II and Network Analysis II Laboratory |
| EECS 170A- 170LA | Electronics I and Electronics I Laboratory |
| EECS 170B- 170LB | Electronics II and Electronics II Laboratory |
| EECS 170C- 170LC | Electronics III and Electronics III Laboratory |
| EECS 174 | Semiconductor Devices |
| EECS 188 | Optical Electronics |
| ENGRMAE 120 | Heat and Mass Transfer |
| ENGRMAE 130A | Introduction to Fluid Mechanics |
| ENGRMAE 147 | Vibrations |
Sample Program - Engineering Physics Concentration in Applied Physics
| Junior | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| N/A | EECS 70A | EECS 70B- 70LB |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| EECS 170A- 170LA | EECS 170B- 170LB | PHYSICS 106W |
| EECS 188 | EECS 170C- 170LC | |
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 113B | PHYSICS 113C | PHYSICS 135 | ||||
| PHYSICS 115A or 116 | Physics Elective | PHYSICS 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.