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 2B | MATH 2D | MATH 2E | ||
| PHYSICS 7C- 7LC | PHYSICS 7D- 7LD | PHYSICS 7E | ||
| (PHYSICS 99) | ||||
| Sophomore | ||||
| Fall | Winter | Spring | ||
| MATH 3A | MATH 3D | PHYSICS 52C | ||
| PHYSICS 52A | PHYSICS 52B | PHYSICS 53 | ||
| PHYSICS 60 | PHYSICS 61A | PHYSICS 61B or 61C | ||
| Junior | ||||
| Fall | Winter | Spring | ||
| PHYSICS 111A | PHYSICS 111B | PHYSICS 112B | ||
| PHYSICS 50 | PHYSICS 112A | PHYSICS 113A | ||
| Senior | ||||
| Fall | Winter | |||
| PHYSICS 115A | PHYSICS 121W | |||
| PHYSICS 194 | PHYSICS 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 31 | I&C SCI 32 | I&C SCI 33 |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| MATH 105A- 105LA | MATH 105B- 105LB | MATH 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 | |
| Introduction to Set Theory and Mathematical Reasoning 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 | |
| Introduction to Set Theory and Mathematical Reasoning 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: | |
| 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 2B | MATH 2D | MATH 2E |
| PHYSICS 7C- 7LC | PHYSICS 7D- 7LD | PHYSICS 7E |
| General Education | General Education | General Education |
| (PHYSICS 99) | PHY SCI 5 | General Education |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| MATH 3A | MATH 3D | PHYSICS 60 |
| PHYSICS 52A | PHYSICS 61A | PHYSICS 61B |
| PHY SCI 105 | PHYSICS 52B | PHYSICS 52C |
| PHYSICS 193 | LPS 60 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| PHYSICS 50 | PHYSICS 111B | PHYSICS 53 |
| PHYSICS 111A | PHYSICS 112A | PHYSICS 112B |
| General Science | General Science | PHYSICS 113A |
| General Science | EDUC 143AW | EDUC 148 |
| EDUC 55 | ||
| Senior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| PHYSICS 115A | General Education | PHYSICS 121W |
| General Science | EDUC 109 | General Education |
| EDUC 143BW | EDUC 158 | EDUC 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 137 | PHYSICS 116 | PHYSICS 144 or 145 |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| PHYSICS 113B | PHYSICS 138 | PHYSICS 135 |
| PHYSICS 139 | PHYSICS 125B | |
| PHYSICS 144 or 145 | ||
The Honors Program in Physics encourages all students majoring in Physics or Applied Physics to consider advanced work in one of the research areas of the Department. To qualify for Honors in Physics, students should begin a research project with a supervising faculty member no later than fall of their senior year and then complete three quarters of Honors Thesis in Physics (PHYSICS H196A-PHYSICS H196B-PHYSICS H196C). Students have to complete the H196 sequence and submit a final written thesis before graduation. If this work is deemed of honors quality by the program advisor, and the student's grade point average is at least 3.4 overall and 3.5 in physics courses, the student will graduate 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.