Major
The program for physics majors is composed of the Physics Foundation and Upper Level Physics requirements.
Students can also supplement their programs by taking courses at the California Institute of Technology under the exchange program.
Foundation
All physics majors must complete a core of five physics courses called the Foundation, which includes PHYS 107, PHYS 110 or PHYS 115, PHYS 230 or PHYS 125, PHYS 240 and PHYS 250.
Physics majors intending to go on graduate school in either Physics or Engineering are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 110 and PHYS 230 as part of their Foundation.
Mathematics Supporting Coursework
Accompanying the foundation must be work in mathematics including Multivariable Calculus and Linear Systems.
Upper Level Physics
The Upper Level Physics requirement consists of
- Completion of PHYS 310
- Completion of an additional 16 units from any of the following
- Completion of the breadth requirement: 4 units from any of the following
- Any additional 4 units from item 2 above
- A 300-level class from Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Geology or Mathematics. This 300-level class excludes Junior and Senior seminars in other disciplines.
Physics majors intending to go on graduate school in either Physics or Engineering are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 320, PHYS 330, PHYS 340 and the additional 2 units of PHYS 315/316 as part of their Upper Level Physics requirement.
The breadth requirement is intended for students to explore how physics can be applied to other STEM disciplines.
The option to take a 4 unit 300-level Education class is intended for students interested in teaching high school physics.
Physics "Capstone"
All physics majors must complete 2 units of Senior Seminar (PHYS 490) and 2 units of Advanced Lab (PHYS 315 or PHYS 316):
| PHYS 490 | Senior Physics Seminar I | 2 units |
And
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| PHYS 315 | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 units |
Or
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| PHYS 316 | Advanced Laboratory II | 2 units |
Honors in the Major
Senior physics majors with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present an oral and written thesis on their research for College Honors consideration at graduation. Consult the department chair for details.
Minor
Foundation
Mathematics Supporting Coursework
Physics Elective
Completion of an additional 4 units from any PHYS class at the 300-level or a class from the PHYS 200-series.