IMPORTANT NOTE
The requirements below apply to those students with a year. Students are required by to follow the major (and minor) requirements found in the catalog in effect at the time they declared their first major. To find your catalog year, please visit your Grades and Academic Records found in and access the that matches your catalog year.
Physics
Overview
The Physics department provides an education in the fundamental processes of the physical world with thorough study in both the classroom and laboratory. After completion of the program, a physics student will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to ample hands-on laboratory experience. The Physics major is excellent preparation for professional or graduate work in physics, engineering, and related fields. In addition, a physics major finds that he or she is an attractive applicant for medical, business, or law school, as well as having an excellent foundation for science teaching.
In addition to the full spectrum of undergraduate coursework, the department offers many opportunities to participate in research projects both on and off campus. Qualified students may begin research projects as early as their first year. Current research activities in the department include muon tomography, galaxy formation, gravitational waves, quantum computing and turbulence in heated fluids. Departmental resources include well-equipped research and instructional laboratories, as well as laboratory space for qualified students to carry out independent investigations of their own. Many students have also participated in projects at nearby institutions such as the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Students who wish to do advanced work in physics or engineering should complete the introductory physics sequence (PHYS 107, PHYS 110, PHYS 230, PHYS 240 and PHYS 250) as early as possible. These courses provide a foundation in both classical and modern physics. Fundamental understanding and procedures in analytical physics are stressed throughout. This sequence is recommended to all students who have an aptitude for scientific work and who are acquiring a strong background in mathematics, including an introduction to differential and integral calculus.
Physics majors typically begin taking courses at the intermediate level during their sophomore year, and start taking 300-level courses in their junior year.
Of special interest are the three series of physics courses numbered PHYS 100- PHYS 109, PHYS 200- PHYS 209, and PHYS 300- PHYS 309. These courses cover special topics as well as subjects of active research interest within the Physics department. The 100 series is designed for non-science students interested in varying aspects of physical science. These courses have few prerequisites beyond algebra and trigonometry and many are open only to students who have not taken PHYS 107, PHYS 110 or PHYS 115, PHYS 230 or PHYS 125, or their equivalent. The 200 series is open to anyone who has completed PHYS 230 or PHYS 125. The prerequisites for 300-series courses vary, but generally require physics beyond PHYS 230 or PHYS 125.
Requirements
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.
| PHYS 107 | Waves | 4 units |
| PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
| Or | ||
| PHYS 115 | General Physics I | 4 units |
| PHYS 230 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
| Or | ||
| PHYS 125 | General Physics II | 4 units |
| PHYS 240 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 4 units |
| PHYS 250 | Thermal and Statistical Physics | 4 units |
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.
| MATH 212 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 units |
| MATH 214 | Linear Algebra | 4 units |
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 | ||
| PHYS 315 | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 units |
| Or | ||
| 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
| PHYS 107 | Waves | 4 units |
| PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
| Or | ||
| PHYS 115 | General Physics I | 4 units |
| PHYS 230 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
| Or | ||
| PHYS 125 | General Physics II | 4 units |
| PHYS 240 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 4 units |
| PHYS 250 | Thermal and Statistical Physics | 4 units |
Mathematics Supporting Coursework
| MATH 212 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 units |
MATH 214 is strongly encouraged.
Physics Elective
Completion of an additional 4 units from any PHYS class at the 300-level or a class from the PHYS 200-series.
Second-Stage Writing
The Second-Stage Writing Requirement in Physics can be satisfied with a passing evaluation of a student portfolio. The portfolio will consist of three items: two laboratory reports from Modern Physics (PHYS 240) and/or Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 315/PHYS 316), and one research report from Senior Physics Seminar (PHYS 490/PHYS 491). Students are encouraged to revise these reports before submitting the portfolio. Typical formats for the required writings will be presented in the related courses. The writing is expected to be clear, precise, and intelligible to someone who has completed the Physics Foundation. Proper spelling, grammar, and organization are essential. The portfolio will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis by a departmental committee.
A student may submit a portfolio only once. The portfolio is normally submitted at the end of the semester when the student completes the first semester of PHYS 490/PHYS 491. The final deadline for submission of a passing portfolio is the last day of classes in a student’s penultimate semester. Students who fail to pass the writing portfolio or those that do not wish to submit a portfolio can also satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Requirement by taking a CWP 201 course that has been approved by the Physics Department Chair in consultation with the CWP Chair. A grade of C or better will satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Requirement.
Comprehensive Requirement
The comprehensive requirement for majors is met by completion of 2 units of Senior Seminar (PHYS 490 or PHYS 491) and 2 units of Advanced Lab (PHYS 315 or PHYS 316) with a grade of C or better and by passing a comprehensive examination on the material covered in the Physics Foundation. If the comprehensive examination is not passed by the end of a student's penultimate semester, then the student can instead complete an additional 4 units of Upper Level Physics with a grade of C or better. Completing 4 units of Directed Research with a grade of C or better can be substituted if there are no additional Upper Level Physics classes offered in a student's final semester.
Transfer Credit Policies
The °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp college physics department does not accept online courses (including hybrid courses) for transfer credit.
Students who earned a score of 5 on the Mechanics AP Physics C examination will earn four units of credit and will be considered to have completed the equivalent of Physics 110.
Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for details.
Contact Physics
Hameetman Science Center 120