B.S. in Physics (Applied Physics and Engineering Track)
The Applied Physics and Engineering Track is designed for students who primarily wish to work in the industry in physics, computer, or engineering sectors or prepare for graduate school in Physics, Applied Physics or Engineering. The program consists of 70 units at lower division (27 in Physics, 15 chemistry, 24 math, 4 computer science) and a minimum of 57 units at upper division, totaling 127 units in the major and 40 units of breadth requirements. Relative to the B.S. Physics–Standard Track, the Applied Physics and Engineering Track replaces 16 units (Phys 136, one additional quarter of Phys 142, and two additional required physics electives) with 16 units of approved engineering courses including a minimum of 8 units at the upper-division level. Note that Computer Science requirement (CS 10A or CS 9P) can't be used to satisfy part of the Applied Physics and Engineering Track requirements. You can find a list of approved engineering courses here. The minimum total units is 165. The following schedule has 195 units with 6 general electives. Note that you must complete a minimum of 180 units to be eligible for graduation. Students who wish to take more than 216 units must receive permission from the associate dean.
List of approved engineering courses for the track
Sample course plan for Applied Physics and Engineering Track
This sample course plan begins with the physics 41ABC series, which is strongly recommended. Please see this web page for alternative introductory physics options.
Sample Concentrations:
For a few specific examples of concentrations in computing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science, chemical and environmental engineering, and bioengineering, please see this page.
Freshman year |
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Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Phys 41A (8 units) | Phys 41B (8 units) | Phys 41C (8 units) |
| Math 9A (4 units) | Math 9B (4 units) | Math 9C (4 units) |
| English 1A (4 units) | English 1B (4 units) | Breadth, Elective, or CS 10 (4 units) |
| Phys 39 (3 units) S/NS | ||
| Total units 19 | Total units 16 | Total units 16 |
Sophomore year |
||
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
| Phys 130A (4 units) | Phys 130B (4 units) | Phys 132 (4 units) |
| Chem 1A/1AL (5 units) | Chem 1B/1BL (5 units) | Chem 1C/1CL (5 units) |
| Math 10A (4 units) | Math 10B (4 units) | Math 46 (4 units) |
| CS 10A or CS 9P (4 units) | Breadth 1 of 7 (4 units) | Breadth 2 of 7 (4 units) |
| Total units 17 | Total units 17 | Total units 17 |
Junior year |
||
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
| Phys 135A (4 units) | Phys 135B (4 units) | Elective (4 units) |
| Phys 156A (4 units) | Phys 156B (4 units) | Engin Elective 2 of 4 (4 units) |
| Elective (4 units) | Engin Elective 1 of 4 (4 units) | Elective (4 units) |
| Breadth 3 of 7 (4 units) | Breadth 4 of 7 (4 units) | Breadth 5 of 7 (4 units) |
| Total units 16 | Total units 16 | Total units 16 |
Senior year |
||
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
| Phys 139L (5 units) | Phys 142W (5 units) | Engin Elective 4 of 4 (4 units) |
| Engin Elective 3 of 4 (4 units) | Breadth 7 of 7 (4 units) | Elective (4 units) |
| Breadth 6 of 7 (4 units) | Phys Elective (4 units) | Elective (4 units) |
| Elective (4 units) | Elective (4 units) | |
| Total units 17 | Total units 17 | Total units 12 |
Total units: 197 including 6 general electives. |
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- Students completing the 40ABC series can take 41C in Year 2.