Core Requirements for all Physics B.A. and B.S. degree tracks:

Lower Division Required Courses (70 units)

• Physics 41ABC (24 units).  The physics 41ABC series is strongly recommended.  For alternatives, see below.

• Physics 39 (3 units)
• Mathematics 9ABC, 10AB, 46 (24 units)
• Chemistry 1A/1AL,1B/1BL, 1C/1CL (15 units)
• Computer Science:  CS 10A or CS 9A (4 units)

Upper Division Required Courses (38 to 39 units)  

• Physics 130A-130B Classical Mechanics (with special relativity) (8 units)
• Physics 132 Thermal Physics (5 units)
• Physics 135A-135B Electricity and Magnetism (8 units)
• Physics 156A-156B Quantum Mechanics (8 units)
• Physics 139L Electronics Laboratory (5 units)
• Physics 142W (5 units) or 142L (4 units) Advanced Physics Laboratory.  Physics 142W includes writing instruction with an emphasis on technical communication and satisfies the English 1C (4 units) CNAS breadth requirement.

Upper Division Elective Courses (4 units)

• 4 units of upper division Physics electives: 
  Upper division Math, Science or Engineering may be substituted with approval.  The electives may be selected on an individual basis to stress one or more concentration.

Total CORE requirements are 70 + 38 to 39 + 4 = 112 to 113 units

Additional Requirements for Degrees and Tracks:

BS Physics—Standard Track:

• 4 units: Phys 136 (EM Waves)

• 4 additional units of 142L (1 quarter) or 5 additional units of 142W (1 quarter).  This may also be satisfied by 4 units of Senior Thesis (Physics 195) or and internship (Physics 198-I).

• 8 units of upper division physics electives: Phys 156C highly recommended for students going to grad school.

• Minimum writing (12 units) and CNAS breadth requirements (28 units), totaling 40 units.  Note that Physics 142W will satisfy the English 1C requirement (4 of the 12 writing units).

Program total minimum 165 units (with Physics 142W) to 168 units (without Physics 142W).

BS Physics—Biophysics Track:

• 25 additional lower division units: Biol 5ABC (13 units, satisfies CNAS Biology breadth requirement) and Chem 8A/8LA, 8B/8LB, 8C/8LC (12 units).
• 8 additional upper division units:  Biochem 110ABC or Biol 107A (or other upper division Chemistry/Biology/Biochem upon approval)
• Minimum writing (12 units) and CNAS breadth requirements (24 units) totaling 36 units.  Note that Physics 142W will satisfy the English 1C requirement (4 of the 12 writing units).

Program total minimum 177 units (with Physics 142W) to 180 units (without Physics 142W).

BS Physics—Physics Education Track:

• 6 units of lower division Education courses: Educ 3 (3 units), Educ 4 (3 units)
• 8 units of upper division Education courses.  Choose two from the following: Educ 105 (very highly recommended); Educ 109 or Educ 109S; Educ 110 or Educ 110S (4 units); Educ 116 or Educ 116S; Educ 174 or Educ 174S (4 units); Educ 175 or Educ 175S (4 units).
• Minimum writing (12 units) and CNAS breadth requirements (24 units) totaling 36 units.  Note that Physics 142W will satisfy the English 1C requirement (4 of the 12 writing units).

Program total minimum 167 units (with Physics 142W) to 170 units (without Physics 142W).

BS Physics—Applied Physics and Engineering Track:

• 16 units of approved engineering courses including a minumum of 8 units at the upper-division level.
• Minimum writing (12 units) and CNAS breadth requirements (28 units) totaling 40 units.  Note that Physics 142W will satisfy the English 1C requirement (4 of the 12 writing units).

Program total minimum 165 units (with Physics 142W) to 168 units (without Physics 142W).

BS Physics—Astrophysics Track:

• 20 units of additional upper-division requirements
• 4 units: PHYS 136 (EM Waves)
• PHYS 140L (Techniques of Observational Astronomy). Replaces PHYS 142L in the standard track.
• PHYS 111 (Astrophysics and Stellar Astronomy)
• PHYS 112 (Galaxies and Extragalactic Astronomy)
• PHYS 166 (Cosmology)
• PHYS 111, PHYS 112, or PHYS 166 can satisfy the 4 units of required upper-division physics electives.

Program total minimum 168 units.

BA Physics:

• Minimum writing (12 units), CNAS breadth (40 units), and foreign language (16 units), totaling 68 units.  Note that Physics 142W will satisfy the English 1C requirement (4 of the 12 writing units).

Program total minimum 177 units (with Physics 142W) to 180 units (without Physics 142W)

Alternative introductory physics paths:

Physics majors are strongly encouraged to take the physics 41ABC series.  The advantages of the physics 41ABC series are:

1. Small class size.  The 41ABC classes typically have 20 to 40 enrolled students, most of which are physics majors.  This means you will get to know well the other physics majors as you go through the physics 41ABC series.  You will also have much more interaction with the instructor.  The enrollment in a Phys 40ABC or 2ABC class is typically 200 to 280 students.
2. Flexible modern instructional format.  Physics 41ABC has its own dedicated lab room.  This allows the instructor to freely mix classroom and lab activities in an optimal way.
3. Introductory physics is completed in the first year.  The physics 41ABC series is the only path that will allow you to complete introductory physics in the first year.  This has several advantages.  One significant advantage is that allows you to begin upper-division physics courses in your second year.  This is particularly important for students who are considering graduate school.  By completing the 41ABC series in your first year, you will be able to complete all of the core physics lecture courses by the end of your third year.  You will also be well prepared to engage in research starting in your first summer.  For all other paths (see below), you must take phys 41C in the spring quarter of your second year.

However, the following alternative paths will satisfy the introductory physics requirement for the major.  Please consult your physics faculty academic advisor before committing to an alternative path.  Students who wish to change their major to physics may follow any of the paths below.  If you have already started taking introductory physics, you do not need to start over with physics 41ABC.

• 24 units of lower division Physics 41ABC can be substituted with:
• 40A, 40B, 40C and 41C (23 units)
• 40A, 40B, 41B, and 41C (26 units)
• 40A with C- or better, 41B, and 41C (21 units) plus 4 additional units of upper division Physics elective
• 2A with B- or better, 41B, and 41C (21 units) plus 4 additional units of upper division Physics elective
• 2A, 2B with B- or better, 41C (18 units) plus 8 additional units of upper division elective, 4 in Physics and 4 in any Science/Math/Engineering
• 2A, 2B, 2C with B- or better (15 units) plus 12 additional units of upper division elective, 8 in Physics and 4 in any Science/Math/Engineering

B.S. in Physics (Standard Track)

The Standard Track is for students who primarily wish to work in industry in STEM fields or prepare for graduate school in Physics, Astronomy 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. A minimum of 165 units is required to fulfill program requirements. The schedule below prepares students optimally for graduate school applications due Fall of Year 4. The following schedule has 196 units with 6 general elective courses.  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.

Note: Phys 142W satisfies the 4-unit Engl 1C breadth requirement.

Sample course plan for Physics Standard 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. 

• Students who place into Math 3 should see this page.
• Students who place into Math 6A should see this page.
• Students who place into Math 5A should see this page.

• Students completing the 40ABC series can take 41C in Year 2.

Transfer Students : B.S. in Physics (Standard Track), path 1

This page shows a sample program for transfer students who enter UCR with all of introductory physics, including modern physics (PHYS41ABC or equivalently PHYS40ABCDE at UCR) and the lower-division math requirements (MATH 9ABC, 10AB, and 46 at UCR) already satisfied.  Students develop a personalized program of courses through consultation with their faculty academic advisor.

The Standard Track is for students who primarily wish to work in industry in STEM fields or prepare for graduate school in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.  Students who wish to follow one of the specialty tracks (Biophysics, Physics Education, or Applied Physics and Engineering) should discuss the necessary modifications to their course plan with their faculty academic advisor.

Breadth courses, Chem 1ABC, Bio 5, and CS 10 are available during the summer quarter.

Sample course plan for Physics Standard Track

Transfer Students : B.S. in Physics (Standard Track), path 2

This page shows a sample program for transfer students who enter UCR with part of introductory physics (PHYS41AB or equivalently PHYS40ABC at UCR) and all the lower-division math requirements (MATH 9ABC, 10AB, and 46 at UCR) satisfied, but have not yet taken modern physics (PHYS41C or equivalently PHYS40E at UCR).  Students develop a personalized program of courses through consultation with their faculty academic advisor.

The Standard Track is for students who primarily wish to work in industry in STEM fields or prepare for graduate school in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.  Students who wish to follow one of the specialty tracks (Biophysics, Physics Education, or Applied Physics and Engineering) should discuss the necessary modifications to their course plan with their faculty academic advisor.

Breadth courses, Chem 1ABC, Bio 5, and CS 10 are available during the summer quarter.

Sample course plan for Physics Standard Track

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 Concentrations 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.

• Students completing the 40ABC series can take 41C in Year 2.

B.S. in Physics (Biophysics Track)

The Biophysics Track is designed to prepare students for careers or graduate school in biophysics, bioengineering, biomaterials, biotechnology or health-related fields. The requirements satisfy medical school admissions requirements. The track requires 95 lower division units (27 in Physics, 27 in Chemistry, 24 in Math, 13 in Biology, 4 in Computer Science) and a minimum of 49 upper division units, totaling 144 units. Relative to the Standard BS Physics track, 16 units of upper-division physics courses are replaced by 13 units of biology, 12 units of organic chemistry, and 2 upper-division biochemistry courses.  There are 36 units of CNAS breadth. The CNAS Bio breadth requirement is met within the track requirements. The minimum total number of units is 177.

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.

The first sample program has 197 units with 5 general electives for those completing 41ABC

This sample course plan begins with the physics 41ABC series, which is strongly recommended.  Please see this web page for alternative introductory physics options.

The second sample program below is for those completing 2ABC

The Biophysics Track is designed to prepare students for careers in health-related fields or graduate school in biophysics, bioengineering, biomaterials, or biotechnology. This alternative track is for students who have completed Physics 2ABC. The lower division Physics requirement (24 units of Physics 41ABC) can be met by Physics 2ABC passed with a B+ letter grade in each course (15 units) and 12 units of additional upper division electives, 8 units in Physics and 4 units in any Science/Math/Engineering discipline. The following schedule has 197 units with 5 general electives.

B.S. in Physics (Astrophysics Track)

The Astrophysics Track is for students who primarily wish to work in industry in STEM or data science fields or prepare for graduate school in Astronomy. The lower division program is identical to the standard track. It consists of 70 units at lower division (27 in Physics, 15 chemistry, 24 math, 4 computer science) and a minimum of 60 units at upper division, totaling 130 units in the major and 40 units of breadth. A minimum of 170 units is required to fulfill program requirements. The schedule below prepares students optimally for graduate school applications due Fall of Year 4. The following schedule has 197 units with 6 general elective courses.  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.

Note: Phys 142W satisfies the 4-unit Engl 1C breadth requirement.

Sample course plan for Physics Astrophysics 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. 

• Students who place into ARC 35 should see this page.
• Students who place into Math 6A should see this page.
• Students who place into Math 5 or Math 6B should see this page.

• Students completing the 40ABC series can take 41C in Year 2.

Physics Education Track

The Physics Education option is available for those who are interested in a pursuing a teaching career. There is a great demand for qualified science teachers in California. Students who successfully complete this track may be eligible to begin their teaching careers immediately after completing their B.S. as intern teachers, employed by a school, during the period in which they are enrolled in a credentialing program. This track includes prerequisites for the Masters of Education (M.Ed.) program offered by the UCR Graduate School of Education (GSOE), where qualified students can simultaneously earn a Masters degree, in addition to their California teaching certification, in one year (including the summer). Students in the Physics Education option will be advised by physics faculty and by UCR Science and Math Initiative (SMI) advisors.  Students interested in intern teaching or in the GSOE M.Ed. program should meet with a GSOE advisor.

The program requires 76 units at lower division (27 in Physics, 15 chemistry, 24 math, 4 computer science, 6 education), a minimum of 41 units of upper division Physics courses, 8 units of upper division Education courses, and 40 units of breadth requirements, for a total of 165 units. Compared to the Standard BS degree, 16 units of upper division physics are replaced by 14 units of Education courses. The schedule below is shown with 195 units with 8 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.

Choose two upper division education courses from the following list to satisfy the requirements:

• EDUC 105 :  Introduction to Science Pedagogy (very highly recommended)
• EDUC 109(S) :  Education in a Diverse Society
• EDUC 110(S) :  Learning Theory and Psychology in Education
• EDUC 116(S) :  The Exceptional Child
• EDUC 174(S) :  Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
• EDUC 175(S) :  Language Development in Content Areas

Sample course plan for Physics Education Track (B.S. degree only)

This sample course plan begins with the physics 41ABC series, which is strongly recommended.  Please see this web page for alternative introductory physics options.

Links and contact information for the physics education track

• For more information about the Physics Education Track, please contact Owen Long (owen.long@ucr.edu, physics department faculty advisor) and Derek Beving (derek.beving@ucr.edu, physics department student affairs officer).
• For more information about the UCR CaTEACH, Science and Math Initiative (SMI) program, which is integrated into the physics education track, please contact Leslie Bushong (leslie.bushong@ucr.edu, CaTEACH-SMI staff director).
• For more information about the Masters in Education and credentialing programs offered by Graduate School of Education, please contact the GSOE student services (creded@ucr.edu).

B.A. in Physics

The BA degree is a flexible degree with the balance of a liberal arts degree and rigor to make students competitive for graduate school in astronomy, physics, or engineering and unique preparation for professional school admission and careers (i.e., patent law, high technology business, science education, science/defense/energy policy). The BA requires 70 units of lower division (27 Physics, 15 Chemistry, 24 Math, 4 Computer Science), and a minimum of 41 units of upper division Physics, totaling 111 units in the major and 68 units of breadth, totaling 179 units. The differences between the BA and BS degree requirements are that the BA degree replaces 16 units of upper division physics with 28 units of additional breadth requirements (+8 humanities, +4 social sciences, +16 foreign language).

The sample schedule below is shown with 199 units including 5 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.  Travel Abroad may be easily accommodated in Spring of Year 3.

Sample course plan for B.A. in Physics

Total units: 199 including 5 general electives.

Minoring in Physics & Astronomy

The minor in Physics consists of 26 upper-division units in Physics. A minimum of 16 units must be unique to the minor and may not be used to satisfy major requirements.

1. First Tier (16 units)

   • Physics 130A           Classical Mechanics
   • Physics 132             Thermal Physics
   • Physics 135A           Electricity and Magnetism
   • One elective selected from:
     • Physics 111             Astrophysics and Stellar Astronomy
     • Physics 150A          Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
     • Physics 151            Topics in Modern Condensed Matter Research
     • Physics 164            Introduction to Nuclear Physics
     • Physics 165            Introduction to Particle Physics
     • Physics 166            Cosmology
     • Physics 177            Computational Methods for Physical Sciences

1. Second Tier

   At least 10 units from any upper-division Physics courses not chosen in the first tier. The combined units from the first and second tiers must add to at least 26 units.

2. No more than 4 units of Physics 190 (undergraduate research), Physics 195 (Senior Thesis), Physics 199-I (Internship) courses may be used to fulfill the upper-division units for the minor.