Physical Science, B.A.

The physical science degree is less specialized than the physics major, and therefore more adaptable to studies in various fields, including preparation for teaching at the middle or secondary school level.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .

Requirements for the Major (57 Units)

A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses with the “PHYX” prefix for the physical science major.

Lower Division (37 Units)

CHEM 109 - General Chemistry I Units: 5
CHEM 110 - General Chemistry II Units: 5
MATH 107 - Introduction to Linear Algebra Units: 3
MATH 109 - Calculus I Units: 4
MATH 110 - Calculus II Units: 4
MATH 210 - Calculus III Units: 4
PHYX 109 - General Physics A: Mechanics Units: 4
PHYX 210 - General Physics B: Thermodynamics, Waves and Optics Units: 4
PHYX 211 - General Physics C: Electricity, Magnetism Units: 4

Upper Division (20 Units)

PHYX 315 - Introduction to Electronics and Electronic Instrumentation Units: 3
PHYX 320 - Modern Physics Units: 3
PHYX 340 - Mathematical and Computational Methods Units: 2

Upper Division Electives

Complete 12 units of approved upper division courses within chemistry, geology, oceanography, physics, mathematics, or engineering.