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Nov 21, 2024
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University Catalog 2024-2025
Physics, B.A.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics provides a program appropriate for students interested in such careers as teaching, public service, business, or science journalism. This program does not include the advanced study needed by students who wish to prepare for careers as physicists, but provides the breadth needed for many other innovative and challenging occupations.
The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics is 120 units, of which 79 units are in the major.
Two options are available:
- General Option
- Astrophysics Option - is a physics degree with specialization in astronomy. It prepares students for professional employment in community organizations including public observatories and science museums, as well as employment in industry and research laboratories. Students preparing for graduate work in astrophysics should choose the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, and select courses in astronomy for the elective requirement.
The Astrophysics option provides strong technical skills in the context of applying physics to solve astrophysical problems. Students develop strong computational skills, gain experimental skills using telescopes and imaging detectors, and learn statistics and data analysis skills from working with online astronomical datasets. The capstone experience is ASTR 4900 Community Astrophysics Project. Students visit community organizations such as Griffith Observatory and the California Science Center. Working in teams, students create a computer animated exhibit for the public using their astrophysics knowledge and computational background.
Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.
Honors in Physics
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an honors program for qualified students. Students may apply in their junior year after completing PHYS 2100 -PHYS 2200 and PHYS 3300 -PHYS 3400 . Candidates must maintain a B (3.0) grade point average both in their major and overall. Completion of the honors program requires 2 units of independent, research-oriented study (PHYS 3960 ) and presentation of the work in a colloquium. Graduation with honors in Physics is conferred upon those students whom the faculty of the department deem worthy after the presentation of the colloquium. Diplomas and transcripts of honors program graduates are designated: “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Physics.”
 Admission  Learning Outcomes  Roadmap
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Requirements for the Major (79 units)
Students must earn a minimum grade of C or higher in all courses used to meet major requirements. Core Requirements (41 units)
Lower Division Required Courses (27 units)
Upper Division Core Courses (14 units)
Option Requirements (38 units)
I. General Option (38 units)
Upper Division Required Courses (4 units)
PHYS or ASTR Electives (15 units)
Select 15 units of upper division physics (PHYS) and/or astronomy (ASTR) courses. Science Electives (12 units)
Select 12 units of additional science or science-related courses, with advisor approval. At least 6 of these units must be at the 3000-level or higher. Other Electives (7 units)
Select 7 units of PHYS and/or ASTR and/or other science and/or other non-science courses, with advisor approval. II. Astrophysics Option (38 units)
Upper Division Required Courses (9 units)
PHYS or ASTR Electives (9 units)
Select 9 units of upper division (i.e., 3000-level or higher) physics and/or astronomy courses. Science Electives (12 units)
Select 12 units of additional science or science-related courses, with advisor approval. At least 6 of these units must be at the 3000-level or higher. Other Electives (8 units)
Select 8 units of PHYS and/or ASTR and/or other science and/or other non-science courses, with advisor approval. |
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