The Physics Department offers an outstanding course curriculum. We recommend that you acquaint yourself with the course offerings before choosing classes.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Physics Student Services Office. Instructor assignments are subject to change. Please check the online schedule of classes on a regular basis for updates. Compare programs and find detailed degree requirements at the Academic Guide. View our course archives for previous years' classes and textbooks.
If you are an incoming or prospective transfer student, visit our Transfer Students page to learn more about course recommendations and program offerings.
Forms
- Physics Major Declaration Google Form
- Navigate to Academics>>Undergraduate Degree>>The Major and Minor Program for additional information.
- Navigate to Academics>>Undergraduate Degree>>The Major and Minor Program for additional information.
- Physics Minor Declaration Form
- Navigate to Academics>>Undergraduate Degree>>The Major and Minor Program for additional information.
- Navigate to Academics>>Undergraduate Degree>>The Major and Minor Program for additional information.
- Physics 49 Enrollment Form
- This form should only be used if your need for it is approved by a physics undergraduate advisor.
- Additional information about the Physics 49 course, form and process.
- Physics 99 - Independent Studies Proposal/Contract (for freshmen and sophomores who want to request to earn units for their research)
- This is the form that freshmen and sophomore can use to request to earn units for research. Complete the form, specify the number of units you are requesting (up to 3), attach a description of your project, and have your faculty sponsor (from the Physics Department) sign your form. Then submit your form to your physics advisor. Your physics advisor will submit your form to the chair or head faculty advisor for approval. Once it's approved, your physics advisor will email your unique Physics 99 course number to you, and then you can enroll yourself in the course. Be sure to submit this form a few days before the add deadline so it can be processes in time!
- This is the form that freshmen and sophomore can use to request to earn units for research. Complete the form, specify the number of units you are requesting (up to 3), attach a description of your project, and have your faculty sponsor (from the Physics Department) sign your form. Then submit your form to your physics advisor. Your physics advisor will submit your form to the chair or head faculty advisor for approval. Once it's approved, your physics advisor will email your unique Physics 99 course number to you, and then you can enroll yourself in the course. Be sure to submit this form a few days before the add deadline so it can be processes in time!
- Physics 199 - Independent Studies Proposal/Contract (for juniors and seniors who want to request to earn units for their research)
- This is the form that juniors and seniors can use to request to earn units for research. Complete the form, specify the number of units you are requesting (up to 3), attach a description of your project, and have your faculty sponsor (from the Physics Department) sign your form. Then submit your form to your physics advisor. Your physics advisor will submit your form to the chair or head faculty advisor for approval. Once it's approved, your physics advisor will email your unique Physics 199 course number to you, and then you can enroll yourself in the course. Be sure to submit this form a few days before the add deadline so it can be processes in time!
- This is the form that juniors and seniors can use to request to earn units for research. Complete the form, specify the number of units you are requesting (up to 3), attach a description of your project, and have your faculty sponsor (from the Physics Department) sign your form. Then submit your form to your physics advisor. Your physics advisor will submit your form to the chair or head faculty advisor for approval. Once it's approved, your physics advisor will email your unique Physics 199 course number to you, and then you can enroll yourself in the course. Be sure to submit this form a few days before the add deadline so it can be processes in time!
- Physics H195A/B - Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal/Contract (for rising senior physics majors who meet the Physics Honors Program requirements listed on the form and wish to complete a physics honors thesis)
- Note: This form must be submitted by no later than the end of the second week of instruction of the first semester of the thesis project (semester before last here at Cal).
- Note: This form must be submitted by no later than the end of the second week of instruction of the first semester of the thesis project (semester before last here at Cal).
- Contract for Incomplete Grade (in a Physics course)
According to L&S policy: "A grade of Incomplete (noted "I" on the transcript) may be assigned when a student in good standing in a course has completed and passed a majority of the work required for a course but, for reasons beyond the student's control, cannot complete the entire course." If your physics professor agrees to assign an Incomplete, you should both complete this contract and have your professor submit it to your physics advisor (i.e., Anna or Kathleen). Make sure your professor specifies the date by which your work must be completed and that all expectations are clear.
Course Descriptions
Undergraduate Course DescriptionsGraduate Course Descriptions
Please Note
Course Time Conflicts
The Physics Department does not permit time conflicts for any undergraduate students and will not approve override requests.
Discussion Section Switches
The Physics Department will not perform manual discussion section switches for students; we do not have the resources to accommodate these requests. Students must use CalCentral to perform the switch on their own.