If you are a student transferring into UC Berkeley, a student completing a student abroad, or student who has taken physics courses at a local community college, please see the relevant information below regarding physics course equivalency.
California Community College Physics Courses
Students who have taken physics courses at a California Community College should use assist.org to determine the equivalency of their course to UC Berkeley’s lower-division Physics courses. The Physics Department honors all assist.org articulation agreements.
4-Year University and Out-of-State Community College Physics Courses
Students who have taken physics courses at a 4-year university or an out-of-state community college can submit a Physics Course Evaluation Request.
Please note: all physics course evaluation requests require submission of a course syllabus including a week-by-week listing of course topics. For lower-division physics course evaluation requests, a listing of lab topics is also required.
After submitting your Physics Course Evaluation Request, the Physics Department will begin reviewing your request.
For a course to be considered equivalent to a UCB physics course, it will need to have the same or higher math prerequisites and/or corequisites. Additionally, all requests for equivalency to lower-division physics courses must have a lab component. Requests that do not meet these requirements are automatically denied during the initial round of evaluation. Please visit the Berkeley Catalog for specific course requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect to receive my physics course evaluation decision?
On average, it takes about 6 weeks to receive your physics course evaluation decision. Please plan accordingly.
My request was fully approved, what are my next steps?
If your request was fully approved, please send your physics course evaluation decision letter to your Major Advisor. They will assist with updating your degree progress.
My request was partially approved, what are my next steps?
If your request was partially approved, you will be assigned Physics 49 to complete the missing topics noted in your physics course evaluation decision letter. For more information, please visit our Physics 49 webpage.
My request was denied, what are my next steps?
If your request was denied, you should reach out to your Major Advisor to discuss whether your program recommends completing the Physics course at UC Berkeley, or if completing a California Community College course that is articulated on assist.org is an option for you.
My physics course evaluation decision was denied due to having too low of a math level. Can I complete a supplementary calculus course, or Physics 49?
The Physics Department does not accept calculus supplement courses. All equivalent courses must have the same or higher math prerequisites and/or corequisites.
Physics 49 is only an option in cases where a student completed a physics course that had the same or higher math pre/corequisites and had a lab component, but was missing course topics.
Can upper-division physics courses be evaluated for equivalency?
Yes, the Physics Department will evaluate non-UCB courses for equivalency to UCB upper-division physics courses. To have a course evaluated, please submit a Physics Course Evaluation Request. Please note: for equivalency to an upper-division course, the course taken must cover all topics included in the UCB course. Physics 49 is not assigned for upper-division courses.
Quick Links:
Physics Course Evaluation Request