Physics 49

Physics 49 is only needed if a student receives a partial approval in their physics course evaluation decision letter, or if they switched from the 5-series to the 7-series (or vice versa). Please check with a Physics Undergraduate Advisor if unsure. 

If you received a partial approval in your physics course evaluation decision letter, please refer to your physics course evaluation decision letter for more details on what topics are missing. If you received a full approval, Physics 49 will not be needed. 

If you are switching between the 5-series and the 7-series, please check in with a Physics Undergraduate Advisor to determine what topics, if any, will need to be completed via Physics 49. 

Physics 49 Enrollment Form 

Download the Physics 49 form above. Complete your personal information and then specify the topics and units according to your physics course evaluation decision letter and/or physics advisor’s specifications. For description of coursework, indicate: "complete all classes, labs, assignments, and exam questions pertaining to the topic(s) of ____ [insert your missing topic(s)]." 

The professor of the course and section you plan to complete the missing coursework with will be the one to sign the form. They should also specify to you the dates that you're expected to attend the course in order to complete the relevant coursework for your missing topic(s) and clarify all expectations. To find instructor names, please visit the Berkeley Class Schedule.

It is your responsibility to make sure expectations are clear and to obtain the bCourse link and other information from the professor. After the professor signs your Physics 49 form, email the signed form to Kathleen Cooney (kathleen.cooney@berkeley.edu). A special Physics 49 section will be created for you, and you will be emailed the course number. Note: You then need to use that unique course number to enroll yourself in your Physics 49 course not the Physics 7 or 8 series course you’re requesting equivalency for.

Important note: Once you’re enrolled in Physics 49, make sure you check with the professor to confirm expectations about class attendance (dates), bCourse access (they need to add you), assignments, final exam, etc.

Your Physics 49 form needs to be processed before the add/drop deadline of the semester in which you plan to take Physics 49 so be sure to begin the process a few days before that deadline. Some Physics 49 topics are also covered in the first week of classes, so it's wise to submit your Physics 49 form before the semester begins. The add/drop deadline can be found on the Berkeley Enrollment Calendar.

No, Physics 49 is only an option in cases where a student completed a physics course at another 4-year university of community college that had the same or higher math prerequisite and/or corequisites and had a lab component, but was missing course topics.