Academic Planning

Requirements for the Physics Major

Intended majors must complete each course for a letter grade, with a C- or higher. Physics prerequisites must be completed with a 2.0 grade point average in order to declare. Students can request to declare the physics major after they are enrolled in their final prerequisite courses.

Lower Division Requirements (Prerequisites)

Math Foundation:

Math 51 → Math 52 → Math 53* → Physics 89**

*Math N53 is cannot be used to satisfy Math 53.

**Math 54 substitutes for Physics 89 only if: double majoring in Math or transfer student who completed Math 54 equivalent pre-transfer

Credit note: AP/IB/A-Level credit based on Math Department guidelines, California Community College ASSIST articulation, or pre-approved math course equivalency can satisfy Math 51, Math 52, Math 53, and/or Math 54 (if applicable).

Physics Foundation:

Students can choose between the Physics 7-Series Track and the Physics 5-series Track. For additional information, review The Physics 5 and Physics 7 Series: Which One is Right For Me?. All course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment.

Credit note: The Physics Department does not accept AP Physics credit for physics courses. Additionally, all physics coursework completed outside of California Community Colleges with established ASSIST articulation must be reviewed through a physics course evaluation request form

Advising Notes: 

• Series Switching Rules: Switching from 5A to 7B/7C is seamless with no connector needed; switching from 7A to the 5-series requires a connector course—see a physics advisor for more information; multiple switches or switching Physics 7A or 5A is not advisable due to repeated material and the need for multiple connector courses. 
• Taking Math 53 before Physics 5B and Physics 89 before Physics 5C is preferable, but not necessary.
• The Python DeCal (Astro 98) or Physics 77 are recommended but not required courses because Python shows up in physics courses and research. The DeCal is an intro class; Physics 77 is more advanced and includes additional programming skills.



Sample Lower Division Timelines

Upper Division Requirements

All lower division physics major prerequisites must be completed before enrolling in upper division courses. 

The Physics Major has eight upper division required courses:

• Analytic Mechanics (105) 4 units
• Quantum Mechanics I (137A), 4 units
• Quantum Mechanics II (137B), 4 units
• Electromagnetism and Optics (110A), 4 units
• Modern Physics and Advanced Electrical Laboratory I (111A), 4 units
• Modern Physics and Advanced Electrical Laboratory II (111B), 3 units
• Statistical and Thermal Physics (112), 4 units
• A Physics Upper Division Elective Course, 3 or 4 units

Sample Upper Division Timeline
Note: This is a sample pathway. Physics majors may complete upper-division requirements in various sequences, provided all prerequisites are met. For most students, enrolling in two upper-division physics courses per semester is a manageable pace. See the “Additional Advising” notes below for guidance on how to plan your course order.

Additional Advising

• *Physics 110A and Physics 137A are typically the first upper-division courses taken by physics students.
• Physics 137A must be taken before Physics 137B, and Physics 111A must be taken before Physics 111B.
• Physics 111A averages 12–20 hrs/week —plan accordingly. 
• Students must complete the Physics 111A and 111B Enrollment Request Formto be considered for enrollment in each course for the upcoming semester
• Physics 105 provides a foundation for quantum mechanics so some students take it early, though it is often not taken in the first upper-division semester because it is especially challenging.
• Students strongly recommend taking Physics 110A before Physics 111A, indicating that the general theory of E&M in 110A is a necessary baseline for 111A.
• Pedagogically, students suggest taking Physics 137A before 112, but this is not a formal requirement.
• Upper division electives: Typically taken in the final year — many electives require other upper-div courses as prerequisites. Not all elective courses are offered every semester. View the live elective list (Google Doc) for the most up-to-date information.

Enrollment Forms

Physics 111A and 111B Enrollment Request Form(link is external)
Physics Graduate Course Enrollment Request Form(link is external)
Additional forms including major/minor declaration, Physics 49, 99, 199, H195A/B enrollment, and Contract for Incomplete Grade can be found on the Undergraduate Forms page.

Additional Questions? 

Contact Physics Student Services.