BS in Physics
Units required for Major: 74-76
Total units required for BS: 120
Program Description
Physics is the most fundamental science and underlies our understanding of nearly all areas of science and technology. In a broad sense, physics is concerned with the study of energy, space, and matter, and with the interactions between matter and the laws that govern these interactions. More specifically, physicists study mechanics, heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, gravitation, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and condensed matter physics.
The BS degrees are recommended for students seeking a career in the technology sector or planning to pursue a graduate degree.
Note: Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Lower Division Courses (37 Units) | ||
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 30 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MATH 31 | Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| MATH 32 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 45 | Differential Equations for Science and Engineering | 3 |
| PHYS 11A | General Physics: Mechanics 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 11B | General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 11C | General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| Required Upper Division Courses (33-36 Units) | ||
| PHYS 105 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 - 4 |
| or MATH 105A | Advanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering I | |
| PHYS 106 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 115 | Electronics and Instrumentation | 3 - 4 |
| or PHYS 145 | Optics | |
| PHYS 124 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 135 | Electricity And Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 136 | Electrodynamics of Waves, Radiation,and Materials | 3 |
| PHYS 150 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 151 | Advanced Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 156 | Classical and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 175 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 191 | Senior Project | 1 - 2 |
| Elective Upper Division Requirements (3 Units) | ||
| Select three units of upper-division coursework chosen in consultation with an advisor 2 | 3 | |
| Physics Colloquium Attendance | ||
| Fulfill a minimum attendance requirement 3 | ||
| Total Units | 73-76 | |
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Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.
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See list below for a list of Department approved electives.
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Majors must fulfill a minimum attendance requirement at Department Colloquia. Students should consult with the Department for details.
Notes:
- Students are required to complete 2 units for their Senior project (PHYS 191) either over one or two semesters
- Students with an interest in theoretical physics are encouraged to consider a minor in Mathematics.
Elective List
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 115 | Electronics and Instrumentation 4 | 4 |
| PHYS 116 | Advanced Electronics and Instrumentation | 3 |
| PHYS 130 | Acoustics | 3 |
| PHYS 142 | Applied Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 145 | Optics 4 | 3 |
| PHYS 162 | Scientific Computing: Basic Methods | 3 |
| PHYS 163 | Scientific Computing: Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization | 3 |
| PHYS 199 | Special Problems | 1 - 3 |
| ASTR 150 | Dark Matter and Dark Energy | 3 |
| MATH 105B | Advanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering II | 4 |
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If not used to satisfy other requirement of the degree (Example: PHYS 115 or PHYS 145 are required for the Bachelor of Science. If both are taken, one will count as an elective).
General Education Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units) | ||
| A1 - Oral Communication | 3 | |
| A2 - Written Communication | 3 | |
| A3 - Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (6 Units) | ||
| B1 - Physical Science 2 | 0 | |
| B2 - Life Forms | 3 | |
| B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) 2 | 0 | |
| B4 - Math Concepts 2 | 0 | |
| B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units) | ||
| C1 - Arts | 3 | |
| C2 - Humanities | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course | 3 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units) | ||
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units) | ||
| Area E Course | 3 | |
| Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units) | ||
| Area F Course | 3 | |
| Total Units | 42 | |
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To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
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Required in Major; also satisfies GE.
Graduation Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units) | ||
| American Institutions: U.S. History | 3 | |
| American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (WI) | 3 | |
| Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (6 Units) | ||
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 2 | 0 | |
- 1
To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
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If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html
Note: Students with a declared major of BS in Physics or BS in Physics (Applied Physics) are exempt from the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.