Physics Concentration

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 32.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 32.6 k / Year(s) Deadline: Nov 30, 2025
StudyQA ranking:9465 Duration:4 years

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Program Description: Bachelor of Science in Physics with Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Concentration offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles of physics, preparing students for careers in scientific research, engineering, or further study in graduate programs. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics, along with hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for research projects. Students will develop essential analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills that are vital for innovation and advancement in various scientific and technological fields.

Throughout the program, students will engage in coursework that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and experimental techniques. In addition to core physics courses, the program encourages interdisciplinary learning by integrating mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and faculty-led research initiatives, allowing them to gain practical experience and contribute to cutting-edge projects such as condensed matter physics, astrophysics, or materials science.

The program also fosters critical thinking and scientific communication skills, preparing graduates to present their findings clearly and effectively. Career development support is integrated into the program, providing students with guidance on internships, research opportunities, and pathways to employment or graduate studies. Graduates of the Physics Concentration are well-equipped for diverse roles in academia, industry, government agencies, and technology sectors, or to pursue advanced degrees in physics, engineering, or related fields. Dedicated faculty mentors, modern facilities, and a vibrant academic community ensure students are engaged, challenged, and supported throughout their educational journey.

This program emphasizes not only mastery of physics content but also the application of scientific principles to solve real-world problems, fostering innovative thinking and lifelong learning. Whether students aspire to become research scientists, engineers, educators, or pursue careers in emerging technologies, the Bachelor of Science in Physics with Concentration provides a solid foundation to achieve their professional goals and contribute meaningfully to society’s scientific and technological progress.

120 units

Summary of Units:

Lower Division Major Requirements 34
Upper Division Major Requirements 20
Upper Division Major Electives Requirement 12
Concentration Requirements 6
Additional General Education and other Graduation Requirements 48
Total Units 120

Lower Division Requirements - 34-35 units

MATH 150 - Calculus I Units: 4

MATH 151 - Calculus II Units: 4

MATH 230 - Logic and Mathematical Reasoning (Cross-listed as PHIL 230) Units: 3

MATH 240 - Linear Algebra Units: 3

MATH 250 - Calculus III Units: 3

PHYS 200 - General Physics I Units: 4

Select one of the following:

PHYS 201 - General Physics II Units: 4 and

one additional science course Units: 3-4

or

One two-semester science sequence Units: 7-8

Select one of the following:

COMP 105 - Computer Programming Introduction Units: 3

COMP 150 - Object-Oriented Programming Units: 4

Select an additional Computer Science course:

COMP 150 - Object-Oriented Programming Units: 4

or above or

COMP 102 - Web Development Units: 3

Upper Division Requirements - 20 units

MATH 300 - Discrete Mathematics Units: 3

MATH 331 - History of Mathematics Units: 3

MATH 350 - Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems Units: 3

MATH 351 - Real Analysis Units: 3

MATH 352 - Probability and Statistics Units: 3

MATH 451 - Complex Analysis Units: 3

MATH 499 - Senior Colloquium Units: 1

(Twice)

Electives in Major - 9-13 units

Note:

Courses used for the concentrations cannot be counted as elective.

Students planning on teaching math have to choose MATH 492 for field experience requirement. Other courses recommended for teaching careers are marked with T.

MATH 318 - Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers Units: 3 T

MATH 330 - Mathematics and Fine Arts Units: 3 T

MATH 345 - Digital Image Processing (Cross-listed as COMP 345, PHYS 345) Units: 3

MATH 354 - Analysis of Algorithms Units: 3

MATH 393 - Abstract Algebra I Units: 3 T

MATH 429 - Operations Research Units: 3

MATH 430 - Research Design and Data Analysis Units: 3

MATH 437 - Mathematics for Games, Simulations, and Robotics Units: 3

MATH 438 - Philosophy of Mathematics (Cross-listed as PHIL 438) Units: 3

MATH 445 - Image Analysis and Pattern Recognition (Cross-listed as PHYS 445, COMP 445)Units: 3

MATH 448 - Scientific Computing Units: 3

MATH 450 - Partial Differential Equations and Mathematical Physics Units: 3

MATH 452 - Computational Bioinformatics (Cross-listed as COMP 452) Units: 4

MATH 480 - Differential and Riemannian Geometry Units: 3

MATH 482 - Number Theory and Cryptography Units: 3 T

MATH 484 - Algebraic Geometry and Coding Theory Units: 3

MATH 490 - Topics in Modern Mathematics Units: 3

MATH 492 - Internship Units: 1-3 T

(Required for teachers)

MATH 494 - Independent Research Units: 1-3

MATH 497 - Directed Studies Units: 3

MATH 499 - Senior Colloquium Units: 1

Concentration - 6-10 units

By the sophomore year, in order to plan their electives, students should decide on one of the concentrations and take all courses listed in that section.

Choice of other concentrations or individualized concentrations is possible upon approval of the mathematics advisor.

Physics - 6 units

Students selecting this concentration should take PHYS 200 and PHYS 201 (8) as the science sequence.

MATH 450 - Partial Differential Equations and Mathematical Physics Units: 3

Upper division Physics course Units: 3

Interdisciplinary GE Course outside major - 3 units

Select one interdisciplinary GE Course 3 units

Recommended:

COMP 447 - Societal Issues in Computing Units: 3

COMP 449 - Human-Computer Interaction (Cross-listed as PSY 449) Units: 3

PHYS 434 - Introduction to Biomedical Imaging (Cross-listed as BIOL 434, HLTH 434) Units:4

To graduate, students must complete 120 units minimum (40 units must be upper division) including all General Education (GE) and Graduation Requirements .  The following areas must be included:

Additional Lower Division A-E (GE) Requirements not met within the major

Nine units of Upper Division Upper Division Interdisciplinary GE (UDIGE), courses are numbered 330-349 and 430-449. Six units may be within the major, 3 units must be outside the major (C or better grade)

Multicultural Requirement (C or better grade)

Language Requirement (C or better grade)

American Institutions Requirement

Free electives as needed to meet minimum units for graduation

 


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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