Physics Curriculum

Lower Division Course Requirements

The physics major requires the completion of one of the introductory physics sequences, either the Physics 7 series or the Physics 5 series, as well as Physics 89.

The Physics 7 Series comprises Physics 7A, 7B, and 7C, and is the standard introductory physics sequence for science and engineering majors. Physics 7A presents a basic introduction to Newtonian mechanics, Physics 7B is split between classical thermodynamics and electromagnetism, and Physics 7C describes optics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. For homework assignments, the Physics 7 series utilizes MasteringPhysics, an online web application for physics problems. The Physics 7 series is focused more on computational details than the theory behind the subject. Each course contains a lab component within the course.

The Physics 5 Series comprises Physics 5A, 5B/5BL, and 5C/5CL