Physics, Bachelor of Science | CSUDH

Requirements

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Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree
Minor Requirements
Major Requirements (75-80 units)

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

Elective Requirements

Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.

General Education Requirements (43 units)

See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 Units)

See the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" section in the University Catalog.

Statutory Requirements: United States History, Constitution and American Ideals (6 Units)

See the "Statutory Requirements" section in the University Catalog.

Minor Requirements

Single field major, no minor required.

Major Requirements (75-80 units)

Students must select one of the options listed. The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree. All courses used to satisfy this major must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

Each student must select one of the options listed.

Electrical Engineering Option (77 units)

The Electrical Engineering Option provides a broad understanding of physical principles and a solid preparation for advanced study in electrical engineering as well as theoretical and experimental physics including problem-solving. This option should be undertaken by those planning on pursuing continued studies towards an advanced degree in electrical engineering or other fields within engineering, physics, or related fields as well as careers as a technical staff member in a government or industrial lab. By virtue of an agreement with the CSU Fullerton College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, this option satisfies all of the course requirements for admission to an MS program in electrical engineering at CSU Fullerton.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
MAT 191	Calculus I	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
PHY 130	General Physics I	5
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
CSC 121	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I	4
Upper Division Requirements
Required Courses:
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 350	Electromagnetic Theory I	3
PHY 460	Quantum Mechanics I	3
Required Electives:
EE 309	¹	3
EE 310	¹	3
EE 323	¹	4
PHY 335	Digital Electronics	3
Select one of the following:		3
PHY 494	Independent Study
PHY 498	Directed Research
EE 498	¹
Total Hours		77

¹: Taken in the Electrical Engineering department at CSU Fullerton.

Note: This option requires taking 11-13 units of electrical engineering courses at CSU Fullerton during regular or summer sessions through concurrent enrollment while a student at CSUDH. Advising for the Electrical Engineering option will be provided by CSUDH as well as CSU Fullerton.

General Physics Option (78-79 units)

The General Physics Option provides a broad understanding of physical principles and a solid preparation in both theoretical and experimental problem-solving in physics. This option should be chosen by students planning a technical career in industry or government laboratories, or planning to continue study toward an advanced degree in physics, engineering or a related field. PHY 306 Math Methods In Physics should be taken as early as possible in preparation for the upper division courses in Physics.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
MAT 191	Calculus I	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
PHY 130	General Physics I	5
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
CSC 111	Introduction to Computers and Basic Programming	3-4
or CSC 121	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I
Upper Division Requirements
Required Courses:
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 350	Electromagnetic Theory I	3
PHY 460	Quantum Mechanics I	3
Electives:
Select 12 upper division units from Physics		12
Select six upper division units from Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.		6
Total Hours		78-79

Physical Science Option (75-76 units)

The Physical Science Option provides a broad understanding of the physical sciences, in particular, physics, chemistry, geology and mathematics. This option is designed for students interested in teaching physical science in secondary school or pursuing a general science field such as science journalism.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
EAR 100	Physical Geology	3
EAR 101	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
EAR 200	Earth History and Evolution	3
EAR 201	Earth History Lab	1
MAT 191	Calculus I	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
PHY 130	General Physics I	5
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
Select one course from the following:		3-4
CSC 101	Introduction to Computer Education
CSC 111	Introduction to Computers and Basic Programming
CSC 121	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I
Upper Division Requirements
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
Select 14 additional units from CHE, CSC, EAR and/or PHY ¹		14
Total Hours		75-76

¹: Consult with a physics advisor to choose classes consistent with the requirements for the subject matter preparation program in physical science.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of classical mechanics
Demonstrate understanding of classical electromagnetism
Demonstrate understanding of basic quantum mechanics
Demonstrate understanding of thermal physics
Demonstrate understanding of classical optics
Demonstrate understanding of analog electronics
Demonstrate understanding of modern physics experiments

General Physics Option Roadmaps

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4-Year Roadmap
2-Year Roadmap

4-Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
PHY 130	General Physics I (Satisfies GE Areas 5A (Physical Sciences) and 5C (Laboratory))	5
MAT 191	Calculus I (Satisfies GE Area 2 (Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning))	5
GE Area 1A English Composition		3
GE Area 1C Oral Communication		3
	Hours	16
Spring
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
CSC 111 or CSC 121	Introduction to Computers and Basic Programming or Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I	3-4
HIS 101	History Of United States	3
	Hours	16-17
Second Year
Fall
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
POL 101	American Institutions	3
	Hours	15
Spring
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
Upper Division PHY Elective ^{Typically PHY 335}		3
GE Area 1B Critical Thinking ^{MAT 271 preferred}		3
GE Area 3A Arts		3
	Hours	17
Third Year
Fall
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 460 or PHY 350	Quantum Mechanics I ((even years)) ^{460 in even years; 350 in odd years} or Electromagnetic Theory I	3
Additional UD Elective from CHE, CSC, MAT or PHY ^{MAT 311 in even years}		3
	Hours	15
Spring
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
Upper Division PHY Elective ^{even years: PHY 352; odd years: PHY 462}		3
GE Area 3B Humanities		3
GE Area 4A Perspectives on Individuals, Groups, and Society		3
GE Area 4B Global and Historical Perspectives		3
	Hours	14
Fourth Year
Fall
PHY 350 or PHY 460	Electromagnetic Theory I ((odd years)) ^{460 in even years; 350 in odd years} or Quantum Mechanics I	3
Additional UD Elective from CHE, CSC, MAT, or PHY ^{MAT 311 in even years}		3
GE Area 5B Biological Science		3
GE Area 6 Ethnic Studies		3
GWAR satisfying course		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Upper Division PHY Elective ^{even years: PHY 352; odd years: PHY 462}		3
Upper Division PHY Elective ^{Typically PHY 498}		3
GE Area 3UD Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	123-124

2-Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 350 or PHY 460	Electromagnetic Theory I ^{PHY 350 in odd years; PHY 460 in even years} or Quantum Mechanics I	3
Additional UD Elective from CHE, CSC, MAT or PHY ^{MAT 311 in even years}		3
	Hours	15
Spring
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
Upper Division Physics Elective ^{Typically PHY 335}		3
Upper Division Physics Elective ^{PHY 352 in even years; PHY 462 in odd years}		3
GE Area 3UD Ingegrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
Elective to meet 120 units		1
	Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 460 or PHY 350	Quantum Mechanics I ^{PHY 460 in even years; PHY 350 in odd years} or Electromagnetic Theory I	3
Additional UD Elective from CHE, CSC, MAT, or PHY ^{MAT 311 in even years}		3
GWAR satisfying course		3
GE Area 4UD Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	15
Spring
Upper Division Physics Elective ^{PHY 462 in odd years; PHY 352 in even years}		3
Upper Division Physics Elective ^{Typically PHY 498}		3
GE Area 5UD Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60

Electrical Engineering Option Roadmaps

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4-Year Roadmap
2- Year Roadmap

4-Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
PHY 130	General Physics I ^{Satisfies GE Areas 5A and 5C}	5
MAT 191	Calculus I ^{Satisfies GE Area 2}	5
GE Area 1A: English Composition		3
GE Area 1B: Critical Thinking		3
	Hours	16
Spring
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
CSC 121	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I	4
	Hours	14
Second Year
Fall
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
GE Area 1C: Oral Communication		3
	Hours	15
Spring
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
PHY 335	Digital Electronics	3
HIS 101	History Of United States	3
POL 101	American Institutions	3
	Hours	14
Third Year
Fall
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 350	Electromagnetic Theory I	3
GE Area 3A: Arts		3
	Hours	15
Spring
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
GE Area 3B: Humanities		3
GE Area 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 4B: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5B: Biological Science		3
	Hours	17
Fourth Year
Fall
PHY 460	Quantum Mechanics I	3
EE 309 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies		3
GWAR satisfying course		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
	Hours	15
Spring
EE 310 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
EE 323 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
Ind. Study / Dir. Research (PHY 494, PHY 498, or EE 498)		2
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5UD: Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
	Hours	14
	Total Hours	120

2- Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
PHY 306	Math Methods In Physics	3
PHY 310	Theoretical Mechanics I	3
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 350	Electromagnetic Theory I	3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 335	Digital Electronics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
GWAR satisfying course		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
Elective to meet 120 units		1
	Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
PHY 460	Quantum Mechanics I	3
EE 309 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Spring
EE 310 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
EE 323 (required electrical engineering elective) ^{Taken at CSU Fullerton}		3
Ind. Study / Dir. Research (PHY 494 or PHY 498 or EE 498)		2
GE Area 5UD: Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		4
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60

Physical Science Option Roadmaps

4- Year Roadmap

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
PHY 130	General Physics I ^{Satisfies GE Areas 5A and 5C}	5
MAT 191	Calculus I ^{Satisfies GE Area 2}	5
GE Area 1A: English Composition		3
GE Area 1B: Critical Thinking		3
	Hours	16
Spring
PHY 132	General Physics II	5
MAT 193	Calculus II	5
GE Area 1C: Oral Communication		3
HIS 101	History Of United States	3
	Hours	16
Second Year
Fall
PHY 134	General Physics III	4
MAT 211	Calculus III	5
EAR 100	Physical Geology	3
EAR 101	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
POL 101	American Institutions	3
	Hours	16
Spring
CHE 110	General Chemistry I	5
EAR 200	Earth History & Evolution	3
EAR 201	Earth History Lab	1
GE Area 3A: Arts		3
GE Area 3B: Humanities		3
	Hours	15
Third Year
Fall
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
GE Area 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
	Hours	14
Spring
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	2
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
GE Area 4B: Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5B: Biological Science		3
	Hours	14
Fourth Year
Fall
CSC 101 or CSC 111 or CSC 121	Intro.to Computer Education or Introduction to Computers and Basic Programming or Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I	3-4
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
	Hours	15-16
Spring
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		2
GWAR satisfying course		3
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5UD: Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
	Hours	14
	Total Hours	120-121

2-Year Roadmap (transfer students)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Hours
CHE 112	General Chemistry II	5
PHY 333	Analog Electronics	3
PHY 346	Thermal Physics	3
Elective to meet 120 units		4
	Hours	15
Spring
PHY 320	Physical Optics	3
PHY 341	Advanced Laboratory	3
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
GWAR satisfying course		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
CSC 101 or CSC 111 or CSC 121	Intro.to Computer Education or Introduction to Computers and Basic Programming or Introduction to Computer Science and Programming I	3-4
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
GE Area 3UD: Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities		3
Elective to meet 120 units		3
	Hours	15-16
Spring
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		3
Upper Division Elective from CHE, CSC, EAR or PHY		2
GE Area 4UD: Integrative Studies in the Social and Behavioral Sciences		3
GE Area 5UD: Integrative Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences		3
Elective to meet 120 units		4
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60-61