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Physics

Overview

The Physics major aims to inspire students with a passion for science in general and physics in particular, so they become creative thinkers and can fulfill their full potential as global citizens.  The major provides a rigorous background in basic physics through coursework and encourages the students to participate in leading edge research with faculty. The education will provide the students with science based mathematical, writing and analytical skills, prepared to join the technologically trained workforce in a broad range of fields such as education, medicine, law, engineering or science in industry, academia and government.

The major offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in Physics.  The B.A. degree is ideal for students who want a liberal arts education and future careers in law, business or policy with training in physics that may be useful in patent law, high tech business management or sales and technology policy.   The B.S. degree offers several tracks:  Standard track, Applied Physics and Engineering track, Astrophysics track, Biophysics track, and the Physics Education track.

The extensive course offerings and modern facilities within the department, coupled with close, personal counseling by faculty advisors, provide students with a physics program that is characterized by its breadth and flexibility. Students are also encouraged to participate in undergraduate research during their time at UCR. The hands-on experience gained from this can be invaluable for their future careers. 

The core requirements begin with our freshman seminar, Physics 39, focusing on physics-related careers and research while setting expectations for the undergraduate major experience.  The requirements culminate with our capstone advanced laboratory course, Physics 142L, which provides an equipment-rich, open-ended laboratory experience where students apply, integrate and further develop the knowledge and skills they have acquired while pursuing their major. 

Visit the Physics Department website

Physics Advising

Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to the Physics major.

  • Change of Major Criteria for Physics
    Student must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above) to declare a major. Grades of a C- or better must be earned in attempted math and science course work. In addition, no more than 16 units of repeated course work for the major is accepted. If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is also required.  Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units.  AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. 

    Freshman (up to 44.9 units)

    Sophomore (45 - 89.9  units)

    Junior (90 - 134.9 units)

    Senior (135 units & above)

    Completion of...

    • MATH 009A

    Completion of...

    • MATH 009A
    • MATH 009B
    • MATH 009C
    • PHYS 2A/2LA and PHYS 2B/2LB or PHYS 40A and PHYS 40B or PHYS 41A and PHYS 41B

    Completion of...

    • MATH 009A
    • MATH 009B
    • MATH 009C
    • PHYS 2A/2LA, 2B/2LB, 2C/2LC or PHYS 40A, 40B, 40C or PHYS 41A , PHYS 41B, PHYS 41C
    • CHEM 1A/ 1LA
    • CS 10

    Completion of...

    • MATH 009A
    • MATH 009B
    • MATH 009C
    • PHYS 2A/2LA, 2B/2LB, 2C/2LC or PHYS 40A, 40B, 40C or PHYS 41A, PHYS 41B, PHYS 41C
    • CHEM 1A/1LA
    • CS 10
    • PHYS 130A
    •  PHYS 130B
    • PHYS 135A
    • PHYS 135B
    • PHYS 132
  • Additional Information about the Physics Major
    Physics Additional Documents
  • Course Planning Materials for Physics

    Physics Degree Summary Sheets

    Degree Summary Sheets do not replace the UCR catalog. Consult with advisor for inquiries regarding major requirements. 

     

    Physics Sample Four-Year Course Plans

    Sample Plans do not replace the UCR catalog. Consult with advisor for a personalized plan based on individual record. 


    Physics Schedule of Course Offerings
     

     

  • Minor in Physics
    To declare a minor, students must: be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above); complete 2 upper-division courses required for the minor with a C or better; and be able to complete both your major and minor within the 216 unit maximum.  *AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining 216 unit maximum.   Minors must be declared no later than 2 quarters prior to a student's expected graduation term.   A minimum of 16 upper-division units must be unique to the minor; additional upper-division units beyond those unique 16 may also be used toward major requirements if applicable.

    Physics Minor requirements

    The minor in Physics consists of 26 upper-division units in Physics.  A minimum of 16 units must be unique to the minor and may not be used to satisfy major requirements.

    1. First Tier (16 units)
      • PHYS 130A
      • PHYS 132
      • PHYS 135A
      • One Upper Division Physics elective from PHYS 111, PHYS 150A, PHYS 151, PHYS 164, PHYS 165, PHYS 166, PHYS 177
    2. Second Tier: at least 10 units from any upper-division Physics courses not chosen in the First Tier.
      • The combined units from the First and Second Tiers should add to at least 26.
    3. No more than 4 units of 190-199 courses may be used to fulfill the upper-division units for the minor.
  • Alternatives to Introductory PHYS series

    Physics majors are strongly encouraged to take the physics 41ABC series.  The advantages of the physics 41ABC series are:

    1. Small class size.  The 41ABC classes typically have 20 to 40 enrolled students, most of which are physics majors.  This means you will get to know well the other physics majors as you go through the physics 41ABC series.  You will also have much more interaction with the instructor.  The enrollment in a Phys 40ABC or 2ABC class is typically 200 to 280 students.
    2. Flexible modern instructional format.  Physics 41ABC has its own dedicated lab room.  This allows the instructor to freely mix classroom and lab activities in an optimal way.
    3. Introductory physics is completed in the first year.  The physics 41ABC series is the only path that will allow you to complete introductory physics in the first year.  This has several advantages.  One significant advantage is that allows you to begin upper-division physics courses in your second year.  This is particularly important for students who are considering graduate school.  By completing the 41ABC series in your first year, you will be able to complete all of the core physics lecture courses by the end of your third year.  You will also be well prepared to engage in research starting in your first summer.  For all other paths (see below), you must take phys 41C in the spring quarter of your second year.

    However, the following alternative paths will satisfy the introductory physics requirement for the major.  Please consult your physics faculty academic advisor before committing to an alternative path.  Students who wish to change their major to physics may follow any of the paths below.  If you have already started taking introductory physics, you do not need to start over with physics 41ABC.

    • 24 units of lower division Physics 41ABC can be substituted with:
    • 40A, 40B, 40C and 41C (23 units)
    • 40A, 40B, 41B, and 41C (26 units)
    • 40A with C- or better, 41B, and 41C (21 units) plus 4 additional units of upper division Physics elective
    • 2A with B- or better, 41B, and 41C (21 units) plus 4 additional units of upper division Physics elective
    • 2A, 2B with B- or better, 41C (18 units) plus 8 additional units of upper division elective, 4 in Physics and 4 in any Science/Math/Engineering
    • 2A, 2B, 2C with B- or better (15 units) plus 12 additional units of upper division elective, 8 in Physics and 4 in any Science/Math/Engineering

Physics Academic Advisors

CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals.  Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.

Berru, P
Pete Berru
Physics Advisor
Advising Caseload: A - Z
Phone: 951-827-2807
Availability: MyAdvising.ucr.edu

Physics Lead Faculty Advisor

A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major.  Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships.  Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.

 
Dr. Owen Long
Physics Lead Faculty Advisor
Email: owen.long@ucr.edu 
Phone: 951-827-6084
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