L&S MAJORS

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Physics

Physics historically included the study of all nature, but now constitutes the investigation of the properties and interactions of matter and various forms of energy. It is, therefore, a very fundamental subject upon which other branches of science build. Various specialties in physics include both theoretical and experimental research in high energy particle, mathematical, spectroscopic, condensed matter, space, astro-, atomic, nuclear, bio-, and environmental physics, and many other subfields.

The physical sciences deal primarily with nonliving materials. They include astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology, mineralogy, and physics, as well as computer science. The field major in Physical Sciences has been developed for students who wish to concentrate in the physical sciences on a broader basis than is possible in a departmental major. Two plans are offered within the major, one for students intending a career in environmental or health science and one with an emphasis on physical science.

Plan A is based on the Physics 8A-8B sequence, which is required of biology students, and the Mathematics 16A-16B sequence, which is required in part by biology departments. Through this plan, a student preparing for a career in environmental or health science may major in physical science and at the same time acquire the necessary pre-professional preparation. For example, Plan A, together with organic chemistry and a year of biology, will meet the entrance requirements for most medical schools.

Plan B is based on Physics 7A-7B-7C and the Mathematics 1A-1B sequences, which are required by physical science and engineering departments. Within this plan, it is possible to complete much of the departmental major, for example, in chemistry or physics, while also studying astronomy, computer science, or geology.

Lower Division Requirements for the Physics Major

  • Mathematics 1A-1B, 53, 54
  • Physics 7A-7B-7C

Recommended: A one-year sequence of college-level chemistry, if a student has not had a substantial chemistry course in high school. An introductory course in computer science, if a student is not familiar with a computer programming language.

Lower Division Requirements for the Field Major in Physical Sciences

Plan A (broad introduction to physical science):

  • Chemistry 1A-1B
  • Computer Science 3
  • Mathematics 16A-16B, 55
  • Physics 8A-8B

Plan B (option of departmental concentration):

  • Astronomy 7A, 7B, 149, or 169; or Geology 50/50L or 100A
  • Chemistry 1A-1B or 4A-4B
  • Mathematics 1A-1B, 53, 54
  • Physics 7A-7B-7C

Departmental Contact

Claudia Trujillo
trujillo@physics.berkeley.edu
368 LeConte Hall
(510) 642-0481

General Catalog Description

http://sis.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=PHYSICS

Departmental Website

http://www.physics.berkeley.edu/

Other Majors to Consider

Astrophysics
Earth & Planetary Science
Geography
Environmental Sciences
Chemistry