Physical Sciences
The Physical Sciences field major at Berkeley has been developed for students who wish to concentrate on the physical sciences on a broader basis than is possible in a departmental major. Two plans are offered, one for students intending a career in environmental or health science and one with an emphasis on physical science.
Physics is the study of the universe, from the very large (star formation, cosmic microwave background radiation) to the very small (nanotechnology, atomic cooling and trapping, string theory), and everything in between (biophysics, and the physics of solid state devices). The Physics major at Berkeley provides a broad and solid background in fundamental physics through introductory course work, and, for those interested in current research, an opportunity to work with some of the top research groups worldwide.
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 #7300
(510) 642-0481
General Catalog Description
http://sis.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=PHYSICS
Departmental Website
http://physics.berkeley.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=180&Itemid=422
Other Majors to Consider
Astrophysics
Earth & Planetary Science
Geography
Environmental Sciences
Chemistry