Program Description
The Physics program serves multiple roles in the College’s educational system. Not only does it prepare students for advanced study and professional work in physics and other physical sciences such as geophysics, atmospheric physics, astronomy, etc., but it also provides the necessary education in physics for students of other sciences.
In view of the highly technological nature of the society in which we live, the department also places high priority on the education of the non-science student. The Physics program faculty participate in teaching the SCI courses, which are designed to help these students achieve an understanding of the methods and goals of science and to provide them an opportunity to seriously consider and discuss important socio-scientific-technological questions.
Although the minimum degree requirements are stated below, majors in Physics who plan to pursue careers as professional physicists are advised to take additional physics and mathematics courses. Members of the Physics faculty will be pleased to provide counseling on recommended programs to any students who may wish to pursue this major. For student learning objectives and more information, visit our website at www.csub.edu/Physics.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| 3 |
| 5 | 0 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 5 | 0 |
| 3 |
| 1 |
| 4 | 0 |
| 3 |
| 2 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 | 0 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 1 |
| PHYS 1010 | Physics Freshman Orientation I | 1 |
| PHYS 1020 | Physics Freshman Orientation II | 1 |
| PHYS 2010 | Physics Sophomore Orientation I | 1 |
| PHYS 2020 | Physics Sophomore Orientation II | 1 |
| PHYS 2070 | Electric Circuits | 4 |
| PHYS 2210 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 4 |
| PHYS 2220 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 4 |
| PHYS 2230 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers III | 4 |
| PHYS 3010 | Intermediate Laboratory in Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3070 | Analog Electronics | 3 |
| PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics I | 2 |
| PHYS 3120 | Classical Mechanics II | 2 |
| PHYS 3210 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 2 |
| PHYS 3220 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 2 |
| PHYS 3310 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3500 | Mathematical Methods for Physical Sciences & Engineering | 2 |
| PHYS 3510 | Modern Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 4010 | Advanced Laboratory in Modern Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 4410 | Quantum Mechanics I | 2 |
| PHYS 4420 | Quantum Mechanics II | 2 |
| PHYS 4900 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| 1 | 6 |
| Statistical Mechanics | |
| Scientific Computing | |
| Condensed-Matter Physics | |
| Atomic and Molecular Physics | |
| Special Topics in Physics | |
| Research Participation | |
| MATH 2310 | Single Variable Calculus I for Engineers | 4 |
| or MATH 2510 | Single Variable Calculus I |
| MATH 2320 | Single Variable Calculus II for Engineers | 4 |
| or MATH 2520 | Single Variable Calculus II |
| MATH 2533 | Multivariable and Vector Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 2540 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 4 |
| CHEM 1000 | Foundations of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 1001 | Foundations of Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| Total Units | 120 |
Note: One (1) semester unit of credit normally represents one hour of in-class work and 2-3 hours of outside study per week.
Academic Regulations
A grade of “C- “in PHYS 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and PHYS 2220 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II is the minimal grade acceptable for progression into subsequent Physics courses. Students who fail to achieve at least a “C- “may repeat the course. If a course is satisfactorily completed, the prior unsatisfactory grade will no longer bar a student from continuing in the Physics program.
