The applied physics major combines a solid preparation in fundamental physics with courses in an applied area (e.g., applied physics, electrical engineering, biology, or computer science) and an applied senior thesis. It is excellent preparation for students who will have careers in industry upon graduation, as well as for students who will go on to graduate or professional school in physics, engineering, law, medicine, or teaching. The major provides a large number of elective choices. For more information about the applied physics program requirements, please see the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs web site at undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu.

The major difference of the applied physics major from the regular physics major is the emphasis on breadth. Thus the lower division includes a course in chemistry and one in computer science. The upper-division requirements of the applied physics major offer the opportunity to take a wide range of electives, not only in physics, but also in other science disciplines. Faculty are available to discuss career goals and the courses appropriate to the pursuit of those goals. 

Study and Research Opportunities

• B.S.
• There are many research opportunities for undergraduates both on and off campus.
• The applied senior thesis offers the opportunity for career-relevant research.

High School Preparation

High school students wishing to major in applied physics should be prepared to take calculus in their first quarter at UC Santa Cruz so that they can concurrently take the Physics 5 series, calculus-based physics for physics majors. Students should be sure to take high-school chemistry. High-school physics is strongly recommended but not required.

Transfer Preparation

Transfer students must prepare themselves by taking courses equivalent to the lower-division requirements for the physics major. Due to the prerequisite structure for upper-division courses, it is imperative for prospective transfer students to have completed all, or as many of the lower-division requirements for the major as possible to complete the degree within a reasonable time. Transfer students must complete courses equivalent to the Physics 5 series, the calculus-based physics course for physics majors, with a GPA of 2.70 or higher before they transfer to be permitted to declare a physics major.

The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) will not provide transfer students with enough mathematics and science courses to allow them to complete the program at UC Santa Cruz in two years. Prospective transfer students should visit the Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs web site at undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu for further information (see the More Information section). In addition, please see the Lower-Division Requirements section.

Lower-Division Requirements

The required lower-division courses for the applied physics major are normally completed during the first two years at UC Santa Cruz, beginning immediately with Physics 5A/L in the first quarter of freshman year:

• Physics 5A/L, Introduction to Physics I with Laboratory
• Physics 5B/M, Introduction to Physics II with Laboratory
• Physics 5C/N, Introduction to Physics III with Laboratory
• Physics 5D, Heat, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics
• Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (two quarters), or Mathematics 20A-B, Honors Calculus (two quarters)
• Mathematics 23A-B, Multivariable Calculus (two quarters)
• Chemistry 1A, General Chemistry
• Computer Science 5C, Introduction to Programming in C/C++

It is important that all prospective majors take Physics 5A/L and Mathematics 19A the first quarter of their freshman year in order to remain on track to complete the major in the normal time frame.

Careers

The applied physics major is an ideal preparation for entry into almost any technical industry or graduate school. Applied physics majors will often go to work with the title of engineer. However, their broader background than that of a typical engineer will both allow them to adapt readily to changing technology and provide them with many of the tools needed to advance. Careers beyond physics and engineering open to the applied physics major include, among many others, biophysics, geophysics, computer science, law, and medicine. The major is also excellent preparation for teaching when accompanied by the required credentials or advanced degrees.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is available from Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs. Each physics major is also assigned their own faculty advisor, with whom they can develop a mentoring relationship during their time here. Academic advising concentrates on class scheduling and degree requirements, while faculty advising provides guidance on career paths, graduate school, and study strategies. Undergraduate Affairs publishes the web site at undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu, which contains detailed information about the degree programs, sample schedules, transferring credit, placement exams, faculty research, and opportunities in the Physical and Biological Sciences majors.

More Information

Undergraduate Affairs
Physical and Biological Sciences
387 Thimann Laboratories
University of California, Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, California 95064
(831) 459-4143
physicsadvising@ucsc.edu