Area of Focus
  • Science & Math
Degrees Offered
  • B.S.
  • M.S.
  • Ph.D.
  • Undergraduate Minor
Academic Division
  • Physical and Biological Sciences
Department
  • Physics

On This Page

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Program overview

Physics seeks to discover the fundamental regularities or “laws” that govern our universe and to apply these laws to explain the behavior of fundamental and complex systems. The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics. Physics major students have an option to complete the Quantum Information Science concentration, while applied physics students are offered the Computational Physics concentration. These programs prepare students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics and astronomy, for engineering and other technical positions in industry, and for careers in education. With appropriate courses in other disciplines, these majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation.

For more information about the physics program requirements, please see the program description in the General Catalog.

Students studying

Learning Experience

Study and Research Opportunities

  • B.S., M.S., Ph.D., undergraduate minor, and a combined B.S./M.S. degree
  • The physics major offers a new concentration in Quantum Information Science.
  • The number of research opportunities for physics undergraduates is exceptionally high, with many students working with faculty in Astronomy and Astrophysics as well as Physics.
  • The option of a senior thesis enables students to interact professionally in even more depth with faculty in a research environment.
  • The California Teach program at UCSC supports student outreach, advises students, and arranges teaching internships for Science Education.

First-Year Requirements

High school students coming directly to UCSC should emphasize their math preparation with the expectation that they will take the calculus course Math 19A in their first quarter at UCSC in order to start taking Physics 5, the calculus based physics series, in their second quarter. First-year students who successfully completed AP calculus in high school with a suitable score, will be given credit for Math 19A and be able to start Physics 5 in their first quarter. Students are recommended to take a physics course in high school if it is available, preferably at the AP level.

Find more information on first-year requirements
Anthony Aguirre

Transfer Requirements

This is a screening major. Students transferring to UCSC as junior physics, astrophysics, or applied physics majors should have completed the equivalent of three quarters of introductory calculus-based physics with laboratory and the equivalent of three quarters of calculus. It is also desirable to have an introductory course in modern physics as well as mathematics courses in linear algebra, vector calculus, and differential equations. The Physics Department advises each junior transfer student individually upon their arrival.

Find more information on transfer requirements
Lab students

Internships and Career Opportunities

  • Physics research
  • Business and industry
  • Computer hardware and software
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Professional schools
  • Patent law

These are only samples of the field’s many possibilities. 

 

Program Contact

Physics Program


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​​​​​​apartment Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, Rm 211
email physicsadvising@ucsc.edu
phone (831) 459-3744