Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, Custom Emphasis, B.S.


Requirements for the Physics Major


Physics Requirements (79-82 units): To receive the B.S. in Physics, students must adhere to General Education  and School of Natural Sciences Requirements . The Physics major consists of 21 courses (11 lower division and 13 upper division) designed to give all students a common foundation of core knowledge specific to the discipline.

Upper Division Core Physics Courses [20 Units]


Minicourses [8 Units]


The minicourses are half-semester courses designed to round out a student’s core training in physics. Physics majors are required to take all four of these minicourses.

Senior Thesis Research [4 Units]


All students are required to complete a senior thesis consisting of independent research performed under the tutelage of a faculty advisor. Typically, this research is the culmination of a student’s emphasis track (see below). The thesis advisor may be a  faculty member in either physics or another discipline, allowing for the possibility of cross-disciplinary research projects. To complete the thesis, a student must take (at least) 2 units of PHYS 195  and 2 units of PHYS 196 , typically in the fall and spring, respectively, of the senior year.

Custom Emphasis


A customized track must consist of at least 12 units. Typically, the track includes the three upper division physics electives and culminates with the student’s senior thesis (PHYS 195 /PHYS 196 ). Other upper division courses may be substituted for the two physics electives if they are deemed appropriate to the track. Any customized emphasis track must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor at least two semesters prior to completion of the degree.

Transfer Students


To be admitted to the Physics major transfer students must meet the following requirements:

Applicants will, at the time of admission have completed at minimum each of the following courses (or their equivalent) with a “C-” or better:

Additional Information


Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.8 in transferable courses. Any outstanding General Education and Major preparation coursework will be completed at UC Merced. Students should also consult the Information for Prospective Students link on the School of Natural Sciences website naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu for more information.