Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, Biophysics Emphasis, B.S.


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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.

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.

Biophysics Emphasis


Biophysics Emphasis Upper Division Electives


Students must complete at least two additional upper division BIO/BIOE electives from this list. Other courses may be substituted with advisor approval. It is also highly recommended students take the lower division course BIO 001  as a free elective.

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.

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