Bachelor of Arts, Physical Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts, Physical Sciences, is an interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students for a greater diversity of professions requiring an understanding of the fundamentals of the physical sciences including courses in the following areas: Astronomy, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, marine sciences, meteorology, and physics. A student may pursue a physical sciences major by electing one of the following three concentrations: Applied physics, earth and space sciences, or environmental sciences.

A student may also pursue a physical sciences major without a concentration by completing sufficient upper-division units in two areas of interest chosen from astronomy, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, marine science, and physics. The student should consult with a departmental adviser as to the areas of interest and to the proper selection of courses to suit his or her aims.

Students interested in teaching science in secondary school; environmental design; technical administration in government and industry; laboratory technology; legal work pertaining to patents; or scientific librarianship and journalism, may elect this major as an opportunity to acquire an education tailored to their individual needs.

The physical sciences major whose interest is in marine geology and physical oceanography will be required to enroll in upper-division course work at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories for fulfillment of major requirements. Refer to the "Marine Science" section of this catalog for description of Moss Landing course offerings.

Physical sciences majors interested in medical school, dental school, and other health professions such as pharmacy, physical therapy, or optometry should work out a plan of study as soon as possible with their major adviser and the Premedical and Health Professions Committee. See the "Premedical and Health Professions" section of this catalog.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Physical Sciences

1. Complete the following lower-division courses (5 units):

• PHYS 2110 Basic Physics II, 5 units, with consent of adviser or
• PHYS 2260 General Physics II, 4 units, and
• PHYS 2262 General Physics Lab II, 1 unit

2. Select a minimum of 15 upper-division units chosen from physical science, astronomy, geology, or physics, with consent of the physical science adviser.

Environmental Sciences Concentration

1. Complete all requirements of the environmental science concentration, 13 upper-division units.

2. Select an additional 11 upper-division units of courses in consultation with the adviser.

Space and Earth Sciences Concentration

1. Select 12 units from the following:

• ASTR 3000 Contemporary Astronomy, 3 units
• ASTR 4200 Planetary and Space Science, 3 units
• GEOL 3000 Physical and Environmental Geology, 4 units
• GEOL 3100, 3110 Earth Science I, II, 6 units
• GEOL 3400 Plate Tectonics, 4 units
• GEOL 4300 Minerals and Crystals, 3 units
• GEOL 4600 Geology of Petroleum, 3 units

2. Select 12 upper-division units in physical sciences or mathematics, in consultation with the adviser. One elective course may be chosen from the following:

• GEOG 3100 Climatology, 3 units
• GEOG 3700 Cartography, 3 units

GEOG 4120 Geomorphology, 3 units