Degree Programs

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.

Requirements

1. Complete University requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (51 units minimum). 2. Complete the following prerequisites to the major (26 units):

PHYS 2250, 2260 General Physics I, II, 8 units, and
PHYS 2252, 2262 General Physics Lab I, II, 2 units, or
PHYS 2100, 2110 Basic Physics I, II, 10 units
CHEM 1100, 1110 Principles of Chemistry I, II, 10 units
MATH 1410, 1420 Calculus I, II, 8 units

Note: Students interested in earth science and astronomy may substitute:

MATH 1600 Statistics, 4 units
PHYS 2600 Computer Programming with Applications, 2 units

3. Complete the major of not less than 24 upper-division units of physical sciences.

4. No courses graded CR may be counted toward the major except for 8 units taken in courses graded exclusively CR/NC.

5. No minor is required.

The Major

Complete upper-division courses of not less than 24 units by satisfying either 1 or 2 below:

1. The student who pursues a physical sciences major without a concentration must select two areas of interest in physical sciences and complete upper-division courses of not less than 12 units from these areas. The student may, in consultation with the adviser, complete any other courses in physical sciences or mathematics to meet the total required for the major of 24 upper-division units.

2. The student may also pursue a physical sciences major by completing one of theg concentrations and other appropriate upper-division courses to satisfy the total required units for the major of 24 upper-division units.