Physics 10 Year Series

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Pelagio Bosch

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Aug 3, 2024, 12:20:23 PM8/3/24

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Physics 1 is a two-quarter sequence requiring some mathematics (trigonometry). Either 1A alone or both quarters may be taken. The sequence is not intended to satisfy entrance requirements of a year of physics for professional schools, but will satisfy requirements of 3 or 6 units of physics.

The sequence of material, content, and structure in Physics 7 is different from that in most traditionally taught introductory physics courses.The emphasis of the course structure is on collaborative learning during discussion labs rather than the traditional lecture format.The first course in the series, Physics 7A focuses on conservation principles, energy, and thermodynamics, in order to help students familiar with chemistry transition into physics. Physics 7B starts by applying conservation principles to fluids and circuits, while the remainder of the course is most like the first quarter or semester of traditionally taught courses which cover classical mechanics. Physics 7C is most like the last quarter or semester which, in traditionally taught courses, cover waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

If you have completed one introductory quarter or semester of a traditionally taught physics course and want to continue with Physics 7, you should first take (and will receive full credit for) Physics 7A. Then, take the part of 7B which covers fluids and circuits and receive reduced credit. Next, take 7C for full credit.

If you have taken two quarters of a year-long introductory physics course and have not had extensive work in optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics, you should take Physics 7C. In no case should you take Physics 7B without first taking Physics 7A. All other situations should be discussed directly with a Physics 7 instructor.
Students not intending to take the entire sequence should take Physics 1.

Physics 9 is a four-quarter sequence using calculus throughout and including laboratory work as an integral part. The course is primarily for students in the physical sciences and engineering.

Physics 9H is a five-quarter honors physics sequence, which may be taken instead of Physics 9. It is intended primarily for first-year students with a strong interest in physics and with advanced placement in mathematics. In course requirements and prerequisites, Physics 9HA-9HE can be substituted for Physics 9A-9D. You may not switch between the 9H and 9 series beyond 9HA or 9A.

PHY 49. Supplementary Work in Lower Division Physics (1-3 units)
Students with partial credit in lower division physics courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading. May be repeated for credit.

Note: The Department of Physics will endeavor to offer as many of the courses listed below as possible; however, not all courses are offered every quarter, every year, or on a regular basis. Courses required for the major may be scheduled on the same day and/or same time. Students are strongly advised to check the Schedule of Classes or for the most up-to-date information. This is of particular importance in planning schedules to meet minimum graduation requirements in a timely fashion.

The PHYS 2 sequence is calculus based and is intended for physical science majors and engineering majors and those biological science majors with strong mathematical aptitude as it uses advanced calculus.

The PHYS 4 sequence is calculus based and provides a solid foundation for the core upper-division physics program. The PHYS 4 sequence is required for all physics majors and other students pursuing enrollment in core upper-division physics (i.e., courses in the PHYS 100, 105, 110, 120, 130, and 140 series).

First quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course, geared toward life-science majors. Equilibrium and motion of particles in one and two dimensions in the framework of Newtonian mechanics, force laws (including gravity), energy, momentum, rotational motion, conservation laws, and fluids. Examples will be drawn from astronomy, biology, sports, and current events. PHYS 1A and 1AL are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both. Students continuing to PHYS 1B/1BL will also need MATH 10B or 20B. Prerequisites: MATH 10A or 20A. Recommended preparation: concurrent or prior enrollment in MATH 10B or 20B.

Physics laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1A. Experiments in Mechanics. PHYS 1A and 1AL are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both. Students continuing to PHYS 1B/1BL will also need MATH 10B or 20B. Prerequisites: MATH 10A or 20A. Recommended preparation: concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1A and MATH 10B or 20B.

Physics laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1B. Experiments in electricity and magnetism. Program or materials fee may apply. PHYS 1B and 1BL are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both. Prerequisites: PHYS 1A or 2A, 1AL or 2BL, and MATH 10B or 20B. Recommended preparation: concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1B.

Third quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course geared toward life-science majors. The physics of oscillations and waves, vibrating strings and sound, and the interaction of light with matter as illustrated through optics and quantum mechanics. Examples from biology, sports, medicine, and current events. PHYS 1C and 1CL are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both. Prerequisites: PHYS 1B or 2B, and MATH 10B or 20B.

Physics laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1C. Experiments in waves, optics, and modern physics. Program or materials fee may apply. PHYS 1C and 1CL are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both. Prerequisites: PHYS 1B or 2B, 1BL or 2CL, and MATH 10B or 20B. Recommended preparation: concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1C.

The Saturday Physics Series consists of five to seven scheduled talks oriented toward adults and high school students. Lectures occur on specific Saturdays afternoons throughout the school year, typically in Duane G1B30. Unless otherwise noted, lectures begin at 2:30 p.m., and usually last about one hour. Material is aimed at the level of high school juniors and seniors. The series is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. Simply show up and enjoy the show!

The following reflects UCSD physics 1 and 2 series course policies, protocols, and procedures effective through summer 2025. Policies can change from time-to-time, so please be sure to check this webpage for updates.

**Problem Sessions (PBs) are typically used for going over homework. PBs are not formal parts of classes, so students cannot be required to participate in these sessions and the ability to succeed in the class cannot be dependent upon participation in these sessions. PB sessions are scheduled upon request by the instructor/TA, only, and these sections typically get added to the schedule sometime after week 2.

With the exception of PHYS 2AR which is only offered in summer session 1, PHYS 1 and PHYS 2 series courses are offered in-person, only, including lectures and labs. PHYS 2AR may not be offered beyond the year 2025.

Yes, the campus repeat policy applies between PHYS 2A and PHYS 2AR since they are the same course, but taught in different modalities. After enrolling in the course that will be the repeat, check your UCSD record to ensure that the repeat code is listed. If not, please contact academi...@ucsd.edu to request that the repeat code be added.

It depends (see each individual course description in the catalog for more information). Keep in mind that enrollment eligibility is strictly based on course prerequisites (see the PREREQUISITES section for more on that topic).

The 1 series is aimed towards biology and other life sciences. The 2 series is aimed towards physical sciences and engineering. Check with your major department to see whether or not the 1 and/or 2 series is accepted for your major/specialization and to find out what series they expect/recommend that you to take.

Please click here to see advice on pre-med requirements and work with your major department and/or your college to map in pre-med requirements on your plan for graduation. Please note that the Physics Department cannot advise you on which courses or combinations of courses medical schools may accept and the Physics Department cannot advise you on how a medical school may view your courses/grades. You must contact a medical school, directly, for this type of information since they have sole authority over this and do not share this type of information with the Physics Department.

Though topics are similar in the 1 and 2 series, the courses are at different levels and are aimed at different areas, making them unique enough that students are able to receive full credit for both.

Enrolling in a particular PHYS 1 or 2 series course is strictly contingent upon meeting the prerequisites for it (see prereq section, below). However, if you decide to switch between series, it's essential to ensure that your major/minor department (or college) will accept the combination of courses. Eligibility to enroll does not guarantee acceptance by your major/minor department (or college). Please contact your major/minor department (or college) via VAC to inquire about which specific courses they will accept towards their requirements, as they have sole authority over this matter.