USC Physics and Astronomy

PHYSICS

Bachelor of Science in Physics

The Bachelor of Science degree offers an in-depth and rigorous treatment of physics for students intending to pursue careers in basic science.

Degree listings here reflect current requirements. Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their faculty advisor to determine course selection.

Look at Sample Program
Look at Requirement List

Sample Program

Bachelor of Science Physics

Year 1

Fall	Units
Math 125	4
Chem 115aL	4
Phys 190	1
GE - Social Issues	4
WRIT 140	4

Total	17

Spring	Units
Math 126	4
Chem 115bL	4
Phys 151L	4
GE requirement	4


Total	16

Year 2

Fall	Units
Math 226	4
Phys 152L	4
Foreign Language	4
GE Requirement	4

Total	16

Spring	Units
Math 245	4
Phys 153L	4
Foreign Language	4
GE Requirement	4

Total	16

Year 3

Fall	Units
Math 445	4
Phys 304	4
Foreign Language	4
GE Requirement	4

Total	16

Spring	Units
Phys 316	4
Phys 438a	4
Writ 340	4
Elective	4

Total	16

Year 4

Fall	Units
Phys 408a	4
Phys 438b	4
Phys 492L	4
Elective	4

Total	16

Spring	Units
Phys 408b	4
Phys 440	4
Phys 493L	4
Elective	4

Total	16

Requirement Listing

Required Lower Division Courses		Units	Semester Offered
PHYS 151L	Fundamentals of Physics I	4	FaSpSu
PHYS 152L	Fundamentals of Physics II	4	FaSpSu
PHYS 153L	Fundamentals of Physics III	4	FaSpSu
PHYS 190	Freshman Colloquium	1	Fa
CHEM 115abL*	Advanced General Chemistry	4-4	a-Fa, b-Sp
MATH 125	Calculus I	4	FaSpSu
MATH 126	Calculus II	4	FaSpSu
MATH 226	Calculus III	4	FaSp
MATH 245	Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I	4	FaSp

Required Upper Division Courses		Units
PHYS 304	Mechanics	4	Fa
PHYS 316	Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics	4	Sp Odd Years
PHYS 408ab	Electricity and Magnetism	4-4	a-Fa, b-Sp
PHYS 438ab	Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications	4-4	a-Sp, b-Fa
PHYS 440	Introduction to Solid State Physics	4	Sp Even Years
PHYS 492L	Senior Laboratory	4	Fa
PHYS 493L	Advanced Experimental Techniques	4	Sp
MATH 445	Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II	4	FaSp

Total Units		77

*CHEM 105abL may be substituted for CHEM 115abL

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

The Bachelor of Arts degree is ideal for students pursuing careers in other fields (e.g. law, finance or business management). This degree provides a strong science background in physics, while allowing the flexibility to pursue a minor or double major.