Sonoma State University Department of Physics and Astronomy

The B.S. program is a thorough introduction to the principles of physics, providing a strong foundation for graduate study or industrial research. It is also intended for those students who wish to prepare for interdisciplinary studies on the graduate level in fields such as astronomy, atmospheric science, biophysics, environmental science, geophysics, and physical oceanography.

Degree Requirements
Major Requirements (may include 5 in GE)		46
Supporting Courses (may include 4 in GE)		25
Remainder of General Education		42
General Electives		11
Total units needed for graduation		124
Major Core Requirements
PHYS   114	Introduction to Physics I (may be applied to GE)	4
PHYS   116	Introductory Laboratory Experience (may be applied to GE)	1
PHYS   214	Introduction to Physics II	4
PHYS   216	Introductory Laboratory	1
PHYS   313	Analog and Digital Electronics	3
PHYS   313L	Analog and Digital Electronics Laboratory	1
PHYS   314	Introduction to Physics III	4
PHYS   316	Introductory Quantum Laboratory	1
PHYS   320	Analytical Mechanics	3
PHYS   325	Introduction to Mathematical Physics	3
PHYS   340	Light and Optics	3
PHYS   381	Computer Applications for Scientists	2
PHYS   430	Electricity and Magnetism	3
PHYS   450	Statistical Physics	2
PHYS   460	Quantum Physics	3
Total units in the major core		38
Major Electives (Advanced)
ASTR   380	Astrophysics: Stars	3
ASTR   482	Advanced Observational Astronomy	2
ASTR   495	Special Studies	1-4
PHYS   333	Precision Machining for Experimental Physics	1
PHYS   400	History of Physical Science	3
PHYS   413	Advanced Electronics	3
PHYS   413L	Advanced Electronics Laboratory	1
PHYS   445	Lasers, Fiber Optics, and Detectors	3
PHYS   447	Lasers and Holography Laboratory	1
PHYS   449	Fiber Optics and Detectors Laboratory	1
PHYS   475	Physics of Semiconductor Devices	3
PHYS   481	Applied Nuclear Chemistry and Physics	2
PHYS   482	Applied Nuclear Chemistry and Physics Laboratory	2
PHYS   494	Physics Seminar	1
PHYS   495	Special Studies	1-4
PHYS   497	Undergraduate Research in Physics	3
No more than 4 units total in ASTR 495 and PHYS 494, 495, and 497 may be used to fulfill this requirement. Certain selected topics courses, ASTR or PHYS 396, may be approved by the advisor.
Total units in the advanced electives		8
Required Supporting Courses
MATH   161	Calculus I (3 units may be applied in GE)	4
MATH   211	Calculus II	4
MATH   261	Calculus III	4
MATH   231	Introduction to Differential Equations	3
CHEM   115AB, 116AB	General Chemistry (1 unit may be applied to GE)	10
Total units in supporting courses		25
Total units in the major		71

Sample Four-Year Program
Courses and Degrees	Department of Physics and Astronomy

created by at last updated 1998-04-02 by JST