Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Physics for Teaching

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Physics for Teaching is a suggested plan of study that requires a minimum of 120 total units. The major requires 66 units, and students should consult with an advisor to ensure they meet all the requirements.

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the courses students should take each semester to complete the degree in a timely manner.

• First Semester:
  • MATH 197: Prelude to Calculus I (3 units)
  • PHYS 200: Planning for Success as a Physics & Astronomy Major (1 unit)
  • GE Area 1: English Communication (3 units)
  • GE Area 3: Arts and Humanities (3 units)
  • GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
• Second Semester:
  • MATH 198: Prelude to Calculus II (3 units)
  • GE Area 1A: English Composition (3 units)
  • GE Area 1: English Communication (3 units)
  • GE Area 3: Arts and Humanities (3 units)
• Third Semester:
  • MATH 226: Calculus I (4 units)
  • GE Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
  • GE Area 5B: Biological Science (3 units)
  • U.S. and California Government (3 units)
• Fourth Semester:
  • MATH 227: Calculus II (4 units)
  • PHYS 220 & PHYS 222: General Physics with Calculus I and General Physics with Calculus I Laboratory (4 units)
  • GE Area 6: Ethnic Studies (3 units)
  • SF State Studies or University Elective (3 units)
• Fifth Semester:
  • Select One: CSC 309, MATH 209, or MATH 228 (3-4 units)
  • PHYS 230 & PHYS 232: General Physics with Calculus II and General Physics with Calculus II Laboratory (4 units)
  • GE Area 5UD or 2UD: Upper-Division Sciences or Upper-Division Mathematical Concepts (3 units)
• Sixth Semester:
  • Select One: MATH 225 or MATH 245 (3 units)
  • PHYS 240 & PHYS 242: General Physics with Calculus III and General Physics with Calculus III Laboratory (4 units)
  • GE Area 3UD: Upper-Division Arts or Humanities (3 units)
  • GE Area 4UD: Upper-Division Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
• Seventh Semester:
  • PHYS 320: Modern Physics I (3 units)
  • PHYS 321: Modern Physics Laboratory (2 units)
  • PHYS 330: Analytical Mechanics I (3 units)
  • PHYS 385: Introduction to Theoretical Physics I (3 units)
  • Select One: MATH 376 or SF State Studies or University Elective (3 units)
• Eighth Semester:
  • PHYS 360: Electricity and Magnetism I (3 units)
  • PHYS 370: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 units)
  • Major Elective (9-12 units total) - Take Three (9 units)
• Ninth Semester:
  • Select One: E ED 655, MATH 375, or PHYS 491GW (3 units)
  • Select One: Major Elective or SF State Studies or University Elective (3 units)
  • SF State Studies or University Elective (3 units)

Major Electives

Students who choose MATH 245 require 12 units of electives, while students who choose MATH 225 & MATH 376 require 9 units of electives. These electives are selected in consultation with a faculty advisor to prepare students to teach a second subject in addition to physics or general science at a 9th-grade level. Electives may be lower-division or upper-division courses.