<aside> ☑️ Here's what we recommend that you do if you are considering the physics major:
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[ ] Join our communication channels to stay plugged into the physics community's news, events, posts, and updates.
[ ] Explore the following resources: Physics tutoring, UCB Physics Wiki for Undergrads, Physics Student Organizations, and the Physics Major Map, as well as the physics major prerequisites (listed below), and familiarize yourself with other tips and resources linked in the main page.
[ ] Consider enrolling in Physics 98BC (for freshmen and sophomores) or Physics 198BC (for juniors and seniors). These are one-unit, Pass/No Pass Berkeley Connect courses that introduce you to physics resources, community and mentors.
[ ] Join a Physics Student Organization, attend an event and/or physics colloquium, meet with your physics major advisor, form study groups, visit professor and GSI office hours, and explore low-stress, student-led physics research opportunities via ULAB (or other research opportunities). Basically, find community in physics in whichever way(s) work for you. Physics is challenging, but there are many options available to find support and resources. Take advantage of them!
[ ] Random additional tip: Be mindful of all L&S deadlines so you know by when you need to add/drop classes, change units or grading option, withdraw without fee, etc. if necessary. These deadlines are usually listed on the L&S Advising website.
Physics major prerequisites are listed in the table below and are more comprehensively outlined here. All undergraduate physics course descriptions can be found here. We accept high school exam credits for the math courses according to **these guidelines** outlined by the Math Department. Math course equivalents articulated on **Assist.org** are also accepted for the math prerequisites. However, high school exam credits CANNOT be used to satisfy any physics courses, and individual physics California Community College (CCC) courses are subject to review if the entire physics series was not taken at the CCC.
Additional notes: The Physics 5-series (i.e., Physics 5A, 5B, 5BL, 5C, and 5CL) is the honors version of the Physics 7-series. It is only recommended for students who have a strong physics background (e.g., from high school AP physics). Also, only students double majoring in math and physics (or transfer students who took the equivalent course prior to matriculating) can use Math 54 instead of Physics 89. All other students must take Physics 89. Lastly, note that Math N53 will not be accepted in place of Math N53. Please review the more comprehensive outline of the physics major program linked above for more details. As always, email your advisor if you have any questions!
Physics Major Prerequisites (typical sequence)