Physics and Astronomy

Approved Advanced Electives for Physics Majors

Your choices of advanced elective classes depend in part on the option that you are enrolled in.  Generally, however, the department encourages students to think broadly, and is open to approving a wide range of STEM courses as advanced electives.

Biophysics:  See Curriculum Sheet

General Physics (7 units) and Integrated Science (3 units):  Students may choose from a wide range of upper-division math, science, or engineering courses.  Classes not from PHY or AST may require a signature from the department chair if they are not already recognized by Peoplesoft.

Particularly recommended courses include:

  • Physics and Astronomy: Any upper-division PHY or AST class not already used to satisfy other requirements, except AST 3050, AST 3420, PHY 3010, and PHY 3020 (which may not be used as advanced electives)
  • Mathematics and Statistics: Any upper-division MAT or STA class except MAT 3940 or MAT 3950.  Particularly useful courses include:
    • MAT 3170 (Laplace Transforms and Fourier Series)
    • MAT 4010 (Introduction to Numerical Analysis I)
    • MAT 4190 (Advanced Linear Algebra)
    • MAT 4310 (Differential Equations)
    • MAT 4440 (Vector and Tensor Analysis)
    • MAT 4850 (Introduction to Mathematical Modeling I)
    • STA 4300 (Introduction to Random Processes)
    • STA 4400 (Mathematical Statistics I)
  • Biology: Any upper-division BIO course except those carrying GE Area B5 credit.
  • Chemistry: Any upper-division CHM course except CHM 3010. CHM 3040 and 3050 (the physical chemistry sequence) may be particularly useful for physics students.
  • Computer Science: Any upper-division CS course except CS 3750.  CS 3010 (Numerical Methods) may be particularly useful for physics students.
  • Geology: Any upper-division GSC course that does not carry GE Area B5 credit.  GSC 3070 (Geophysics) and GSC 4950 (Planetary Science) may be particularly useful for physics students.
  • Upper-division courses from other science or engineering departments, chosen with approval from the Physics and Astronomy Department Chair.