Investigations of nonlinear dynamics include work in collaboration with the UCSC Center for Nonlinear Science. This is followed by courses 101A and 101B, which provide an introduction to relativity and quantum physics using a modest level of mathematics. One course in senior thesis research To prepare thoroughly for graduate work in physics, astronomy, or another natural science, students may need to take additional upper-division courses in physics. In their senior year, physics majors must satisfy the comprehensive requirement for graduation by writing a senior thesis. The thesis, which explores a theoretical or experimental subject of the student s choice, is prepared with guidance from a faculty member and may be based on research the student has carried out in that faculty member s laboratory or under faculty direction.
Further information is available from the department.
There is no thesis requirement for the minor. A more detailed description of the major and minor requirements appears in theUCSC General Catalog. High school students who plan to major in physics at UCSC should complete the courses required for UC admission. Transfer students who are serious about majoring in physics at UCSC should be aware that courses are offered sequentially and sometimes only once a year. Therefore, they should have completed the equivalent of three semesters of physics with laboratory and three semesters of calculus in order to be prepared for upper-division work.