Minor in Physics

Download Physics Minor Sheet [PDF]

The Minor in Physics requires a minimum of 18 units of upper-division physics courses. It is only available to students enrolled in the College of Letters and Science and College of Creative Studies. Students have significant freedom in selecting courses.

Preparation for the Minor

  • Math 3A-B-C Calculus with applications
  • Math 5A-B-C Advanced calculus with applications
  • Physics 1-2-3-4-5 (or 20-21-22-23-24-25), 3L-4L-5L - Basic or General Physics, with labs

Upper Division Minor

18 units of upper division physics courses distributed as follows:

  • 3 courses chosen from the following: Phys 100A, 105A-B, 110A-B-C, 115A-B, 119A-B
  • 6-9 units of Upper Division Physics Electives

Regulations for Minor Degree Candidates

Students must consult the College Catalog for prerequisites to required courses.

The following conditions must also be met for official recognition for the minor:

  • The sponsoring department reports completion of the minor prior to the posting of the degree.
  • At least 18 upper-division quarter units are completed for the minor (Waivers cannot reduce the requirement below this number).
  • At least 12 of the upper-division units for the minor are completed while in residence at UCSB.
  • The UC grade-point average in pertinent upper-division courses is 2.0 or higher.
  • No more than 5 upper-division units overlap between this minor and the upper-division portion of the major(s) or the other minor(s). If overlap is greater with the major(s), completion of the minor will not be formally recognized; if overlap is with other minor(s) is greater, only the first minor reported will be recognized.

No reference will be made to the minor on any progress checks or degree clearance forms.

All courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of up to 5 units from the following: Physics 13AH-BH-CH, 142L, 145L, 198, 199, 199RA.

GPA requirement - Students must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA for the total of the entire minor and the total of all letter-graded, upper-division courses for the minor.