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First-year students interested in majoring in physics should start with Physics 110 in the fall of their first year. Next they should take Physics 117 in the spring of their first year. In addition, students should have completed at least Calculus I (MATH 110 or 114) and Calculus II (MATH 120 or 128) by the end of their first year. Students who come to the college with a more advanced background in physics should consult the department’s Course Exemption page. Physics majors typically begin taking courses at the intermediate level by the end of the sophomore year, and are encouraged to complete required 300-level courses by the end of junior year.

Students majoring in Physics must choose one of the following concentrations: Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology, Education, Computer Science, or Renewable Energy. The Physics concentration is recommended for students who wish a thorough background in physics and for those who wish to pursue professional or graduate work in physics or engineering. The Geology concentration is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in geology or geophysics. The Chemistry concentration is recommended for students looking for a broader physical science background. The Mathematics and Computer Science concentrations are recommended for students who want broader exposure to those fields of study. The Education concentration is recommended for students who are interested in pursuing careers in secondary science education.

Placement Information

No placement exam is required in order to take the introductory-level physics courses. Students who received a 5 on the AP Mechanics C exam or who have previously taken college-level physics courses should see the department Course Exemption page for more information.

Most students who are interested in majoring in Physics should take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if you any of the following are true:

• You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam;
• You receive an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;
• You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.

Sample 4-Year Plans

Physics Concentration

Mathematics Concentration

Geology Concentration

Education Concentration

Computer Science Concentration

Renewable Energy Concentration

Chemistry Concentration

Physics Transfer Student Advice

Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: No Limit

Designated Transfer Adviser

Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Physics:

(Note that equivalent coursework taken elsewhere, as determined by the department chair, is sufficient)

• Junior transfer students
  • Should have completed PHYS 110 (Mechanics), PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics), and PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism). All with in-person labs. PHYS 240 (Foundation of Modern Physics) with an in-person lab is also recommended to have been completed, but can also be taken in Junior or Senior year. Should also have completed Calculus I, Calculus II, MATH 214 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 212 (Multivariable Calculus)
  • Should have completed most of their Core requirements prior to transferring. It will be possible to get at most one or two more core requirements while at Occidental.
• Transfer students starting midway through their sophomore year:
  • PHYS110 (Mechanics), PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics) and PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism). All with in-person labs. Should also have completed Calculus I, Calculus II, MATH 214 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 212 (Multivariable Calculus)
  • Should have completed as many of their Core requirements as possible prior to transferring with the expectation that all will be complete by the end of their first semester.
• Sophomore transfer students
  • PHYS 110 (Mechanics) and PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics). Both with in-person labs. Should also have completed Calculus I and Calculus II
  • Should have completed as many of their Core requirements as possible prior to transferring.

General advice for transfer students wanting to major Physics:

• The following courses must be taken at Occidental: PHYS 490 and PHYS 491

What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?

• Junior transfers should take PHYS 310 (Math Methods) and PHYS 320 (Analytical Dynamics)
• Transfer students starting midway through their sophomore year should take PHYS 240 (Foundation of Modern Physics), and should take any remaining Core requirements in order to complete all of their Core requirements by the end of their first semester at Occidental
• Sophomore students should take PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism) and should enroll in Core requirements with a plan to complete them during their first two semesters at Occidental.

Late Starts

While we strongly encourage our physics majors to take Physics 110 in the fall of year 1, many of our concentrations can be started later. All of our concentrations require the foundation: Physics 110 or 115, 117, 230, 240 as well as Calculus I and II, Math 212 and 214.

Below are two possible scenarios for late starts, but there are other pathways, depending on your math background. Please consult with a member of our physics faculty for more options.

Recommended Concentrations for Late Starts:

Chem concentration: P310, 320, 340; 330 or 350; 4 Chem courses
Geology concentration: P310, 320; one of 330, 340, 350; 4 Geo courses
Computer Science concentration: P310, 320; one of 330, 340, 350; M210 (Discrete); 3 CS courses
Renewable Energy concentration: P320, 370, 1 selective; M150 (stat analysis); 3+ Econ