Physics Courses

For a full listing of AST and PHY courses, see the campus general catalog:
PHY and AST Courses (undergraduate and graduate)

PHY and AST Course Syllabi

Course Materials and Service Fees for PHY and AST Courses:
physics.ucdavis.edu/download_file/view/1216/

General information:
https://ucdavis.pubs.curricunet.com/Catalog/phy

Courses Equivalency

Courses in Physics (AST/PHY)

Physics 10 is primarily a concept-oriented one-quarter lecture/discussion course requiring relatively little mathematical background.

Physics 1 is a two-quarter sequence requiring some mathematics (trigonometry). Either 1A alone or both quarters may be taken. The sequence is not intended to satisfy entrance requirements of a year of physics for professional schools, but will satisfy requirements of 3 or 6 units of physics.

Physics 7 series breakdown

Physics 7 is a one-year (three-quarter) introductory physics course with laboratory intended for students majoring in the biological sciences. It has a calculus prerequisite. If you don’t need a full year of introductory physics, you should take one or two quarters of Physics 1 instead. Read the following information carefully if you are using Physics 7 to complete an introductory course you have already begun.

The sequence of material, content, and structure in Physics 7 is different from that in most traditionally taught introductory physics courses.The emphasis of the course structure is on collaborative learning during discussion labs rather than the traditional lecture format.The first course in the series, Physics 7A focuses on conservation principles, energy, and thermodynamics, in order to help students familiar with chemistry transition into physics. Physics 7B starts by applying conservation principles to fluids and circuits, while the remainder of the course is most like the first quarter or semester of traditionally taught courses which cover classical mechanics. Physics 7C is most like the last quarter or semester which, in traditionally taught courses, cover waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

If you have completed one introductory quarter or semester of a traditionally taught physics course and want to continue with Physics 7, you should first take (and will receive full credit for) Physics 7A. Then, take the part of 7B which covers fluids and circuits and receive reduced credit. Next, take 7C for full credit.

If you have taken two quarters of a year-long introductory physics course and have not had extensive work in optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics, you should take Physics 7C. In no case should you take Physics 7B without first taking Physics 7A. All other situations should be discussed directly with a Physics 7 instructor.
Students not intending to take the entire sequence should take Physics 1.

Physics 9 series breakdown

Physics 9 is a four-quarter sequence using calculus throughout and including laboratory work as an integral part. The course is primarily for students in the physical sciences and engineering.

Physics 9H is a five-quarter honors physics sequence, which may be taken instead of Physics 9. It is intended primarily for first-year students with a strong interest in physics and with advanced placement in mathematics. In course requirements and prerequisites, Physics 9HA-9HE can be substituted for Physics 9A-9D. You may not switch between the 9H and 9 series beyond 9HA or 9A.

PHY 49. Supplementary Work in Lower Division Physics (1-3 units)
Students with partial credit in lower division physics courses may, with consent of instructor, complete the credit under this heading. May be repeated for credit.

FAQ Additional Information about PHY 49


For a full listing of AST and PHY courses, see the campus General Catalog.