物理专业提供了几个主要物理领域的基础教育核心，并具有足够的灵活性，使学生可以为就读研究生或从事工业工作做好准备。由于在准备任何一个目标时，除了必修的核心课程之外，还必须要有更多的内容，因此让学生与物理系顾问会面以确定时间表是很重要的。大三时，重点是宏观物理学，电磁学和力学是两个主要的物理学科。物理课程所需的数学和计算机背景已于今年完成。在高年级，一系列量子物理学课程为学生提供了原子和亚原子物理学某些方面的现代观点以及适用于该领域的主要分析方法。微观与宏观世界的关系是热力学和统计物理学课程的主题，其插图取自
The physics major provides a core of basic education in several principal areas of physics, with sufficient flexibility to allow students to prepare either for graduate school or a career in industry. Since in preparing for either goal, more than the required core courses are necessary, it is important for students to meet with a physics department adviser in deciding a schedule. In the junior year, the emphasis is on macroscopic physics, the two principal physics subjects are electromagnetism and mechanics. The mathematics and computer background required for the physics program is completed in this year. In the senior year, a sequence of courses in quantum physics provides the student the modern view of atomic and some aspects of subatomic physics and the principal analytical methods appropriate in this domain. The relation of the microscopic to the macroscopic world is the subject of courses in thermodynamics and statistical physics, with illustrations drawn from gas dynamics and solid-state physics. Upper-division laboratories teach students the essentials of physical measurement and building advanced equipment, as well as other aspects of experimental science. The general physics/secondary education major prepares students to teach physics and physical science in secondary schools. It covers essential topics in physics while providing breadth in chemistry and earth science. The major also includes three quarters of field experience in local schools, where you will work closely with a mentor teacher and high school students. This experience makes you more competitive for the UC San Diego Master's and Teaching Credential Program or other credential programs and can substantially reduce the length of the UC San Diego Master's and Teaching Credential Program.