About the course

From the basic laws of physics to the resulting emergent behavior, physics studies what the universe is made of and how it works. As a physics major at UC Davis, you will have the opportunity to join with our faculty in research that pushes forward the frontier of knowledge. This research ranges from the very smallest elementary particles to the matter that surrounds us to the structure and evolution of the entire universe. Physics majors begin with a sequence of courses in classical and modern physics along with six quarters of calculus and other mathematics. After the initial preparation, you will be ready for more advanced courses in dynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, and advanced experimental techniques.

　　The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and two Bachelor of Science degree programs: in Physics (which also offers an emphasis in Astrophysics), and in Applied Physics. The A.B. degree provides broad coverage of classical and modern physics while permitting a broader liberal arts education than is possible with the other two programs. The B.S. degree in either Physics or Applied Physics should be followed by the student who plans to enter physics as a profession, and also provides excellent training for a wide variety of technical career options. The B.S. in Applied Physics provides the student with a solid introduction to a particular applied physics specialty. For the student who plans to enter the job market upon completing a B.S. degree, the applied physics orientation would be an asset. Either B.S. program provides a solid foundation in physics for the student interested in graduate work in either pure or applied physics.

　　Careers in physics and applied physics include research and development, either in universities, government laboratories, or industry, teaching in high schools, junior colleges, and universities, management and administration in industrial laboratories and in government agencies, and in production and sales in industry. A major in physics also provides a strong base for graduate-level work in such interdisciplinary areas as chemical physics, biophysics and medical physics, geophysics and environmental physics, astrophysics and astronomy, computer science, and materials science. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 8 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Winter (January), 2021	Davis
Winter (January), 2024	Davis
Spring (March), 2024	Davis
Fall (September), 2024	Davis
Winter (January), 2025	Davis
Spring (March), 2025	Davis
Fall (September), 2025	Davis
Winter (January), 2026	Davis
Spring (March), 2026	Davis

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of California - Davis

Official or self-reported academic records.To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL.Achieve a minimum score of 6.5 (academic module) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Higher Level examination in English (Language A).Achieve a score of 6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Standard Level examination in English (Language A).Score 560 or higher on the Writing section of the SAT Reasoning test (old SAT) or a score of 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT with Essay (the new SAT, taken March 2016 or later).Complete one transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition with letter grades of C or better at an accredited U.S. college or university.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of California - Davis. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　59th / 1250

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