BS Physics freshman schedule

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

<p>Hi guys, I am excited about going to UCSB this fall!
But I guess I should figure out my ideal schedule before my orientation on July 12 first!</p>

<p>Classes I am going to take for sure:
Math 4A
Phys 20</p>

<p>Now questions:
1. I took an English composition class, English 001A, at San Jose City College. Do I still need to take Writing 2?
Last time I called UCSB a lady told me that I didn't even need to take Writing 2, which I found surprising because I thought I would only be exempt from Writing 1. I will make sure to get this clarified at orientation again though. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Would taking Chem 1A, Math 4A, Phys 20 all in fall be overwhelming or unbalanced for a freshman? Although I do consider myself very competitive in science and math, I have no idea how hard those classes are at SB. ( I got 5's on AP Chem, Calc BC, Physics C - Mechanics)</p></li>
<li><p>Any general suggestions for a physics major, or recommended GE's that you think a freshman should consider :) I would be appreciated. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>It’s your first quarter, you can take what you want for the most part (of course, don’t skip out on PHYS 20, since that’s only offered once a year). I personally would load up on reqs early to give yourself a bit of breathing room later.</p>

<p>It is nice to take a GE in your first quarter; it’s definitely good have a diverse set of classes to keep your mind sharp.</p>

3

<p>If you got a 5 in AP chem you’ll have absolutely no trouble with Chem 1A, Math 4A, and Phys 20 because Chem 1A is baaaasic chem (stoichiometry, gas laws, equilibrium, etc.) and Math 4A is pretty easy just matrices and general linear algebra (although when I did linear alg. your only class option was Math 3C. They decided to change the math classes spring quarter last year so I’m not sure if it’ll be any different than what I took, but probably not). And although I’m not a physics major so I have no idea what Phys 20 is like, I do have a friend who took it and he said it was pretty easy for him.</p>