<p>Hi, I'm currently a UC Berkeley student majoring in physics. I just wanted to confirm something about the Berkeley grading system. So I was little bit interested in pure mathematics, and I decided to take an upper div math course, which the physics department recommended. But I took caution and made the upper div math course pass/no pass. So, my question is:</p>
<p>If I don't pass the course, it shouldn't affect my major GPA since it neither affects my overall GPA, according to the Letters and Sciences office/</p>
<p>And also, this shouldn't affect admission chances to let's say physics or engineering grad school in terms of overall and major GPA consideration since, first, the subject is on pure mathematics, not physics that I'm majoring in, and second, the course is taken in pass/no pass basis?</p>
<p>Thanks guys!! Happy 2012!!</p>
<p>Well, grad school physics is essentially math…it’s just a bunch of linear algebra + set theory + group theory + analysis/complex analysis put together with some physics concepts.</p>
<p>There’s a good chance that your admission chances at graduate schools would be affected in some manner (seeing as you probably took one of the above) by this math course though I’m not completely sure how it affects and to what degree it affects admission chances. Just keep in mind that if you do well in all of the above subjects, you’re probably ready for physics graduate school. If you fail any of the above classes or do not take any of them, you’ll have a rough transition from undergraduate to graduate school.</p>
<p>Not sure about the first question, but I’d assume that it does not affect your GPA.</p>
<p>Thanks Foraminifera!!.. Yeah… I figured that for physics grad school, I would have to retake the course for grade (my adviser said something about most physics students in Berkeley retake at least one or two courses… i guess for grade deflation) </p>
<p>But could I ask how would this affect engineering courses that are closely related to physics? I was more interested in engineering grad school than hardcore physics… But I really do appreciate your help!!! And Happy New Year again!!!</p>