<p>Hey guys, I figured I'd come here to ask for advice because one of my friends told me that this site is really useful for UC transfer info so here goes; I'm at a CCC and I'm hoping to transfer to a UC as a physics major, the problem is that when I look at the assist page for the UCs I'm hoping to transfer to, they require one year of calculus based physics. At my CCC the physics classes that are offered are: Physics A (mechanics), Physics B (electromagnetism), and Physics C (optics and waves). I'm really confused as to what this "one year" means because I know that most of the UCs go in quarterly units as opposed to semester units. I'm fairly confident that I will be able to take Physics A in the fall, and take Physics B and Physics C in the spring next year IF my CCC offers Physics C (the professor I talked to told me that physics C might not be offered in the spring). If I am unable to take Physics C will it kill my chances of admission? UCLA for example </p>
<p>"1. Courses required before transfer</p>
<p>Complete the following courses by the end of spring term prior to transfer.</p>
<p>I know I'll complete the math requirement, but if this "1 year" of calc based physics includes Physics C then this might be a problem, because when I'm applying for transfer admission this fall I plan to put down Physics A for fall, and Physics B and Physics C for spring (I'm planning to take B and C in the same spring semester next year). What would happen if I put down physics C in my transfer application and it is not offered at my CCC? Would it mean I'd have to wait another year to transfer? Thanks in advance for your help.</p>
<p>Looks like they only require mechanics and E&M for you, so you would only be required to take your ccc’s physics A and B. Two ccc semesters are equivalent to one year. You only start thinking about quarters after you transfer. It would probably be to your advantage to take physics C, since you want to major in physics, but as long as that’s not a required course to transfer, you’ll be fine.
When you apply in November, if you list physics c as a planned course and end up not taking it, you can update it in the Transfer Application Update, a standard form for UCs that you have to fill out in January (after the November in which you apply) anyway.
At least for my ccc, the articulation agreements show which courses from my ccc are equivalent to the required ones for transfer. For example, physics E&M at a UC will say “phys 152” to the right, meaning that that’s the equivalent class my ccc offers. Does yours show that? It would also be a good idea to make an appt with a transfer counselor at your ccc. They can help you stay on track good luck!</p>
<p>Like SBVett said, it just means that at a minimum you need to have completed the first two semesters of the calculus-based physics sequence (Mechanics and E&M) before transferring, though obviously taking Physics C would put you at an advantage for admissions.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind the math, in case you are cutting it close. While the minimum is calculus 1 and 2, most people have multivariable calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra done also. I’m also a physics major and I stayed an extra year at my CC to finish all the prereqs (including a physics D at my school) and I feel I’m much more prepared</p>
good luck!</p>