Courses
- SF State class schedule search tool
- Current course offerings in Physics & Astronomy
- Physics course descriptions in the SF State Bulletin
- Astronomy course descriptions in the SF State Bulletin
- Credit for A.P. exams from the SF State Articulation Office
Degree Programs
- Physics & Astronomy program descriptions in the SF State Bulletin
- Recommended Undergraduate Pathways for B.A./B.S. degrees
- Recommended Graduate Pathways for MS degrees
Undergraduate Advising
All students are encouraged to meet with a Faculty Major Advisor at least once yearly to support their academic study of physics and astronomy and facilitate timely graduation. If problems or challenges arise, please do reach out for more frequent advising meetings so that we may facilitate connecting you with guidance and resources. The department will assign Faculty Major Advisors to all students. If you do not know who your advisor is, please email physics@sfsu.edu.
Advising FAQ
Department offerings in Fall 2026:
Primarily undergraduate:
ASTR 115/116: Introduction to Astronomy, lecture & lab
PHYS 101/102: Conceptual Physics, lecture & lab
PHYS 111/112, 121/122: General Physics I, II, lectures & labs
PHYS 200: Planning for Success as a Physics & Astronomy Major
PHYS 220/222, 230/232, 240/242: General Physics w/ Calculus I, II, III, lectures & labs
ASTR 301: Observational Astronomy Lab
PHYS 320: Modern Physics I
PHYS 321: Modern Physics Lab
PHYS 330: Analytic Mechanics
PHYS 385: Intro. Theoretical Physics
Advanced undergraduate/general electives for graduate:
ASTR 400: Stellar Astrophysics
PHYS 430: Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 480: Optics & Photonics
PHYS 491GW: Advanced Laboratory Techniques I
Graduate:
ASTR 700: Stellar Astrophysics
ASTR 722: Radiative Processes for Astrophysics
PHYS 701: Classical Mechanics
PHYS 775: Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 885: Inclusive Pedagogy for the Physical Sciences
Special notes and suggested substitutions:
PHYS 457: Analog Electronics will not be offered in 2026-2027. This is required course for the B.S. Physics degree. Instead, you should substitute ENGR 205 & 206: Electric Circuits (lecture & lab). This can be taken in fall or spring semesters. It can be taken as early as sophomore year (after PHYS 230/232, MATH 245 may be taken concurrently), but ideally should be completed no later than spring of junior year.
PHYS 460: Electromagnetism II will not be offered in 2026-2027. This is required for the B.S. Physics degree. Students should instead enroll in PHYS 480: Optics & Introduction to Photonics, which will only be offered in the fall. This is also a FANTASTIC elective in the major for *all* physics & astronomy degree programs! Optics is foundational to all modern physics! I strongly encourage all seniors (physics AND astro students) to consider taking this course with Prof. Weining Man. Prerequisites are PHYS 320 & 360.
PHYS 491GW (3 units, Fall). This course is REQUIRED in the final year of the non-astro B.A./B.S. Physics degrees. All physics SENIORS (students planning on graduating in the next year) MUST enroll in PHYS 491GW. It is *only* offered in the fall semester. Astronomy & astrophysics students are not required to take this but may elect to do so as a major elective. This is a great course to get rigorous training in experimental physics techniques. It is also being taught by Prof. Weining Man.
GWAR in 2026-2027: All upper-division students are REQUIRED to take one GWAR class in order to graduate. Our department offers two: PHYS 491 in fall semesters and ASTR 340 in spring semesters.
HOWEVER, ASTR 340 WILL NOT BE OFFERED AT ALL NEXT YEAR! It will indeed return in Spring 2027. If you are graduating in May 2027, you can take ASTR 340GW in your last semester.
If you are an astronomy/astrophysics SENIOR (will be graduating in May 2027 or December 2027), and if you still have not taken ASTR 340, you will need to substitute a different GWAR class so you can graduate. You should take PHYS 491 THIS FALL. Alternatively, you may consider a GWAR class in a related field:
ENV 500GW, ERTH 600GW, MATH 300GW, or MATH 301GW.
But if you are graduating in May 2027, you can wait to take ASTR 340GW in Spring 2027.
CSC 309 or MATH 209: Python programming is now required by all degrees. Either MATH 209 or CSC 309 satisfy the requirements for physics & astronomy majors. In 2026-2027, CSC 309 will be offered only in fall, and MATH 209 will only be offered in spring.
PHYS 163: Introduction to Particle Physics (CSU Fresno – CSU ONLINE). The course is online asynchronous with recorded lectures. SF State students can enroll via CSU Fully Online. The scheduled times are *optional* office hours to answer students’ questions. This course can be transferred to SF State and count as a major elective in any of our degree programs. Prerequisites: PHYS 320.
Seniors are allowed to take graduate courses. Consider:
PHYS 701: Classical Mechanics (Prof. Maarten Golterman). Students should have at least grades of B in PHYS 320, 330 AND 385.
ASTR 722: Radiative Processes in Astrophysics (Prof. Oscar Macías). Students should have at least grades of B in PHYS 320, 360, AND 385; PHYS 480 strongly recommended concurrently.
PHYS 785: Theoretical Physics (Prof. Jeff Greensite). Students should have at least grades of B in PHYS 320, 360 AND 385.
If you take a graduate class in your senior year, and if you do not need the course to complete your undergraduate degree (that is, it is “extra” and not needed for electives), then you can “save” the course and transfer it over to a graduate degree if you decide to enter the M.S. Physics or M.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics later! So this is a way to get a jump-start on a graduate degree!
Specific recommendations for your schedules by level & degree program for Fall 2026:
Lower-division students, all PHYS/ASTR majors/concentrations: Take PHYS 200: Planning for Success as a Physics & Astronomy Major if you have not already taken this class! Continue the calculus (MATH 226, 227, 228, 245 (or 225 & 376)) and introductory physics sequences (PHYS 220/222, 230/232, 240/242). You should complete these sequences BEFORE entering your final two years. After you complete these sequences, it will take 2 more years to complete upper-division requirements.
Also take Python programming, MATH 209 or CSC 309, in your second year. Next year, Math 209 is offered only in spring, while CSC 309 is only offered in the fall.
Juniors (or students starting their second-to-last year):
Physics BA, BS: PHYS 320 & 321, 385, 330 (330 can be taken now or in final year, especially if you are taking MATH 376 this semester)
Phys/Astro BA: PHYS 320, ASTR 301 (321, 385 or 330 are optional major electives)
Phys/Astro BS: PHYS 320, 330, 385, ASTR 301 (if you are taking MATH 376 this semester, you can delay 330 until your final year)
Astro majors - while you are not required to take PHYS 321: Modern Physics Lab, but you are STRONGLY encouraged to do so! It will count toward your major electives! So PLEASE enroll!
Juniors – if you have not completed a python course, then you should either take CSC 309 in fall or MATH 209 in spring of junior year!
Seniors (or students in their final year):
Physics BA: PHYS 330 (if not already completed), PHYS 491GW, (PHYS 480 is not required but is a GREAT elective in the major and is strongly encouraged)
Physics BS: PHYS 330 (if not already completed), PHYS 430, 480 (instead of 460), 491GW
Physics BS (concentration in physics for teaching): PHYS 330 (if not already completed), PHYS 491GW, (PHYS 480 is not required but is a GREAT elective in the major and is strongly encouraged), E ED 655
Phys/Astro BA: electives in the major, PHYS 480 is not required but is a GREAT elective in the major and is strongly encouraged, ERTH courses are especially encouraged
Phys/Astro BS: ASTR 400, PHYS 430, (PHYS 480 is not required but is a GREAT elective in the major and is strongly encouraged), ASTR 697 (senior project) [senior project can be taken in fall or spring, or spread out over both semesters. Be sure to discuss with your Faculty Major Advisor.]
Seniors – if you need another elective, consider PHYS 163: Introduction to Particle Physics offered by CSU Fresno through CSU Fully Online. It is fully asynchronous, so it definitely can fit in your schedule!!
For major electives, you may take 300-level or higher courses in CHEM, ENGR, MATH or 400-level or higher courses in ERTH. There are lots of great courses in these departments, so expand your horizons!
Looking forward to Spring 2027, we are anticipating offering all of the usual lower-division courses, plus ASTR 300, ASTR 470, ASTR 498/798, ASTR 742, PHYS 305, PHYS 360, PHYS 370, PHYS 706, PHYS 712.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Faculty Major Advisor if you have any questions about progress toward your degrees!
Department offerings in Spring 2026:
Primarily undergraduate:
PHYS 220/222, 230/232, 240/242 – General Physics w/ Calculus I, II, III
ASTR 300: Stars, Planets & the Milky Way
ASTR 340: The Big Bang (satisfies GWAR)
PHYS 305: Climate Change Solutions (satisfies GE UD-B/5UD)
PHYS 360: Electromagnetism I
PHYS 370: Thermodynamics
Advanced undergraduate/general electives for graduate:
ASTR 405: Exoplanetary Science
ASTR 470: Observational Techniques
PHYS 440: Computational Physics
Graduate:
ASTR 770: Observational Techniques for Research
PHYS 704: Electromagnetism
PHYS 715: Lasers & Quantum Optics
Special notes and suggested substitutions:
PHYS 457: Analog Electronics will *not* be offered this academic year. This is a required course for the B.S. Physics degree. Instead, you should substitute ENGR 205 & 206: Electric Circuits (and lab). This can be taken in fall or spring semesters after you have completed PHYS 230 & MATH 245. Other phys/astro majors/concentrations may take these courses as electives in the major.
PHYS 305: Physical and Astronomical Approaches to Climate Change Solutions. Great news! The department will offer its first and only upper-division general education class that satisfies GE UD-B/5UD: Upper-Division Physical and/or Life Science. In Spring 2026, this is will be a fully ASYNCHRONOUS online class, so it fits in everyone's schedul! So, if you have not yet taken your required UD-B/5UD class, we highly recommend that you take this fantastic new class. From the bulletin: An investigation of solutions and adaptations to global warming and climate change. Discussions of Earth's energy budget and the interplay between Earth's surface, its atmosphere, the Sun, and human civilization. An introduction to technical solutions related to electricity generation, transportation, heating and cooling, manufacturing, and agriculture. Discussions of geoengineering and the ethical and physical consequences, as well as the impossibility of leaving Earth and traveling to a Planet B to escape climate change. Emphasis on developing personal and community-based action plans for the future.
** Not only will this class satisfy GE UD-B/5UD, we will also allow it to count as a major elective!
PHYS 4040: Introduction to High Energy Physics (aka particle physics) (prerequisite PHYS 320 & 385), which is a new online course being offered by CSPU Pomona. It is a special ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS course open to ALL students within the CSU system. It will be taught by Prof. Shohreh Abdolrahimi. You can enroll in this course after January 1 online via www.csufullyonline.com.
Computer programming: All students should complete a computer programming class, preferably BEFORE the start of junior year, but junior fall is also okay too. Note that *all* physics & astronomy majors (all degrees, all concentrations) who entered SF State in Fall 2024 onward will be required to take computer programming as part of their major degree requirements. There are two options:
MATH 209: Mathematical Computing will be offered MW 9:30-10:45.
CSC 309: Computer Programming will be offered MW 03:30-04:45. It is hidden in the schedule so that only physics & astronomy students can enroll first and be given priority. Please email me directly (barranco@sfsu.edu) for a secret add code!!
Students may also consider electives in other departments, especially MATH (300 and above), CHEM (300 and above), ERTH (400 and above), ENGR (300 and above). If you would like to count a course in another department, you must first get approval from your Faculty Major Advisor!
I would like to draw your attention to two electives in other departments:
ERTH 535: Planetary Climate Change. This will be offered by Prof. Zan Stine and meets T/Th 9:30-12:15 (4 units with lecture AND lab).
ENGR 353: Microelectronics (and ENGR 301 Microelectronics Lab). This is offered MW 11:00-12:15 and covers advanced electronics, including semiconductors.
Seniors are allowed to take graduate courses. Consider:
ASTR 770: Observational Techniques for Research (Prof. Charli Sakari) (should have a grade of at least B in ASTR 400).
PHYS 704: Electromagnetism (Prof. Huizhong Xu) (should have at least grades of B in PHYS 480).
PHYS 715: Lasers & Quantum Optics (Prof. Weining Man) (should have at least grades of B in PHYS 430 & 480).
If you take a graduate class in your senior year, and if you do not need the course to complete your undergraduate degree (that is, it is “extra” and not needed for electives), then you can “save” the course and transfer it over to a graduate degree if you decide to enter the M.S. Physics or M.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics later! So this is a way to get a jump-start on a graduate degree!
| If your most advanced math class before SF State was: | Then you should take this math course at SF State: |
| H.S. introductory algebra and geometry and no trigonometry |
MATH 197: Prelude to Calculus I, followed by MATH 198: Prelude to Calculus II |
| H.S. intermediate algebra and some trigonometry |
MATH 197 & 198 (for more review/support), OR MATH 199: Pre-calculus (faster pace) |
| H.S. pre-calculus (including a significant amount of trigonometry) with a grade of B or better | MATH 226 (Calculus I) |
|
A.P. Calculus AB with score of 4 or 5 (You earn 4 units of credit for MATH 226.) |
MATH 227 (Calculus II) |
| A.P. Calculus BC with score of 5 overall AND 5 on AB subpart. (You earn 4 units of credit for MATH 227.) |
MATH 228 (Calculus III) (Must meet with math advisor to get approval.) |
Which Degree?
We offer two Bachelor of Science options, two Bachelor of Arts options, two minors, two master's degree programs, as well as two “blended” B.S./M.S. programs that allow students an accelerated pathway to earn a graduate degree. The units listed below are for units within the major; the total number of units for a bachelor's degree is 120 units, the total number units for a master's degree is 30 units, and the total number of units for the SF State Scholars blended degrees is 138 units.
The B.A. degrees are ideal for students who want a strong background in physical science but desire more flexibility to blend their curriculum with “liberal arts” and other interests. Students with B.A. degrees often pursue careers in teaching (K-12), science communication & journalism, science outreach (at science museums, planetaria & public observatories), medical, dental, and other health fields, or business sub-fields in which a rigorous scientific background is beneficial. The B.S. degrees require more in-depth technical training, advanced laboratory experiences, and specialized elective topics. Students with B.S. degrees often pursue science and engineering careers in colleges & universities, industrial research & development labs, or government labs & agencies, or pursue advanced graduate degrees in physics, astronomy, planetary science, or engineering.
The department offers the M.S. in Physics and the M.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics. These programs serve students who seek advanced knowledge in physics or astronomy for application in physics/astronomy related industries, for preparation to continue graduate work elsewhere towards the doctoral degree, for service as museum/planetarium docent or technical staff at a research institute, and for work leading to teaching credentials which require a master's degree.
The department offers two blended B.S./M.S. programs in the SF State Scholars Program to allow motivated undergraduates accelerated pathways toward graduate degrees in physics and astronomy. Students in these programs pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously. This program allows students to earn graduate credit while in their junior and/or senior year, reducing the number of semesters required for completion of a master’s degree. These programs are excellent preparation for employment in industry, research laboratories, community colleges, planetaria, observatories, and science museums, as well as admission to competitive Ph.D. programs. Students apply for the program in the fall semester of junior year (or second-to-last year).