Physical Science

The College of Letters and Science Seven-Course Breadth requirement and American Cultures Breadth requirement are the foundation of the college's liberal arts program. It can only be fulfilled with college coursework; AP exams and other high school work do not count toward this requirement.

A quantitative understanding of the physical universe, from its microscopic underpinnings to its large-scale structure and evolution. Courses that satisfy the Physical Science requirement teach students how to explain natural phenomena starting from first principles, using a combination of reason, experiment, and quantitative analysis.

* - Courses that also fulfill the American Cultures Breadth requirement

collapse all expand all

Earth and Planetary Science (Geology) 20—Earthquakes in Your Backyard (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XEPS 20

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Physical Science breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade

Course Description: Introduction to earthquakes, their causes and effects. General discussion of basic principles and methods of seismology and geological tectonics, distribution of earthquakes in space and time, effects of earthquakes, and earthquake hazard and risk, with particular emphasis on the situation in California.

Schedule of Classes

Earth and Planetary Science (Geology) 80—Environmental Earth Sciences: Soils (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XEPS 80

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Physical Science breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade

Course Description: This course focuses on the processes on and in the earth that shape the environment. Humanity's use of land and oceans is examined based on an understanding of these processes.

Class Description: This introductory level course focuses on geologic events, such as earthquakes and floods, which impact civilization. We will examine these forces and others to understand their causes and the best ways to mitigate and/or adjust to them. We will also assess human impacts on the geologic environment, such as pollution related to groundwater and global climate change.

Schedule of Classes

Environmental Science Policy and Management 15—Introduction to Environmental Sciences (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XESPM 15

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Either the Biological Sciences or Physical Sciences breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade

Course Description: Introduction to the science underlying biological and physical environmental problems, including water and air quality, global change, energy, ecosystem services, introduced and endangered species, water supply, solid waste, human population, and interaction of technical, social, and political approaches to environmental management.

Schedule of Classes