Virtual Advising Center
Undergraduate Education

PHYS 1 & 2 Series FAQs

Below you will find frequently asked questions about the Physics 1 & 2 series courses. Please click on a question in order to view its corresponding answer.

General Questions
Is the 1 series or 2 series calculus-based?
Yes. Both the 1 series and the 2 series are calculus-based; the 2 series uses more advanced calculus than the 1 series.
Where can I see the descriptions of the 1 series and 2 series courses?
Click here to see our course descriptions.
Which physics series is the best for my major?
The 1 series is aimed towards biology and other life sciences. The 2 series is aimed towards physical sciences and engineering. Check with your major dept. to see whether or not the 1 and/or 2 series is accepted for your major/specialization and to find out what series they expect/recommend that you to take.
I am pre-med. Which physics series should I take?
Please click here to see pre-med requirements and work with your major department and/or your college to map-in pre-med requirements on your plan for graduation.
Can I receive credit for both 1 series and 2 series courses?
Yes. Though topics are similar in the 1 and 2 series, the courses are at different levels and are aimed at different areas, making them unique enough that students are able to receive credit for both.
How many times may I take a Physics 1 or 2 series lecture/lab?
Each Physics 1 and 2 series lecture/lab can be taken once for credit. If you earn a D/F the campus may allow you to repeat the course (see the campus repeat policy for more information).
Can I test out of a Physics 1 or 2 series course?
This option may be possible for lecture courses, but only if you've completed an approved equivalent of the course at another college/university and UCSD Admissions is unwilling to post the course to your UCSD record. For more details, please click here.

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), A-Level Physics
How to I receive equivalency/exemptions for my A-Level physics?
Click here to see instructions for this and note the chart that shows what equivalencies/exemptions you are eligible for based on the specific A-Level you completed.
How do I receive equivalency/exemptions for my Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) physics?
Check the AP Chart or the IB Chart to see what equivalencies/exemptions you are eligible for. Send your official exam scores to UCSD Admissions:
University of California, San Diego
Office of Admissions
ATTN: TRANSCRIPTS
9500 Gilman Dr. # 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
After exam scores are received by the UCSD Office of Admissions it takes approximately 8 weeks for the exams to be added to the student's UCSD Academic History Report (AHR). If your AHR has not been updated 8 weeks after you sent your exam scores, contact the Office of Admissions to make sure that your scores were received and/or to ask when you should expect to see your exams posted to your AHR. Once your exams appear on your AHR you will see your equivalencies/exemptions in the "UCSD Approx" column, next to each exam.
I completed AP / IB physics. Does that exempt me from physics labs as well?
AP and IB physics does not exempt from any physics lab, even if your high school course(s) included a lab component. If you need university-level physics labs for your major/minor/GEs and/or for prerequisites you will need to enroll in those courses.

Transfer Physics Courses, Petitions for Course Equivalency
Do transfer 1 & 2 series courses apply to my UCSD gpa?
The Registrar will calculate a grade point average (GPA) over courses taken at any campus of the University of California, not including Extension courses. Transfer physics courses taken at other universities and/or community colleges will not be included in your gpa.
I'm pre-med. Will it look bad to medical schools if I take 1 & 2 series courses outside of UCSD?
Pre-Med advising is done by the Career Center and not by the Physics Department. You'll need to start by clicking here to see the Career Center's posted Pre-Med information, then you'll need to direct any follow-up questions to the Career Center.
If I took a course at another college/university that I think is equivalent to a Physics 1 or 2 series course but Admissions says the course cannot be posted to my UCSD record how should I proceed?
In most cases, Admissions will not post a course to your transcript if it appears to possibly be a duplicate of a course they've already posted. If Admissions tells you they cannot post your course due to it possibly being equivalent to something else that's already been posted to your UCSD record, you must click here to petition for course equivalency for the course that has already been posted to your UCSD record. If the course equivalency gets denied, you can share that decision with Admissions and then they'll be willing to post the non-posted course.
Can I complete the physics 1 or 2 series via EAP?

EAP Sydney 1001 & 1003: Students who complete course 1001 will receive equivalency for PHYS 1A and 1AL here at UC San Diego through Summer 2021 (no petition required; equivalencies should be visible on the student's degree audit once EAP grades have been posted to the student's Academic History Report). Provided that the syllabi do not change, students who complete course 1003 will receive equivalency as PHYS 1B, 1BL, 1C and 1CL here at UC San Diego through Summer 2021 (no petition required; equivalencies should be visible on the student's degree audit once EAP grades have been posted to the student's Academic History Report). Students are expected to have MATH 10A/20A, MATH 10B/20B, and MATH 10C/20C/11 complete prior to enrolling in these EAP courses.

EAP Sussex / Glasgow / Dublin: Students who complete course Introductory Physics 1 (IS128) & 2 (IS29) (Sussex) / 1016 & 1017 (Glasgow) / Introductory Physics 1 & 2 (Dublin) will be eligible for equivalency as PHYS 1A, 1AL, 1B, 1BL, 1C and 1CL here at UC San Diego through Summer 2023 (no petition required; equivalencies should be visible on the student's degree audit once EAP grades have been posted to the student's Academic History Report). Students are expected to have MATH 10A/20A, MATH 10B/20B, and MATH 10C/20C/11 complete prior to enrolling in these EAP courses.

EAP Nicosia-Cyprus 1 & Nicosia-Cyprus 2 / Hong Kong U. of Sci and Tech / Carlos III Madrid: At this time we cannot support a request to initiate any pre-approved equivalencies, as there are concerns about the depth of these courses based on the time spent on relevant topics. Students taking these courses should save all of their course notes, material, exams, etc. Students participating in EAP at one of these universities, after returning from their EAP trip, will be eligible to click here and petition their course(s) for potential equivalency; approval is not guaranteed. These particular petition packets must include course syllabi and all of the student's course notes, material, exams, etc. so that we can assess the depth of the course(s).

What California Community College courses are equivalent to the 1 series or 2 series?
Due to the high volume of inquiries of this type, all students will be referred to ASSIST to determine and confirm this information. If you are unsure of how to properly read/interpret articulation agreements on ASSIST, we encourage you to read through our Transfer Credits webpage. Please also keep the following information in mind about articulations:
  • Articulations may change from year-to-year, so you are expected to check the agreement on ASSIST that corresponds to the term and year in which you plan to enroll.
  • Articulated courses may carry different unit values than their UCSD counterpart - this will not affect your equivalency.
  • Articulated courses may carry different course titles than their UCSD counterpart - this will not affect your equivalency.
  • You cannot combine any UCSD course with a community college course in order to earn an equivalency.
  • If a community college course lists "No course articulated. College does not offer comparable course" do not enroll - you will not receive an equivalency.
  • Each community college has their own enrollment policies and procedures and you must contact them, directly, to discuss those.
How do I transfer my physics courses into to UCSD?
Please click here to learn about how to transfer courses to UCSD and note that you must adhere to all campus policies related to transfer courses. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and not to us:
University of California, San Diego
Office of Admissions
ATTN: TRANSCRIPTS
9500 Gilman Dr. # 0021
La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
After transcripts are received by the UCSD Office of Admissions it takes approximately 8 weeks for the courses to be added to the student's UCSD Academic History Report (AHR). If your AHR has not been updated 8 weeks after you sent your transcript, contact the Office of Admissions to make sure that your transcript was received and/or to ask when you should expect to see your transfer courses posted to your AHR. Once your transfer courses appear on your AHR, check the "UCSD Approx" column on your AHR to see what equivalencies (if any) you've been awarded. Click here to find out what to do if you are missing any equivalencies you expected to be awarded.
I took algebra and/or trigonometry-based physics at another college/university that covered the same topics as the 1 series or 2 series. Can I petition for equivalency?
Algebra and/or trigonometry-based physics covering topics from our 1 series or 2 series is only eligible for equivalency as PHYS 10 here at UCSD. Contact us through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) to request your PHYS 10 equivalency. If your major requires the PHYS 1 series or 2 series, you will need to work with your major dept. on scheduling those courses.
I took calculus-based physics at another college/university that covered the same topics as the physics 1 series or 2 series. Can I petition for equivalency?
Calculus-based physics covering topics from our 1 series or 2 series may be petitioned for equivalency. Click here to learn about our petition process.
What physics courses at other UC campuses (UCs) are equivalent to the 1 series or 2 series?
Please use the chart below to see what courses from other UCs are equivalent to ours. Be sure to note that the "&" sign signifies that a combination of courses must be completed in order to receive an equivalency here at UCSD. Once the approved course from the other UC is posted to your UCSD record, you must alert our department through VAC and we will post your equivalency (no petition will be required).
UCSD UCB UCD UCI UCLA UCM UCR UCSB UCSC
1A 8A 7A & 7B 3A 5A 18 2A / 2HA 6A 7A / 6A
1AL 8A 7A & 7B None 5A 18 2LA 6AL 7L / 6L
1B 8B 7B & 7C 3B 5B & 5C 19 2B / 2HB 6B 7B / 6C
1BL 8B 7B & 7C 3LB 5B & 5C 19 2LB 6BL 7M / 6N
1C 8A & 8B 7B & 7C 3C 5B & 5C 18 & 19 2C / 2HC 6C 7B / 6B
1CL 8A & 8B 7B & 7C 3LC 5B & 5C 18 & 19 2LC 6CL 7M / 6M
2A 7A 9A 7C 1A 8 40A 1 & 2 / 20 & 21 5A
2B 7B 9C 7D 1B & 1C 9 40C 3 & 4 / 23 & 24 5C
2BL 7A 9A 7LC 4AL 8 40A 3L 5L
2C 7B & 7C 9B None* 1B & 1C 8 & 9 40B 3 & 4 / 22 & 24 5B & 5D
2CL 7B 9C 7LD 4BL 9 40C 4L 5N
2D 7C 9D 51A & 51B 17 10 40D & 40E 5 / 25 None
2DL 7C 9D 52C 18L 10 40D 5L None
*UCIs PHYS 7E covers some 2C material but not enough for a 2C equivalency at UCSD.
I took a lower division physics course at another UC and I have already sent my transcript to UCSD. Do I have to petition to receive my equivalency at UCSD?
No. We do not use petitions for equivalencies of physics courses from other UCs. Instead, please contact us through VAC to alert us when your physics coursework from the other UC appears on your UCSD Academic History Report and we will then add the equivalencies you are eligible for.
What courses at other universities are equivalent to the 1 series or 2 series?
We do not set/maintain a list of equivalent courses from other universities or from community colleges outside of California, but we are happy to review course(s) you propose via petition. Please note the following:
  • In Physics, course equivalency is determined by reviewing a complete course syllabus to see if the course matches the breadth, depth, scope, and length of time spent covering material at an equivalent level as a UCSD Physics course.
  • Course outlines are not the same as course syllabi and are not accepted in lieu of (or as part of) syllabi for potential course equivalency in Physics.
  • We will not award Physics 1, 2, or 4 series lecture or lab equivalency for a non-calculus-based course. Non-calculus-based courses covering topics we teach in PHYS 1, 2, or 4 are only eligible for equivalency as PHYS 10, even courses that are part of a year-long series. No exceptions.
  • You must identify the specific UCSD Physics course you want equivalency for. To aid in determining this, carefully review the complete syllabus of the course from the other school in comparison to ours. Look for similarities in the level of the course (non-calculus vs calculus), the scope of the course (engineering physics vs. physics for life sciences), and the type of course (lecture or lab). Review our course descriptions to assist in this process.
  • Once you've determined what equivalency to request you will be ready to put your petition packet together. Since our petition process differs from other departments you will need to go to our Petitions page and follow our posted instructions, step-by-step. All information pertaining to submitting your petition and the review process is detailed at our website as well. Be sure to follow our petition instructions precisely to ensure that your petition packet is complete and submitted in time for the next scheduled review.
I took physics at a California Community college and received some, but not all of the equivalencies I was eligible for per ASSIST. How should I proceed?
Click here to see our FAQs on missing course equivalency.
I took a PHYS 1 or 2 course pre-req outside of UCSD and it's not yet posted to my UCSD record. How do I enroll?

If you hope to enroll in a UCSD physics course and one/more of the pre-reqs was completed outside of UCSD but does not yet appear on your UCSD Academic History Report you will need to click here and request preauthorization to enroll/waitlist, even if you've already sent your official transcript to UCSD.

Details about the Preauthorization Process
  • You MUST attach a transcript to your request.
  • It can take 3-5 business days to have your preauthorization request reviewed, so you should try to submit your request at least 3-5 business days in advance of your registration date. Requests are only reviewed during normal business days and hours. Requests are not reviewed during campus closures, nor during school breaks.
  • The preauthorization process is what we used to verify pre-reqs that do not appear on your UCSD Academic History Report; each request is for a specific course in a specific term (ex. PHYS 1A or PHYS 1AL or PHYS 2B or PHYS 2BL, etc.; FA19 or W20 or SP20, etc.).
  • You must review each listed pre-req in comparison to your UCSD Academic History Report (including transfer courses) to determine the pre-req(s) that are missing from your UCSD Academic History Report. Do not assume that you know each listed pre-req nor that all pre-reqs appear on your UCSD Academic History Report.
  • Only transfer courses that have approved equivalency with UCSD can be used towards pre-reqs for our courses. If you need a course reviewed for possible equivalency you will need to complete that process before you request preauthorization.
  • Our department does not accept work-in-progress from other colleges/universities. You will not be able to request preauthorization for a UCSD Physics course until you have a transcript showing your final grade for the course that is missing from your UCSD Academic History Report; transcripts must include your printed name and the printed name of the institution where the course was taken. If/When you are eligible, please click here to submit your preauthorization request(s). We will not grant an exception to allow a student to "pre-reserve" their seat in our course while one/more pre-reqs are in-progress outside of UCSD. You may determine that taking the pre-req(s) here at UCSD is in your best interest, as it gives you immediate access to our course(s) through WebReg.
  • Preauthorizations do not get courses officially posted to your UCSD Academic History Report. For that, you must work with UCSD Admissions.

Schedule of Offerings
When is each 1 series or 2 series course offered?
We offer every 1 series lecture and every 1 series lab every term, including during summer session 1 and summer session 2. Our offerings of the Physics 2 series are a bit different. Our offerings of the Physics 2 series are a bit different:
Fall Winter Spring Summer 1 Summer 2
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D 2AR, 2B, 2C 2B, 2C, 2D
2CL, 2DL 2CL 2BL, 2CL 2BL 2CL
How many sections of each 1 series or 2 series courses do you offer each term?
We offer as many sections of 1 series and 2 series labs as we can based on student demand in comparison to our instructional budget for the term/year. We offer a set number of 1 series and 2 series lectures each term, corresponding to the expected term of enrollment on most 4-year plans:
(For 2020-21, remote offerings of 1 & 2 series lectures may be collapsed into a single, jumbo, section.)
Course Term and Number of Offerings
Fall Winter Spring Summer 1 Summer 2
PHYS 1A 3 1 1 1 1
PHYS 1B 1 3 1 1 1
PHYS 1C 1 1 3 1 1
PHYS 2A 1 3 2 1 0
PHYS 2B 1 1 3 1 1
PHYS 2C 2 1 1 1 1
PHYS 2D 1 1 1 0 1
How many seats do you offer in each 1 series or 2 series lecture?
The number of seats is based on the room where the University places our lecture. The campus places our 1 series or 2 series lecture courses in the largest rooms available before registration begins and we open our courses up to the room capacity set by the fire marshal as soon as registration begins so that every available seat can be filled.
Physics lectures and labs are expected to be taken concurrently, so shouldn't there be the same number of seats in the labs and lectures?
The number of seats available in our lectures will never correspond perfectly with the number of seats available in our labs because they work differently. Lecture seats are based on the classroom we are assigned to by the campus; we open enrollment to the room capacity set by the fire marshal right from the start so that all available seating can be filled. Lab seats, on the other hand, are based on the number of people we can accommodate in the lab and the total number of sections we can offer based on our instructional budget for the course in a given term. No lecture room on campus has a number of seats that would correspond to the total enrollment of the lab sections we can offer. Further, not every student taking our PHYS labs also needs the lectures (e.g. students with AP credit for PHYS 1A-B lectures only take 1AL-BL labs; students who initially enroll in both PHYS 1A and 1AL but later drop 1A will take 1A, alone, in a future term; etc.).

Prerequisites
What is a prerequisite (pre-req)?
Pre-reqs determine your eligibility for a course; pre-reqs are courses that must be completed prior to taking a particular course.
Where can I see 1 and 2 series pre-reqs?
You can see our course pre-requisites in the following locations:
Where can I see the Physics Department policies on pre-reqs?
Please visit the Enrollment Policies page.
What are the pre-reqs for the 1 and 2 series courses?
Each course has its own pre-reqs, as shown below.
Physics 1 Pre-req #1: Pre-req #2: Pre-req #3:
PHYS LECTURE PHYS LAB MATH LECTURE
PHYS 1A None None 10A or 20A
PHYS 1AL None None 10A or 20A
PHYS 1B 1A or 2A None 10B or 20B
PHYS 1BL 1A or 2A 1AL or 2BL 10B or 20B
PHYS 1C 1B or 2B None 10B or 20B
PHYS 1CL 1B or 2B 1BL or 2CL 10B or 20B
  Recommended Preparation
PHYS 1A Concurrent or prior enrollment in MATH 10B or 20B
PHYS 1AL Concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1A and MATH 10B or 20B
PHYS 1B None
PHYS 1BL Concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1B
PHYS 1C None
PHYS 1CL Concurrent or prior enrollment in PHYS 1C
Physics 2 Pre-req #1: Pre-req #2: Pre-req #3:
PHYS 2A MATH 10A-B or 20A
or 20B or 20C or 31BH		 None None
PHYS 2B PHYS 2A or 4A MATH 20B
or 20C or 31BH		 None
PHYS 2BL PHYS 2A or 4A None None
PHYS 2C PHYS 2A or 4A MATH 20C
or 31BH		 None
PHYS 2CL PHYS 2A or 4A PHYS 2B or 4C None
PHYS 2D PHYS 2A or 4A PHYS 2B MATH 20D
PHYS 2DL PHYS 2BL or 2CL None None
  Recommended Preparation
PHYS 2A Prior or concurrent enrollment in MATH 20B
PHYS 2B Prior or concurrent enrollment in MATH 20C or 31BH
PHYS 2BL Prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2B or 4C
PHYS 2C Prior or concurrent enrollment in MATH 20D.
Prior completion of PHYS 2B is strongly recommended
PHYS 2CL Prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2C or 4D
PHYS 2D Prior or concurrent enrollment in MATH 20E
PHYS 2DL Prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2D or 4E
Can I take my PHYS 1 or 2 series course for P/NP credit and still use it as a pre-req?
As per our posted pre-req policies, P grades are accepted towards the pre-reqs for all PHYS 1 and 2 series courses. Please note:
  • In cases in which the course is double counting as a pre-req AND a major requirement, your major dept. gets to decide whether or not you can take the course on a P/NP basis (our dept. only gets to decide this if you are a physics major).
  • In cases in which the course is double counting as a pre-req AND a minor requirement, your minor dept. gets to decide whether or not you can take the course on a P/NP basis (our dept. only gets to decide this if you are a physics minor).
  • In cases in which the course is double counting as a pre-req AND a GE requirement, your college gets to decide whether or not you can take the course on a P/NP basis.
  • In the case that the course is applying to prerequisites for a graduate or professional school, you’ll need to check with the school you’re applying to and see what grading option they’ll accept.
Can I enroll if I haven't satisfied one/more of the pre-reqs?
No, we strictly enforce the listed pre-reqs for our courses; a grade of D or above (or a grade of P) is acceptable. If you are missing one/more pre-reqs you cannot proceed with your proposed enrollment(s). Instead, you will need to enroll in the missing pre-req(s). We will not grant exceptions to our pre-req policies.
If I enrolled in a physics 1 or 2 series lecture and lab, but only passed one of the two, am I required to repeat both?
No, you do not need to repeat the one you passed.
I was dropped from my physics course(s) due to failing a pre-req. Can I have my seat back?
No. You are not eligible to take the course because you have not me the pre-reqs. No exception will be granted to allow you to re-enroll. Consult with your major department and/or your college to get assistance in selecting a replacement course before the end of the enrollment period.
Can I drop down to the 1 series if I have credit for part of the 2 series?
Yes, but you need to first do two things:
  1. Check to ensure your major dept. and/or your prospective grad/professional/med school accepts a combo of the 1 and 2 series and, if so, the exact combination of courses they will accept.
  2. Start the 1 series where you are eligible, per the listed pre-reqs. For example, if you have credit for PHYS 2A and Math 20B, you still need either PHYS 1AL or PHYS 2BL before enrolling in PHYS 1BL (see pre-req chart above and note that we do not waive lecture, lab, or math pre-reqs).
Can I enroll if I haven't satisfied one/more of the accepted pre-reqs?
No, we strictly enforce the listed pre-reqs for our courses; grades of D or above are accepted. If you are missing one/more pre-reqs you cannot proceed with your proposed enrollment(s). Instead, you will need to enroll in the missing pre-req(s). We will not grant exceptions to our pre-req policies.
I failed a pre-req but think I can handle the next physics class. Can I remain enrolled?
No, we strictly enforce the listed pre-reqs for our courses; grades of D or above are accepted. If you are failed one/more pre-reqs you cannot proceed to the next physics course. Instead, you will need to the pre-req(s). We will not grant exceptions to our pre-req policies.
I failed a pre-req. Can I remain enrolled in the course?
No, failing the pre-req makes you ineligible to remain enrolled. The campus will drop you from the course at some point during the remaining enrollment period and you will need to replace the course on your schedule before the end of the enrollment period. Consult with your major department and/or your college to get assistance in selecting a replacement course.
Can I take a course at the same time as its pre-req?
No, pre-reqs must be completed in advance. They cannot be taken concurrently.
I'm on a waitlist for a UCSD course this summer and want to use the summer course as a pre-req for a course I'm taking in fall. WebReg is blocking me. Why? What should I do?
You must wait until you make it off the summer waitlist to use the course towards pre-reqs for fall (only enrolled UCSD courses apply to pre-reqs for future terms).
Can planned/waitlisted UCSD courses apply to physics 1 & 2 series course pre-reqs?
Planned/Waitlisted UCSD courses cannot apply towards pre-reqs for physics 1 and 2 series courses; you must wait until you get officially enrolled in the UCSD course in order for it to apply to pre-reqs for courses in future terms. No exceptions.
I enrolled in a FALL term course based on UCSD coursework in SPRING/SUMMER that I subsequently dropped/failed but retook and passed outside of UCSD before the fall. Am I subject to drop?
Yes, you are subject to drop and you will only be eligible to again seek enrollment after the drop has been processed and you have been preauthorized through EASy. If you enrolled based on a pre-req that was in-progress here at UCSD and you either failed/dropped that pre-req, your eligibility to retain your seat expired when you failed/dropped that pre-req. Our department does not accept work-in-progress from other colleges/universities and we do not grant exceptions to allow a student to "pre-reserve" (i.e. secure or retain) their seat in our course while one/more pre-reqs are taken outside of UCSD.
Can I take PHYS 2AR in place of PHYS 2A?
Campuswide, PHYS 2AR will not automatically count in place of PHYS 2A for prerequisites for courses in future terms and/or for major requirements. You must use EASy to request to use PHYS 2AR as a prerequisite for courses only accepting PHYS 2A (approval is not guaranteed). You must contact your major dept. to request to use PHYS 2AR for your major (approval is not guaranteed) for requirements only accepting PHYS 2A.
Can PHYS 2AR count in place of PHYS 2A for prereqs and/or for my major?
Campuswide, PHYS 2AR will not automatically count in place of PHYS 2A for prerequisites for courses in future terms and/or for major requirements. You must use EASy to request to use PHYS 2AR as a prerequisite for courses only accepting PHYS 2A (approval is not guaranteed). You must contact your major dept. to request to use PHYS 2AR for your major (approval is not guaranteed) for requirements only accepting PHYS 2A.

Enrollment
How do know whether or not I am enrolled in a Physics 1 or 2 series course?
WebReg is the sole authority on a student's enrollment status and you must check WebReg to see if it shows that you are enrolled. Keep in mind that Canvas is accessible to waitlisted students; Canvas access is NOT confirmation of enrollment in a course.
Can I take a physics 1 or 2 series lecture without the lab or lab without the lecture?
As long as you meet each listed pre-req, you can take a physics 1 or 2 series lecture without a corresponding a lab or lab without a corresponding lecture.
Can I take PHYS 1 series lectures and labs in separate terms?
PHYS 1 series lectures and labs are designed to be taken concurrently but may be taken in separate terms; taking the lecture before the lab is the best alternative to enrolling in both.
As a visiting summer sessions student, how do I enroll in physics 1 or 2 series courses at UCSD?
Please click here for step-by-step instructions.
I was dropped from my 1 or 2 series physics course(s) due to a problem with tuition/fees. Can I have my seat back?
If you were dropped due to an error on the part of the University and you have documentation to prove this you can submit a request through EASy, requesting to reclaim your seat up until close of business (4pm) on the last day of the standard enrollment period (i.e. Friday of week 2 in fall, winter, and spring term; Friday of week 1 for summer session 1 & session 2). Beyond this, there is no reinstatement of enrollment but you are welcome to pursue a seat in our course through WebReg during any remaining portion of the standard enrollment period for the term; existing waitlists cannot be bypassed.
I do not think I'm going to pass my physics class this term. I want to enroll in the course next term, just in case I don't pass, but WebReg is blocking me. What should I do?
You will not be able to re-enroll while you are still enrolled in the course for the current term. You must either drop the class in the current term (a W will be assigned, and you can have a max of one W per course), or you must wait until your course grade is posted (if you receive a D or F you can then re-enroll; a petition to your college is required in advance of enrolling in a course for the third time).
When does enrollment in the 1 series or 2 series end?
Enrollment closes/ends on Friday of week 2 and we do not permit any late adds via add cards, EASy, or any other means. On Friday of week 2 we will check to ensure that there weren't any last minute drops after the final processing of the waitlists (if so, we will contact the eligible waitlisted students through VAC to offer them the open seat before enrollment officially closes for the term). If you are still on a physics waitlist after week 2 you cannot enroll in our course that term. No exceptions are granted.
I'm not sure if I want to take my physics course in summer or in fall. Can I enroll in summer and also in fall and then decide later on which one I'll keep?
No, the campus no longer allows students to enroll in the same courses during multiple terms. If you enroll in a course for summer you won't also be able to enroll in the course for fall. The converse is true, as well. If you are waitlisted for summer and subsequently enroll for fall, WebReg will drop you from the waitlist in summer. The converse here is true, as well.
I am a junior/senior, do I get priority when enrolling in a 1 series or 2 series course?
Yes, by way of your enrollment appointment which comes up sooner for you than for sophomores and freshmen. Seats in our courses go on a first-come-first-serve basis via sign-ups through WebReg and our courses are always highly subscribed so it's best to enroll during your PASS 1. To be fair to all students we do not interfere in the processing of enrollment and/or waitlists for our courses. We will not approve ANY request to override or otherwise bypass an existing waitlist, regardless of the method of submission (EASy, VAC, in-office visit, etc.).
Should I use my PASS 1 to enroll in a 1 series or 2 series course, or can I wait until PASS 2 to enroll?
Seats in our courses go on a first-come-first serve basis via sign-ups through WebReg and our courses are always highly subscribed so it's best to enroll during your PASS 1. To be fair to all students we do not interfere in the processing of enrollment and/or waitlists for our courses. We will not approve ANY request to override or otherwise bypass an existing waitlist, regardless of the method of submission (EASy, VAC, in-office visit, etc.).
If PHYS 1 series lectures and labs are concurrent, shouldn't there always be the same number of lecture and lab seats, and shouldn't everyone get into both?
There are two factors to consider:
  1. Lecture seats are based on the size of the room the campus assigns for the class. Lab seats are based on the size of our lab room, student demand, and our instructional resources. We fill all of our LD lecture courses to the room capacity right from the start so that every available seat can be filled. If a lecture course fills we ask the campus for a larger room and they move us if one becomes available. The number of lab sections we start out with will have a total enrollment that is as close to the lecture enrollment limit as possible. We then monitor lab enrollments and waitlists and add lab sections if the demand is sufficient and our instructional resources can allow it.
  2. Some students are need the lecture only or the lab only. For example:
    • Students who are exempt from PHYS 1A and/or 1B based on exemptions from AP/IB exams (these students are still required to take PHYS 1AL and 1BL since AP/IB exams cannot exempt from physics labs).
    • Students who took the lecture and lab and successfully only one of the two need to repeat the other, alone.
    • Students who took PHYS 2A and/or 2B and want to drop down to the PHYS 1 series need to take 1AL/2BL and 1BL/2CL before proceeding to PHYS 1CL.
How/when can I enroll in a 1 or 2 series course if one/more of my pre-reqs is taken outside of UCSD?
Our department does not accept work-in-progress from other colleges/universities. You will not be able to request preauthorization for a UCSD Physics course and you will not be eligible to secure a seat in the course until you have a transcript showing your final grade for the course that is missing from your UCSD Academic History Report; transcripts must include your printed name and the printed name of the institution where the course was taken. If/When you are eligible, please click here to submit your preauthorization request(s). We will not grant an exception to allow a student to "pre-reserve" their seat in our course while one/more pre-reqs are in-progress outside of UCSD. You may determine that taking the pre-req(s) here at UCSD is in your best interest, as it gives you immediate access to our course(s) through WebReg.
I took a PHYS 1 or 2 course pre-req outside of UCSD and it's not yet posted to my UCSD record. How do I enroll?

If you hope to enroll in a UCSD physics course and one/more of the pre-reqs was completed outside of UCSD but does not yet appear on your UCSD Academic History Report you will need to click here and request preauthorization to enroll/waitlist, even if you've already sent your official transcript to UCSD.

Details about the Preauthorization Process
  • You MUST attach a transcript to your request.
  • It can take 3-5 business days to have your preauthorization request reviewed, so you should try to submit your request at least 3-5 business days in advance of your registration date. Requests are only reviewed during normal business days and hours. Requests are not reviewed during campus closures, nor during school breaks.
  • The preauthorization process is what we used to verify pre-reqs that do not appear on your UCSD Academic History Report; each request is for a specific course in a specific term (ex. PHYS 1A or PHYS 1AL or PHYS 2B or PHYS 2BL, etc.; FA19 or W20 or SP20, etc.).
  • You must review each listed pre-req in comparison to your UCSD Academic History Report (including transfer courses) to determine the pre-req(s) that are missing from your UCSD Academic History Report. Do not assume that you know each listed pre-req nor that all pre-reqs appear on your UCSD Academic History Report.
  • Only transfer courses that have approved equivalency with UCSD can be used towards pre-reqs for our courses. If you need a course reviewed for possible equivalency you will need to complete that process before you request preauthorization.
  • Our department does not accept work-in-progress from other colleges/universities. You will not be able to request preauthorization for a UCSD Physics course until you have a transcript showing your final grade for the course that is missing from your UCSD Academic History Report; transcripts must include your printed name and the printed name of the institution where the course was taken. If/When you are eligible, please click here to submit your preauthorization request(s). We will not grant an exception to allow a student to "pre-reserve" their seat in our course while one/more pre-reqs are in-progress outside of UCSD. You may determine that taking the pre-req(s) here at UCSD is in your best interest, as it gives you immediate access to our course(s) through WebReg.
  • Preauthorizations do not get courses officially posted to your UCSD Academic History Report. For that, you must work with UCSD Admissions.
If I passed a lecture but not the corresponding lab (or vice versa) do I need to repeat both, or just the one I didn't pass?
You only need to repeat the one you didn't pass.
If I enroll in a 1 series or 2 series class at some point after instruction has begun, am I entitled to an exception for coursework/exams that took place prior to when I enrolled, and/or to an extension for any coursework/exams that may be coming up?
No, you are not entitled to exceptions and/or extensions. An instructor's course requirements, policies, and deadlines go into effect when instruction begins for the term and any student who enrolls immediately becomes subject to them. UCSD does not require instructors to grant exceptions to any course requirements, policies, and/or deadlines for students who add their course(s) at some point after instruction has begun. UCSD considers it the student's responsibility to determine whether or not to get/remain enrolled in a course after instruction has begun; if too much has been missed, the student should not get/remain enrolled.
Can I complete a Physics 1 or 2 series course via Credit by Examination instead of sitting through the class?
This option may be possible for lecture courses, but only if you've completed an approved equivalent of the course at another college/university and UCSD Admissions is unwilling to post the course to your UCSD record. For more details, please click here.

Waitlists
What's the current status of sections and seats for waitlisted 1 & 2 series courses?
Please click here to see updates about sections and seats!
If a 1 series or 2 series course is full and has a long waitlist, will more sections be added? Will the course be moved to a larger space? Do I need to contact the dept. to alert them about my waitlist position?
You do not need to alert us of full courses and/or waitlist numbers as we monitor this on a daily basis. If/when a 1 series or 2 series lecture course fills, the campus seeks out a room switch to a larger space whenever possible.
How do I make it off the waitlist for a 1 series or 2 series course?
The campus waitlist system will run every night and add as many students as possible based on drops from the prior 24 hours, and you will be notified via email if you are added to the class from the waitlist. The waitlists will process for the final time on Thursday night of week 2.
I'm graduating this term and I'm on the waitlist for my 1 series or 2 series course. What should I do?
Check WebReg daily for seats in other sections of course. Keep in mind that since there is no guarantee that you will make it into our course you may need to enroll in a future term, or take the course outside of UCSD. Keep in mind that graduation term is based on when you will have all of your degree requirements completed as opposed to a proposed/expected graduation term. A term in which you are not officially enrolled in your final degree requirements is not your graduation term.
Should I attend my 1 series or 2 series class while I'm waitlisted?
Waitlisted students are expected to attend class during weeks 1 and 2. Please note that the instructor may ask that waitlisted students exit the room if the room capacity has been reached by enrolled students; you are required to adhere to the direction of the instructor. Per the fire marshal, only enrolled students are permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10; waitlisted students are not permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10.
I'm on the waitlist for a 1 series or 2 series course but I see empty seats in the lecture room. Can I get into the course?
Seeing open seats in a 1 series or 2 series lecture classroom during week 1 or 2 is not indicative of actual enrollment; enrolled students sometimes elect not to attend lectures but, per campus policy, this does not de-enroll them from our course nor allow us to drop them and give their seat to other students.
I am on the waitlist for a 1 series or 2 series course. What are my chances of making it in?
We're sorry but we cannot guess the chances of any student making it off of a waitlist for our courses as that all depends on enrolled students dropping and there's no trend for this term-to-term or year-to-year in Physics. Do not bank on making it off of a waitlist for a Physics course and make sure to do the following as soon as you have waitlisted a Physics course:
  • Regularly check WebReg for open seats in other sections of the course (if other sections exist for that term) and enroll if your schedule permits. (We understand that many are seeking to enroll under a particular faculty member for good reasons, but please know that may not always be possible.)
  • In consultation with your major dept. and your college:
    • secure a back-up course to take in case you don't make it off the waitlist. Do not wait until the end of the enrollment period to find and/or enroll in a back-up course, and
    • get assistance in revising your plan for graduation in case you don't make it off the waitlist. Do not wait until the end of the enrollment period to revise your plan for graduation. Keep in mind that graduation term is based on when a student will have all of their degree requirements completed (proposed graduation terms are not guaranteed, especially for students who are behind in their major/program).
I didn't make it off a physics waitlist but I know students will drop later. Can I add once a seat opens up?
No, you cannot. Enrollment in physics ends on Friday of week 2. We do not permit late adds into our courses via add cards, EASy, or any other means; we will not review or process any requests of this type. No exceptions.

Attendance
Should I attend my 1 series or 2 series class while I'm waitlisted?
Waitlisted students are expected to attend class during weeks 1 and 2. Please note that the instructor may ask that waitlisted students exit the room if the room capacity has been reached by enrolled students; you are required to adhere to the direction of the instructor. Per the fire marshal, only enrolled students are permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10; waitlisted students are not permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10.
Is attendance mandatory for all parts of 1 series or 2 series courses?
Attendance is mandatory in all officially course components. That includes: Lectures (LE), Discussions (DI), Labs (LA), Midterms (MI), and Finals (FI). Attendance is not mandatory in Problem Sessions (PB) and Review Sessions (RE), but since these sessions are designed to help you to do well in the course you are strongly advised to attend these alongside all mandatory course components.
Are the course components synchronous or asynchronous?
You will need to direct this inquiry to the instructor. If no instructor is listed, you will need to wait until the instructor is listed and then ask the instructor.

Canvas
How and when do I get access to PHYS 1 & 2 series courses on Canvas
Click here to learn about gaining access to PHYS 1 & 2 series courses on Canvas.
What do I do if I am experiencing issues with Canvas?
Once logged onto Canvas, click the "Student Help" tab for assistance. Please note that academic departments do not manage Canvas and are not able to assist in resolving issues with Canvas.
Will I have access to Canvas while I am waitlisted for a 1 series or 2 series course?
Canvas is accessible to waitlisted students but access will be removed at some point after enrollment ends. Please keep in mind that WebReg is the sole authority on what courses a student is/isn't enrolled in; Canvas availability is NOT confirmation of enrollment in a course. If you do not make it into a physics course in a term, your progress and grades will not be maintained for use in any future term.
Can I have access to Canvas if I am NOT enrolled/waitlisted?
This is called auditing, is at the sole discretion of the instructor, and must be requested and approved in writing (email request and email approval is fine). If the instructor approves your request to audit their course and the instructor wants to allow you to see their Canvas information, the instructor must log onto Canvas and follow these instructions to add you as an observer (the Department cannot grant you access). Auditors, please keep in mind that auditing does not make you eligible for enrollment; auditing does not make you enrolled or waitlisted for the course and you WILL NOT receive credit for the course, even if you choose to audit for the entire term and/or to complete work for the course. Auditors, please also keep in mind that you are NOT permitted to take exams in the course, nor be present in the classroom during any exams (this would be a violation of Academic Integrity).

Exams
When will the quizzes be held in my 1 series or 2 series class?
Quizzes may be held during the main lecture, fourth hour lecture and/or during the discussion section so be sure that you are in attendance at all of these sessions.
Can I take PHYS 1 & 2 series course quizzes/exams while waitlisted?
Waitlisted students are only permitted in the classroom during weeks 1 & 2. If the instructor permits waitlisters to attend exams, this is only permissible during weeks 1 & 2. Per the fire marshal, only enrolled students are permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10; waitlisted students are not permitted in the classroom in weeks 3-10 and cannot take quizzes/exams in physics courses in weeks 3-10.
Are exams synchronous or asynchronous?
You will need to direct this inquiry to the instructor. If no instructor is listed, you will need to wait until the instructor is listed and then ask the instructor.
If I enroll in a 1 series or 2 series class at some point after instruction has begun, am I entitled to an exception for coursework/exams that took place prior to when I enrolled, and/or to an extension for any coursework/exams that may be coming up?
No, you are not entitled to exceptions and/or extensions. An instructor's course requirements, policies, and deadlines go into effect when instruction begins for the term and any student who enrolls immediately becomes subject to them. UCSD does not require instructors to grant exceptions to any course requirements, policies, and/or deadlines for students who add their course(s) at some point after instruction has begun. UCSD considers it the student's responsibility to determine whether or not to get/remain enrolled in a course after instruction has begun; if too much has been missed, the student should not get/remain enrolled.
Can I complete a Physics 1 or 2 series course via Credit by Examination instead of sitting through the class?
This option may be possible for lecture courses, but only if you've completed an approved equivalent of the course at another college/university and UCSD Admissions is unwilling to post the course to your UCSD record. For more details, please click here.

Grading Options
What grading options can I choose for PHYS 1 & 2 series courses?
PHYS 1 & 2 series courses are offered on both a letter-grade and P/NP basis, but you need to select the grading option that your major/minor/college/grad-school/professional-school accepts (contact them, directly, to find out).
I accidentally took my PHYS 1 or 2 series course(s) for P/NP credit, earned a P, and my major requires a letter grade. What should I do?
You will need to contact your major dept. and ask them for permission to use the course towards your major, despite the grading option you chose, or for permission to substitute the course with some other course. The campus no longer considers requests for retroactive changes to grading options simply so that a course can be applied to a student's major requirements.

Late Adds
Do you permit late adds in physics?
No, we do not permit late adds into our courses via add cards, EASy, or any other means (any term); we will not review or process any requests of this type. No exceptions will be granted.
In fall, winter, or spring, if I enroll in a physics 1 or 2 series lecture and/or lab during week 1 or 2, is that considered a late add?
No. Enrollment officially closes on Friday of week 2 and you can enroll up until 11:59pm on Friday of week 2 and it is not considered a late add.
In fall, winter, spring, can I add a physics 1 or 2 series lecture and/or lab after the first day of class or will that be considered a late add?
Enrollment officially closes on Friday of week 2 and you can enroll up until 11:59pm on Friday of week 2 and it is not considered a late add.
In fall, winter, spring, when is the late add period?
The late add period begins on Saturday of week 2 and lasts through the end of the term. We do not permit late adds into our courses via add cards, EASy, or any other means; we will not review or process any requests of this type. No exceptions will be granted.
I didn't make it off a physics waitlist this fall/winter/spring but I know students will drop later. Can I add once a seat opens up?
No, you cannot. Enrollment in physics ends on Friday of week 2. We do not permit late adds into our courses via add cards, EASy, or any other means; we will not review or process any requests of this type. No exceptions.
The standard enrollment period has passed and I was dropped from my 1 or 2 series physics course(s) due to a problem with tuition/fees. Can I have my seat back?
No, we do not permit late adds into our courses via add cards, EASy, or any other means (any term); we will not review or process any requests of this type. No exceptions will be granted. All issues related to tuition/fees must be resolved by the end of the standard enrollment period.
If I enroll in a 1 series or 2 series class at some point after instruction has begun, am I entitled to an exception for coursework/exams that took place prior to when I enrolled, and/or to an extension for any coursework/exams that may be coming up?
No, you are not entitled to exceptions and/or extensions. An instructor's course requirements, policies, and deadlines go into effect when instruction begins for the term and any student who enrolls immediately becomes subject to them. UCSD does not require instructors to grant exceptions to any course requirements, policies, and/or deadlines for students who add their course(s) at some point after instruction has begun. UCSD considers it the student's responsibility to determine whether or not to get/remain enrolled in a course after instruction has begun; if too much has been missed, the student should not get/remain enrolled.

Drops
I am subject to be dropped from my physics course(s) due to a blank grade related to a pending Academic Integrity (AI) matter. Can I remain enrolled?
Yes, you can remain enrolled. Each term, just before the campus processes drops due to missing pre-reqs, we run a check of pending AI cases and preauthorize those with pending cases to remain enrolled.
The standard enrollment period has not passed and I accidentally dropped my physics class. Can I get back in?
You will need to enroll through WebReg (existing waitlists cannot be bypassed).
The standard enrollment period has passed and I accidentally dropped my physics class. Can I get back in?
We do not re-enroll students in courses if they drop themselves. After a student looks at their enrolled courses for the term on WebReg and clicks the "drop" button for a particular course, a special box pops up that shows only the course for which the drop action was selected and WebReg requires the student to confirm or cancel the requested action. This special box and confirm/cancel mechanism was developed by the University specifically to help students avoid "accidentally" taking an undesired action that affects their schedule and, ultimately, academic status. The campus considers it the student's responsibility to press the appropriate button to finalize or cancel the drop and we agree with the campus' position on this so we do not endorse requests to undo actions students take through WebReg.
What is the deadline to drop a physics 1 or 2 series lab with or without a W?
Physics DOES NOT currently have early drop deadlines for physics 1 & 2 series lab courses. Students must adhere to the standard campus deadlines for dropping a physics 1 or 2 series lab course without a W.
I enrolled in a FALL term course based on UCSD coursework in SPRING/SUMMER that I subsequently dropped/failed but retook and passed outside of UCSD before the fall. Am I subject to drop?
Yes, you are subject to drop and you will only be eligible to again seek enrollment after the drop has been processed and you have been preauthorized through EASy. If you enrolled based on a pre-req that was in-progress here at UCSD and you either failed/dropped that pre-req, your eligibility to retain your seat expired when you failed/dropped that pre-req. Our department does not accept work-in-progress from other colleges/universities and we do not grant exceptions to allow a student to "pre-reserve" (i.e. secure or retain) their seat in our course while one/more pre-reqs are taken outside of UCSD.
I am enrolled in a 1 or 2 series lecture and lab. If I drop one, do I have to drop the other?
No, you can drop one and remain in the other. Just keep in mind that only courses you successfully complete can be used towards pre-reqs for future courses; the class that you drop will not be able to be used towards the pre-reqs for courses in the next term.
I was dropped from my 1 or 2 series physics course(s) due to a problem with tuition/fees. Can I have my seat back?
If you were dropped due to an error on the part of the University and you have documentation to prove this you can submit a request through EASy, requesting to reclaim your seat up until close of business (4pm) on the last day of the standard enrollment period (i.e. Friday of week 2 in fall, winter, and spring term; Friday of week 1 for summer session 1 & session 2). Beyond this, there is no reinstatement of enrollment but you are welcome to pursue a seat in our course through WebReg during any remaining portion of the standard enrollment period for the term; existing waitlists cannot be bypassed.

Section Switches
How can I switch from one section of a class to another?
There are no section switches at UCSD. You must use the "drop" and "enroll" features on WebReg to make changes to your schedule; existing waitlists cannot be bypassed. You must finalize your physics enrollments by the end of the standard enrollment period; we do not permit late adds via add cards, add codes, EASy, or any other means.
During the enrollment period, I dropped my original physics 1 or 2 series lecture/lab section and added a new section. What happens to the coursework I submitted while enrolled in my original section?
It is your responsibility to immediately collect the coursework you submitted in your original section and deliver it to the instructor/TA in charge of your new section so that your grade is not compromised. Contact your original TAs/instructors, directly, to arrange to collect your coursework. Do not ask/expect your original TAs/instructors to deliver your coursework to your new TAs/Instructors. Coursework cannot be retained and reused from any prior term(s).

Getting Help with Physics, Tutoring
How can I get help with my 1 series or 2 series class?
The following resources are available each term for help with our courses:

Education Abroad Programs (EAP)
Can I complete the physics 1 or 2 series via EAP?

EAP Sussex: Students who complete course Introductory Physics 1 (IS128) & 2 (IS29) (Sussex) will be eligible for equivalency as PHYS 1A, 1AL, 1B, 1BL, 1C and 1CL here at UC San Diego through Summer 2023 (no petition required; equivalencies should be visible on the student's degree audit once EAP grades have been posted to the student's Academic History Report). Students are expected to have MATH 10A/20A and MATH 10B/20B complete prior to enrolling in these EAP courses. If additional math courses are required for your major/minor/GEs, please work with your major dept. and college to appropriately schedule these courses on your qtr-by-qtr plan.

EAP Nicosia-Cyprus 1 & Nicosia-Cyprus 2 / Hong Kong U. of Sci and Tech / Carlos III Madrid / Glasgow / Dublin: At this time we cannot support a request to initiate any pre-approved equivalencies, as there are concerns about the depth of these courses based on the time spent on relevant topics. Students taking these courses should save all of their course notes, material, exams, etc. Students participating in EAP at one of these universities, after returning from their EAP trip, will be eligible to petition their course(s) for potential equivalency; approval is not guaranteed. These particular petition packets must include course syllabi and all of the student's course notes, material, exams, etc. so that we can assess the depth of the course(s).

Have a 1 or 2 series question not addressed in the info. above? Contact us through VAC to let us know!