This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AS-T degree and prepares you for a university major in physics, physics/chemistry education, or physics/mathematics education. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
This is the pathway to follow if your math placement is MATH&141 Precalculus I or MATH&142 Precalculus II.
Quarter 1 (12-17 credits)
MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
If you're not ready for MATH& 141, start the math sequence leading to it.
If your math placement is MATH& 142, take that instead.
Talk with your advisor about adjusting the pathway to match.
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
PHIL& 115 Critical thinking (5 credits)
or another humanities course (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
Optional:
EDPL 100 College success (2 credits)
This course is really helpful if you don't have much college experience. Take it with either two or three of the other courses (don't put off math, though!). If you choose a light first quarter, you may need to take one course during the summer.
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
MATH& 142 Precalculus II (5 credits)
CHEM& 161 General chemistry with lab I (5 credits)
HIST& 126 World civilizations I (5 credits)
or another social science course (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Compare the different physics majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
MATH& 151 Calculus I (5 credits)
CHEM& 162 General chemistry with lab II (5 credits)
PHYS& 114 General physics (5 credits)
If you took a year of physics in high school, PHYS& 114 isn't required. In that case, if you opted for 12 credits in Quarter 1, you can take the course you postponed. Otherwise, you can choose another elective.
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Summer
If you opted for 12 credits in Quarter 1, this could be a good time to catch up.
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
MATH& 152 Calculus II (5 credits)
PHYS& 221 Engineering physics I (5 credits)
CHEM& 163 General chemistry with lab III (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Participate in undergraduate research in CHEM& 163.
- Listen to podcasts about physics issues or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15-16 credits)
MATH& 163 Calculus III (5 credits)
Optional:
MATH& 207 Taylor series (1 credit)
Be sure to take this 1-credit supplement to MATH& 163 if you plan to transfer to the University of Washington.
MATH 204 Linear algebra (5 credits)
PHYS& 222 Engineering physics II (5 credits)
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
MATH& 238 Intro to differential equations (5 credits)
PHYS& 223 Engineering physics III (5 credits)
POLS& 203 International relations (5 credits)
or another social science course (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
or a humanities course (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
