Physics

The Physics Department has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

"Study abroad is a critical part of a global education. Students must be equipped with a broad set of international skills and crosscultural understanding in order to excel in an increasingly interdependent world." -Robert Birgeneu, Professor of Physics, Chancellor Emeritus

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on the Physics Website N/A

Physics Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The Physics Department encourages its students to broaden their educational experiences by studying abroad through the Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA) program. BSA provides students with the opportunity to study physics, while gaining an international perspective and expanding their academic horizons. College is an ideal time to take the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, independence, and perspectives, your international experience can benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.

Why study abroad?

There are many opportunities for enhancing your understanding of physics when studying abroad. Students are encouraged to apply for a term, a full academic year, or a summer.

Studying abroad can help you:

  • Take advantage of unique academic and research opportunities
  • Participate in a different educational system
  • Advance cross-cultural and problem-solving skills
  • Expand your world perspective
  • Develop self-confidence and independence
  • Prepare for an internationally competitive career
  • Enhance your resume and/or graduate school applications

Returning students often describe their experience abroad as a life-changing and uniquely valuable one for future choices of profession!

When can I study abroad?

While it is possible for Physics students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take and where you wish to study abroad.

Transfer students are eligible to participate as soon as they arrive at Berkeley. Please note that application deadlines are quite early. For more information: studyabroad.berkeley.edu/transferstudents

Where can I study abroad?

Some examples of universities where Physics students have previously studied are:

  • Australia Universities (Australia)
  • Chile Universities (Chile)
  • University of Cambridge (UK-England)
  • Yonsei University (Korea)
  • UC Center Madrid (Spain)
  • Osaka University (Japan)
  • University of Sussex (UK-England)
  • Free University Berlin (Germany)
  • University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
  • Technical University Berlin (Germany)
  • Tohoku University (Japan)
  • UC Center Paris (France)
  • University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
What classes can I take?

Application of credit to major requirements will be subject to the discretion of the department and approval of the college. Students are strongly encouraged to review their course choices with their physics advisor to maximize the number of study abroad units that may apply towards the major.

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

No.

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

We have accepted courses from other universities as equivalent to requirements in our major. However, we don’t use these to set precedent and instead strongly recommend that all students continue to have their courses evaluated before taking them.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

Approximately 6-8 credits can be applied if courses are deemed equivalent. The maximum is calculated by the number of courses.

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

Yes, we do maintain a list. This is shared with students when they come in to discuss the possibility of studying abroad.

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

No. Students must come in to see an undergraduate adviser for planning.

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

Student should submit a request via this form. Syllabus including math level and topics covered weekly must be attached along with any other required documents mentioned on the form. Timeframe can be 3-6 weeks depending on faculty availability for review. See department for assistance.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

Yes, it is possible. Student must meet eligibility requirements and must have two semesters left prior to participating in UCEAP.

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

No.

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

No.

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

N/A

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

Undergraduate Adviser signs.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.

Yes. If the student is in good academic standing, and communicates enrollment plan by email, the undergraduate major adviser will release the hold.

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating in a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

Student must come in for advising in major department and in their college prior to UCEAP participation.

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

No.

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

No.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

Students must come in to see an undergraduate adviser for planning.