As a Physics student, you have many class choices depending on how much math, physics and programming you have completed and what your plans are post-graduation from UC Irvine.
If you are not sure about which courses you have credit for from the AP and/or IB Exams you took, then you need to figure that out, first. This info can be found in the UCI Catalogue.
You also need to have a window open showing your Degree Requirements.
OK, now you are ready to start choosing classes....
The most important class for you is Physics, which might require a lab. The first Physics class you will take depends on your math level, and your physics level.
• If you do not have AP credit for Physics 2 then you can take a UCI Placement test, which is called the MAPP Exam (http://www.physics.uci.edu/mapp). If you pass the MAPP Exam, then you can start in Physics 7C and 7LC (if you are at the Math 2B level or higher). If you do not pass the MAPP Exam, then you will begin with Physics 2 (as long as you are at the Math 2A level or higher). Physics 2 students enroll in a lecture, a discussion and a tutorial. Students who do not feel prepared for Physics 7C/7LC may take Physics 2 without taking the placement exam.
• Students who have AP credit for Physics 2 or who pass the MAPP exam may start in Physics 7C and 7LC, as long as you are at or above the Math 2B level.
You should also enroll in a Math class, depending on your AP/IB credit.
• If you have credit for Math 2A, then enroll in Math 2B. If you have credit for Math 2B, then enroll in Math 2D.
• If you do not have AP or IB credit for Math, but you have at least a 650 or better on the Math SAT, or a 3 on the AP Calc Exam, then you can enroll directly into Math 2A.
• If you do not have any of the above then you can't start in Math 2A. You must take a placement exam through ALEKS, so read this page very carefully: http://www.testingcenter.uci.edu/calculus%20online%20exam.html.
Your third class should be Writing (usually 39A or 39B or 39C), or Academic English (usually 20A, 20B, 20C or 20D), depending on where you start.
• If you have Entry Level Writing satisfied, then you start with Writing 39B.
• If you haven't taken the Analytical Writing Placement Exam, you can find more information here: http://www.testingcenter.uci.edu/analyticalWrting.html.
• If you have a 4 or 5 on the AP English Language or AP English Literature exam, then you have credit for Writing 39B and will start with Writing 39C.
If you would like to take a fourth class, consider taking a General Education (GE) course. Categories III and IV are usually a good place to start.
* All Physics/Applied Physics freshmen students are ready to take Physics 99 in their first year. It's a fun 1-unit seminar class that addresses available tracks in the major, research opportunities in the physics department, careers in physics, and relevant programs and resources for students.
***Students interested in attending Professional School (such as Pharmacy School, Medical School, Dental School, Nursing School, etc.) should also enroll in Bio Sci 93 in the fall. Bio Sci 93 may be major restricted; please refer to the Schedule of Classes to see when the major restriction will lift.
Info about professional schools, and more, can be found here: https://www.bio.uci.edu/careers/
Here is what your fall schedule should look like:
