Freshman Students
- Chemistry Majors:
- 1st year: General Chemistry, Calculus, Writing
- 2nd year: Organic Chemistry, Physics
- Mathematics Majors:
- 1st year: Calculus, Physics or General Chemistry, Writing
- 2nd year: Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Abstract Math
- Physics and Applied Physics Majors:
- 1st year: Classical Physics, Calculus, Writing
- 2nd year: Modern Physics, Experimental Physics, Differential Equations, Computer Programming
- Earth System Science Majors:
- 1st year: Calculus, General Chemistry, Writing
- 2nd year: Land Interactions, Earth’s Atmosphere, Ocean Biogeochemistry, Physics
- Environmental Science Majors:
- 1st year: Math, General Chemistry, Writing
- 2nd year: Fundamental Environmental Processes, Local & Regional Enviro Issues, Global Enviro Issues
University of California, Irvine
School of Physical Sciences
Chemist Isobel Simpson conducts studies to measure air quality in cities around the world and the effects of air pollution on the population
Professor McWilliams’ fusion energy research has created laser-based plasma-generating devices used in health care, telecommunications and other fields.
Professor Famiglietti documents how humans are using water faster than it can be replensihed.
Dr. Apkarian heads a team developing the "chemiscope" which is used to photograph images of molecules in action
Career Help
The UCI Career Center is available to help to all UCI students and provides you with the tools you will need to succeed after you graduate!
- UCI students are accepted into the top graduate and professional schools: PhD., M.D., MBA, J.D., D.D.S., D. Pharm., etc.
- Careers as educators: Middle and High School teaching:
SMPP waiver program; College and University teaching; Secondary Teaching Credential programs in all Phys Sci majors!
- 3 Career Fairs per year
- ZotLink, Internship/Work finder
- Career Week prior to each Fair
- Internship Daze
- Online database
- Help with Graduate/Law/Medical/Professional School
- Application Assistance
- Letters of Recommendation Services
- Career Counseling
- Career Connections – UCI Alumni help graduating seniors succeed
- Workshops for building resumes
- Interview training
Postgraduate Opportunities
Life After UCI
When
You
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
David L.
Van Vranken
Academic Counselors
Mike Tawney
Jillian LeMaster-Dwyer
Don Williams
Stefanie Masuda
Physical Sciences Student Affairs
Choose
Peer Academic Advisors
Bao Vu - MATH
Alyssa Powers - PHYSICS
Zach Rana - CHEM
Melanie Martinez - ENV SCI
Nemo Shi - MATH
Location: 134 Rowland Hall
Phone: (949) 824-6507
Website: ps.uci.edu/stuaff
Email: pssazot@uci.edu
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00 - 4:00
What the School of Physical Sciences
Has To Offer
In Winter 2017, 24.7% of the Physical Sciences undergraduates were on the Dean’s Honor List
Honors opportunities are offered in many ways!
Lower Division Honors Courses
Chemistry H2A-B-C (General Chemistry)
Chemistry H52LA-B-C (Organic Chemistry Lab)
Upper Division Honors Programs
Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth System Science and Physics all offer senior honors research and senior honors thesis.
Math honors program includes introductory graduate courses in algebra and analysis
In addition, some Chemistry and Physics courses are offered ‘for Majors Only’, meaning you would be taking that class with students who are majoring in the same subject as you. This is a great way to meet students with similar interests as you.
UC Irvine
Excellent Students,
Honors Opportunities
Academic Advising Sessions
All Physical Sciences students attend an academic advising session in the summer.
Students will:
- Learn about school & major requirements
- Learn how to choose classes
- Develop a personal program for fall
- Enroll in classes during orientation!
- Distinguished award winning professors
- State-of-the-art research labs and facilities
- Great professor : majors ratio
- Abundant undergraduate research opportunities
- Rapid departmental growth
- Scholarships available to outstanding students
- Academic programs for students interested in secondary teaching careers
Ways to satisfy Entry Level Writing:
- 3 or higher on AP English Literature or Language exam
- 5 or higher on the IB Higher Level Examination in English (Language A only)
- 6 or higher on the IB Standard Level Examination in English (Language A only)
- 30 or higher on ACT Plus Writing test
- Earning a C or better in a transferable college course **course must be completed before enrollment at UCI - students may not complete writing courses at another institution once they have enrolled at UCI**
- Pass the AWPE (UCI's writing placement exam)
- 680 or higher on SAT Writing section **only if taken prior to March 2016**
NOTE: Any student that completed the SAT in or after March, 2016 may NOT use their SAT score to satisfy ELW.
Financial Aid and
Scholarships
UCI provides resources to help students pay for their college education. We offer a range of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is important to help students be considered for need-based financial aid. It must be completed each year by March 2.
The University of California has a Blue+Gold Opportunity program that establishes a minimum level of grant aid for undergraduates with financial need and qualifying household incomes.
Sports
The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), including 10 UCI faculty researchers, and Vice President Al Gore, won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Princeton Review names UCI among 'Best Value Colleges' for 2017
UCI was the first public university to win 2 Nobel Prizes in the same year in different fields: physics and chemistry. Prof. Reines discovered the neutrino, and Prof Rowland discovered that CFCs were destroying the ozone layer.
Today, our innovative research, discoveries, and progressive insights are changing lives around the globe. UC Irvine was ranked first among U.S. universities under 50 years old (3 years in a row) – and seventh in the world. We now are ranked 9th out of all public universities in the United States.
Fashion Island
South Coast Plaza
- NCAA Division I in 23 sports
- 21 National team championships
- Club sports open to anyone
- Intramural Sports Leagues
- Outdoor Adventure Groups
- Fitness and Wellness Center
- Classes and Clinics
Entertainment districts, malls, theaters, all within 15 minutes of UCI. The University Center is across the bridge from campus and has many stores and places to eat.
On a daily basis, I learn about global issues that I may actually have the opportunity to solve with research and a career after college.
~Jessica Bowers, earth and environmental sciences major
The department of Earth System Science is the nation's first interdisciplinary department dedicated to climate change.
Irvine Spectrum
The Organic Chemistry grad program is ranked in the Top 10, nationally
University Center
More than 5,000 solar panels help provide power to the university.
…the School of Physical Sciences allows us to retain our core science knowledge but extends that knowledge, by integrating many courses from different disciples, to improve our society’s current and present actions… ~Roxanne Murillo, earth and environmental studies major
Home of the world's first sewage-powered hydrogen fueling station for
hydrogen cars.
Within 30 minutes of UCI!
Campus
Questions?
Physical Sciences as a school is unique because it acts as a basis for every other science.
~Justin Cruel, mathematics and political sciences major
Fun
Irvine is the center of Orange County.
Irvine is approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles.
The City of Irvine
It has been recognized as "America's Safest Big City" by the FBI.
Other Venues
Irvine has a number of parks and wetland areas, perfect for outdoor recreation.
Why Choose Irvine?
Life
Facts
Located on campus, the Irvine Barclay Theatre includes a modern concert hall which hosts a broad array of events and performances including: dance, plays, symphony and guest speakers
I really feel that the School of Physical Sciences has empowered me and countless others to pursue our dreams, achieve our goals and make a difference in the world. The staff and faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields, are endlessly helpful, doing whatever they can to help their students. ~Meena Madan, earth and environmental sciences major
- Claire Trevor School of the Arts
Live performances by UCI students in music, theatre, dance and more
Beautiful beaches, art galleries, restaurants and shops are right next door
UCI Resources
and Experiences
This state-of-the-art arena seats more than 5,000 and offers a full array of musical, exhibition, sporting and other public events. Commencement is also held here.
Beaches
ARC
Career Center
Counseling Center
Departmental Clubs
Dorm Events
Freshmen Seminars
Libraries
Peer Academic Advisors
Tutoring
Volunteer Center
Wellness Center
UCI Resources
and Experiences
Important Events
The School of Physical Sciences has a warm friendly atmosphere. The staff members and students are open-minded and easy to approach… After communicating and interacting with the faculty members and staff, I realized with great appreciation that the reason for their heartening motivation is simply to see every student succeed. ~Alvin Kung, chemistry and biological sciences major
Yes, UCI really does hold the Guiness World records for both the largest dodgeball game and the largest water-blaster battle.
Mentor Program
Anteater Recreation Center (ARC)
Cross Cultural Center
ASUCI
Volunteer Center
Student Organizations
Athletics
Bren Center
Sports Events
Concerts
Student Center
Research/UROP
Education Abroad Program
- 88,000 square feet, multi-level
- Indoor track
- Full-sized gym
- Heated swimming pools
- Several racquetball courts
- 35’ climbing wall
- 120 classes each quarter!
- Free membership for students
~60% of all B.S. graduates
in Chemistry & ESS participated in research.
Average number of quarters of involvement: ~3.5/student.
We have more graduates entering pharmacy school than any other school in the nation.
The ARC also includes the Sports Fields, including 4 softball fields and fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, ultimate Frisbee and cricket. There are also 2 outdoor basketball courts, a street/roller hockey rink and 6 tennis courts.
Connects current students with science professionals to provide a personal, one-on-one opportunity for students to explore career possibilities and allow mentors to share their experiences.
We currently have 89 mentees
and 55 mentors.
Chemistry and Physics rank in the Top 30 nationally.
Math and ESS rank in the Top 50 nationally.
UCI is one of the top producers of physics and chemistry degrees in the nation
Nobel Prize winners, all from the Physical Sciences
Clubs & Organizations
Majors
B.S. in Chemistry
B.A. in Environmental Science
Concentrations:
- Chemical Biology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Nuclear and Radiochemistry
- Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemistry Education
- Secondary Teaching Certification option***
Concentration:
- Geosciences Education with Secondary Teaching Certification***
B.S. in Earth System Science
Specializations:
- Atmospheric Science
- Oceanography
- Hydrology and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Concentration:
- Geosciences Education with Secondary Teaching Certification***
- Agricultural Scientist
- Analytical Chemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Dentist
- Dietician
- EPA Inspector
- FDA Inspector
- Food Scientist/Technologist
- Forensic Chemist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Hospital/HMOAdministrator
- Lawyer
- Museum Curator
- Nurse
- Optometrist
- Pharmaceuticals Pharmacologist
- Physician
- Quality Assurance
- Laboratory Technician
- Soil Scientist
- Teacher, Science/Math
- Veterinarian
Minor: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
B.S. in Mathematics
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Analyst/Engineer
- Environmental Health Specialist
- EPA Inspector
- Forensic Investigator
- FDA Inspector
- Geo-Technician
- Hydrogeologist
- Meteorologist
- Mineralogist
- Paleontologist
- Naturalist
- Oceanographer
- Petrologist
- Scientific Photographer
- Seismologist
- Site Development Consultant
- Soil Scientist
- Water Scientist
- Water/Wastewater Plant Operator
Concentrations:
- Mathematical Finance
- Mathematics for Education with Secondary Teaching Certification***
Specializations:
- Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Mathematics for Education
- Statistics
- Mathematical Biology
Minors:
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
B.S. in Physics
B.S. in Applied Physics
Concentrations:
- Engineering Physics
- Biomedical Physics
Concentrations:
- Computational Physics
- Philosophy of Physics
- Physics Education
- Secondary Teaching Certification option***
Specialization:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Auditor
- Banker
- Compensation/Benefits Manager
- Computer Programmer
- Cryptographer
- Database Administrator
- Economist
- Engineer
- Financial Investment Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Production Manager
- Programmer Analyst
- Real Estate Broker
- Salary Analyst
- Statistician
- Teacher, Science/Math
- Technical Writer/Communicator
- Treasury Management Specialist
- Underwriter
- Weight Analyst
- Applied Physicist
- Architect
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Computer Programmer
- Design Engineer
- Engineering Mechanics Specialist
- Environmental Analyst
- Forensic Scientist
- Geophysicist
- Health Physicist
- Instrumentation Technician
- Laboratory Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Optical Technician
- Plasma Physicist
- Project Manager
- Research & Development Engineer
- Research Assistant
- Science Laboratory Technician
- Seismologist
- Semi-Conductor Process Engineer
- Teacher, Science/Math
- Technical Writer/Communicator
*** Allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the required coursework and field experience for a California Single Subject teaching credential at the same time.
- Nearly 600 registered clubs/organizations
Actuarial Society, American Chemical Society,
Women in Chemistry, Anteaters Mathematics Club,
ESS Club, Astronomy Club, Society of Physics Students
- Pre-Law, -Medicine, -Pharmacy
- Sports, Dancing, Teaching clubs
- Cross-cultural clubs
- Volunteer Center
- Student Newspaper, The New U
- Student Government, ASUCI
- KUCI 88.9 FM
Safety
The FBI has named Irvine as
the safest large city with a population of 100,000 + for the
twelfth
consecutive year!
Here at UCI we take the safety of our students safety very seriously. We have resources like our CSO Safety Escort program, our zotAlert text emergency notification system, and our Emergency Blue Light Phones
Safety
CSO Safety Escort program is a free service to members of the community. The program is aimed at providing safe alternative to walking home alone at night. Services are free and will take you to all major housing communities by the university.
Commuting
All UCI affiliates are covered by the VIP service program that provides a range of benefits such as car lockout support, jumpstart, and an emergency ride home.
A number of UCI students commute. It is simple to order a parking permit online, and the Transportation and Distribution Services offers a program called Zimride that helps students find people they can carpool with.
If a student has a class in the evenings and they feel uncomfortable walking alone, UCI offers a free escort program.
Housing
Mesa Court
Mesa Court was the first residence hall community at UCI, opening with the campus in 1965. Since then, the community has grown with the campus. Mesa Court is now the largest student community on campus, housing 2,937 undergraduates in 29 suite-style residence halls and 3 housing towers.
Middle Earth
Middle Earth houses approximately 1,690 students in 24 halls. The names of the halls and other facilities were selected from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Celebrate UCI (On-campus event)
Deadline to submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UCI
Take the UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE)
Sign up for orientation and any required Placement Tests
Summer advising sessions/orientation (SPOP)
Welcome Week - final chance to take placement tests
Deans' and Departments' Welcome Programs
Instruction begins. Go to class!
April 22
May 1
May 13
Early June
July 14 - August 29
Sept. 25-27
September 25
September 28
Housing
Puerta del Sol - Vista del Campo
Vista del Campo Norte - Camino del Sol
- 70% of all freshmen live on campus in one of many housing communities
- About 41% of all undergrads live on campus or within walking distance of campus
Vista del Campo, Vista del Campo Norte, Camino del Sol and Puerta del Sol are privately owned and managed apartment communities located on the east side of the UC Irvine campus, offering furnished apartments to continuing UCI students.
Housing
Campus Village
Arroyo Vista
Campus Village is an undergraduate apartment community at UCI. This complex serves students who are seeking a more independent style of living.
Arroyo Vista is a unique community, housing students on the basis of campus involvement, academic interests or Greek membership. Altogether, there are 42 different Academic Theme, International, Transfer, and Greek Houses for undergraduate students.
School of Physical Sciences
The presentation will begin momentarily.