This year-long cluster provides essential coursework for students interested in majors in Physics, Astrophysics, and Earth & Planetary Science. Over the course of two semesters, you will build a strong foundation in Calculus I and II, Introductory Mechanics and Relativity, and learn the computational methods of Physics, to support success in Physics and Astrophysics coursework throughout the major. You will also explore the wonders of the universe through an introductory astrobiology course and Intro to General Astronomy, taught by legendary professor Alex Filippenko. Below you can see course descriptions for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
Course Descriptions (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: Astrobiology, 4 Units
This course is designed for all students with an interest in the origin and evolution of life on Earth as well as the quest for life on other worlds within and beyond the solar system. Topics include the nature of life; environments and environmental impact of Earth life; extremophiles; habitability; the search for life in the universe; the ethical and societal implications of detecting life on another planet; and the portrayal of alien life and astrobiology in science fiction. Astrobiology is inherently interdisciplinary, and the course is structured to advance the ability of students to think critically and communicate ideas across traditional disciplinary divides.Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to enroll. - MATH 51: Calculus I, 4 Units
This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A. - MATH 1: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units
This course aims to bring students with varying Math backgrounds up to speed with the expectations of UC Berkeley’s lower division mathematics courses. This course will support comprehension of the fundamental concepts necessary to excel in Math 16A/16B, 1A/1B, 10A/10B, and beyond. You can take this prep course concurrently with or prior to your Calculus classes. The course curriculum covers algebraic operations, laws of exponents and logarithms, inequalities and absolute values, single-variable function properties, polynomials, power and exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, coordinate geometry in two and three dimensions, complex numbers, and functions of several variables. - PHYSICS 77: Introduction to Computational Techniques in Physics, 3 Units
Introductory scientific programming in Python with examples from physics. Topics include: visualization, statistics and probability, regression, numerical integration, simulation, data modeling, function approximation, and algebraic systems. Recommended for freshman physics majors.
Meeting Schedule (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11: TR 9:30-11:00 AM
- MATH 51: TR 5:00-6:30 PM; Discussion MWF 12:00-1:00 PM
- MATH 1: TR 3:30-5:00 PM
- PHYSICS 77: W 2:00-4:00 PM; Discussion F 2:00-4:00 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | L&S Breadth/General Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 11 | N/A | L&S Breadth: Biological Science, Physical Science |
| MATH 51 | Astrophysics Biology Integrative Biology Environmental Economics & Policy Operations Research & Management Science Molecular & Cellular Biology Chemistry Physics Economics Applied Mathematics All EPS majors Cognitive Science Mathematics Neuroscience Psychology |
N/A |
| MATH 1 | N/A | N/A |
| PHYSICS 77 | N/A | N/A |
Course Descriptions (Spring 2027)
- ASTRON 10: Introduction to General Astronomy, 4 Units
A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor’s synopses available from the department. - MATH 52: Calculus II, 4 Units
Continuation of 51. Techniques of integration; applications of integration. Infinite sequences and series. First-order ordinary differential equations. Second-order ordinary differential equations; oscillation and damping; series solutions of ordinary differential equations. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1B. - PHYSICS 5A: Introductory Mechanics and Relativity, 3 Units
Kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, rotational motion, oscillations, fluids and relativity. Use of calculus and vector algebra will be emphasized. Intended for students with an interest in pursuing a major in physics, astrophysics, engineering physics, or related disciplines. Successor to the Physics H7 series. Start of three semester 5A-5B-5C sequence.
