This year-long cluster is ideal for intended majors in Physics, Astrophysics, and Earth & Planetary Science, who would benefit from enrolling in Math 51 (Calculus I) in their first semester.
Course Information (Fall 2026)
ASTRON 11 001: Astrobiology, 4 Units
- This course meets Biological Science and Physical Science, L&S Breadth.
- Schedule: TR 9:30-11:00 AM
MATH 51 001: Calculus I, 4 Units
- This course may satisfy requirements for these majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology, Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Earth & Planetary Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
- This calculus series intended for STEM majors. It prepares students to continue on to more advanced mathematical study, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, complex algebra, analysis, etc. The course provides an introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. To get a better idea of the course content, you can review the course outline and the archive of previous exams. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
- Schedule: TR 8:00-9:30 AM; Discussion TR 5:00-6:30 PM
MATH 1 001: Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics, 2 Units
- This is a 2-unit course designed for students who are relatively prepared for calculus and do not need a full precalculus course, but would greatly benefit from targeted study of select foundational topics. It can be taken alongside other lower division math courses or prior to your first math course. The course 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. Visit “Choosing Your First Math Course at UC Berkeley” for more information.
- Schedule: TR 3:30-5:00 PM
PHYSICS 24 001: How to Discover a New Particle: The Story of the Higgs boson, 1 Unit
- Schedule: T 12:00-1:00 PM
Course Descriptions (Fall 2026)
- ASTRON 11 001: 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 51 001: 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 1 001: 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 24 001: How to Discover a New Particle: The Story of the Higgs boson, 1 Unit
The discovery of a new particle, the Higgs boson, by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland in 2012 was the culmination of 60 years of research and experimentation since its prediction. It is also the final piece of the puzzle, the last particle, in the Standard Model of particle physics. This seminar will provide an introduction to particle physics and the Standard Model. I will explain what this Higgs boson is and why it is so important. I will also discuss the enormous accelerators and detectors used to discover the Higgs and conclude with a discussion about what the Higgs boson can tell us about the future of particle physics. The course is intended for anyone interested in physics, but not planning to major in it. In particular, no background in either mathematics or physics will be assumed. This seminar is part of the Food for Thought Seminar Series.
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.
