# Physical Science (PHY SCI) courses

UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog · 6 courses

Source: https://catalogue.uci.edu/allcourses/phy_sci/

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026.

### PHY SCI 5 — California Teach 1: Introduction to Science and Mathematics Teaching

- **Units:** 3
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/uc-irvine/schedule/fall-2026/phy-sci.md)
- Same as BIO SCI 14
- Restrictions: School of Biological Sciences students, School of Physical Sciences students, School of Engineering students, and School of Information and Computer Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment

First in a series for students interested in becoming middle or high school teachers of mathematics or science. Students gain an understanding of effective, research-based teaching strategies. Includes supervised field experience in a K-12 classroom.

### PHY SCI 9 — Introduction to Computation for Scientists and Engineers

- **Units:** 6
- **Prerequisite:** MATH 2A (may be taken concurrently) or AP Calculus AB with a minimum score of 3 or AP Calculus BC with a minimum score of 3 or AP Calculus AB Subscore with a minimum score of 3
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026 schedule
- Same as I&C SCI 9
- Overlaps with PHYSICS 2
- (II and (Va or Vb).)

Introduces principles, techniques, and computational tools for quantitative approach to basic problem solving in physics and engineering. Project-based course that actively explores how programming techniques are used for solving STEM real-world problems.

### PHY SCI 80 — Skills Development

- **Units:** 0
- **Prerequisite:** Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026 schedule
- 1.5 Workload Units
- Restrictions: School of Physical Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment

Undergraduates identify, cultivate, and practice relevant soft skills applicable to careers in mathematics and science. The focus is on career readiness, how to market oneself to future employers, and what to expect from the professional world.

### PHY SCI 105 — California Teach 2: Middle School Science and Mathematics Teaching

- **Units:** 3
- **Prerequisite:** PHY SCI 5 or BIO SCI 14
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/uc-irvine/schedule/fall-2026/phy-sci.md)
- Same as BIO SCI 101
- Restrictions: School of Biological Sciences students, School of Physical Sciences students, School of Engineering students, and School of Information and Computer Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment

Second in a series for students interested in becoming middle or high school teachers of mathematics or science. Students gain an understanding of effective, research-based teaching strategies for grades 6-8. Includes supervised field experience in a middle school classroom.

### PHY SCI 139W — Technical Writing and Communication Skills

- **Units:** 4
- **Prerequisite:** Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/uc-irvine/schedule/fall-2026/phy-sci.md)
- Restrictions: School of Physical Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment
- (Ib)

Workshop in writing technical reports, journal articles, proposals. Oral presentations. Communicating with the public. May not be used in satisfaction of any School or departmental requirement.

### PHY SCI 220 — Science Communication Skills

- **Units:** 2
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026 schedule

Development of effective communication skills, oral and written presentations. Topics range from the art of creating keynote slides to strategically crafting a personal story, culminating in a live presentation to an invited audience.