Science Courses 2024-25

AP Credit: Refer to AP chart and your specific program sheet footnotes to determine what is allowed in your program. Check your unofficial SU transcript to ensure that AP/IB credit is recorded correctly. Duplicating credit is not allowed, which means that AP/IB credit cannot be applied to your School of Engineering major requirements if another course covering the same topic(s) is taken at Stanford.

ACE: ACE units do not count toward major program unit minimums, though they do count toward the 180-unit minimum needed for graduation.

Chemistry: Take the Chemistry Placement Test prior to enrolling

Physics Grading Basis Change: PHYSICS 41, 43, and 61 are now offered on the grading basis CR/NC rather than for a letter grade. This grading basis, for these physics courses only, is approved without petition starting autumn 2022-23.

Physics: Taking the Physics Placement Diagnostic over the summer prior to enrolling in a Physics course is HIGHLY recommended.  Students intending to enroll in one of the calculus-based Physics courses should be aware of the following Physics Placement Diagnostic requirements:
• Students who have not completed an introductory Physics class at Stanford are required to take the Physics Placement Diagnostic before enrolling in PHYS 41, 41E, 45 or 61.

PHYSICS 41, 43, and 45 constitute the standard introductory sequence in physics and cover mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and light and heat, respectively. These courses are calculus-based and are generally far more intensive than typical high-school offerings, even at the advanced placement level. Even students who have taken AP Physics—and therefore do not in fact need the credits for these courses—find them challenging. Because the Stanford courses cover so much more material and do so with greater depth and rigor, it often makes sense to give up the Advanced Placement credits and take these courses. Talk with your advisor for guidance in this area. Note that PHYSICS 41 has prerequisites of high school physics and MATH. Minimum corequisite: MATH 21, though MATH 51 or CME 100 are preferred co-requisites. For students with little or no high school calculus or physics, 41E is suggested, though enrollment is via placement and permission number.
PHYSICS 61, 71, and 81 offer a more advanced series designed for students who have mastered physics and calculus at the level of AP Physics C and AP Calculus B/C in high school or have completed PHYSICS 41 and 43. This series is required for Engineering Physics and Physics majors and is a good choice for students who satisfy the pre- and co-requisites and are interested in a more rigorous introduction to the field.  Students must take the Physics Placement Diagnostic and are strongly recommended to follow the advisory emails if they wish to enroll in PHYS 61.
PHYSICS 21, 23, and 25 provide a non-calculus-based approach to physics. Most departments in the School of Engineering will require students to complete some or all of the 40 series or a more advanced offering. Some disciplines, such as Computer Science or many of the degree options in Management Science and Engineering, will accept the Physics 20 series as fulfilling the Physics requirement.

CHEM 31A 

CHEM 31B 

Chemical Principles I,

Chemical Principles II

5

5

A

W

PHYSICS 21,23,25 (A,W,S)

Physics 20 Labs: 22,24,26

4,4,4

1,1,1

PHYSICS 41  

OR

PHYSICS 41E 

PHYSICS 42 (lab)

Mechanics (Prerequisite of Physics Placement Diagnostic prior to start of 1st year, and MATH 20 or 51 or CME 100. Minimum co-requisite: MATH 21 or equivalent; MATH 51 or CME 100 preferred). Okay to take for CR/NC 

(Prerequisite of Physics Placement Diagnostic prior to start of 1st year, and MATH 19 or higher. Minimum co-requisite: MATH 20 or higher). Placement of students with little physics background given priority.

4

5

1

A,W

A,W

PHYSICS 43 (W,S)

PHYSICS 44 (lab)

4

1

PHYSICS 45 (A)

PHYSICS 46 (lab)

4

1