Differentiation into the various options begins in the second year.
| Units per term | ||||
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | ||
| Ma 1 abc | First-Year Mathematics | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Ph 1 abc | First-Year Physics | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Ch 1 ab | General Chemistry | 6 | 9 | - |
| Bi 1 | Principles of Biology | - | - | 9 |
| Ch 3 a | Fundamental Techniques of Experimental Chemistry 1 | 6 | or 6 | or 6 |
| Introductory courses in the humanities and social sciences. A wide choice of alternatives will be available to students; the registrar will announce the offerings for each term. | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| Introductory laboratory courses 2 | x | x | x | |
| Menu course 3 or additional electives | x | x | x | |
| PE | Physical education 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
x—Except for the minimum laboratory unit requirement, the number of units chosen here is optional. If a student chooses no electives except physical education and takes the minimum permissible laboratory courses, the total unit requirement will usually be in the range of 39 to 45. First- and second-term first-year students will be limited to 45 units of classroom and laboratory courses. A total load—including electives—of more than 48 units per term is considered a heavy load. Loads of more than 51 units require approval by the dean of students.
1 This course is offered in each of the three terms. Students may also take Ch 3 x.
2 The additional 6 units must be chosen from one of the following: APh/EE 9 (6 units), APh/EE 24 (9 units), Bi 10 (6 units), Ch 4 ab (9 units), Ch 8 (9 units), Ch/ChE 9 (9 units), EE/ME 7 (6 units), Ge 116 (9 units), ME 8 (6 units), Ph 3 (6 units), Ph 5 (9 units), Ph 8 bc (6 units) or a more advanced laboratory course.
3 Students must take a menu course in their first or sophomore year. These courses are offered third quarter only. It is also possible to take one of these courses as an elective.
Menu courses currently include Ay 1, EE 1, ESE 1, Ge 1, or IST 4.
4 Three terms (9 units) of PE are required for the B.S. degree. Students need not elect to take the required PE in the first year. It may be taken in any three terms before graduation.