Berkeley or UCSB for Undergraduate physics?

[gizzard]

Hello,

I am planning on transferring to Berkeley or UCSB as an undergraduate physics major in the Fall 2011. My future academic goal is to get into a top notch PhD program for theoretical physics.

I am torn between the schools because although I know that Berkeley has a better reputation for physics, I like the upper division classes at UCSB better.


Upper Division classes at Berkeley

Analytic Mechanics 1 semester
Quantum Mechanics 2 semesters
Electromagnetism and Optics 1 semester
Statistical and Thermal Physics 1 semester
Advanced electrical laboratory 2 semesters
One elective


Upper Division classes at UCSB

Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 Units) 1 quarter
Classical Mechanics (6 Units) 2 quarters
Electromagnetism (8 Units) 2 quarters
Quantum Mechanics (12 Units) 3 quarters
Thermal and Statistical Physics (3 Units) 1 quarter
Analog Electronics (4 Units) 1 quarter
Advanced Experimental Physics (6 Units) 2 quarter
14 units of upper division physics electives, (inclduing thesis research)



When I look at these it seems to me like i will get a better education at UCSB because of the class on theoretical physics (which is aka math methods) and because of all the elective opportunities. Plus it seems like I will learn more EM and classical mechanics at UCSB too.




Any thoughts on my situation?


Thank you

 

[Vanadium 50]

I don't think Berkeley is forbidding you from taking equivalent classes there.

 

[ecker]

The "methods of theoretical physics" class was very enjoyable when I took it some time ago but I also love math so I'm most likely bias. The EM seemed pretty standard to be honest. Just giving my opinion from when I attended UCSB.

 

[gizzard]

From what you know about the schools, may I know which you would prefer and why?

 

[ecker]

I do not dare presume my knowledge of the Physics undergraduate program at berkeley is thorough enough to answer that question, even though I have colleagues who attended there. However, if you have any questions about the undergraduate program at UCSB feel free to ask away.