Physics

Within the Core Curriculum, there is one area we need to review in more detail: CORE A2 Rhetoric and Composition

To complete the Core A2 Rhetoric and Composition requirement, we need to determine which rhetoric and composition course or courses you will be taking.  You will need to complete the Directed Self Placement (DSP) which is a self-assessment and takes between 1–2 hours to complete. First, make sure you have created a myUSF account. Then:

• Log in to myUSF
• On your main dashboard, click the square button that says "Canvas" OR the "Canvas Link" as shown below.

OR

• Click on "Dashboard" in Canvas, and you should see the Directed Self Placement. If you do not see the DSP, please email rhetoricandlanguage@usfca.edu with your 8 digit student ID number.

• Follow the directions within the Directed Self Placement

When you complete the DSP, you'll be instructed to choose which Rhetoric course to register for. 

If you choose RHET 120, you may enroll in this course directly. Completion of RHET 120 fulfills your Core A2 requirement. Please note that RHET 120 is an advanced course designed for students with some prior experience and capability in college-level writing, reading, and research.

If you choose RHET 195 or 110, you must also complete RHET 120 (or other selected equivalent course options carrying A2 credit). RHET 120 (or an equivalent course) fulfills your Core A2 requirement.  Please note that some sections of RHET 195 are Public Speaking courses carrying core A1 credit.  These Public Speaking versions of RHET 195 do NOT count as prerequisites to RHET 120. If you choose RHET 106 or RHET 110 in DSP and take a RHET 195 that carries Core A1 credit, you must still pass a writing course (RHET 110) in order to take RHET 120 or its equivalents.

If you choose RHET 106, you must also complete RHET 110 and RHET 120 (or other selected equivalent course options carrying A2 credit).  RHET 120 (or an equivalent course) fulfills your Core A2 requirement. 

Transfer students: Many transfer students will take core A2 classes such as RHET 250 or 295, or a specialized writing course designed for certain majors. Some transfer students choose to start with RHET 110 and then take RHET 120 (or an equivalent course).  Your writing requirement is fulfilled upon successful completion of any Core A2 class.

Physics majors (Bachelor of Science) must demonstrate 2nd semester language proficiency in a foreign language.

Note: if you are a native speaker of a foreign language, or have extensive experience with a language other than English language, you may apply for a waiver by completing the Waiver Request Form once you complete a foreign language placement exam in a language we teach (Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish).  Please contact the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at llc@usfca.edu to request the Waiver Request Form or to inquire about getting tested in a language that we do not teach.

You do not have to take a language placement test if you are beginning a new foreign language.

If you want to take a placement test to determine your level of proficiency, here are the online tests we offer:

For Chinese, Filipino and Japanese: TAKE THE ONLINE FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT TEST  

For French, German, Italian, Spanish, Spanish Heritage, Russian: TAKE THE ONLINE FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT TEST   

Please make sure to Log In with your organization credential (usfca).

Please take these tests prior to registering for your classes. Plan ahead! The results from the French, German, Italian, Spanish, Spanish Heritage and Russian placement tests take 2 weeks to record on your account.

Physics Major Requirements and 4 Year Degree Planner »

This video will explain which classes to register for:

As a physics major you should take the following placement tests:

Math Placement Test

Calculus Placement Test

Directed Self Placement Course (to determine which rhetoric and composition course to take)

Foreign Language Placement Test (if you want to place into a higher class level, or place out of your language requirement)

Access the Placement Tests webpage to get more information and to take the tests.

To access your Degree Evaluation:

• Login myusf.usfca.edu
• Click Banner Self-Service (Student)
• On the USF Student landing page for Banner Self-Service, select Degree Evaluation
• Your degree evaluation will be displayed

Transfer Credit Request Form »