Advising-Physics Lower Division Courses

Department of Physics & Astronomy, Georgia State University, Atlanta Main Campus

Welcome! I am here to help you with any issues related to lower division physics courses at GSU Atlanta main campus. Please contact me if you need any assistance in selecting physics courses or having any issues related to course registrations.

Course Registration Information:

Registration Page.

If you get a prerequisite error when you attempt to register courses, please visit Registration Assistance . I will not be able to help you with prerequisite overrides until you fill out the web form. Then, the GSU advisement will reach out to me for you if needed.

If your issue is related to upper division physics major courses please contact Dr. Mukesh Dhamala (mdhamala at gsu.edu) and if the registration issue is related to Astronomy courses, please contact Dr. Ben McGimsey (mcgimsey at gsu.edu).

Please read the following information before contacting me so that I can serve you quickly and effectively with one or two emails. That is especially important when the classes are filling up quickly.

• If you plan to take lower division physics courses at GSU Perimeter college, please click here to consult appropriate advisers at GSU Perimeter college. I am unable help you with requests regarding GSU Perimeter College.
• GSU Department of Physics & Astronomy at Atlanta campus conducts following lower division physics classes: PHYS1111K, PHYS1112K, PHYS2211K, and PHYS2212K (Please note the letter K in these course numbers, if your course number does not have letter K at the end that means you are registering for a course that is done at perimeter college). Other Lower division courses: PHYS 1000 and PHYS2030. Take a look at the Physics Course Catalogue for further information about all undergraduate physics courses and required prerequisites.

Frequently Asked Questions about Course Registrations

• I get an error message saying "A required test score, GPA or prerequisite course must be satisfied proper to make this course": This means either you have not met the prerequisites required to register or your prerequisite grades are not in the system yet. If you have met the prerequisites and still getting the error message, please visit Registration Assistanc and fill out the web form. You will need to submit your GSU ID number and proofs that you have met the prerequisites.
• I have AP credits, IB credits, or CLEP credits. Can I get credits for math courses and some lower division physics courses? Maybe, Please check out this link to see if you qualify. Any of these credits must be made by the registration department. However, if you need a prerequisite override based on your AP, IB, or CLEP credits please visit and fill out the web form. You will need to submit your GSU ID number and proofs that you have met the prerequisites.
• I am a post-baccalaureate student. Do I still need to have math prerequisites to register? Yes, you need to have math prerequisites and other prerequisites met to register. If needed, you may take the Math Placement test from the math testing center to show your math standing and let me know the score so that I can make a decision on that.
• Can I co-register a physics class with its prerequisite math class? No. The department does not allow co-registration of a physics class and its math prerequisite.
• What is "Integrated lecture and lab class" of 1111K and 1112K conducted at CS500? This class is different from other 1111K and 1112K classes based on the form of instructions and the structure of the classroom. Classes will have short lectures, group discussions, group work, and labs. There will be Teaching assistants helping you in addition to the main instructor. Three days per week: Two days of one hour and 50 minutes class (MW or TTH) and Friday 50 minutes. One lab per week is typically done on either Wednesday or Thursday that depends on the instructors
• The class I want to register is full and closed. Can I get an overflow to the class? All physics classes at GSU Atlanta campus come with a lab component represented by the LAB section number. The labs are conducted at maximum capacity and when a particular section is full no student can be added to that section. Therefore NO overflows can be given.
• Is there a waiting list for closed classes? Yes, the registration department maintains and control the waiting list. The physics department does not enroll students in courses. Only the students can register by themsolves.
• Can I switch my lab section later after the end of registration period? Maybe, depending on the availability of lab spaces during the start of the semester. However, you will need to contact the Director of Undergraduate Physics Labs Dr. M. Tasar via email (mtasar at gsu dot edu) and find out if any spots are there or find another student who agrees with you to switch the lab sections without changing registration. Switching lab sections is not possible with integrated lecture and lab classes.
• I have done labs before and passed. Can I get an exemption of doing labs? Yes, but you still need to register for the class and contact the Director of Undergraduate Physics Labs. There is a special form that you need to fill out and submit. Please visit the iCollege lab page to find the form and instructions.