Physics

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General Administration:
1110-113 Urey Hall Addition, Revelle College

Graduate Student Affairs:
1110-121 Urey Hall Addition

Undergraduate Student Affairs:
1110-115 Urey Hall Addition

Chair’s Office:
1110-113 Urey Hall Addition

http://physics.ucsd.edu

The Department of Physics was established in 1960 as the first new department of the UCSD campus. Since then it has developed a strong faculty and student body with unusually diversified interests which lie primarily in the following areas:

  1. Physics of elementary particles
  2. Quantum liquids and superconductivity
  3. Solid state and statistical physics
  4. Plasma physics
  5. Astrophysics and space physics
  6. Atomic and molecular collision and structure
  7. Biophysics
  8. Geophysics
  9. Nonlinear dynamics
  10. Computational physics

In addition to on-campus research facilities, the high energy program uses accelerators at SLAC, CERN, and Fermi Laboratory. The astrophysics program uses facilities at Keck, Lick, and Kitt Peak Observatories.

The Undergraduate Program

The Department of Physics offers undergraduate programs leading to the following degrees:

A grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in the upper-division major program is required for graduation. Students must receive a grade of C– or better in any course to be counted toward fulfillment of the major requirements. In exceptional cases, students with a grade-point average in the major of 2.5 or greater may petition to have one grade of D accepted. All courses (lower- and upper-division) required for the major must be taken for a letter grade.

Shang-keng Ma Award

The Department of Physics presents the Shang-keng Ma Memorial Award at commencement each year to a graduating physics student who has shown exceptional ability and promise during the UCSD undergraduate years. The award was established in 1984 to commemorate the contributions of Professor Ma to the UCSD Department of Physics and to the field of theoretical condensed matter physics.

John Holmes Malmberg Prize

The John Holmes Malmberg Prize is presented annually at commencement to a graduating physics student who is recognized for potential for a career in physics and a measure of experimental inquisitiveness. This prize was established in 1993 in memory of Professor Malmberg who pioneered the use of non-neutral plasmas for sophisticated tests of plasma equilibrium, wave, and transport effects. He was an involved teacher of undergraduate and graduate students and was active in departmental and campus affairs.

Physics Major (B.S. Degree)

The physics major provides a core of basic education in several principle areas of physics, with sufficient flexibility to allow students to prepare either for graduate school or a career in industry. Since in preparing for either goal, more than the required core courses are necessary, it is important for students to meet with a physics department advisor in deciding a schedule.

In the junior year, the emphasis is on macroscopic physics; the two principal physics subjects are electromagnetism and mechanics. The mathematics and computer background required for the physics program is completed in this year.

In the senior year, a sequence of courses in quantum physics provides the student the modern view of atomic and some aspects of sub-atomic physics and the principal analytical methods appropriate in this domain. The relation of the microscopic to the macroscopic world is the subject of courses in thermodynamics and statistical physics, with illustrations drawn from gas dynamics and solid-state physics. Upper- division laboratories teach students the essentials of physical measurement and building advanced equipment, as well as other aspects of experimental science.

The following courses are required for the physics major:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E or Physics 2A-B-C-D1
  2. Physics 2CL and 2DL
  3. Chemistry 6A or2 a programming course such as MAE 9 or MAE 10
  4. Mathematics 20C-D-E-F

1 The Physics 4 series is recommended, but the Physics 2 sequence is acceptable by petition, in which case both

2 Chemistry 6A and a programming course are required

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120A, 130A-B, 140A, and an additional laboratory course from the lab group: 120B, 121, 133, 173
  2. Two courses from either the theoretical or experimental pre-grad-school sequence
    Theoretical pre-grad-school sequence: Phys. 100C, 105B, 110B, 130C, 140B
    Experimental pre-grad-school sequence: Phys. 100C, 110B, 120B, 130C, 140B
  3. Restricted electives: Three upper-division (four-unit) or graduate courses in physics or mathematics (only one). Courses in other science disciplines may be substituted by petition.

For students wishing to prepare for graduate school it is important that all courses in either the theorist or experimentalist pre-grad-school sequence be taken. Mathematics 120A is also recommended.

Suggested Schedule (pre-graduate school)

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 105A

Phys.  elective3

Phys. 130A

Phys. 110A

Phys. 105B2

  

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 140A

Phys. 140B2

Phys. lab1

Phys. 130B

Phys. elective3

Phys. elective3

WINTER

SPRING

 

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

 

Phys. elective3

Phys. 130A

 

Phys. 105B2

 

 

Phys. 140B2

Phys. lab1

 

Phys. elective3

Phys. elective3

 

1 Any course from lab group listed above

2 Any two courses from theoretical or experimental pre-grad-school sequence listed above

3 Any restricted elective as described above

Suggested Schedule (career in industry)

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

[pre-grad]4

Phys. 105A

Phys. elective3

Phys. 120A

Phys.  110A

[other]5

Phys. 130A

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 140A

[pre-grad]4

Phys. elective3

Phys. lab2

Phys. elective3

[other]5

Phys. 130B

[other]5

  

2 Any course from lab group listed above

3 Any restricted elective as described above

4 any course from either pre-grad-school sequence listed above

5 any other course as approved by advisor (optional)

Physics Major with Specialization in Astrophysics (B.S. Degree)

The astrophysics specialization is appropriate for students who would like to gain an in-depth understanding of modern astronomy and astrophysics, and/or who wish to prepare for graduate school in astronomy or astrophysics. It is similar to the standard physics major with electives being chosen from astronomically oriented courses. A wide variety of technical, academic, and professional careers are possible for students who choose this specialization.

The following courses are required for the physics major with specialization in astrophysics:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E or Physics 2A-B-C-D1
  2. Physics 2CL and 2DL
  3. Chemistry 6A or2 a programming course such as MAE 9 or MAE 10
  4. Mathematics 20C-D-E-F

1 The Physics 4 series is recommended, but the Physics 2 sequence is acceptable, in which case both

2 Chemistry 6A and a programming course are required.

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120A, 130A-B, 140A and an additional laboratory course from the lab group: 120B, 121, 133.
  2. Two courses from either the theoretical or experimental pre-grad-school sequence.
  3. It is recommended that students take the three quarter astrophysics sequence—Physics 160, 161, 162—but any three courses selected from the following list are acceptable:

Physics 160. Stellar Astrophysics

Physics 161. Compact Objects and the Milky Way

Physics 162, Galaxies and Cosmology

Physics 163, Solar System

ECE 120, Solar System Physics

Chem. 170, Cosmochemistry

SIO 130, Geodynamics of Terr. Planets

MAE 180A, Space Science and Engineering 180 A/B

Physics 223, Stellar Structure and Evolution; with consent of Instructor

Physics 224, Interstellar Medium; with consent of Instructor

Physics 226, Galaxies & Galactic Dynamics; with consent of Instructor

Physics 227, Cosmology; with consent of Instructor

Physics 228, High Energy and Compact Objects; with consent of Instructor

Theoretical pre-grad-school sequence: Phys. 100C, 105B, 110B, 130C, 140B

Experimental pre-grad-school sequence: Phys. 100C, 110B, 120B, 130C, 140B

Example Schedule

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys 100A

Phys 100B

Phys 120A

Phys 105A

Phys 105B1

Phys 130A

Phys 110A

    

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys 140A

Phys 140B

Physics Lab2

Phys 160

Phys 161

Phys 162

Phys 130B

    

1 Experimentalists may replace 105B with an additional lab.

2 Any course from lab group listed above

Physics Major with Specialization in Biophysics (B.S. Degree)

The Department of Physics offers an undergraduate program that prepares students for careers in biophysics. This program leads to a degree in “B.S., Physics with Specialization in Biophysics.” As a terminal degree, it is an excellent education for students who wish to work in the biotechnology industry, and provides an ideal background for students who plan to attend graduate or professional school in biological or biomedical fields.

This program is intended for students with a strong interest in bringing the concepts and technical advances from the physical sciences to bear on issues in biology. The curriculum is chosen to prepare students as rigorously trained but broad-minded generalists, so that they may attack problems in the biological, biochemical, and biomedical sciences with the tools and confidence that come from rigorous training in the physical sciences.

The curriculum for Physics Major with Specialization in Biophysics is designed to allow premedical students to complete all necessary courses for admission to medical schools.

The lower-division program for physics majors with specialization in biophysics includes basic courses in biology and chemistry as well as physics. Although the sequence Physics 4A through 4E is strongly recommended, students have the choice of petitioning the department to substitute the sequence Physics 2A through 2D.

The following courses are required for the physics major with specialization in biophysics:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E and 2CL-DL; or Physics 2A-B-C-D and 2CL-DL (Physics 4 sequence is strongly recommended)
  2. Chemistry 6A-B-C and 6BL
  3. Biology, BILD 1 and BILD 2
  4. Mathematics 20A-B-C-D-E-F

The upper-division program includes advanced courses in physics, including two core lecture courses and one core laboratory course in biophysics, as well as organic chemistry.

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A, 105A, 110A, 120A, 130A, 140A, 171, 172, 173
  2. Chemistry 140A

Additional electives, to achieve a count of twelve upper-division courses in the major, may be selected from biology, chemistry and physics. Three additional upper-division courses, in any subject, are required in order to satisfy UCSD requirements.

Premedical students will need to take two additional quarters of organic chemistry (Chemistry 140B and 140C), one quarter of organic chemistry laboratory (Chemistry 143A), and one quarter of an upper level biology course. In addition, some medical schools also require a quarter of biochemistry (Biology BIBC 100 or Chemistry 114A). The premedical requirements may be used to satisfy elective requirements for upper-division courses.

As a guide to prospective students, we consider a schedule of required classes for a Muir College student.

Suggested Schedule

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

  

Math. 20A

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B
 

Math. 20B

Chem. 6BL
 

Phys. 4A

Math. 20C
   

Phys. 4B

SOPHOMORE YEAR

  

Chem. 6C

Math. 20E

Math. 20F

Math. 20D

Phys. 4D

Phys. 4E

Phys. 4C

Phys. 2CL

Phys. 2DL

JUNIOR YEAR

    

Phys. 100A

BILD 1

BILD 2

Phys. 105A

Chem. 140A 

Phys. 120A

Phys. 110A

 

Phys. 130A

SENIOR YEAR

    
 

Phys. 172

  

Phys. 140A

Elec.

Phys. 173

Phys. 171

Elec.

  

B.S. in Physics with Specialization in Computational Physics

The computational physics specialization is designed to support a broad range of career development tracks, so students may pursue (1) a terminal B.S. degree for gainful employment in information technology and high-tech industry, (2) preparation for graduate studies in computational science with an M.S. degree, and (3) graduate work in physics with strong interest in computational physics. This flexibility is afforded by a wide array of restricted electives which allows students to design much of their own program (subject to advisor’s approval) while simultaneously maintaining the essential physics-based curriculum. Academic advising will be provided by physics faculty in the Computational Physics Specialization Program to assist students in designing their optimal career development track in the flexible curriculum.

The following courses are required for Physics Major with Specialization in Computational Physics:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E or Physics 2A-B-C-D1, Physics 2CL-DL
  2. Mathematics 20C-F
  3. Chemistry 6A
  4. MAE 9, or MAE 10, or CSE 112

1 The 2A-B-C-D sequence is an allowed substitute by petition.

2 Electing CSE 11, student is still required to have C or Fortran based programming skills equivalent to MAE 9, or MAE 10.

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A-B, 110A, 120A, 121, 130A-B, 140A, 141, 1421
  2. Six restricted electives from following groups:
    Physics 100C, 110B, 120B, 130C, 140B, 173, other upper-division Physics courses, Mathematics 132A-B, 170A-C, 172, 173, 183 CSE 12, 30, 80
    Substitute Upper-Division courses2
Suggested Schedule (restricted electives not shown)

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 105A

Phys. 105B

Phys. 130A

Phys. 110A

   

SENIOR YEAR

 

Phys. 140A

Phys. 141

Phys. 142

Phys. 130B

Phys. 121

  

1 Students will choose two required courses from the group Phys. 121, Phys. 141, Phys. 142, and either will drop the third, or take it as one of the six restricted electives

2 Substitute elective courses (upper-division science, mathematics, engineering, or other) require advisor’s approval

Career Track Examples with Restricted Electives

The program of electives is intended to be flexible, and can be tailored to the student’s needs and interests in consultation with the academic advisor.

Grad. School Theorist with Computational Interest Track for student with interest in theoretical physics based computational science:

Physics 100C, 110B, 130C, 140B

Mathematics 132A-B

Grad. School Experimentalist with Computational Interest Track for students with interest in experimental physics based computational science:

Physics 100C, 120B, 142

Mathematics 183

CSE 80

Information Technology Track for student with interest in physics based software oriented applications:

Physics 100C, 140B

CSE 12, 30, 80

Mathematics 173

Numerical Science/Engineering Application Developer Track for students with interest in physics and engineering applications of numerical algorithms:

Physics 100C, 140B

Mathematics 170A-C, 172

High Tech Instrumentation Track for students with interest in physics based instrumentation:

Physics 100C, 120B, 140B

Mathematics 183

CSE 12, 80

Physics Major with Specialization in Earth Sciences (B.S. Degree)

The upper-division program for physics majors with specialization in earth sciences is essentially the same as the standard physics major augmented by courses in earth sciences offered through the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Students may wish to incorporate a small portion of the major program into their lower-division studies, for example, SIO 50.

The following courses are required for the physics major with specialization in earth sciences:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E and 2CL-DL; or Physics 2A-B-C-D and 2CL-DL (Physics 4 sequence is strongly recommended)
  2. Chemistry 6A-B and 6BL
  3. Mathematics 20C-F

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A, 110A-B, 120A, 130A, 140A, plus one upper-division lab*
  2. SIO 50, 102, 103, 120
  3. Restricted Electives: Three earth sciences courses in the SIO departmnet (upper-division or graduate level) to be chosen with the approval of the SIO undergraduate program advisor.
  4. Two courses from either the theoretical or experimental pre-grad school sequence.

* Another lab course chosen from Physics 120B, 121, 133, or 173.

Suggested Schedule

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 105A

Phys. 110B

Phys. 130A

Phys. 110A

SIO 102

 

SIO 50

    

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 140A

SIO 120

U.D. Lab

SIO 103

Restr. Elec.

Restr. Elec.

 

 

Restr. Elec.

Physics Major with Specialization in Materials Physics (B.S. Degree)

The materials physics specialization is designed to support a broad range of options, so students may pursue (1) a terminal B.S. Degree, or preparation for (2) graduate work in materials science, or (3) graduate work in physics. This flexibility is afforded by a wide range of restricted electives which allows students to design much of their own program while simultaneously maintaining the essential physics-based curriculum. Academic advising will be provided by the department to assist the student in navigating through the many options. The B.S. program also serves as the entry to the integrated five-year B.S./M.S. program.

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 4A-B-C-D-E or Physics 2A-B-C-D, Physics 2CL-DL
  2. Chemistry 6A-B*
  3. Mathematics 20C-F
  4. MAE 9 or MAE 10 (or equivalent programming experience)

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A-B, 110A, 120A-B, 130A-B, 140A, 133, 152A-B
  2. Four restricted electives, to be chosen from Chemistry 120A-B*; Mathematics 120A; ECE 103, 134, 135A-B, 136, 136L; MAE 160, 110A; or any upper division physics course

* Students who anticipate taking Chemistry 120A-B as an upper-division elective are strongly advised to take Chemistry 6C.

Suggested Schedule (restricted electives not shown)

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 105A

Phys. 105B

Phys. 130A

Phys. 110A

    

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 140A

Phys. 152A

Phys. 152B

Phys. 120B

  

Phys. 133

Phys. 130B

    
Restricted Electives: Example

As examples of restricted electives, a student opting for a terminal B.S. Degree (Option 1) might choose to take MAE 160, ECE 103, 136, and Physics 121. Students preparing for graduate work in materials science (Option 2) might consider MAE 160, ECE 103, 134, and a fourth elective. Students preparing for graduate work in physics (Option 3) might consider Physics 100C, 110B, 140B, and a fourth elective. The program of electives is intended to be flexible, and can be tailored to the student’s needs and interests in consultation with the academic advisor.

See entry for Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program in Materials Physics.

General Physics Major
(B.A. Degree)

This program covers the essential topics in physics and provides a broadly based education in the natural sciences. Starting with lower-division courses in mathematics, physics, computing, biology and/or chemistry, students proceed to upper-division mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, quantum physics, and a physical measurements laboratory course. In addition, students take sixteen units of upper-division elective courses in the natural sciences or mathematics.

While the B.A. Program is suitable for students who pursue a terminal degree in physics or use it as a preparation for other professional careers, it is not intended for those who wish to proceed to the Ph.D. In physics. The latter should enroll in the B.S. Program

The following courses are required for the general physics major:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 2A-B-C-D and 2CL-DL
  2. Mathematics 20C-F
  3. Three restrictive elective courses in science and engineering (a list of acceptable courses is given below)

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A, 110A-B, 120A, 130A, 140A or Chemistry 127 or 131
  2. Restricted Electives: Sixteen units of upper-division courses in science and engineering (excluding mathematics)
Suggested Schedule

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 105A

Phys. 110B

Phys. 130A

Phys. 110A

    

SENIOR YEAR

  

Phys. 140A or

Restr. Elec

Restr. Elec.

Chem. 127 or 131

Restr. Elec.

  

Restr. Elec.

    
Approved Lower-Division Elective Courses

One course in computing chosen from the following list:

MAE 10, FORTRAN for Engineers

MAE 03, Introduction to Engineering Graphics and Design

CSE 10, Introduction to Programming Techniques

CSE 30, Introduction to Systems Programming

Physics 105B, Mathematical and Computational Physics

Plus two of the following courses:

BILD 1, The Cell

BILD 2, Multicellular Life

BILD 3, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Chem. 6A, General Chemistry

Chem. 6B, General Chemistry

Chem. 6C, General Chemistry

General Physics/Secondary Education Major (B.A. Degree)

This program is intended for students preparing for a career as a physics teacher in secondary schools. It covers the essential topics in physics and provides a broadly based education in the natural sciences. The program includes three courses in general chemistry plus a lab, one course in organic chemistry plus a lab, and a course in earth science as required by the Single Subject Credential Program of the state of California. It also includes three courses in Practicum in Learning offered by the Education Studies Program. This degree is particularly suitable for students pursuing a Single Subject (Physics) credential for high schools. If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential from UCSD, contact the Education Studies Program (EDS) for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements. It is recommended that you contact EDS as early as possible in your academic career.

The following courses are required for the general physics/secondary education major:

Lower-Division

  1. Physics 2A-B-C-D and 2CL-DL
  2. Chemistry 6A-B-C and 6BL
  3. SIO 10, 12, or 30
  4. Mathematics 20C-F

Upper-Division

  1. Physics 100A-B, 105A, 110A-B, 120A, 130A
  2. Chemistry 140A and 143A
  3. SIO 50
  4. EDS 129A-B-C
Suggested Schedule

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

JUNIOR YEAR

Phys. 100A

Phys. 100B

Phys. 130A

Phys. 105A

Phys. 110B

Phys. 120A

Phys. 110A

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143A

SENIOR YEAR

SIO 50

EDS 129B

EDS 129C

EDS 129A

    

Engineering Physics Program

The engineering physics program is offered jointly by the Departments of Physics, MAE, and ECE, and is administered by the Department of ECE. (See “ECE, Engineering Physics Program.”) Transfer students who have had prior course work in the major at other institutions must consult with the Department of Physics, Student Affairs Office, 1110-115 Urey Hall Addition to make an appointment to see a faculty advisor.

Minor in Physics

Students may arrange minor programs or programs of concentration in physics by consulting with the Department of Physics Student Affairs Office, 1110-115 Urey Hall Addition, and their college for specific requirements. The Department of Physics requires at least twenty-eight units, of which at least twenty units must be upper-division. All courses must be taken for a letter grade. Lower-division transfer courses are permitted.

Advising Office

All students are assigned an academic advisor. It is strongly recommended students see their advisor at least once a quarter.

Additional advising information may be obtained from the Department of Physics Student Affairs Office, 1110-115 Urey Hall Addition (858) 534-3290.

Honors Program

The Department of Physics offers an Honors Program for students who demonstrate excellence in the major. Students interested in the Honors Program should consult the Student Affairs Office. Eligibility for the Honors Program includes completion of all required lower-division physics courses, ten upper-division physics courses, and a GPA of a least 3.50 in the physics major.

The Honors Program consists of a minimum of eight units of Honors Thesis Research (Physics 199H), an Honors Thesis, and the presentation of the research to faculty and peers at UCSD’s Undergraduate Research Conference or an Undergraduate Seminar. Admission to the Honors Program is contingent upon the prior approval of the Honors Thesis “research topic” by the Vice Chair for Education.