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PhysicsOFFICES: 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:
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 ProgramThe Department of Physics offers undergraduate programs leading to the following degrees: B.S., Physics 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 AwardThe 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 PrizeThe 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 adviser 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 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
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)
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)
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 adviser (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 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
Example Schedule
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
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
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
B.S. in Physics with Specialization in Computational PhysicsThe 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 adviser’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 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
Suggested Schedule (restricted electives not shown)
2 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 3 Substitute elective courses (upper-division science, mathematics, engineering, or other) require adviser’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 adviser. Grad. School Theorist with Computational Interest Track for student with interest in theoretical physics based computational science:
Grad. School Experimentalist with Computational Interest Track for students with interest in experimental physics based computational science:
Information Technology Track for student with interest in physics based software oriented applications:
Numerical Science/Engineering Application Developer Track for students with interest in physics and engineering applications of numerical algorithms:
High Tech Instrumentation Track for students with interest in physics based instrumentation:
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. Students may wish to incorporate a small portion of the major program into their lower-division studies, for example, Earth Sciences 101. The following courses are required for the physics major with specialization in earth sciences: Lower-Division
Upper-Division
* Another lab course chosen from Physics 120B, 121, 133, or 173. Suggested Schedule
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
Upper-Division
* 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)
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 adviser. 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
Upper-Division
Suggested Schedule
Approved Lower-Division Elective Courses One course in computing chosen from the following list:
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 Teacher Education 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 Teacher Education Program (TEP) for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements. It is recommended that you contact TEP as early as possible in your academic career. The following courses are required for the general physics/secondary education major: Lower-Division
Upper-Division
Suggested Schedule
Engineering Physics ProgramThe 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 adviser. Minor in PhysicsStudents 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 OfficeAll students are assigned an academic adviser. It is strongly recommended students see their adviser 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 ProgramThe 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. Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program in Materials PhysicsThe program offers a M.S. in physics with specialization in materials physics. It is open only to UCSD undergraduates, and is a Plan I program only (thesis). During the fourth quarter prior to receipt of the B.S. Degree, students enrolled in the B.S. Degree program with specialization in materials physics (see above) may apply for admission to the M.S. program. To be eligible, students must have completed the first two quarters of their junior year in residence at UCSD and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in both their major and overall undergraduate curriculum. It is strongly recommended that B.S. students who intend to apply to the M.S. program take MAE 160, ECE 103, and ECE 134 as restricted B.S. electives. It is the responsibility of the prospective B.S./M.S. student to select a faculty member (from the Department of Physics or, with physics department approval, from the MAE, ECE, or chemistry departments) who would be willing to serve as the student’s adviser and with whom the student would complete at least twelve units of S/U graded research, which could commence as early as the undergraduate senior year. (Taken during the senior year, the units would count only toward the M.S. degree and not toward the B.S.) The student must confirm that the selected faculty adviser will not be on off-campus sabbatical leave during any quarter of the scheduled B.S./M.S. project. Students are expected to meet the requirements for the M.S. degree in one year (three consecutive, contiguous academic quarters) from the date of receipt of the B.S. Degree Any deviation from this plan, such as a break in enrollment for one or more quarters, may result in the student being dropped from the program. The requirements for the M.S. degree are as follows:
M.S. Program: Fifth Year Curriculum
The Graduate ProgramThe Department of Physics offers curricula leading to the following degrees: M.S., Physics Biophysics students will receive their M.S. and C.Phil. degrees in physics. Only their Ph.D. will be in physics (biophysics). Entering graduate students are required to have a sound knowledge of undergraduate mechanics, electricity and magnetism; to have had senior courses or their equivalent in atomic and quantum physics, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics; and to have taken upper-division laboratory work. An introductory course in solid-state physics is desirable. Requirements for the master of science degree can be met according to Plan II (comprehensive examination). (See “Graduate Studies: The Master’s Degree.”) The comprehensive examination is identical to the first-year departmental examination for Ph.D. Students A list of acceptable courses is available in the Department of Physics Graduate Student Affairs office. There is no foreign language requirement. Doctoral Degree ProgramThe department has developed a flexible Ph.D. Program which provides a broad, advanced education in physics while at the same time giving students opportunity for emphasizing their special interests. This program consists of graduate courses, apprenticeship in research, teaching experience, and thesis research. Entering students are assigned a faculty adviser to guide them in their program. Many students spend their first year as teaching assistants or fellows and begin apprentice research in their second year. When a student’s association with a research area and research supervisor is well established, a faculty research progress committee is formed with the responsibility of conducting an annual review of progress and, at the appropriate time, initiating the formation of a doctoral committee. After three years of graduate study, or earlier, students complete the departmental examinations and begin thesis research. Students specializing in biophysics make up deficiencies in biology and chemistry during the first two years and complete the departmental examinations by the end of their third year of graduate study. There is no foreign language requirement. Entrance TestingAn entrance test covering undergraduate physics is given to entering students during the first week of orientation to give better guidance to students in their graduate program. The results are not entered in the student’s file. Entering students are encouraged, but not obliged, to bring the results to the first meeting with their academic adviser. Entering students may elect to take the departmental examination instead of taking the entrance test. Requirements for the Ph.D.Students are required to pass a departmental examination, advanced graduate courses, a qualifying examination, teaching requirement and a final defense of the thesis as described below. 1. Departmental ExaminationPhysics students are required to take the departmental examination after completing one year of graduate work at UCSD. The examination is on the level of material usually covered in upper-division courses and the graduate courses listed below: Fall Physics 200A (Theoretical Mechanics) Winter Physics 200B (Theoretical Mechanics) Spring Physics 203B (Adv. Classical Electrodynamics) The examination is offered twice a year, at the beginning of the fall and spring quarters, and lasts two days, four hours per day. The examination may be repeated once, the next time it is offered. Biophysics students take the departmental examination after completing two years of graduate work. 2. Advanced Graduate CoursesPhysics students are required to take five advanced graduate courses (with a grade of C or better) from at least three of the groups listed below no later than the end of the third year of graduate work. A 3.0 average in four of the five courses is required. (In lieu of the course requirement, students may petition to take an oral examination covering three areas of physics.) Group 1: Physics 218A-B-C (Plasma); 234 (Nonneutral Plas.); 235 (Nonlin. Plas. Th.) Group 2: Physics 210B (Nonequil. Stat. Mech.); 210C, 211A, 211B (Solid State); 219 (C.M./Matl. SCI Lab), 230 (Adv. Solid State); 232 (Electronic Materials); 236 (Many-body Th.) Group 3: Physics 214 (Elem. Part.); 215A-B-C (Part. & Fields); 217 (Renorm. Field Th.); 229 (App. Quant. Mech.) Group 4: Physics 220 (Group Th.); 221A, 221B (Nonlinear Dyn.); Physics 241 and 242 (Comp. Phys); Mathematics 210A-B, 210C (Mathematics Physics); Mathematics 259A-B-C (Geom. Physics) Group 5: Physics 225A-B (Relativ.); 271 (Bio. Neurons/Net); 272 (Bio. Molecules) Group 6: Physics 223 (Stel. Str.); 224 (Intrstel. Med.); 226 (Gal. & Gal. Dyn.); 227 (Cosmology), 228 (HE Astro. & Comp. Obj.) Biophysics students select five courses from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or physics in consultation with their adviser. At least three courses must be graduate courses. 3. Qualifying Examination and Advancement to CandidacyIn order to be advanced to candidacy, students must have met the departmental requirements and obtained a faculty research supervisor. At the time of application for advancement to candidacy, a doctoral committee responsible for the remainder of the student’s graduate program is appointed by the Graduate Council. The committee conducts the Ph.D. qualifying examination during which students must demonstrate the ability to engage in thesis research. Usually this involves the presentation of a plan for the thesis research project. The committee may ask questions directly or indirectly related to the project and questions on general physics which it determines to be relevant. Upon successful completion of this examination, students are advanced to candidacy and are awarded the Candidate of Philosophy degree. 4. Instruction in Physics TeachingAll graduate students are required to participate in the physics undergraduate teaching program as part of their career training. The main component of this requirement is an evaluated classroom-based teaching activity. All graduate student teaching accomplishments are subject to the approval of the vice chair for education. There are several ways to satisfying the teaching requirement, including: (1) leading discussions as a teaching assistant, (2) practical classroom teaching, under faculty supervision, (3) participation in an approved teaching development program offered by the Department of Physics or the campus Center for Teaching Development, or (4) transferred teaching credit from another institution or department. Students who satisfy the requirement by teaching at UCSD should enroll in Physics 500 during the quarter in which they complete it. 5. Thesis DefenseWhen students have completed their theses, they are asked to present and defend them before their doctoral committees. Time Limits for Progress to the Ph.D.In accordance with university policy, the Department of Physics has established the following time limits for progress to the Ph.D. A student’s research progress committee helps ensure that these time limits are met.
Departmental ColloquiumThe department offers a weekly colloquium on topics of current interest in physics and on departmental research programs. Students are expected to register and attend the colloquium. Supplementary Course Work and SeminarsThe department offers regular seminars in several areas of current interest. Students are strongly urged to enroll for credit in seminars related to their research interests and, when appropriate, to enroll in advanced graduate courses beyond the departmental requirement. To help beginning students choose a research area and a research supervisor, the department offers a special seminar (Physics 261) that surveys physics research at UCSD. Course Credit by ExaminationStudents have an option of obtaining credit for a physics graduate course by taking the final examination without participating in any class exercises. They must, however, officially register for the course and notify the instructor and the Department of Physics graduate student affairs office of their intention no later than the first week of the course. |
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