Physics

[ Undergrad Program] [ Graduate Program] [ Professors] [ Courses]

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

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, 142
  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 courses3
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

  

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 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:

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 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:

Plus two of the following courses:

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.

Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program in Materials Physics

The 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 advisor 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 advisor 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:

  1. Completion of at least twelve and no more than twenty-four units of research, which may begin as early as the first quarter of the senior undergraduate year.
  2. Completion of three required courses during the fifth (graduate) year (MAT SCI 201A-B-C), and two restricted electives (see below).
  3. Completion of restricted elective courses so that the total number of units (research plus required courses plus elective courses) totals no less than 36 units taken as a graduate student. Students accumulate units for their research by enrolling in Physics 295 (M.S. Thesis Research), which may be taken repeatedly.
  4. Maintenance of a grade-point average of at least 3.0 for all course work, both cumulatively and for each quarter of enrollment in the B.S./M.S. program.
  5. Completion of a thesis, with an oral presentation to, and approval of, a three-member committee from the Department of Physics including the faculty advisor. If the faculty advisor is from outside the physics department, the committee shall consist of the advisor and two members from the physics department faculty.
  6. Three complete, separate, and consecutive quarters of full-time residency as a graduate student which will commence the quarter immediately following the quarter in which the B.S. Degree is awarded (not counting summer session).
  7. Although students may receive research or teaching assistantships if available from their advisor or through the Department of Physics, there is no guarantee of financial support associated with the M.S. program.
  8. M.S. candidates will be permitted to serve as teaching assistants, although teaching will not be a requirement for the degree. Students who obtain a teaching assistantship should make sure that it does not interfere with completion of the M.S. degree requirements within the one year time frame allotted.
M.S. Program: Fifth Year Curriculum
  1. MAT SCI 201A-B-C
  2. Physics 295 (M.S. Thesis Research)
  3. Two restricted electives, to be chosen from Physics 201, 211A-B; MAT SCI 227, 240A-B-C; ECE 231, 233: other courses allowed by petition

The Graduate Program

The Department of Physics offers curricula leading to the following degrees:

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 Program

The 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 advisor 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 Testing

An 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 advisor. 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 Written Examination

Physics students are required to take the departmental written 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)
Physics 201 (Mathematical Physics)
Physics 212A (Quantum Mechanics)

Winter

Physics 200B (Theoretical Mechanics)
Physics 203A (Adv. Classical Electrodynamics)
Physics 212B (Quantum Mechanics)

Spring

Physics 203B (Adv. Classical Electrodynamics)
Physics 210A (Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics)
Physics 212C (Quantum Mechanics)

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 Ph.D. students are required to take the departmental written examination within two years of graduate work at UCSD; not later than the beginning of the third year.

The University requires an annual evaluation of each graduate student's progress toward Ph.D. candidacy and thesis defense. To this end, a Research Progress Committee (RPC) is formed for every student during the spring quarter of the second year of graduate study. Students must demonstrate proficiency in giving technical talks through an oral presentation to the RPC.

2. Advanced Graduate Courses

Physics 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 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.)

Students enrolled in the Biophysics Ph.D. program select five courses from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or physics in consultation with their advisor. At least three courses must be graduate courses. For more information, see the Biophysics section, below.

3. Ph.D. Candidacy Examination

In 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. candidacy examination during which students must demonstrate the ability to engage in thesis research. 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 Teaching

All 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 Defense

When 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.

 

Theorists

Experimentalists

Advancement to Candidacy

4 years

5 years

Total Registered Time and Support

7 years

8 years

Ph.D. in Physics (Biophysics)

The Department of Physics offers a graduate program which prepares students for a career in biophysics and which leads to the following degrees:

Biophysics students will receive their M.S. and C.Phil. degrees in physics. Only their Ph.D. will be in physics (biophysics).

The Ph.D. program consists of graduate courses, apprenticeship in research, teaching experience, and thesis research. Research in biophysics is being actively pursued in several departments (physics, chemistry/biochemistry, and biology) that also offer courses in, or courses relevant to, biophysics.

Requirements for the Ph.D. in Physics (Biophysics)

The specialization in biophysics requires that students complete many of the same requirements as for the physics Ph.D. Students must pass a departmental written examination, advanced graduate courses, Ph.D. candidacy examination, teaching requirement, and a final defense of the thesis. However, the requirements for the written examination and advanced courses differ slightly from those of the Ph.D. degree.

Biophysics Ph.D. students are required to take the departmental written examination within two years of beginning graduate studies at UCSD, and no later than the beginning of the third year. Biophysics students are required to pass five courses (with a grade of C or better) from biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or physics no later than the end of the third year of graduate study. The course plan shall be determined in consultation with the advisor. At least three of these courses must be graduate courses. A 3.0 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.)

Ph.D. in Physics with Specialization in Computational Science

See “Computational Science in Mathematics & Engineering (CSME)” for more information.

The UCSD campus is offering a new comprehensive Ph.D. specialization in computational science that will be available to doctoral candidates in participating academic departments at UCSD.

This Ph.D. specialization is designed to allow students to obtain training in their chosen field of science, mathematics, or engineering with additional training in computational science integrated into their graduate studies. Prospective students must apply and be admitted into the Ph.D. program in physics, and then be admitted to the CSME program.

Areas of research in the Department of Physics will include computational astrophysics and cosmology, studying star formation and the large scale structure of the universe, computational condensed matter physics studying nanodevices, computational quantum field theory studying the four basic forces of nature, computational biological physics of protein folding and other biologically important complex structures, computational nonlinear dynamics, and computational plasma physics. Each faculty member works with graduate students on the listed research topics that will greatly benefit from the new program.

The specialization in computational science requires that students complete all home requirements for the physics Ph.D. degree. Students are required to pass the departmental written examination, advanced course requirements, Ph.D. candidacy examination, teaching requirement, and a final defense of the thesis. The qualifying and elective courses for the CSME program (e.g., Physics 241-244) can be used as part of the advanced course requirement, which is the same as for the physics Ph.D.

Requirements for the Ph.D. in Physics with Specialization in Computational Science:

Qualifying Requirements: In addition to the home department qualifying exam requirements, Ph.D. students must take the final exams in three qualifying exam courses from the list below. Courses taken to satisfy the qualifying requirements will not count toward the elective requirements.

  1. Math. 275 or MAE 290B (Numerical PDEs)
  2. Phys. 244 or CSE 260 (Parallel Computing)
  3. One course to be selected from List A
List A: CSME Qualifying Exam Courses
  1. Phys. 243 (Stochastic Methods)
  2. Math. 270A, B, or C (Numerical Analysis)
  3. Math. 272A, B, or C (Advanced Numerical PDEs)
  4. MAE 223 (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
  5. MAE 232A or B (Computational Solid Mechanics)
  6. MAE 280A or B (Linear Systems Theory)
  7. To be determined by Executive Committee

Elective Requirements: To encourage Ph.D. students to both broaden themselves in an area of science or engineering as well as to obtain more specialized training in specific areas of computational science, students will be required to take and pass three elective courses from the following approved List B (four units per course). The Executive Committee may approve the use of courses not appearing on the following list on a case-by-case basis. Courses taken to satisfy the elective requirements will not count toward the qualifying requirements.

List B: Relevant Elective Graduate Courses in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
  1. Math. 270A-B-C (Numerical Analysis; not permitted for mathematics students)
  2. Math. 271A-B-C (Optimization)
  3. Math. 272A-B-C (Advanced Numerical PDEs)
  4. Math. 273A-B-C (Computational Mathematics Project)
  5. Phys. 141/241 (Computational Physics I)
  6. Phys. 142/242 (Computational Physics II)
  7. Phys. 221A-B (Nonlinear Dynamics)
  8. Chem. 215 (Modeling Biological Macromolecules)
  9. BGGN 260 (Neurodynamics)
  10. To be determined by Executive Committee

Program Policies: The following is a list of policies for the Ph.D. specialization with regard to proficiency, qualifying, and elective requirements:

  1. Proficiency in computer engineering must be demonstrated by the end of the first year.
  2. The qualifying exams must be passed by the end of the second year, or, on petition, by end of the third year.
  3. The qualifying exams can be attempted repeatedly but no more than once per quarter per subject.
  4. The qualifying exams in the home department and the CSME qualifying exams must all be passed before the student is permitted to take the candidacy (senate) exam.
  5. Two electives outside the home department must be taken.
  6. The two electives can be taken at any time before defending the thesis.
  7. One of the electives may be taken Pass/Fail; the other must be taken for a letter grade.
Recommended schedule for the Ph.D. in physics with specialization in computational science:
Spacer

YEAR 1: PHYSICS CORE COURSES

Phys. 200A

Phys. 200B

Phys. 203B

Phys. 201

Phys. 203A

Phys. 210A

Phys. 212A

Phys. 212B

Phys. 212C
Spacer

YEAR 2: CSME QUALIFYING COURSES

Math. 275

Non-Phys. Elective

Phys. 244

Phys. 243

 Adv. Phys. Course Adv. Phys. Course

YEAR 3: CSME ELECTIVE COURSES

Non-Phys. Elective

Phys. 241

Phys. 242
Spacer

Departmental Colloquium

The 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 Seminars

The 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 Examination

Students 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.