Physics

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Department of Physics
Undergraduate Student Affairs:
Room 2623 Mayer Hall Addition
www.physics.ucsd.edu

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

The Undergraduate Program

The Department of Physics was established in 1960 as the first new department of the UC San Diego campus. Since then it has developed a strong faculty and student body with unusually diversified interests that 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.

Entry to Major(s)

Transfer major preparation will be required and is being implemented in an attempt to ensure academic preparedness, success, and timely graduation. Transfer major preparation will impact any transfer student who is hoping to declare a physics major. Refer to the UC San Diego physics department website for specific details related to transfer major preparation (http://physics.ucsd.edu/).

General Major/Program Requirements

Physics 2 vs 4 Series: The Physics 4 series is designed to prepare students for the upper-division program and is required for all physics majors. Students who are exempt from PHYS 2A (mechanics) and/or PHYS 2B (E&M) based on AP/IB/A-Level exams are not exempt from these topics in the Physics 4 series. 

MATH 18 and the 20 Series: The honors math series (MATH 31AH, 31BH, 31CH) can replace the standard math courses (MATH 18, 20C, 20E, respectively). MATH 18/31AH must be completed by the end of summer of year 1 because it is a prerequisite for PHYS 4C in fall of year 2.

Programming: It is recommended that the programming requirement be completed as early as possible, but the requirement may be completed anytime during the undergraduate years. 

Prerequisites: Check Courses sections of the UC San Diego General Catalog for the prerequisites to all listed courses.

Substitutions/Exceptions: Permissible only by approved petition to the department.

Limit of Use: A course that is listed in several areas cannot count towards more than one area and can satisfy only ONE of the major requirements.

P/NP Grading Option: Not allowed for any courses applied to the major (the exceptions are courses completed via AP/IB/A-Level and a single four-unit PHYS 199/199H that may only be applied as an upper-division restricted elective). 

Grades and GPA: 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.

Residence Requirements At least 60 percent of the upper-division courses in the major must be taken while in residence at UC San Diego. All core upper-division courses must be taken while in residence at UC San Diego.

Changing/Adding a Specialization: Use the major/minor tool to request this. Physics majors can have a maximum of ONE specialization.

Double Majors: Approved by petition only. A student with a double major must fulfill the separate requirements of each major, and the equivalent of at least ten upper-division courses (forty units) must be unique to each major. Courses taken in fulfillment of lower-division requirements may overlap to any degree. A student cannot pursue two majors within physics.

BS, Physics (PY29)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

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 subatomic 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.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• One from PHYS 122, 124, 133, 164, 173 (four units)*

Depth

• Two from PHYS 100C, 105B or 124, 110B, 130C, 140B (eight units)

Restricted Electives

• Three four-unit upper-division or graduate courses from physics* (twelve units)

Major Specific Information

*PHYS 164 will now be ASTR 150. A maximum of one mathematics course may be applied automatically or, by petition, may be substituted with a course in another science discipline.

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

For students wishing to prepare for graduate school it is important that all courses in the depth section be taken. MATH 120A is also recommended.

BS, Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics (PY34)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• PHYS 164 (four units)*

Depth

• Three from PHYS 160, 161, 162, 163 (twelve units)*

Restricted Electives

• Two additional courses from PHYS 100C, 105B or 124, 110B, 130C, 140B, 160, 161, 162, 163, 223, 224, 225A-B, 226, 227, 228; ECE 120, MAE 180A (eight units)*

Major Specific Information

*PHYS 163 and PHYS 164 will now be ASTR 123 and ASTR 150, respectively.

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

BS, Physics with Specialization in Biophysics (PY26)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

The Department of Physics offers an undergraduate program that prepares students for careers in biophysics. This program leads to a BS, Physics with Specialization in Biophysics. As a terminal degree, it is an excellent education for students who wish to work in the biotechnology industry. It also 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.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Breadth

• BILD 1-2 (eight units)
• CHEM 6A-B-C and 7L and 40A (twenty units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• PHYS 173 (four units)

Depth

• PHYS 140B, 175, and one additional biophysics course (twelve units)

Restricted Electives

• Two four-unit upper-division or graduate courses from biology, chemistry, physics (eight units)

Major Specific Information

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

BS, Physics with Specialization in Computational Physics (PY33)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

The computational physics specialization is designed to support a broad range of career development tracks, so students may pursue (1) a terminal BS for gainful employment in information technology and high-tech industry, (2) preparation for graduate studies in computational science with an MS, and (3) graduate work in physics with strong interest in computational physics.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• One from PHYS 122, 124, 133, 164, 173 (four units)*

Depth

• PHYS 105B, 141, 142 (twelve units)

Restricted Electives

• Two four-unit upper-division or graduate courses from physics; MATH 170A-B-C, 179, 183 (eight units)

Major Specific Information

*PHYS 164 will now be ASTR 150.

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

For further training in programming, the following courses are recommended but not required: CSE 12, 30, 80

BS, Physics with Specialization in Earth Sciences (PY28)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

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.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Breadth

• SIO 50 (six units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• One from PHYS 122, 124, 133, 164, 173 (four units)*

Depth

• SIO 103, 182 (eight units)

Restricted Electives

• Three from SIO 102, 106, 113, 135, 152, 160, 162 (twelve units)

Major Specific Information

*PHYS 164 will now be ASTR 150.

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

To broaden preparation in related sciences, the following courses are recommended but not required: CHEM 6A-B, 7L

BS, Physics with Specialization in Materials Physics (PY32)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

The materials physics specialization is designed to support a broad range of options, so students may pursue (1) a terminal BS, or prepare 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. This BS program also serves as the entry to the integrated five-year BS/MS program. For more information, see “Contiguous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program in Materials Physics.”

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Breadth

• CHEM 6A-B (eight units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 105A, 110A, 120, 130A-B, 140A (thirty-three units)

Lab

• PHYS 133 (four units)

Depth

• PHYS 152A-B (eight units) 

Restricted Electives

• Three from CHEM 120A-B; ECE 103, 134, 135A-B, 136L; MAE 160; upper-division or graduate courses in physics (twelve units)

Major Specific Information

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

BA, General Physics (PY30)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

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, and computing, students proceed to upper-division mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics, and a physical measurements laboratory course. In addition, students take twenty-eight units of upper-division elective courses in the sciences and engineering.

While the BA 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 PhD in physics. The latter should enroll in the BS program.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units)
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (four units)

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 110A, 120, 130A (twenty-one units)

Restricted Electives

• Seven four-unit upper-division courses from the sciences and engineering, with at least twelve units from upper-division or graduate-level physics (twenty-eight units)

Major Specific Information

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

To broaden preparation in the sciences, the following courses are recommended but not required: BILD 1, 2, 3; CHEM 6A-B-C, CSE 30, MAE 03.

BA, General Physics with Specialization in Secondary Education (PY31)

Unit Requirements for the Major

* See “Graduation Requirements in the UC San Diego Colleges” for complete graduation requirements in each college

Major Summary

The general physics/secondary education major covers some, but not all, essential topics in physics and helps to prepare students who desire to become science teachers in secondary schools. The major includes three quarters of field experience in local schools, where students will work closely with a mentor teacher and high school students. This experience makes students more competitive for the UC San Diego Master’s and Teaching Credential Program or other credential programs and can substantially reduce the length of the UC San Diego Master’s and Teaching Credential Program.

This degree is particularly suitable for students pursuing a Single Subject Physics Credential. Students in other physics major programs who wish to explore teaching as a career should consider the UC San Diego science education minor. If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential from UC San Diego, contact the Education Studies Department (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.

Lower-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 4A-B-C-D-E (twenty units) 
• PHYS 2CL-2DL (four units)
• MATH 18 and 20A-B-C-D-E (twenty-four units)
• A programming course from: CENG/NANO 15; COGS 18; CSE 8A, 11, 12; ECE 15; MAE 8 (4 units) 

Upper-Division Requirements

Core

• PHYS 100A-B, 110A, 120, 130A (twenty-one units)

Depth

• EDS 129A-B-C (twelve units)

Restricted Electives

• Three four-unit upper-division physics courses, and one additional four-unit upper-division course from the sciences (sixteen units)

Major Specific Information

Sample academic plans are available at plans.ucsd.edu.

To broaden preparation in the sciences, the following courses are recommended but not required: CHEM 6A-B-C, 7L; SIO 50

Minor Program

The minor in physics consists of seven courses (twenty-eight units) of letter-graded physics course work from the following list with at least five courses (twenty units) coming from upper-division course work:

PHYS 2C-2D or PHYS 4D-4E

PHYS 100–178

Lower-division courses (including transfer course work) can overlap between a major and minor without restriction; however, no more than two upper-division courses (a maximum of eight units) may overlap between a major and a minor. Upper-division courses being applied to the minor must be taken at UC San Diego in the Department of Physics. Students must earn a grade of C– or above in all courses applied to the minor, including transfer course work. The minimum overall GPA requirement for the minor is a 2.0. A petition is required for any waivers/substitutions to the minor requirements (e.g., applying a non–UC San Diego upper-division physics course).

Within the parameters outlined above, students will select the specific courses that will be applied to the minor. Students can declare the physics minor at any point prior to their graduating quarter. Minor proposals must be submitted via the major/minor tool on TritonLink.

Honors

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, nine upper-division physics courses, and a GPA of at least 3.50 in the physics major.

The Honors Program consists of a minimum of eight units of honors thesis research (PHYS 199H), an honors thesis, and the presentation of the research to faculty and peers at UC San Diego’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.

Department Awards

Shang-keng Ma Memorial Award Endowed by the Shaoyeh Ma Foundation

The Shaoyeh Ma Foundation and 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 their UC San Diego undergraduate years. The award was established in 1984 to commemorate the contributions of Professor Ma to the UC San Diego Department of Physics and to the field of theoretical condensed matter physics. The Shaoyeh Ma Foundation endowed this award in 2016 in honor of Shang-keng Ma.

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 nonneutral 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.

Affiliated Programs

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. Engineering physics majors are a part of the Jacobs School of Engineering and receive academic advising by Department of ECE. See “ECE, BS Engineering Physics” for program details.

Advising Information

The physics advising office serves undergraduate student majors and students enrolled in physics courses. For more information about advising services in the Department of Physics, please visit: https://www.physics.ucsd.edu/Student/Current/Undergraduate/Advising.

Study Abroad

Majors are encouraged to explore the programs that allow students to study abroad or at other US universities for a term or longer. Consider especially the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) and UC San Diego’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Subject to approval by our faculty, courses taken through EAP/OAP may be accepted for credit toward the major. Students interested in studying abroad should see the physics adviser to discuss appropriate courses and programs for their plan of study.