Physics
211 Interdisciplinary Sciences
Building
(831) 459-2329
physics.ucsc.edu
Program Description
Physics seeks to discover the fundamental regularities or “laws” that govern our universe and to apply these laws to explain the behavior of fundamental and complex systems. The same underlying principles describe the behavior of atoms, lasers, living cells, and galaxies. Physics is, therefore, at the base of all modern science and technology, and, even at an elementary level, this fundamental nature can be appreciated.
The Physics Department offers majors in both physics and astrophysics. These programs prepare students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy; for engineering and other technical positions in industry; and for careers in education. With appropriate courses in another discipline, the physics and astrophysics majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The physics major, along with certain applied physics courses and in combination with courses in other disciplines, is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation.
Physics students and faculty often interact closely in both formal and informal settings. All undergraduate physics majors have the opportunity to work individually with a faculty member in completing the senior thesis requirement.
The main areas of physics research at UC Santa Cruz are the study of fundamental particles and interactions (high-energy physics), the study of condensed matter physics, and astrophysics/cosmology. Other physics faculty research interests include the study of waves in random media applied to geophysical problems and cosmology.
Efforts in high-energy physics are aided by the presence of an organized research unit, the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP). The SCIPP experimentalists play significant roles in experiments at some of the major accelerator laboratories in the world, including SLAC at Stanford University and the European centers at CERN and DESY. The SCIPP theorists are active in the phenomenology of high-energy particle interactions; the theory of strong and electroweak interactions; electroweak symmetry breaking and Higgs bosons; and theories of supersymmetry, superstrings, and gravity. SCIPP also maintains a vigorous program in particle astrophysics. SCIPP theorists are involved in research in high-energy astrophysics, dark matter, formation of galaxies and large-scale structure in the universe, and theories of cosmology. SCIPP experimentalists are playing an important role in creating the next major satellite for gamma-ray astronomy, the Gamma Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST). In addition, SCIPP experimentalists, working with colleagues at Los Alamos, conduct a thriving particle astrophysics program detecting TeV gamma rays.
The presence of the strong astrophysics group from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department in the same building provides a healthy symbiosis in this area. Note that the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department does not offer an undergraduate major. UCSC is the headquarters for the University of California Observatories, which include Lick Observatory near San Jose and the Keck Observatory in Hawaii; these provide additional opportunities for collaboration between researchers in physics and astronomy.
Condensed matter physics research at UCSC covers a range of topics including the behavior of exotic many-electron systems (for example, superconductors); the study of magnetic phase transitions; the organization of complex systems (proteins, DNA, and polymers); the development of new electronic devices using novel materials (e.g., polymer-based LEDs); and research in biophysics.
The experimental program uses X-ray and synchrotron radiation techniques at facilities such as the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL); neutron scattering techniques at various national laboratories; and microwave, optical, X-ray, and specific heat techniques at UCSC. Topics include phase transitions, crystal defects, correlated electron systems, negative thermal expansion materials, polymer LEDs, and thermoelectric materials. Research topics in theoretical condensed matter physics include the behavior of high temperature superconductors, phase transitions, and dynamics of polymers such as DNA. Undergraduate students are actively involved in several condensed matter physics laboratories.
Courses
An undergraduate physics education is broad and basic. Undergraduate students, even in introductory classes, are exposed to new ideas associated with explorations at the boundaries of human knowledge. Course 10 is a 2-credit survey course that provides an overview of the research activities of the physics faculty. It is recommended for all beginning physics majors and those considering the major.
The lower-division courses in the major program (Physics 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D sequence) are well suited to students in the physical sciences and engineering. The 6A, 6B, 6C sequence, which also provides a calculus-based introduction to the basic concepts in physics, is better suited to students in the life sciences. The Physics 6 sequence is also appropriate for nonscience students who have a calculus background. The Physics 7A, 7B sequence is an algebra- and trigonometry-based sequence covering the basic ideas and applications of physics. The laboratory courses, 5L-5M-5N, 6L-6M-6N, and 7L-7M, should be taken concurrently with the corresponding lecture courses. Finally, courses 1 and 2 are conceptual introductions to physics for nonscience majors.
Major Program
The physics and astrophysics major programs provide a comprehensive coverage of the field and the background necessary for graduate school or industrial careers. Students earn a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The UCSC physics and astrophysics programs begin with a four-quarter presentation of the introductory concepts of the subject, Introduction to Physics. This is followed by courses 101A and 101B, which provide an introduction to relativity and quantum physics. The programs continue with a two-quarter sequence in mathematical methods of physics designed to provide the mathematics preparation necessary for most of the upper-division physics courses required for the majors. Included in the upper-division programs are two intensive laboratory courses designed to illustrate both historical experiments in the development of physics and astrophysics and modern experimental methods. Advanced and especially motivated students may enroll in some graduate courses with the approval of the instructor.
The senior thesis, required of all physics and astrophysics majors at UCSC, provides the opportunity for students to apply their skills to problems of interest to them, either theoretical or experimental, usually with technical advice from a faculty member. It may be based on work undertaken in a faculty research laboratory. Topics have included particle physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, biophysics, and various applied technologies. The senior thesis is a distinctive part of the UC Santa Cruz physics major program and entails a substantial investment of both student and faculty time. The learning experience involved in the thesis, as well as the thesis itself, has proven extremely valuable to students in enhancing employment opportunities upon graduation or in gaining admission to graduate school.
Pathways within the major. The basic physics major provides a student with the flexibility to prepare for a variety of career options. However, in their upper-division years, some students may wish a coherent emphasis in a particular subfield. This can be achieved by the selection of upper-division physics courses and by the choice of elective courses in neighboring disciplines. In addition to the standard physics major taken by most students, the Physics Department has developed a suggested program of courses corresponding to two pathways: applied physics and geophysics. For students interested in astrophysics, a distinct astrophysics major is offered. Descriptions of these programs are available in the department office.
Course Requirements
Physics
The minimum requirements for the major include 5A/L, 5B/M, 5L/N, 5D, plus the following 11 upper-division courses: 101A, 101B, 105, 110A-B, 112, 114A-B, 133, 134, and 139A. In addition, students must pass at least two upper-division electives: one elective chosen from courses 129, 139B, or 155 and one elective from any other upper-division physics course or one of the following astronomy and astrophysics courses: 112, 113, 117, or 118. In some cases, the second elective requirement may be satisfied by an appropriate upper-division science or engineering course.
Astrophysics
The minimum requirements for the major include 5A/L, 5B/M, 5L/N, 5D, plus the following upper-division courses: 101A, 101B, 105, 110A-B, 112, 114A-B, 133, 135, and 139A. In addition, students must pass at least three upper-division electives selected from the following upper-division courses: Astronomy and Astrophysics 112, 113, 117, 118, or 171.
Comprehensive Requirement
Finally, for students who need to satisfy the comprehensive requirement (see below) via a thesis, courses 195A and 195B are required. Note that successful completion of 195A and 195B satisfies the “W” or Writing Intensive general education requirement.
In special cases, minor modifications of these requirements may be granted to suit the specific program of a particular student. Before embarking on a program needing such waivers, students should discuss their plans with a physics adviser and seek approval by petition to the Physics Department Office.
Physics Major Planner
The following is a recommended academic plan for students to complete during their four years to fulfill requirements for the physics major.
| Sample Physics Major Planner | |||
| Year | Fall | Winter | Spring |
| 1st (frsh) |
Math 19A Phys 5A/L Phys 10* (2 units) college core |
Math 19B Phys 5B/M |
Math 23A Phys 5C/N |
| 2nd (soph) |
Math 23B Phys 5D (2 units) |
Phys 101A Engr 27 |
Phys 101B Phys 114A Phys 133** |
| 3rd (jr) |
Phys 105 Phys 114B Phys 133** |
Phys 110A Phys 112 Phys 134** |
Phys 110B Phys 139A |
| 4th (sr) |
Phys 195A Phys 134** elective |
Phys 195B elective |
|
| * Course 10 and other physics electives
are recommended ** Courses 133 and 134 need only be taken once |
|||
| Sample Astrophysics Major Planner | |||
| Year | Fall | Winter | Spring |
| 1st (frsh) |
Math 19A Phys 5A/L Phys 10* (2 units) College Core |
Math 19B Phys 5B/M |
Math 23A Phys 5C/N |
| 2nd (soph) |
Math 23B Phys 5D (2 units) |
Phys 101A Engr 27 |
Phys 101B Phys 114A Phys 133** |
| 3rd (jr) |
Phys 105 Phys 114B Phys 133** |
Phys 110A Phys 112 |
Phys 110B Phys 139A Astr Elective |
| 4th (sr) |
Phys 195A Phys 135 Astr Elective |
Phys 195B Astr Elective |
|
| * Course 10 and other physics electives
are recommended ** Course 133 need only be taken once |
|||
Depending on the student’s interests, further preparation for graduate school in physics or astrophysics or for other careers is obtained by electing more specialized or applied courses (see the descriptions of courses below). In addition, again depending on the student’s academic focus, elective courses may be selected in mathematics, astronomy and astrophysics, and/or other areas of physical science.
For further information on the physics program, please request the undergraduate handbook, A Physics Major’s Guide to Physics at Santa Cruz, from the Physics Department Office.
Comprehensive Requirement
The comprehensive exit requirement is normally satisfied by the submission and approval of a thesis (in conjunction with course 195). For physics majors completing either a major or a minor in another field within the Physical and Biological Sciences Division or the Baskin School of Engineering, the comprehensive requirement may be satisfied by scoring at or above the 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination Physics Subject Test.
Minor Requirements
Required for the minor in physics are courses 101A and 101B and six upper-division courses chosen from the following: 105, 110A-B, 112, 114A-B, 133, 134, and 139A-B.
Advising and Preparation for the Major
Because of the sequential nature of the courses for the physics major, it is strongly advised that students declare their major in physics or astrophysics as early as possible (either at initial registration or by the end of the first year). Advising can be arranged through the Physics Department Office.
High school students coming directly to UCSC should emphasize their mathematics preparation with the expectation that they will take calculus in their first quarter at UC Santa Cruz.
Students transferring to UCSC as junior physics or astrophysics majors should have completed three quarters of introductory calculus-based physics with laboratory and three quarters of calculus. It is also desirable to have an introductory course in modern physics as well as mathematics courses in linear algebra, vector calculus, and differential equations. The Physics Department advises each junior transfer student individually upon their arrival.
Graduate Programs
The Physics Department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and/or the Ph.D. degrees. In the first year of study, Ph.D. students are expected to take two core graduate-level courses per quarter, including the courses required for the Ph.D. degree (210, 212, 213 or 214, 215, 216, 219) and other courses specific to the student’s field of interest. First-year students also take 205, Introduction to Research (also required for the Ph.D. degree). All graduate students also attend a weekly colloquium, 292. Each student has a faculty adviser who helps to determine which courses are most appropriate, taking into account the student’s background and interests. The student-faculty ratio is low so that M.S. and Ph.D. students can work closely with faculty and pursue programs that fit their individual needs. Research is currently conducted in theoretical and experimental particle physics, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, materials physics, biophysics, synchrotron radiation, cosmic rays, particle astrophysics, cosmology, and waves in random media. After passing a written qualifying examination, Ph.D. students pursue independent research leading to an oral examination and completion of a doctoral dissertation.
Students may obtain a master’s degree through course work (eight physics graduate courses) and submission of an approved thesis. The thesis may be waived by passing four sections of the written Ph.D. qualifying examination. Master’s candidates are encouraged to write a research thesis and may do so in any of the research fields in the program, thereby developing laboratory and computational skills in areas such as electronics design, computer simulation and visualization, cryogenics, X-ray scattering, complex novel materials and devices, or materials science. Each M.S. student is assigned a faculty adviser who helps to design a course work plan suited to the interests of the student.
Physics students and faculty use a
number of UCSC research facilities (described at the beginning of this
section and elsewhere in this catalog): the Santa Cruz Institute for
Particle Physics (SCIPP), the University of California Observatories
(headquartered at UCSC), the Institute of Marine Sciences, and the Institute
of Tectonics. There is strong interaction with other disciplines, especially
astronomy and astrophysics, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, electrical
engineering, and mathematics. Proximity to the Stanford Linear Accelerator
Center and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory provides additional
local research opportunities. UCSC faculty and graduate students also
participate in research programs at CERN in Geneva, DESY in Hamburg,
Los Alamos, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NASA, Ames, NREL, Lucent,
Xerox, IBM, Bell Labs, and other national and international
laboratories.
Application materials and brochures describing the physics M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs in more detail may be obtained by visiting http://www.graddiv.ucsc.edu/.