2017-18 General Catalog

211 Interdisciplinary Sciences Building
(831) 459-3744
http://physics.ucsc.edu

Faculty | Course Descriptions

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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 this fundamental nature can be appreciated even at an elementary level.

The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics. These programs prepare students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy, and for engineering and other technical positions in industry. With appropriate courses in other disciplines, these majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation.

Faculty are approachable to work with students 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 for the major.

The main areas of physics research at UCSC are the study of fundamental particles and interactions (high-energy physics), the study of condensed matter physics, astrophysics/cosmology, and biophysics.

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 the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) at Stanford University and the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN). SCIPP experimentalists have also played an important role in creating the major satellite for gamma-ray astronomy (the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope), are involved in the Dark Energy Survey, and conduct a thriving particle astrophysics program detecting TeV gamma rays as part of the UC VERITAS collaboration. SCIPP theorists are active in the phenomenology of high-energy particle interactions, including dark matter models, the theory of strong and electroweak interactions, electroweak symmetry breaking and Higgs bosons, theories of supersymmetry, superstrings, and gravity. SCIPP also maintains a vigorous program in particle astrophysics, including research in high-energy astrophysics, dark matter, formation of galaxies and large-scale structure in the universe, and theories of cosmology and the very early universe. SCIPP is also home to a research program in experimental biophysics, exploiting instrumentation technologies developed in other areas of physics for the study of functional organization and development of neural systems in a variety of living organisms. In addition, there is closely related research in biomedical applications such as retinal prosthesis.

The presence of the strong astrophysics group from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department at UCSC 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 includes the 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), and the development of new electronic devices using novel materials 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 optical, X-ray, and specific heat techniques at UCSC. Undergraduate students are actively involved in several condensed matter physics laboratories.

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Majors

The physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics 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, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics programs begin with a four-quarter presentation of the introductory concepts of the subject, Introduction to Physics, PHYS 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. Note that the applied physics program also requires completion of a general chemistry course.  In order for a student to finish the UCSC physics program in four years, it is important to start Introduction to Physics at the beginning of the first year. Students who complete a major sponsored by the Physics Department cannot complete a second major sponsored by the Physics Department or a physics minor.

This is followed by a course that provides an introduction to quantum physics and its applications, Modern Physics, PHYS 102. The programs continue with a three-quarter sequence in mathematical methods of physics, PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C, 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 that were important in the development of physics, astrophysics, and applied physics, and modern experimental methods. Advanced and especially motivated students may enroll in some graduate courses with the approval of the instructor and department chair.

The senior thesis, required of all physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics 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. The senior thesis may be based on the student’s original research or participation in a faculty member’s research project or a review of some particular area of physics, under the supervision of a faculty member. The senior thesis is a distinctive part of the UCSC 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies. The program learning outcomes communicate the faculty’s expectations to students, provide a framework for faculty evaluation of the curriculum based on empirical data, and help improve and measure the impact of implemented changes.

Physics, Astrophysics, and Applied Physics Majors

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and the mathematical concepts needed for a proper understanding of physics.

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of classical and quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism.

• Students will show that they have learned laboratory skills, enabling them to take measurements in a physics laboratory and analyze the measurements to draw valid conclusions.

• Students will communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and will demonstrate that they can think critically and work independently while doing their senior thesis.

• Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of various aspects of astronomy. (physics [astrophysics] major only.)

Advising and Preparation for the Major

Students begin the major with MATH 19A and PHYS 5A. To enroll in PHYS 5A, students must be in a proposed major that requires the Physics 5 series. (Students who take PHYS 6A instead of PHYS 5A, and do very well in it, may contact the department chair for permission to enter the major.) Students are strongly encouraged to begin their major coursework in their first quarter. Those who start later should consult the department undergraduate adviser and the program alternatives page. Students who do not begin the lower-division requirements during their first year will have difficulty completing the program within four years.

The department undergraduate adviser works closely with students interested in pursuing the major to ensure that they begin the program immediately and follow the appropriate steps toward its completion.

High school students coming directly to UCSC should emphasize their mathematics preparation with the expectation that they will take calculus, MATH 19A, in their first quarter at UCSC in order to take the Physics 5 series concurrently.

Letter Grade Policy

For all students entering UCSC in fall 2009 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the physics major requirements must be taken for a letter grade, except the programming requirement and (for the applied physics major) chemistry.

Major Qualification Policy

The Department of Physics has a qualification policy that applies to the following majors:

• Applied physics B.S.

• Physics (astrophysics) B.S.

• Physics B.S.

To qualify to declare any of the above majors, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 or greater in the following courses, or their equivalents:

PHYS 5A, Introductory Physics I

PHYS 5B, Introductory Physics II

PHYS 5C, Introductory Physics III

When determining qualification to declare the major:

• All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

• If PHYS 5A is satisfied with AP credit based on an AP examination score of 5, students may substitute a grade of A for PHYS 5A when calculating their cumulative GPA.

• Students with two or more grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in the major qualification policy courses are not eligible to declare even if the courses are retaken and the grades replaced.

Students who achieve a GPA of 2.66 or higher (but less than 2.70) in the three courses may declare the major if they receive a B or better in Physics 5D.

Transfer Students

The Physics Department welcomes applications from community college students who have completed the necessary coursework to transfer to our program.

To be considered for admission to UCSC as a participant in any of the physics majors, transfer students must pass equivalents of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher:

PHYS 5A, Introductory Physics I

PHYS 5B, Introductory Physics II

PHYS 5C, Introductory Physics III

More information about qualifying for the major as a transfer applicant is here.

Students planning to transfer to UCSC from a California community college should reference the assist website to determine which courses are equivalent to these required courses.

California community college students who are prepared for their major and achieve a certain GPA may be eligible for a transfer admissions guarantee (TAG); more information is here.

Declaration of the Major

Students may submit a petition to declare after completing the qualification policy courses. All students are required to review their academic plan with their assigned faculty mentor prior to declaring the major. For instructions on petitioning to declare, go the Qualifying for the Major: Petition to Declare web page. Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the department chair by the later date of either 15 days from the date the notification was sent, or one week after the start of instruction during the quarter after the final relevant grade was received (generally in PHYS 5C or 5D). They also must arrange to meet with their faculty mentor. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, after consulting with the faculty mentor, the department chair will either finalize the denial of admission or specify further conditions for admission, and will notify the student and their college of the decision. For more information about the appeal process, see the Appeal Process web page.

Timely Graduation and Alternative Plans

• In order to graduate in time, it is extremely important that students start their senior thesis as early as possible, by the summer of the junior year for 4-year students and by the beginning of the second year for transfer students. PHYS 182 is a course that teaches students effective writing in physics for the senior thesis, but it is not the point at which the thesis should be started. Further information about the senior thesis is here.

• PHYS 182 is offered in the fall and winter academic terms, and may be taken in either term.

• Students who join a major program of the Physics Department with some of the required courses completed, or have room in their program for additional courses, should consider options described on the Options web page and consult with the Physics Department undergraduate adviser.

• Students who fall behind the planners should consult the Physics Department undergraduate adviser and the information on the the Alternatives web page.

• Lab courses: PHYS 133 is offered in the fall and winter terms. PHYS 134 (for physics B.S. and applied physics B.S. majors) is offered in the winter and spring terms. PHYS 135 for physics (astrophysics) B.S. majors is offered in the fall or, in some academic years depending on astronomical conditions, as a multiple-term course. PHYS 136 is an alternative to PHYS 135 that is offered in the spring term. Capacity in the lab courses is limited, and they should be taken as early as possible.

• All the transfer major planners shown below assume that IGETC has been completed in community college, or has been partially completed and can be finished while at UCSC (including summers).

• PHYS 116A is waived for students who have obtained a grade of B or better in a course articulated to MATH 21 and in a course articulated to MATH 24.

• PHYS 116C is waived for students who are pursuing a dual major in physics and computational mathematics and take MATH 107 in the year 2017 or later.

Physics B.S.

Requirements of the Major

Lower-Division Requirements

Calculus:  MATH 19A, or 20A, and MATH 19B or 20B

Vector Calculus:  MATH 23A and 23B

Introductory Physics:  PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D

Programming:  CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or ASTR/EART 119 or PHYS 115; or equivalent

Upper-Division Requirements

Modern Physics:  PHYS 102

Mathematical Methods:  PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C

Mechanics:  PHYS 105

Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics:  PHYS 110A and 110B

Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:  PHYS 112

Intermediate and Advanced Lab:  PHYS 133 and 134

Quantum Mechanics:  PHYS 139A

Electives

Two courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from upper-division elective courses offered by the Physics Department or Astronomy and Astrophysics courses 111 through 118. In some cases, one of the elective requirements may be satisfied by an approved upper-division science or engineering course.

Senior Thesis Requirement

PHYS 182 and senior thesis

Physics B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 19A (or 20A) PHYS 5A/L	MATH 19B (or 20B) PHYS 5B/M	MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N
2nd Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A	PHYS 116B Programming Requirement
3rd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133	PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 134	PHYS 110B PHYS 139A
4th Year	PHYS 182 Elective	Elective

Physics B.S. Transfer Academic Plan One

For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 102 AMS 5 or 131*	PHYS 112 PHYS 116A PHYS 133	Programming Requirement PHYS 116B PHYS 134
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182	PHYS 110A Elective	PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective

*Not required for the major, but needed in order to take PHYS 112 next term

Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.

Physics B.S. Transfer Academic Plan Two

For students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D Programming Requirement	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133	PHYS 116B PHYS 134
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182	PHYS 110A PHYS 112	PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective
3rd Year	Elective

Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.

Requirements of the Major

Lower-Division Requirements

Calculus:  MATH 19A or 20A and 19B or 20B

Vector Calculus:  MATH 23A and 23B

Introductory Physics:  PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D

Programming:  ASTR/EART 119 (recommended); or CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or PHYS 115; or equivalent

Upper-Division Requirements

Modern Physics:  PHYS 102

Mathematical Methods:  PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C

Mechanics:  PHYS 105

Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics:  PHYS 110A and 110B

Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:  PHYS 112

Intermediate Lab: PHYS 133

Advanced Lab:  PHYS 135 or (PHYS 135A and 135B) or PHYS 136

Quantum Mechanics:  PHYS 139A

Electives

Complete three courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from the following:

ASTR 111, Order of Magnitude Astrophysics

ASTR 112, Physics of Stars

ASTR 113, Introduction to Cosmology

ASTR 117, High Energy Astrophysics

ASTR 118, Physics of Planetary Systems

ASTR 257, Modern Astronomical Techniques

ASTR/PHYS 171, General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology

PHYS 129, Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics

EART 160,  Planetary Science

EART 162, Planetary Interiors

EART 163, Planetary Surfaces

EART 164, Planetary Atmospheres

Senior Thesis Requirement

PHYS 182 and senior thesis

Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 19A (or 20A) PHYS 5A/L	MATH 19B (or 20B) PHYS 5B/M	MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N
2nd Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D ASTR 119	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A	PHYS 116B
3rd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133	PHYS 110A PHYS 112 Elective	PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective/PHYS 136
4th Year	PHYS 182 PHYS 135/Elective	Elective

Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan One

For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 102 ASTR 119	PHYS 133 PHYS 116A Elective	PHYS 136/Elective PHYS 116B Elective
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 135/Elective	PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 182	PHYS 110B PHYS 139A

Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.

Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan Two

For students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D ASTR 119	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133	PHYS 136/Elective PHYS 116B
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182/PHYS 135	PHYS 110A PHYS 112 Elective/PHYS 182	PHYS 110B Elective PHYS 139A
3rd Year	Elective

Applied Physics B.S.

Requirements of the Major

Lower-Division Requirements

Calculus:  MATH 19A, or 20A and MATH 19B or 20B

Vector Calculus:  MATH 23A and 23B

Introductory Physics:  PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D

General Chemistry:  CHEM 1A or 1B

Programming:  CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or ASTR/EART 119 or PHYS 115; or equivalent

Upper-Division Requirements

Modern Physics:  PHYS 102

Mathematical Methods:  PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C

Mechanics:  PHYS 105

Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics:  PHYS 110A and 110B

Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:  PHYS 112

Intermediate and Advanced Lab:  PHYS 133 and 134

Students may take EE 135/L instead of PHYS 110A and 110B, and PHYS 160 instead of PHYS 134. This is not recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in physics.

Electives

Complete three courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from the following

PHYS/AMS 107, Introduction to Fluid Dynamics

PHYS 115, Computational Physics

PHYS 120, Polymer Physics

PHYS 139A, Quantum Physics

PHYS 139B, Quantum Physics

PHYS 152, Optoelectronics

PHYS 155, Solid State Physics

PHYS 156, Applications of Solid State Physics

PHYS 160, Practical Electronics

PHYS 180, Biophysics

Courses from other departments listed on the Approved Electives web page. (Other courses with approval of undergraduate faculty adviser)

Senior Thesis Requirement

PHYS 182 and senior thesis

Applied Physics B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan

Plan 1: For students who place into MATH 19A or MATH 20A.

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 19A or 20A PHYS 5A/L	MATH 19B or 20B PHYS 5B/M	MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N CHEM 1A/B
2nd Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A	Programming requirement PHYS 116B
3rd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133	PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 134/Elective	PHYS 110B Elective/PHYS 160
4th Year	PHYS 182 Elective	Elective

Applied Physics B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan One

For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 102 Programming requirement	PHYS 133 PHYS 116A Elective	PHYS 134/PHYS 160 PHYS 116B CHEM 1A/B
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182	PHYS 110A PHYS 112	PHYS 110B Elective Elective

Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.

Applied Physics B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan Two

For students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	MATH 23B PHYS 5D Programming requirement	PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133	CHEM 1A/B PHYS 116B PHYS 134/PHYS 160
2nd Year	PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182	PHYS 110A PHYS 112	PHYS 110B Elective Elective
3rd Year	Elective

Programming Requirement

Students in the Physics B.S., Physics (Astrophysics) B.S., and Applied Physics B.S. majors have to satisfy a computer programming requirement by taking one of the courses listed in the major requirements given above. Of these courses, ASTR/EART 119 teaches programming and simple applications. PHYS 115 does not teach programming; it assumes basic programming ability in C, C++ or a similar language and discusses numerical techniques relevant to physics. The other courses listed teach programming. Students may also satisfy the computer programming requirement by demonstrating their knowledge of programming to a faculty member designated by the Physics Department. Instructions about how to demonstrate your programming skills are here.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy the upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. Students in Physics, Applied Physics, and Physics (Astrophysics), satisfy the DC requirement by completing Physics 182 and the senior thesis.

Comprehensive Requirement

The comprehensive exit requirement is normally satisfied by the submission and approval of a thesis. To satisfy the comprehensive requirement via a thesis Physics 182 is required.

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 their faculty mentor and seek approval by petition from the Physics Department office.

Honors

The department awards "honors" (3.5 grade point average or better) and "highest honors"(3.8 grade point average or better) to top graduating students each year. The department also awards "honors" for outstanding work on the senior thesis, made upon the recommendation of the senior thesis supervisor and the thesis technical adviser.

Minor Requirements

Requirements for the minor in physics are Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, (or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, 6C/N with minimum GPA of 3.5), Physics 5D; Mathematics 19A or 20A, 19B or 20B, 23A and 23B; Physics 102, 133; and three courses chosen from physics upper-division elective (some of which have prerequisites), or from a list of courses from other departments approved by the physics undergraduate faculty adviser. The elective courses cannot be offered by the department that sponsors the student’s major. Students who complete a major sponsored by the Physics Department cannot complete a second major sponsored by the Physics Department or a physics minor.

Graduate Programs

The Physics Department offers graduate programs leading to the master of science (M.S.) and/or the doctor of philosophy (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 (PHYS 210, 212, 214, 215, 216, 219) and other courses specific to the student’s field of interest. All first-year students also take 205, Introduction to Research. 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 (including materials physics and biophysics), and in theoretical and experimental/observational high-energy astrophysics (including cosmology). 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 coursework (eight physics graduate courses) and submission of an approved thesis. The thesis requirement 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 coursework 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) and Lick Observatory (headquartered at UCSC). 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, 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 the Physics Department website or by contacting the Division of Graduate Studies.

Requirements for the Physics Ph.D. Program

• Core set of first-year graduate level courses: PHYS 210, 212, 214, 215, 216, 219.

• First-year students are also required to take PHYS 205, Introduction to Research.

• Weekly Physics Colloquium (PHYS 292).

• Written Qualifying Exams: a set of five three-hour-long written tests on the following topics: Mathematical Methods for Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism. Students can attempt the tests at the beginning of their first year and at the beginning of their second year, if needed. A special winter session is available to students who have passed at least three written qualifying tests in the first two available sessions. Students who fail to pass all five exams by the end of the special winter session, or who fail to pass at least three written test by their second attempt, cannot continue in the Ph.D. program.

• Oral Qualifying Exam: an oral exam where students present their path to candidacy, including progress in their research program and plans for completion of their graduate thesis. The Oral Exam is assessed by a committee chaired by a tenured faculty member of the Physics Department, and must include at least one member from outside the Physics Department. The chair of the Graduate Committee approves the proposed Oral Exam Committee.

• Ph.D. thesis, in accordance with UCSC’s Graduate Division regulations.

• Oral Ph.D. Thesis Defense: an oral presentation of the Ph.D. thesis and oral exam. The committee includes three faculty members and is usually, but not necessarily, appointed from members of the Oral Qualifying Exam Committee. The chair of the committee must be a tenured faculty member of the Physics Department. The chair of the Graduate Committee approves the proposed Oral Ph.D. Thesis Defense Committee.

Five-year B.S./M.S. Pathway

The five-year combined B.S./M.S. in physics pathway provides highly motivated undergraduate majors the opportunity to earn a M.S. in a fifth post-baccalaureate year. The B.S./M.S. pathway provides the additional level of preparation and experience that students need to pursue careers in industry and government. Students in the B.S./M.S. physics pathway can pursue concentrations in materials and device physics, energy and the environment, computational physics, and medical biophysics.

Students apply to be admitted to the B.S./M.S. pathway, in consultation with their faculty or undergraduate adviser, no later than the end of the second quarter of the junior year. They should contact the Physics Department office for instructions on how to apply: they will work with the B.S./M.S. faculty coordinator to prepare the application, which is then reviewed by the department. Students will also go through the regular campus M.S. application process in their senior year.

To be accepted to the pathway, students will need to have demonstrated solid performance in general as well as in the major, as demonstrated by: 1) a G.P.A. in physics courses of at least 3.0; 2) an overall G.P.A .of at least 3.0; and 3) a recommendation from a faculty member attesting to the student’s promise for the M.S. degree in physics.

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. Program

• All requirements for a B.S. in physics, applied physics, or physics (astrophysics) apply, except the two upper-division elective courses, which are satisfied by the M.S. electives listed below and taken as an undergraduate.

• For the M.S. component of the B.S./M.S. a core set of four physics courses is required: PHYS 212, PHYS 215, PHYS 216 and PHYS 219.

• Four elective courses, chosen from one of the concentration areas described below. Typically, at least one of these electives will be another physics graduate course. One of the electives can be an upper division undergraduate course if approved by the B.S./M.S. faculty coordinator and the Physics Department Graduate Committee.

• An M.S. thesis, which may build on the student’s B.S. senior thesis.

• Courses can also serve to fulfill the elective requirement for the B.S. degree.

Concentration Areas for the B.S./M.S. Pathway

Materials and Device Physics

This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial jobs in the areas of materials science, semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices.

Elective courses include AMS 205A, CHEM 261, CHEM 269, CE 218, CE 218L, EE 211, EE 223, EE 224 EE 225, EE 231, PHYS 231, PHYS 232, PHYS 233, PHYS 242.

Energy and the Environment

This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial or government jobs in the areas of sustainable-energy technologies, environmental and climate change and scientific policy related to these areas.

Elective courses include CHEM 268, CHEM 269, EPS 220, EPS 254, EPS 272, EPS 280D, ECON 250, ECON 259B, ENVS 271, PHYS 233, PHYS 242.

Computational Physics

This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial or government jobs in the areas related to using computational methods to solve applied problems as well as computer‐based visualization methods for data presentation. Students interested in computational methods in biology could also consider the concentration in medical biophysics.

Elective courses include AMS 215, BMSE 205, BMSE 211, BMSE 230, BMSE 203L, CHEM 265, CE 215, CS 203, CS 210, CS 211, CS 240, CS 261, PHYS 242.

Medical Bio-Physics

This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial and hospital jobs in the areas of medical technology, biomolecular engineering, and biophysics.

Elective courses include AMS 215, BMSE/CHEM 255, BMSE 205, BMSE 215, BMSE 220, BMSE 220L, BMSE 222, BMSE 230, BMSE 203L, BMSE 250, BMSE 250L, CHEM 200A, EE 212, MCDB 200B, PHYS 180.

Course Schedule for the B.S/M/S. Pathway

Year	Fall	Winter	Spring
4th (senior)	Elective*	Elective*	PHYS 219
			Elective*
5th	PHYS 212	PHYS 215	PHYS 216
	Elective*	Elective*	Elective*
	Thesis	Thesis	Thesis

*Alternate quarters for completing the four electives

Students are recommended to start their M.S. thesis (which may build upon their already completed senior thesis) during the summer at the end of their fourth year.

The above course schedule is designed to dovetail with the freshman academic plans shown earlier. Transfer students who finish the requirements for the B.S. in two years have very little room in their schedule for the senior year, and therefore may take longer than one post baccalaureate year to complete the additional requirements for the B.S./M.S. degree.

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Revised: 09/01/17