DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

4129 Frederick Reines Hall; (949) 824-6911
Andrew J. Lankford, Department Chair

Undergraduate Program

Graduate Progam

Courses

Faculty

Myron Bander, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Aaron Barth, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Assistant Professor of Physics (observational astrophysics)

Elizabeth Barton, Ph.D. Harvard University, Assistant Professor of Physics (observational cosmology and astrophysics)

Steven Barwick, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (experimental high-energy particle astrophysics)

Gregory A. Benford, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor Emeritus of Physics (plasma physics and astrophysics)

Andrei Bernevig, Ph.D. Stanford University, Assistant Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)

James Bullock, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Assistant Professor of Physics (theoretical astrophysics and cosmology)

David A. Buote, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Associate Professor of Physics (observational astrophysics and cosmology)

David Casper, Ph.D. University of Michigan, Associate Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Gary A. Chanan, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (observational astrophysics)

Liu Chen, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (plasma theory)

Mu-Chun Chen, Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder, Assistant Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Alexander (Sasha) Chernyshev, Ph.D. Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia), Associate Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Philip G. Collins, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Asantha Cooray, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Assistant Professor of Physics (theoretical astrophysics and cosmology)

Michael B. Dennin, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara, Associate Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Igor Dzyaloshinskii, Ph.D. Institute for Physical Problems (U.S.S.R.), Professor Emeritus of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Jonathan Lee Feng, Ph.D. Stanford University, UCI Chancellor's Fellow and Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Zachary Fisk, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, UCI Distinguished Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Steven Gross, Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin, UCI Chancellor's Fellow and Associate Professor of Developmental and Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics (experimental biophysics)

Gultekin Gulsen, Ph.D. Bogazici University (Turkey), Assistant Professor of Radiological Sciences and Physics in Residence (medical physics)

Herbert W. Hamber, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara, Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)

William W. Heidbrink, Ph.D. Princeton University, Professor of Physics (experimental plasma physics)

Wilson Ho, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Donald Bren Professor of Physics and Chemistry (experimental condensed matter, physics and chemistry)

Herbert Hopster, Ph.D. University of Aachen (Federal Republic of Germany), Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Manoj Kaplinghat, Ph.D. Ohio State University, Assistant Professor of Physics (theoretical cosmology)

David P. Kirkby, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Associate Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Ilya Krivorotov, Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Andrew J. Lankford, Ph.D. Yale University, Department Chair and Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Jon M. Lawrence, Ph.D. University of Rochester, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Zhihong Lin, Ph.D. Princeton University, Associate Professor of Physics (plasma theory)

Mark A. Mandelkern, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley; M.D. University of Miami, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics and medical physics)

Alexei A. Maradudin, Ph.D. University of Bristol (England), Professor Emeritus of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Meinhard E. Mayer, Ph.D. Parhon University (Romania), Professor Emeritus of Physics (mathematical physics)

Roger D. McWilliams, Ph.D. Princeton University, Professor of Physics (experimental plasma physics)

Douglas L. Mills, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor Emeritus of Physics (condensed matter theory)

William R. Molzon, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Lutfi T. Muftuler, Ph.D. Middle East Technical University (Turkey), Assistant Professor of Radiological Sciences and Physics in Residence (medical physics)

Orhan Nalcioglu, Ph.D. University of Oregon, Professor of Radiological Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics (medical physics)

Riley Newman, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics and gravitational physics)

William H. Parker, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Arvind Rajaraman, Ph.D. Stanford University, Assistant Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Thorsten Ritz, Ph.D. University of Ulm (Germany), Assistant Professor of Physics (theoretical biophysics)

John Rosendahl, M.S. University of California, Irvine, Lecturer in Physics

Norman Rostoker, D.Sc. Carnegie Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus of Physics (plasma physics)

James E. Rutledge, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Nathan Rynn, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (experimental plasma physics)

Jonas Schultz, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Yuri Shirman, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Assistant Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Dennis J. Silverman, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (elementary particle theory)

Zuzanna Siwy, Ph.D. Silesian University of Technology, Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental biophysics)

Tammy Smecker-Hane, Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University, Associate Professor of Physics (observational astrophysics)

Henry W. Sobel, Ph.D. Case Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Min-Ying (Lydia) Su, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Associate Professor of Radiological Sciences and Physics in Residence (medical physics)

Peter Taborek, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)

Anyes Taffard, Ph.D. University of Liverpool (United Kingdom), Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)

Virginia L. Trimble, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics (theoretical astronomy)

Gerard Van Hoven, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (plasma physics and astrophysics)

Richard F. Wallis, Ph.D. Catholic University of America, Professor Emeritus of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Steven White, Ph.D. Cornell University, Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Ruqian Wu, Ph.D. Institute of Physics (China), Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)

Gaurang B. Yodh, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor of Physics (experimental particle astrophysics)

Clare Yu, Ph.D. Princeton University, Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory and theoretical biophysics)

Physics is that branch of science concerned with the study of natural phenomena at the fundamental level. Physicists study the smallest particles of matter (quarks and leptons), nuclei, and atoms; the fundamental forces; the properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas; the behavior of matter on the grand scale in stars and galaxies; and even the origin and fate of the universe. Other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering often build upon the foundations laid by physics.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers courses for students of various interests, from those in the humanities and social sciences, to those in biological sciences, and to those in physics, engineering, and other sciences. Faculty members are conducting active research in several forefront areas of physical research, and there is student access to specialized research areas such as astrophysics, cosmology, elementary particle, plasma, condensed matter, biological, and medical physics at both advanced and undergraduate course levels. The Department offers several interdisciplinary concentrations and tracks which include courses taught by faculty in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine. The faculty is vigorous, innovative, and engaged in a wide variety of research, education, and university and public service activities. The Department encourages student-faculty interaction.

Undergraduate Program

University Requirements: See pages 57-62.

School Requirements: None.

Departmental Requirements

Physics 7A-B-D-E with laboratory courses 7LA-LB-LD; Mathematics 2A-B, 2D-E, 2J, 3D; Physics 50; Physics 61A-B*; Physics 52A-B-C; Physics 53 (or another programming course); Physics 111A-B, 112A-B, 113A, 115A, 121, and 125A; Physics 196C or H196C or 197; and five additional coherently related four-unit courses. (The five coherently related courses are normally satisfied by concentrations, specializations, and tracks.)

*For students transferring into the major after taking Physics 51A-B, Physics 51A-B will be accepted in place of Physics 61A-B.

Concentration in Applied Physics

Requirements: The six additional coherently related courses required for the major must be in engineering and be approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Concentration in Biomedical Physics

Requirements: Biological Sciences 97, 98, and 99; Chemistry 1A-B-C, 1LB-LC, 51A-B, (or 52A-B).

Concentration in Computational Physics

Requirements: Three courses in computer science (Information and Computer Science 21, 22, 23), two courses in numerical analysis plus the accompanying laboratories (Mathematics 105A-B, 105LA-LB), and one advanced computational course (Mathematics 107, 107L or Physics 131). Mathematics 6D is also recommended as a prerequisite.

Concentration in Philosophy of Physics

Requirements: One course selected from Philosophy or Logic and Philosophy of Science 30, 104, 105A-B-C, or Mathematics 150, 151, 152; Philosophy or LPS 31; Philosophy or LPS 140; one course from History 60, 135A, 135B, 135C, or an approved alternative elective; Physics 113B; three courses selected from Philosophy or LPS 102, 121, 141A, 141B, 141C, 141D.

Concentration in Physics Education

Requirements: Education 173 or 176; Physical Sciences 5, 105, 106; five courses selected from Biological Sciences 1A-B or 93, 94; Chemistry 1A-B-C; Earth System Science 1 or 25, 7; and Physics 20A-B.

Specialization in Astrophysics

Requirements: Physics 139; three astrophysics courses selected from Physics 137, 138, 144, or 145; and any two upper-division Physics electives.

Honors Program in Physics

The Honors Program in Physics provides an opportunity for selected students majoring in Physics to pursue advanced work in one of the research areas of the Department. Admission to the program is based on an application normally submitted by the sixth week of the spring quarter of the junior year. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.4 and a grade point average in physics courses of 3.5 or

better. (Exceptions to these procedures and standards may be granted in unusual circumstances.) In selecting students for the program, the Department considers evidence of ability and interest in research.

Students admitted to the program participate in a year-long course, Physics H196A-B-C, which includes two quarters of research and a final quarter in which a written thesis is submitted. If this work and the student's final GPA are deemed of honors quality by the program advisor, the student then graduates with Departmental Honors in Physics.

PLANNING A PROGRAM OF STUDY

Physics 3 is a one-year course suitable for premedical students, students majoring in Biological Sciences, and nonscience majors. It surveys most of the important branches of physics. Laboratory work accompanies the course. Nonscience majors with some mathematical skill may wish to consider Physics 3 as an alternative to Physics 14 through 21.

A student who decides to major in Physics after completing Physics 3 should meet with the Department Undergraduate Advisor for placement information.

Physics 7 is an intensive four-quarter course for students in Physical Sciences and Engineering who are interested in a careful quantitative approach to macroscopic physics. Laboratory work accompanies the course. Students with an advanced background in physics may begin the sequence with 7B upon satisfactory completion of the Physics Placement Examination.

Physics courses numbered between 14 and 21 are general education courses intended for nonscience majors. The content and format of Physics 21 may vary from year to year.

The introduction to mathematical methods (Mathematics 2E, 2J, 3D, and Physics 50), microscopic physics (Physics 61A-B), and experimental physics (Physics 52A-B-C) are normally taken in the sophomore year.

Courses numbered 111 and above are for Physics majors and other qualified students. Courses numbered between 111 and 115 emphasize the mathematical and theoretical structures that have unified our understanding of nature. It should be noted that multi-quarter courses such as 111A-B must be taken and passed in sequential order. Any student who is so inclined may take more than the minimum one quarter of advanced laboratory work. Courses numbered between 132 and 149 introduce active subdisciplines in current research. Independent research (195, 196) is strongly encouraged. Physics 196C, H196C, and 197 stress the written and verbal communication of research findings.

Transfer students are specifically advised to seek individual consultation with the Department Undergraduate Advisor before deciding on a program of courses.

All Physics majors must complete the core courses listed below. By the end of the junior year, each student must also select a concentration or track.

Note that alternatives to Physics major requirements can be approved upon petition to the Department and the Office of the Associate Dean. Furthermore, exceptionally prepared students are allowed to enroll in graduate-level courses; to do so requires the approval of the Department Undergraduate Advisor.

Sample Program-Physics Core Curriculum

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Freshman
Mathematics 2A	Mathematics 2B	Mathematics 2D
Physics 7A, 7LA	Physics 7B, 7LB	Physics 7D, 7LD
Sophomore
Mathematics 2E	Mathematics 3D	Physics 50
Mathematics 2J	Physics 61A	Physics 61B
Physics 7E	Physics 52B	Physics 52C
Physics 52A
Junior
Physics 111A	Physics 111B	Physics 53
Physics 112A	Physics 112B	Physics 113A
		Physics 115A
Senior
Physics 125A	Physics 121	Physics 197

For a student planning graduate study in physics, additional courses in advanced physics are strongly recommended.

Sample Program—Physics Graduate School Track

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Senior
Physics 113B	Physics 113C	Physics 115B
Physics Elective	Physics 125B	Physics Elective

Students preparing for graduate school in atmospheric science or physical oceanography should complete the minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

The Applied Physics concentration is designed to provide appropriate education to students who anticipate a career in industrial or technological research. It combines the fundamental knowledge of physical processes obtained from physics courses with the technical knowledge obtained from engineering courses. A student is required to complete six courses in the School of Engineering approved by the Physics and Astronomy Department. Examples of appropriate courses include Engineering EECS70, EECS170A and 170LA, EECS170B and 170LB, EECS170C and 170LC, EECS174, EECS188, MAE120, MAE135, and MAE147. Upon completion of the Applied Physics concentration, the student will receive a B.S. degree in Physics.

Sample Program—Applied Physics Concentration

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Junior
	Engr. EECS70A	Engr. EECS70B, 70LB
Senior
Engr. EECS170A, LA	Engr. EECS170B, LB	Physics 206
	Engr. EECS188

The Biomedical Physics concentration is designed for the student who anticipates a career in physics applied to biology and medicine, such as health physics or radiological physics, or who intends to work in a scholarly field which deals with the physical aspects of biology or medicine, such as molecular biology or physiology. Completion of requirements for the Physics major is required as are nine quarters of basic courses in biology and chemistry. Students who wish to follow the Biomedical Physics concentration are advised to seek guidance early in their college careers. The requirements are such that coordination of a program in the second year is essential.

Sample Program — Biomedical Physics Concentration

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Freshman
Chemistry 1A	Chemistry 1B, 1LB	Chemistry 1C, 1LC
Sophomore
Chemistry 51A	Chemistry 51B
Junior
Bio. Sci. 97	Bio. Sci. 98	Bio. Sci. 99

The Computational Physics concentration provides training for positions in software development in a wide variety of high-technology fields. For example, consider medical imaging software for magnetic resonance imaging. To write a first-rate program, one must understand the apparatus and analysis techniques (physics), use appropriate numerical techniques (numerical analysis), and employ a convenient object-oriented interface (computer science). The concentration develops this unique set of skills: physical and mathematical insight through the Physics curriculum, knowledge of modern computer programming techniques, and knowledge of numerical analysis.

Sample Program — Computational Physics Concentration

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Junior
ICS 21	ICS 22	ICS 23
Senior
Math. 105A, 105LA	Math. 105B, 105LB	Math. 107, 107L

The Philosophy of Physics concentration is concerned with the study of the conceptual history of physics, the method of inquiry that has led to our best physical theories, and the structure and interpretation of the theories themselves. Students take courses in deductive and inductive logic, the philosophy and history of physics, and quantum mechanics. The emphasis on careful argument makes this concentration useful for anyone who wishes to pursue a graduate degree in philosophy or law, or for other careers that employ both verbal and quantitative analysis.

The Physics Education concentration is for students who plan a career in secondary education. An Education course, five general science courses, and three quarters of classroom experience complete the requirements for the concentration. Students are encouraged to take Physics 191 (outreach).

The Astrophysics specialization is primarily taken by two types of students, those planning on going on to graduate school in astronomy or astrophysics and those planning to work in aeronautics or astrophysics-related industries or government research laboratories after receiving their bachelor's degree. It also is an excellent focus for students who anticipate careers in science journalism, teaching, science administration, or public relations. The course work includes one upper-division astrophysics laboratory (139), three of four courses in astrophysics (137, 138, 144, 145), and two or more upper-division Physics courses. Of the Physics electives, students bound for graduate school are strongly advised to include Physics 113B, 115B, and 125B. Other recommended electives include Physics 131, 132, 134A-B, 135, and 136.

Sample Program-Astrophysics Specialization

FALL	WINTER	SPRING
Junior
	Physics 137	Physics 144 or 145
Senior
Physics 113B	Physics 125B	Physics 115B
Physics 139	Physics 138	Physics 144 or 145

Graduate Program