4129 Frederick Reines Hall; (949) 824-6911
Gary A. Chanan, Department Chair
Faculty
Myron Bander, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)
Steven Barwick, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Associate Professor of Physics (experimental high-energy particle astrophysics)
Gregory A. Benford, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego, Professor of Physics (plasma physics and astrophysics)
Walter E. Bron, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics and optics)
Gary A. Chanan, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Department Chair and Professor of Physics (experimental astrophysics)
Liu Chen, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (plasma physics)
Michael B. Dennin, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara, Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)
Igor Dzyaloshinskii, Ph.D. Institute for Physical Problems (U.S.S.R.), Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)
Rognvald Garden, Ph.D. University of Edinburgh (Scotland), Associate Professor of Physics (experimental astrophysics)
Todd J. Haines, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine, Adjunct Professor of Physics (experimental particle astrophysics)
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)
Herbert Hopster, Ph.D. University of Aachen (Federal Republic of Germany), Professor of Physics (experimental surface physics)
Andrew Lankford, Ph.D. Yale University, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)
Jon M. Lawrence, Ph.D. University of Rochester, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)
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 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 of Physics (condensed matter theory)
William R. Molzon, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)
Orhan Nalcioglu, Ph.D. University of Oregon, Professor of Radiological Sciences, Medicine, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics
Riley Newman, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics and gravitational physics)
Lewis Nosanow, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor Emeritus of Physics (condensed matter theory)
William H. Parker, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Associate Executive Vice Chancellor and Professor of Physics (experimental low-temperature physics)
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)
Steven P. Ruden, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz, Associate Professor of Physics (theoretical astrophysics)
James E. Rutledge, Ph.D. University of Illinois, Professor of Physics (experimental low-temperature physics)
Nathan Rynn, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (experimental plasma physics)
Jonas Schultz, Ph.D. Columbia University, Professor of Physics (experimental particle physics)
Gordon L. Shaw, Ph.D. Cornell University, Professor Emeritus of Physics (elementary particle theory and biophysics)
Dennis J. Silverman, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor of Physics (elementary particle theory)
Tammy Smecker-Hane, Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University, Assistant Professor of Physics (experimental astrophysics)
Henry W. Sobel, Ph.D. Case Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics in Residence (experimental particle physics)
Peter Taborek, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics (experimental condensed matter physics)
Virginia L. Trimble, Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, Professor of Physics (theoretical astronomy) (on leave F)
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)
Gaurang B. Yodh, Ph.D. University of Chicago, Professor of Physics (particle astrophysics)
Clare Yu, Ph.D. Princeton University, Associate Professor of Physics (condensed matter theory)
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 elementary particles, plasma physics, astrophysics, and condensed matter at both advanced and undergraduate course levels. The faculty is vigorous, innovative, and engaged in everything from the traditional activities of research, education, and university service to community action, literature, and national policy making, to mention a few examples. The Department encourages student-faculty interaction.
The goal of the undergraduate major in Physics is to develop expert problem solvers with a broad understanding of physical principles. The program is flexible and prepares students for careers in industrial research, applications programming, education, law, or business, as well as for graduate study in astronomy, biomedical physics, engineering, or physics. Annual mandatory meetings with faculty advisors assist students in selecting a program that matches their aptitudes and interests. Students complete either a standard track (such as the track for future Ph.D. physicists), or one of the formal concentrations or specializations (in Applied Physics, Biomedical Physics, Computational Physics, or Astrophysics). In addition, Physics majors may find the minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, offered by the Department of Earth System Science, to be of interest.
The four lower-division sequences in physics are distinguished by their intended audience, their mathematical prerequisites, and the extent to which they offer preparation for more advanced courses. These aspects of the beginning courses are summarized as follows:
Physics 3: Intended audience: Premedical students, Biological Sciences majors. Prerequisites: algebra and trigonometry; concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 2A. Preparation for advanced courses: Physics 5C with permission.
Physics 5: Intended audience: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering majors. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2A (Calculus); Physics 1 or passing score on physics placement test. Preparation for advanced courses: upper-division courses in physics with permission.
Physics 7: Intended audience: Physics majors. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 2. Preparation for advanced courses: Physics 51A.
Physics 16-24: Intended audience: Nonscience majors. Prerequisites: none. Preparation for Advanced courses: none.
Admission to the Major
Students may be admitted to the Physics major upon entering the University as freshmen, via change of major, and as transfer students from other colleges and universities. Information about change of major policies is available in the Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office. For transfer student admission, preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of approved calculus and one year of calculus-based physics with laboratory.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: None.
Departmental Requirements
Physics 7A-B-C-D with laboratory courses 7LA-LB-LC; Mathematics 2A-B-C; Physical Sciences 50A-B-C; Physics 51A-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 six additional coherently related four-unit courses. (The six coherently related courses are normally satisfied by concentrations, specializations, and tracks.)
Requirements for the Concentration in Applied Physics
The six additional coherently related courses required for the major must be in engineering and be approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Requirements for the Concentration in Biomedical Physics
Complete Biological Sciences 97, 98, and 99; Chemistry 1A-B-C, 1LB-LC, 51A-B, (or 52A-B).
Requirements for the Concentration in Computational Physics
Complete 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 6A is also recommended as a prerequisite.
Requirements for the Specialization in Astrophysics
Complete three astrophysics courses (Physics 137, 144, 145) and any two of the four special topics courses (Physics 132, 134, 135, 136).
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.
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 16 through 24.
A student who decides to major in Physics after completing Physics 3 should meet with the Department Undergraduate Advisor for placement information. The biological sciences physics requirements may be met with Physics 3A-B-C or 5A-B-C.
Physics 1 (or a satisfactory examination score as explained in the Physics 5A course description) is a prerequisite for the Physics 5 sequence and offers a review of math and problem-solving techniques in the context of introducing physics.
Physics 5 is an intensive five-quarter course for students in chemistry, engineering, and other areas who are interested in a careful quantitative approach to the subject. Laboratory work accompanies the course. Students expecting to enroll in the entire five-quarter sequence of Physics 5 should enroll in Mathematics 2D concurrently with Physics 5C. Students planning to enroll in only three quarters of Physics 5 need not enroll in Mathematics 2D. Note that Physics 5A-B-C-D-E must be taken and passed in sequential order.
Physics 7 is an intensive four-quarter introduction to macroscopic physics for Physics majors.
Physics courses numbered between 16 and 24 are general education courses intended for nonscience majors. The content and format of Physics 21 through 24 will vary from year to year.
The introduction to mathematical methods (Physical Sciences 50A-B-C), microscopic physics (Physics 51A-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 a member of the Physics and Astronomy faculty before deciding on a program of courses.
Every Physics major should avoid overspecialization and wisely use undergraduate years to explore some areas remote from physics. Introductory courses in biology and chemistry are recommended options.
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 Physics and Astronomy Department Undergraduate Committee.
Sample Program -- Physics Core Curriculum
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| Freshman | ||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2C |
| Physics 7A, 7LA | Physics 7B, 7LB | Physics 7C, 7LC |
| Sophomore | ||
| Physical Sciences 50A | Physical Sciences 50B | Physical Sciences 50C |
| Physics 7D | Physics 51A | Physics 51B |
| Physics 52A | Physics 52B | Physics 52C |
| Physics 53 | ||
| Junior | ||
| Physics 111A | Physics 111B | Physics 113A |
| Physics 112A | Physics 112B | 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 who are preparing for careers as high school physics teachers take additional science courses in astronomy, biology, and chemistry and participate as apprentices in high school science classes (Chemistry 114).
Students preparing for graduate school in atmospheric science or physical oceanography should complete the minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
The Applied Physics concentration within the Physics undergraduate degree program 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. In addition to the basic courses in physics, 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 ECE70, ECE113A and 113LA, ECE113B and 113LB, ECE113C and 113LC, ECE114A, ECE114B, ECE176, ECE178, 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. ECE70A | Engr. ECE70B, 70LB | |
| Senior | ||
| Engr. ECE113A, LA | Engr. ECE113B, LB | |
| Engr. ECE178 | ||
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 first and second years 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 Astrophysics specialization is primarily for students planning graduate work in astronomy or astrophysics. It also is a suitable focus for students who do not plan to pursue a graduate degree but anticipate a career in science journalism, teaching, science administration, or public relations. The course work includes that of the standard Physics major plus three courses in astrophysics (Physics 137, 144, 145) and two courses in related branches of physics (selected from Physics 132, 134, 135, and 136).
Sample Program -- Astrophysics Specialization
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| Junior | ||
| Physics 144 or 145 | Physics 137 | |
| Senior | ||
| Physics 113B | Physics 144 or 145 | Physics 115B |
| Physics 135 | Physics 125B | Physics 136 |
The Department offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics. These degrees are awarded in recognition of demonstrated knowledge of the basic facts and theories of physics and of a demonstrated capacity for independent research. Active programs of research are underway in high-energy physics, condensed matter physics, low-temperature physics, plasma physics, gravitational physics, and astrophysics.
In general, graduate study in the physics Ph.D. program is expected to be a full-time activity. Other proposed arrangements should be approved by the Graduate Committee. Completion of the Ph.D. typically requires six years of full-time study. Students may pursue the M.S. degree on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Complementing the formal courses, the Department offers regular colloquia and informal seminars. Graduate students are members of an intellectual community and are expected to participate fully in departmental activities. Attendance at colloquia is considered an essential part of graduate study. In addition, there are regular weekly research seminars in condensed matter, high-energy, and plasma physics, and astrophysics.
Sources of support available to graduate students include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Students planning to pursue graduate work in Physics should obtain a copy of the Department's graduate brochure.
Students admitted into the graduate program in Physics and Astronomy may elect to pursue the M.S. or Ph.D. degree with a concentration in Chemical and Materials Physics, as described below.
The requirements for the M.S. degree are (1) at least three quarters of residence; (2) mastery of graduate course material, which must be demonstrated by passing, with a grade of B or better, a minimum of eight quarter courses including Physics 211, 213A-B, 215A, 223, and at least one other course numbered between 200 and 259; and (3) either Option A, a research project and written thesis, or Option B, a comprehensive written examination.
A typical program of study for the M.S. degree consists of the following nine courses: Physics 211 (Classical Mechanics), 213A-B (Electromagnetic Theory), 215A (Quantum Mechanics), 223 (Numerical Methods), 224 (Phenomenology), 206 (Laboratory Skills) for experimentalists or 212 (Mathematical Physics) for theorists, plus two electives chosen from Physics 215B or undergraduate upper-division courses in related areas.
(The requirements for the M.S. degree with a concentration in Chemical and Materials Physics differ from these, as outlined below.)
The principal requirements for the Ph.D. degree are a minimum of six quarters of residence, passage of a written and a two-part oral examination, and successful completion and defense of a dissertation reporting results of original research. In addition, the Ph.D. candidate must complete certain graduate course requirements. There is no foreign language requirement.
Course Requirements. Students are required to exhibit mastery of the basic sequences--Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics. A minimum of 12 quarter courses including 211, 213A-B, 214A, 215A-B, 223, and at least three other courses numbered between 200 and 259, must be passed with a grade of B or better. Students are strongly encouraged to take Physics 211, 213A-B, 214A, 215A-B, 223, and 206 (for experimentalists) or 212 (for theorists) in their first year of study. It is expected that students, having selected a research specialty, will ordinarily take the core course in that subject (236A-B-C, 237A-B-C, 238A-B-C, or 239A-B-C) in their second year of study.
(The requirements for the Ph.D. degree with a concentration in Chemical and Materials Physics differ from these, as outlined below.)
Qualifying Examination. For advancement to Ph.D. candidacy, a student must pass a qualifying examination consisting of a written part and two oral parts. The written part, covering a broad range of fundamentals of physics at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, is normally taken in the fall following the student's first year. The first oral examination is administered along with the written examination. All members of the first oral committee will be from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. A second attempt at this set of examinations will be permitted if the first is not successful. A third attempt will be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances.
The second part of the oral examination will be taken approximately one year after successful completion of the written examination and the first oral. The candidacy committee that administers the second oral examination will contain one or two faculty members from outside the Department. The second oral will cover material principally related to the broad and general features of the student's dissertation area.
Teaching Program. Experience in teaching is an integral part of the graduate program, and all graduate students are expected to participate in the teaching program for at least three quarters during their graduate careers. All new teaching assistants are required to enroll in Physics 269.
Dissertation. A dissertation summarizing the results of original research performed by the student under the supervision of a doctoral committee, appointed by the Department Chair on behalf of the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council, will be required for the Ph.D. degree. A criterion for the acceptability of a dissertation by the Department is that it be suitable for publication in a scientific journal. The dissertation must not have been submitted to any other institution prior to its submission to the UCI Physics and Astronomy Department.
Defense of Dissertation. Upon completion of the dissertation, the student will take an oral examination, open to the public, before the doctoral committee.
This is an interdisciplinary program between condensed matter physics and physical chemistry which is designed to eliminate the barrier between these two disciplines. Students with B.S. degrees in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science and Engineering, are encouraged to apply to the program. The goal of the concentration in Chemical and Materials Physics (ChaMP) is to provide students with a broad interdisciplinary education in the applied physical sciences that emphasizes modern laboratory and computational skills. The program accepts students for both the master's and the Ph.D. degrees. Upon admission to the program, students are assigned two faculty advisors, one from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and one from the Department of Chemistry, to provide guidance on curriculum and career planning.
The curriculum for the master's program includes a summer session to assimilate students with different undergraduate backgrounds; formal shop, laboratory, and computational courses; a sequence on current topics to bridge the gap between fundamental principles and applied technology; and a course to develop communication skills. The core courses are: Physics 206, 207, 213C, 226, 228, 229A-B, 266, 273; Chemistry 213, 231A-B-C, 232A-B-C, 236. In addition to the core, M.S. students complete four electives approved by the student's Advisory Committee and a master's thesis. The Master's program prepares students to compete for high-tech jobs or to begin research leading to a Ph.D.
Successful completion of the M.S. degree requirements qualifies students for the Ph.D. program. A candidacy examination consisting of an original research proposal and a research progress report is expected to be completed within a year of starting the Ph.D. program.
