Physics and Astronomy
College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler
Department of Physics and Astronomy
TH 334
Phone: 415-338-1659
Fax: 415-338-2178
E-mail: physics@stars.sfsu.edu
Chair: Susan M. Lea
Graduate Coordinator: Maarten Golterman
Faculty
Professors: Chen, Cool, Golterman, Greensite, Lea, Marzke, Neuhauser
Assistant Professors: Barranco, Mahdavi, Man
Adjunct Professors: Adler, Barsony, Lipschultz, Fischer, Marcy, McCarthy
Lecturers: Bland, Fielder, Stanford, Todd
Programs
B.A. in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy
B.S. in Physics: Concentration in Astrophysics
Program Scope
The Physics and Astronomy Department offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics which are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in science, technology, and teaching, as well as for graduate study. The goal is to educate versatile physicists and astronomers who combine a solid knowledge of theory with real-world skills in problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and computer-based simulation and analysis. The department specializes in the "hands-on" approach so important in the 21st century. Students at all levels are encouraged to work on a research project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The projects may involve experimental laboratory work, astronomical observations and data analysis, or theoretical modeling using analytical and computational approaches.
The Bachelor of Arts in physics is suited for students whose career goals involve secondary-school teaching, or the combination of physics with other fields such as engineering, business, or humanities. This program also provides excellent preparation for technical writers, technical salespeople, and laboratory technicians and research assistants. Students interested in high-school or middle-school teaching can take advantage of the department’s single subject matter program in physics. By completing the B.A. together with an approved sequence of courses in consultation with an adviser, students can demonstrate their preparedness to enter a one-year credential program to complete their training as a physics teacher. This B.A. in physics stresses education in physics fundamentals with some additional advanced courses, laboratory, and computer work. It can be combined with a minor in business, engineering, art, or humanities to prepare students for careers that cross disciplinary lines. Future teachers can combine it with a mathematics minor to prepare themselves to teach math as well as physics.
The Bachelor of Arts in physics with a concentration in astronomy is similar to the B.A. in physics, but with upper division work concentrated in astronomy. This program also provides excellent preparation for middle school or high school teachers and technical writers, as well as observatory or planetarium staff.
The Bachelor of Science in physics is designed to educate students who plan to pursue education in physics or related fields (M.S. or Ph.D. programs), or who plan to seek employment as physicists, scientific associates, or technical staff members in industry, national laboratories, or academic laboratories. This program combines the education in physics fundamentals of the B.A. program with additional advanced courses, laboratory, and computer work, and more specialized work in a specialty such as solid state physics, optical physics, or computational physics. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to gain research experience. Graduates should have the fundamental mathematical, scientific, and learning skills to enable them to be lifelong learners who can rapidly master new scientific and technical developments. A satisfactory score on an exit examination is required.
The Bachelor of Science in physics with a concentration in astrophysics is similar to the B.S. in physics program, but with significant upper division work in astronomy, as appropriate for students planning employment or graduate study in the area of astrophysics. A senior project with thesis is required.
A minor in physics and a minor in astronomy are available for students desiring a coherent program in physics or astronomy but one not as extensive as the B.A. It provides an excellent background for prospective secondary school teachers who wish to teach in physics or astronomy as well as in their major area, or for engineers who want additional depth in areas such as solid state physics or optical physics.
The goal of the Master of Science in physics is to provide a solid, in-depth background in theoretical and experimental physics, appropriate for students pursuing further education in the field via Ph.D. programs in physics, astronomy, or certain engineering fields, or for those seeking employment as physicists/astronomers in physics/astronomy-related jobs and professions; e.g., as technical associates, laboratory physicists, physics or astronomy data analyzers, engineers, or in education as instructors in junior or community colleges. This program combines advanced education in core physics topics with additional advanced courses, laboratory and computer work, and more concentrated work in a specialty such as solid state physics, quantum optics, astrophysics, or computational physics. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to gain research experience.
Undergraduate Programs in Physics and Astronomy
High school preparation for these programs should include two years of algebra, one year of geometry, one-half year of trigonometry, one year of chemistry, and one year of physics. Some experience in computer programming is valuable. All students, especially those who have not completed a substantial chemistry course in high school, are strongly urged to take CHEM 115 and 215-216 in their first year of college.
It is suggested that students in these programs consult with their adviser before selecting courses to meet General Education requirements. Unnecessary repetition of elementary topics might be avoided by careful selection of courses. A plan of study prepared in consultation with a department adviser is prerequisite to entry into upper division study. Students who are considering teaching physics at the secondary school level should see a credential adviser in the department before planning the major since specific courses and a competency assessment are required for admission to the credential program.
A maximum of six units taken CR/NC may be counted toward any undergraduate degree.
All prerequisites for upper division courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better, unless expressly stated otherwise. See course descriptions for prerequisite requirements.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Bachelor of Arts in Physics curriculum corrected after publication on October 14, 2011.
See changes to following two tables here.
Lower/Upper Division Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 226-228 | Calculus I-III (4 each) | 12 |
| MATH 245 or MATH 376 |
Elementary Differential Equations & Linear Algebra Ordinary Differential Equations I |
3 |
| PHYS 220/222 | General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 230/232 | General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 240/242 | General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory | 4 |
Total lower/upper division prerequisites: 27 units
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 321 | Modern Physics Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS 330 | Analytical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 360 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS 385 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 490 - PHYS 491 GW |
Physics Project Laboratory 1 & Advanced Laboratory II - GWAR |
3 |
| PHYS 695 | Culminating Experience in Physics | 1 |
Upper division electives (4 units) On advisement (PHYS 460 recommended)
Total upper division requirements: 28 units
Total units for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics: 52 units
Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy
Lower Division Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 115 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| MATH 226-228 | Calculus I-III (4 each) | 12 |
| PHYS 220/222 | General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 230/232 | General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 240/242 | General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory | 4 |
Total lower division prerequisites: 27 units
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 300 | Stars, Planets, and the Milky Way | 3 |
| ASTR 301 | Observational Astronomy Laboratory | 2 |
| ASTR 340 GW | The Big Bang - GWAR | 3 |
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 321 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 695 | Culminating Experience in Physics | 1 |
Upper division electives: (11 units)
At least 11 units of upper division astronomy, physics, geosciences, mathematics or related subjects, selected on advisement. No more than 3 units of 600 level courses may count toward this requirement.
Total upper division requirements: 25 units
Total for Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy: 52 units
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Lower Division Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 226-228 | Calculus I-III (4 each) | 12 |
| PHYS 220/222 | General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 230/232 | General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 240/242 | General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory | 4 |
One of the following:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 245 | Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 376 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
Total lower division prerequisites: 27 units
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 321 | Modern Physics Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS 330 | Analytical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 360 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 385 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 430 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 457 | Principles of Electronics | 4 |
| PHYS 460 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 490 | Physics Project Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 491 GW | Advanced Laboratory II - GWAR | 1 |
| PHYS 695 | Culminating Experience in Physics | 1 |
| CSC 309 | Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers 3 | 3 |
Upper division electives: 10 units
Astronomy, physics, mathematics, or related sciences.
Total upper division requirements: 44 units
Total for Bachelor of Science in Physics: 71units
Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Astrophysics
Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 226-228 | Calculus I-III (4 each) | 12 |
| PHYS 220/222 | General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 230/232 | General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 240/242 | General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory | 4 |
One of the following:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 245 | Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 376 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
Total Prerequisites: 27
Upper Division Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 300 | Stars, Planets, and the Milky Way | 3 |
| ASTR 301 | Observational Astronomy Laboratory | 2 |
| ASTR 340 GW | The Big Bang - GWAR | 3 |
| ASTR 400 | Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 442 | Galaxies and Cosmology | 3 |
| ASTR 470 | Observational Techniques in Astronomy | 3 |
| CSC 309 | Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers | 3 |
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 330 | Analytical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 360 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 385 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 430 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
One of the following: 3 units
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ASTR 498 and PHYS 695 |
Astronomy Research Literature (2) Culminating Experience in Physics (1) |
| ASTR 697 | Senior Project |
Electives: (3 units)
chosen from 400-level courses in Physics or Astronomy, with consent of adviser. Up to one unit of a 600-level course in ASTR may count toward this requirement.
Total upper division requirements: 44 units
Total for Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Astrophysics: 71 units
Minor in Physics
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 111/112 and PHYS 121/122 or PHYS 220/222 and PHYS 230/232 and PHYS 240/242 |
General Physics I/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics II/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory (3/1) |
8 - 12 |
Upper Division Electives (12 units)
On advisement (PHYS 320, 325, 370, 385 recommended)
Total for Minor in Physics: 20 - 24 units
Minor in Astronomy
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 111/112 and PHYS 121/122 or PHYS 220/222 and PHYS 230/232 and PHYS 240/242 |
General Physics I/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics II/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus I/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus II/Laboratory (3/1) General Physics with Calculus III/Laboratory (3/1) |
8 - 12 |
| ASTR 115 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR 300 | Stars, Planets, and the Milky Way | 3 |
| ASTR 301 | Observational Astronomy Laboratory | 2 |
Upper Division Electives (3 units) On advisement.
Total for Minor in Astronomy: 19 - 23 units
Master of Science in Physics
Students wishing to be admitted to the Master of Science in physics program should have completed an undergraduate major in physics, with a minimum 3.0 grade point average in physics and mathematics courses, and minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units. Students whose undergraduate degree is in another field may be admitted to conditionally classified status, but additional undergraduate-level course work will be required to make up the deficiency. Contact the graduate coordinator for further details.
The department does not offer a graduate program in astronomy or astrophysics, but students interested in those areas can utilize their graduate electives within the M.S. in physics to obtain a suitable background.
Group I: Core Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 701 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 704 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 706 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 775 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 785 | Theoretical Physics | 3 |
Group II: Graduate Physics Electives - 6 units
Elective graduate physics or astronomy courses with numbers in the range from PHYS 700 - 790 and ASTR 700 - 790 only, with the exception of PHYS 732, (note that PHYS 885, 891, 896, 897, 898, and 899 do not count in this category).
Group III: General Electives - 9 units
Elective advanced upper division (numbered 400 or above) or graduate courses in physics, astronomy, or appropriately related subjects, selected on advisement and with approval of graduate coordinator (note that PHYS 732, 885, 891, 897, 898, and 899 count in this category).
Group IV: Thesis and/or Oral Examination
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| PHYS 898 | Master's Thesis and Oral Defense of Thesis (units to be included in Group III) |
| or Master's Comprehensive Oral Examination |
|
Minimum total for Master of Science in Physics: 30 units
Note: Degree total to include no more than 6 units of PHYS 732, 885, 891, 897 and 899 together, nor more than 4 units of PHYS 730.
Progress toward Degree. Classified or conditionally classified graduate students who do not successfully complete two courses per year toward their Advancement to Candidacy are subject to disqualification.
Graduate students are expected to attend colloquia and must attend at least five per semester unless excused by the graduate coordinator.
Written English Proficiency Requirement.
Level One: (preadmission) is satisfied by obtaining a score of 4.5 or above in the analytical writing portion of the GRE. Applicants who do not receive a minimum score of 4.5 on the GRE may be admitted conditionallly and must complete SCI 614, SCI 560, or PHYS 340 with a grade of B or better during the first year. Level Two is satisfied by submitting a thesis which your thesis committee agrees meets the level two standard, or by submitting a paper of at least ten pages which the graduate coordinator agrees meets the level two standard.
Examinations. The oral defense of thesis is delivered to the student's advisory committee and includes responses to questions from the committee on subjects related to the thesis topic. The master's comprehensive oral examination is delivered to the student's advisory committee and covers all areas of theoretical and experimental physics deemed appropriate by the committee. The oral defense of thesis or master's comprehensive oral examination may be repeated once, under conditions specified by the committee, upon petition by the student.
Prior to taking graduate courses numbered 700-799, M.S. students must pass a written examination on undergraduate-level physics. The requirement may be satisfied by achieving a satisfactory score on the Physics Major Field Test or on the physics GRE. While new graduate students may take graduate courses during their first semester with the department (in consultation with the graduate coordinator), they must pass this test before taking graduate courses in subsequent semesters. If a student fails to pass the test, he or she will be advised to take appropriate undergraduate courses in order to remedy those gaps that prevented him or her from passing the test. Tests taken more than six months prior to enrollment as a graduate student in the department do not fulfill this requirement.
footnotes
- PHYS 490 and 491 satisfy the GWAR requirement when taken in sequence in Fall 2010 or later.
- It is also recommended that students take MATH 245 or MATH 376.
- Additional upper division elective units in astronomy, mathematics, or physics may be substituted for CSC 210 or CSC 309 by students proficient in computer programming, subject to approval by the department chair.
