Physics and Astronomy  {SF State Bulletin 2015 - 2016}

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Physics and Astronomy

 

College of Science and Engineering

Dean: Keith Bowman

 

Department of Physics and Astronomy

TH 334
Phone: 415-338-1659
Fax: 415-338-2178
E-mail: physics@sfsu.edu

Chair: Maarten Golterman
Graduate Coordinator: Susan M. Lea

 

Faculty

Professors: Chen, Cool, Golterman, Greensite, Lea, Marzke, Neuhauser
Associate Professor: Barranco
Assistant Professors: Kane, Mahdavi, Man, Unsal
Adjunct Professors: Adler, Barsony, Lipschultz, Fischer, Marcy, McCarthy
Lecturers: Bland, Caudy, Fielder, Lee

 

Programs

B.A. in Physics

B.A. in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy

B.S. in Physics

B.S. in Physics: Concentration in Astrophysics

B.S. in Physics: Concentration in Physics for Teaching

Minor in Astronomy

Minor in Physics

M.S. in Physics

M.S. in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy

 

 

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 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.

 

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 technical writers, as well as observatory or planetarium staff.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed to educate students who plan to pursue further 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.

 

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.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Concentration in Physics for Teaching is designed for students interested in high-school or middle-school teaching. This program stresses education in physics fundamentals together with laboratory work and direct classroom teaching experience. Elective units enable students to gain breadth of knowledge in one or more additional subjects important for high-school teachers, e.g., mathematics, general science, or chemistry. Students may also elect to take advantage of the department's single subject matter program in physics to demonstrate their preparedness to enter a credential program to complete their training as teachers.

 

A satisfactory score on an exit examination is required for all Bachelor's degrees.

 

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 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, particle physics, quantum optics, astrophysics, or computational physics. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to gain research experience.

 

The Master of Science in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy offers a program that is more closely tailored to students interested in careers in astronomy teaching and outreach, or employment in astronomical observatories and laboratories. It is also suitable for those seeking entry into Ph.D. programs in astronomy.

 

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 advisor 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 advisor is prerequisite to entry into upper division study. Students who are considering teaching physics at the secondary school level should see a credential advisor 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 6 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. See course descriptions for prerequisite requirements.

 

Complementary Studies

Upon completion of the B.A. in Physics program, students will have taken 12 units of calculus courses that satisfy the Complementary Studies requirement for a BA degree.

 

Students who have earned AA-T or AS-T degrees and are pursuing a similar B.A. degree at SF State are required to fulfill the Complementary Studies requirement as defined by the major department. Students should consult with a major advisor about how transfer units and/or SF State units can best be applied to this requirement in order to ensure degree completion within 60 units.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

 

Physics (B.A.) — 52 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Lower/Upper Division Prerequisites (27 units)

Upper Division Requirements (25 units)

Note: A minimum of 40 upper division units must be completed for the degree (including upper division units required for the major, general education, electives, etc.). A student can complete this major yet not attain the necessary number of upper division units required for graduation. In this case additional upper division courses will be needed to reach the required total.

 

Complementary Studies

Upon completion of the B.A. in Physics, concentration in Astronomy, students will have taken 12 units of calculus courses that satisfy the Complementary Studies requirement for a BA degree.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy

 

Physics (B.A.): Concentration in Astronomy — 52 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Lower Division Prerequisites (27 units)

Upper Division Requirements (25 units)

Upon completion of the BA degree, students will have taken 12 units of calculus courses that satisfy the Complementary Studies requirement for a BA degree.

 

Note: A minimum of 40 upper division units must be completed for the degree (including upper division units required for the major, general education, electives, etc.). A student can complete this major yet not attain the necessary number of upper division units required for graduation. In this case additional upper division courses will be needed to reach the required total.

 

Bachelor of Science in Physics

 

Physics (B.S.) — 71 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Lower Division Prerequisites (27 units)

Upper Division Requirements (44 units)

 

Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Astrophysics

 

Physics (B.S.): Concentration in Astrophysics — 71 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Prerequisites (27 units)

Upper Division Requirements (44 units)

Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Physics for Teaching

 

Physics (B.S.): Concentration in Physics for Teaching — 64 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Lower/Upper Division Prerequisites (27 units)

Upper Division Requirements (25 units)

 

Minor in Physics

Physics, Minor — 24 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

Minor in Astronomy

Astronomy, Minor — 19 - 23 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

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.

 

Physics (M.A.) — Minimum 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Group I: Core Courses(15 units)

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, (note that PHYS 800 - 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 800 - 899 count in this category).

Group IV: Thesis and/or Oral Examination (units to be included in Group III)

Note: Degree total to include no more than 6 units of PHYS 800 - 899, nor more than 4 units of PHYS 730.

 

Master of Science in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy

The Master of Science in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy is similar to the M.S. in Physics program, but with a selection of core courses that is better suited to those planning to pursue careers in astronomy teaching and outreach, or in astronomical observatories and laboratories. It is also suitable for those seeking entry into Ph.D. programs in astronomy.

 

Physics (M.S.): Concentration in Astronomy — 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Group I: Core Courses (12 units)

Group II: Graduate Physics and Astronomy Electives (9 units)

Elective graduate physics or astronomy courses with numbers in the range of PHYS 700 - 790 and ASTR 700 - 798 (note: PHYS 800 - 899 do not count in this category). PHYS 712, 725, 740, 775, 785, and ASTR 700, 798 are recommended.

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 800 - 899 count in this category).

Group IV: Thesis and/or Oral Examination (units to be included in Group III)

Note: Degree total must include at least 15 units from courses numbered 700 - 899, but no more than 6 units of PHYS 800 - 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.

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two levels.

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 conditionally and must complete SCI 614, SCI 560, or PHYS 340 GW 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. Those intending to concentrate in astronomy may also be separately tested on appropriate undergraduate-level material prior to taking astronomy courses numbered 700 - 799; testing will occur at the discretion of the graduate coordinator. 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

  1. PHYS 490 and 491 satisfy the GWAR requirement when taken in sequence in Fall 2010 or later.
  2. Additional upper division elective units in astronomy, mathematics, or physics may be substituted for CSC 309 by students proficient in computer programming, subject to approval by the department chair.

 

 

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