Physics

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2016-17 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

About the Program

Graduate work leading to the PhD degree is offered in the Department of Physics. Students may petition for an MA degree on their way to a PhD. Please note that the department will not consider applications from students who intend to work toward the MA degree only. In certain cases, students may petition for a terminal MA degree. Research is a major part of the PhD program, and research opportunities exist across the full spectrum of theoretical and experimental physics in astrophysics and cosmology, atomic, molecular and optical physics, biophysics, condensed matter, elementary particles and fields, fusion and plasma, low temperature physics, mathematical physics, nuclear physics, quantum information, space physics, and statistical mechanics.

At the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, extensive opportunities exist for research in astrophysics, elementary particle and nuclear physics, condensed matter physics and materials science, and plasma and nuclear physics. Space physics, interplanetary studies, solar plasma research, physics of the upper atmosphere, and cosmological problems are pursued both in the Physics Department and at the Space Sciences Laboratory.

Visit Department Website

Admissions

Admission to the University

Minimum Requirements for Admission

The following minimum requirements apply to all graduate programs and will be verified by the Graduate Division:

  1. A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
  2. A grade point average of B or better (3.0);
  3. If the applicant comes from a country or political entity (e.g., Quebec) where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 (note that individual programs may set higher levels for any of these); and
  4. Sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in the given field.

Applicants Who Already Hold a Graduate Degree

The Graduate Council views academic degrees not as vocational training certificates, but as evidence of broad training in research methods, independent study, and articulation of learning. Therefore, applicants who already have academic graduate degrees should be able to pursue new subject matter at an advanced level without need to enroll in a related or similar graduate program.

Programs may consider students for an additional academic master’s or professional master’s degree only if the additional degree is in a distinctly different field.

Applicants admitted to a doctoral program that requires a master’s degree to be earned at Berkeley as a prerequisite (even though the applicant already has a master’s degree from another institution in the same or a closely allied field of study) will be permitted to undertake the second master’s degree, despite the overlap in field.

The Graduate Division will admit students for a second doctoral degree only if they meet the following guidelines:

  1. Applicants with doctoral degrees may be admitted for an additional doctoral degree only if that degree program is in a general area of knowledge distinctly different from the field in which they earned their original degree. For example, a physics PhD could be admitted to a doctoral degree program in music or history; however, a student with a doctoral degree in mathematics would not be permitted to add a PhD in statistics.
  2. Applicants who hold the PhD degree may be admitted to a professional doctorate or professional master’s degree program if there is no duplication of training involved.

Applicants may apply only to one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission cycle.

Required Documents for Applications

  1. Transcripts: Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with your application for the departmental initial review. If the applicant is admitted, then official transcripts of all college-level work will be required. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) attended. If you have attended Berkeley, upload your unofficial transcript with your application for the departmental initial review. If you are admitted, an official transcript with evidence of degree conferral will not be required.
  2. Letters of recommendation: Applicants may request online letters of recommendation through the online application system. Hard copies of recommendation letters must be sent directly to the program, not the Graduate Division.
  3. Evidence of English language proficiency: All applicants from countries or political entities in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and Quebec (Canada). However, applicants who, at the time of application, have already completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a US university may submit an official transcript from the US university to fulfill this requirement. The following courses will not fulfill this requirement:
    • courses in English as a Second Language,
    • courses conducted in a language other than English,
    • courses that will be completed after the application is submitted, and
    • courses of a non-academic nature.

If applicants have previously been denied admission to Berkeley on the basis of their English language proficiency, they must submit new test scores that meet the current minimum from one of the standardized tests.

Where to Apply

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page

Admission to the Program

The Department of Physics ordinarily admits only those applicants who have scholastic records well above a B+ average and who have completed the equivalent of the undergraduate major in physics. This program includes upper division courses in mechanics (4 semester units), electromagnetism and optics (8 semester units), statistical and thermal physics (4 semester units), quantum mechanics (8 semester units), and advanced undergraduate laboratory (5 semester units). Courses in atomic, nuclear and solid state physics, astronomy and applied mathematics are recommended as electives. Not all courses in the major are required for admission. Some courses required for the major program but not previously taken may have to be made up in the first year of graduate work. Applicants are required to submit a list of courses taken in physics and mathematics with course number, and applicable textbook, as well as a list of courses in progress.

In determining the admissibility of a prospective graduate student the department attempts to carefully weigh all relevant factors, including transcripts of academic work, scores on the GRE, letters of recommendation, any research experience, and a statement of purpose. We recognize the diverse experiences of our applicants and therefore encourage them to submit supporting materials.

The Graduate Program in Physics is designed for those intending to pursue work leading to the PhD. After completing the necessary course work requirements, an MA degree can be awarded. However, the department does not consider applications from those intending to work toward the MA degree only.

Master's Degree Requirements

The master’s degree in Physics is conferred according to Graduate Division degree policies.  Students in the physics doctoral program may apply for the MA degree. The Physics MA candidate must complete:

1) Curriculum

PHYSICS 209Classical Electromagnetism5
PHYSICS 211Equilibrium Statistical Physics4
PHYSICS 221AQuantum Mechanics5
PHYSICS 221BQuantum Mechanics5

Note: Required courses (19.0 units) must be taken for a letter grade or 19 replacement units if subject waivers have been granted for prior coursework.

2) 16 additional units of approved upper division and graduate courses, which may include PHYSICS 251 and PHYSICS 375

Note: Total units required for MA degree is 35 semester units of upper division and graduate work in physics (or related fields) with an average grade of at least B. Eighteen of these units must represent graduate courses in physics. Neither upper division courses required in the Physics Major Program nor PHYSICS 290 seminars, PHYSICS 295PHYSICS 299PHYSICS 301, or PHYSICS 602 may be used to satisfy the 35 unit requirement. No more than one-third of the 16 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only if approved by the head graduate adviser.

3) Pass a comprehensive examination (passing the preliminary examinations constitutes passing the comprehensive exam).

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Normative Time Requirements

See the Physics Department's website for expected progress towards a PhD in Physics.

Time to Advancement

Curriculum

Courses Required
PHYSICS 209Classical Electromagnetism5
PHYSICS 211Equilibrium Statistical Physics4
PHYSICS 221A/221BQuantum Mechanics5
Physics electives:
Graduate11
Graduate/Upper Division8

Preliminary Exams

The preliminary examination is a written examination and is designed to ensure that students command a broad spectrum of undergraduate physics prior to engaging in graduate research. The written exam is composed of four sections, and all four sections of the preliminary exam are offered at the beginning of both fall and spring semesters. Additional information can be found on our website .

Qualifying Examination 

After the beginning of research and no later than the completion of four semesters of research, the student is expected to take an oral qualifying examination covering his or her research field and related areas. The examination is administered by a four-member committee (consisting of three physics and one outside faculty member) approved by the Graduate Council.

Further details can be found on our website .

Courses

Physics

PHYSICS C201 Introduction to Nano-Science and Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
A three-module introduction to the fundamental topics of Nano-Science and Engineering (NSE) theory and research within chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. This course includes quantum and solid-state physics; chemical synthesis, growth fabrication, and characterization techniques; structures and properties of semiconductors, polymer, and biomedical materials on nanoscales; and devices based on nanostructures. Students must take
this course to satisfy the NSE Designated Emphasis core requirement.
Introduction to Nano-Science and Engineering: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C202 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Principles of gas dynamics, self-gravitating fluids, magnetohydrodynamics and elementary kinetic theory. Aspects of convection, fluid oscillations, linear instabilities, spiral density waves, shock waves, turbulence, accretion disks, stellar winds, and jets.

Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C203 Computational Nanoscience 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 2008, Spring 2006
A multidisciplinary overview of computational nanoscience for both theorists and experimentalists. This course teaches the main ideas behind different simulation methods; how to decompose a problem into "simulatable" constituents; how to simulate the same thing two different ways; knowing what you are doing and why thinking is still important; the importance of talking to experimentalists; what to do with your data and how to judge
its validity; why multiscale modeling is both important and nonsense.
Computational Nanoscience: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 205A Advanced Dynamics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2013
Lagrange and Hamiltonian dynamics, variational methods, symmetry, kinematics and dynamics of rotation, canonical variables and transformations, perturbation theory, nonlinear dynamics, KAM theory, solitons and integrable pdes.

Advanced Dynamics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 205B Advanced Dynamics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
Nonlinear dynamics of dissipative systems, attractors, perturbation theory, bifurcation theory, pattern formation. Emphasis on recent developments, including turbulence.

Advanced Dynamics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C207 Radiation Processes in Astronomy 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
An introduction to the basic physics of astronomy and astrophysics at the graduate level. Principles of energy transfer by radiation. Elements of classical and quantum theory of photon emission; bremsstrahlung, cyclotron and synchrotron radiation. Compton scattering, atomic, molecular and nuclear electromagnetic transitions. Collisional excitation of atoms, molecules and nuclei.

Radiation Processes in Astronomy: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 209 Classical Electromagnetism 5 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Maxwell's equations, gauge transformations and tensors. Complete development of special relativity, with applications. Plane waves in material media, polarization, Fresnel equations, attenuation, and dispersion. Wave equation with sources, retarded solution for potentials, and fields. Cartesian and spherical multipole expansions, vector spherical harmonics, examples of radiating systems, diffraction, and optical theorem. Fields of charges in arbitrary
motion, radiated power, relativistic (synchrotron) radiation, and radiation in collisions.
Classical Electromagnetism: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Foundations of statistical physics. Ensemble theory. Degenerate systems. Systems of interacting particles.

Equilibrium Statistical Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 212 Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Time dependent processes. Kinetic equations. Transport processes. Irreversibility. Theory of many-particle systems. Critical phenomena and renormalization group. Theory of phase transitions.

Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 216 Special Topics in Many-Body Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
Quantum theory of many-particle systems. Applications of theory and technique to physical systems. Pairing phenomena, superfluidity, equation of state, critical phenomena, phase transitions, nuclear matter.

Special Topics in Many-Body Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 221A Quantum Mechanics 5 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Basic assumptions of quantum mechanics; quantum theory of measurement; matrix mechanics; Schroedinger theory; symmetry and invariance principles; theory of angular momentum; stationary state problems; variational principles; time independent perturbation theory; time dependent perturbation theory; theory of scattering.

Quantum Mechanics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 221B Quantum Mechanics 5 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Many-body methods, radiation field quantization, relativistic quantum mechanics, applications.

Quantum Mechanics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 226 Particle Physics Phenomenology 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Introduction to particle physics phenomena. Emphasis is placed on experimental tests of particle physics models. Topics include Quark model spectroscopy; weak decays; overview of detectors and accelerators; e+e- annihilation; parton model; electron-proton and neutrino-proton scattering; special topics of current interest.

Particle Physics Phenomenology: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C228 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
A survey of physical cosmology - the study of the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. Topics include the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker model, thermal history and big bang nucleosynthesis, evidence and nature of dark matter and dark energy, the formation and growth of galaxies and large scale structure, the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave radiation, inflation in the early universe, tests of cosmological models, and current research areas.
The course complements the material of Astronomy 218.
Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 229 Advanced Cosmology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Advanced topics in physical and early-universe cosmology. Topics include the expanding Universe, evidence and nature of dark matter and dark energy, relativistic perturbation theory, models of cosmological inflation, the formation and growth of large scale structure and the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background, and current research areas. The course extends the material of C228.

Advanced Cosmology: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 231 General Relativity 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
An introduction to Einstein's theory of gravitation. Tensor analysis, general relativistic models for matter and electromagnetism, Einstein's field equations. Applications, for example, to the solar system, dense stars, black holes, and cosmology.

General Relativity: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 232A Quantum Field Theory I 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Introduction to quantum field theory: canonical quantization of scalar, electromagnetic, and Dirac fields; derivation of Feynman rules; regularization and renormalization; introduction to the renormalization group; elements of the path integral.

Quantum Field Theory I: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 232B Quantum Field Theory II 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Renormalization of Yang-Mills gauge theories: BRST quantization of gauge theories; nonperturbative dynamics; renormalization group; basics of effective field theory; large N; solitons; instantons; dualities. Selected current topics.

Quantum Field Theory II: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 233A Standard Model and Beyond I 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduction to the Standard Model of particle physics and its applications: construction of the Standard Model; Higgs mechanism; phenomenology of weak interactions; QCD and the chiral Lagrangian; quark mixing and flavor physics.

Standard Model and Beyond I: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 233B Standard Model and Beyond II 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Advanced topics in the Standard Model and beyond, selected from: open problems in the Standard Model; supersymmetric models; grand unification; neutrino physics; flat and warped extra dimensions; axions; inflation; baryogenesis; dark matter; the multiverse; other current topics.

Standard Model and Beyond II: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 234A String Theory I 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Perturbative theory of the bosonic strings, superstrings, and heterotic strings: NSR and GS formulations; 2d CFT; strings in background fields; T-duality; effective spacetime supergravity; perturbative description of D-branes; elements of compactifications and string phenomemology; perturbative mirror symmetry.

String Theory I: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 234B String Theory II 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Nonperturbative apsects of string theory. Topics selected from black holes; black branes; Bekenstein-Hawking entropy; D-branes; string dualities; M-theory; holographic principle and its realizations; AdS/CFT correspondence; gauge theory/gravity dualities; flux compactifications; cosmology in string theory; topological string theories. Selected current topics.

String Theory II: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 238 Advanced Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
Contemporary topics in atomic, molecular, and optical physics are presented at an advanced level. These topics may include one or several of the following, at the discretion of the instructor: mechanical effects of light-atom interactions, ultra-cold atomic physics, molecular physics, resonance optics of multi-level atoms, and probing particle physics with atoms and molecules.

Advanced Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 240A Quantum Theory of Solids 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Excitations and interactions in solids; crystal structures, symmetries, Bloch's theorem; energy bands; electron dynamics; impurity states; lattice dynamics, phonons; many-electron interactions; density functional theory; dielectric functions, conductivity and optical properties.

Quantum Theory of Solids: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 240B Quantum Theory of Solids 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Optical properties, excitons; electron-phonon interactions, polarons; quantum oscillations, Fermi surfaces; magnetoresistance; quantum Hall effect; transport processes, Boltzmann equation; superconductivity, BCS theory; many-body perturbation theory, Green's functions.

Quantum Theory of Solids: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 242A Theoretical Plasma Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Spring 2014
Analysis of plasma behavior according to the Vlasov, Fokker-Planck equations, guiding center and hydromagnetic descriptions. Study of equilibria, stability, linear and nonlinear waves, transport, and laser-plasma interactions.

Theoretical Plasma Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 242B Theoretical Plasma Physics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2012
Analysis of plasma behavior according to the Vlasov, Fokker-Planck equations, guiding center and hydromagnetic descriptions. Study of equilibria, stability, linear and nonlinear waves, transport, and laser-plasma interactions.

Theoretical Plasma Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 250 Special Topics in Physics 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2014
Topics will vary from semester to semester. See Department of Physics announcements.

Special Topics in Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 251 Introduction to Graduate Research in Physics 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
A survey of experimental and theoretical research in the Department of Physics, designed for first-year graduate students. One regular meeting each week with supplementary visits to experimental laboratories. Meetings include discussions with research staff.

Introduction to Graduate Research in Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C254 High Energy Astrophysics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2012
Basic physics of high energy radiation processes in an astrophysics environment. Cosmic ray production and propagation. Applications selected from pulsars, x-ray sources, supernovae, interstellar medium, extragalactic radio sources, quasars, and big-bang cosmologies.

High Energy Astrophysics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C285 Theoretical Astrophysics Seminar 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
The study of theoretical astrophysics.

Theoretical Astrophysics Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290A Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 1997, Fall 1996, Spring 1996

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290B Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290D Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2005, Fall 2004, Fall 2003

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290E Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290F Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290G Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290H Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290I Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 1999, Spring 1998

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290J Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290K Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290L Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2000

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290N Seminar in Non-Neutral Plasmas 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006

Seminar in Non-Neutral Plasmas: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290P Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290Q Seminar in Quantum Optics 2 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007

Seminar in Quantum Optics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290R Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290S Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290T Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2000, Fall 1999, Spring 1999

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290X Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290Y Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 290Z Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Seminar: Read More [+]

PHYSICS C290C Cosmology 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017

Cosmology: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 295 Special Study for Graduate Students 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This course is arranged to allow qualified graduate students to investigate possible research fields or to pursue problems of interest through reading or non-laboratory study under the direction of faculty members who agree to give such supervision.

Special Study for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 297 Careers for Physical Science PhDs 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018
This course exposes graduate students and postdocs in the physical sciences to non-academic careers. Each session hosts speakers who have transitioned from a PhD in the physical sciences to a variety of industries, including data science, quantitative finance, software/hardware engineering, consulting, and more.

Careers for Physical Science PhDs: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 299 Research 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015

Research: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 301 Advanced Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics 1 - 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Discussion, problem review and development, guidance of physics laboratory experiments, course development.

Advanced Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 375 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Mandatory for first time GSIs. Topics include teaching theory, effective teaching methods, educational objectives, alternatives to standard classroom methods, reciprocal classroom visitations, and guided group and self-analysis of videotapes.

Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D.

Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

PHYSICS 700 Departmental Colloquium 0.0 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Physics Department weekly colloquium.

Departmental Colloquium: Read More [+]

Faculty and Instructors

+ Indicates this faculty member is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Faculty

Mina Aganagic, Professor. Particle physics.
Research Profile

Ehud Altman, Professor. Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, ultracold atomic physics, atomic quantum gases, .

James Analytis, Assistant Professor. Experimental Condensed Matter Physics.
Research Profile

Stuart Bale, Professor. Experimental space physics, plasma astrophysics, low frequency radio astronomy.
Research Profile

Robert Birgeneau, Professor. Physics, phase transition behavior of novel states of matter.
Research Profile

Steven Edward Boggs, Professor. Astrophysics, cosmology, supernovas, physics, gamma-ray telescopes, radioactive nuclei, nucleosynthesis, gamma-ray emission.
Research Profile

Raphael Bousso, Professor. Physics, quantum mechanics, gravity, unified description of nature, string theory, quantum properties of black holes, the geometry of spacetime, covariant entropy bound, cosmological constant.
Research Profile

Carlos J. Bustamante, Professor. Nanoscience, structural characterization of nucleo-protein assemblies, single molecule fluorescence microscopy, DNA-binding molecular motors, the scanning force microscope, prokaryotes.
Research Profile

Michael F. Crommie, Professor. Physics, electronic properties of atomic-scale structures at surfaces, atomic-scale structures, morphology and dynamics of mesoscopic systems, atomic manipulation, visualizing low dimensional electronic behavior.
Research Profile

Michael Deweese, Associate Professor. Machine learning, computation, systems neuroscience, auditory cortex, neural coding.
Research Profile

Joel Fajans, Professor. Astrophysics, plasma processing, physics, basic plasma physics, non-neutral plasmas, basic plasma physics experiments, pure electron plasma traps, cyrogenic plasmas, plasma bifurcations, basic non-linear dynamics, autoresonance.
Research Profile

Roger Falcone, Professor. X-rays, plasma physics, lasers, physics, materials, atomic physics, coherent control, ultrafast.
Research Profile

Ori J. Ganor, Associate Professor. Physics, string theory, -theory, F-theory, matrix-models, noncommutative geometry, six-dimensional theories and their large N limit, supersymmetric field theories, coupled quantum systems, nonperturbative and strong-coupling, nonlocal behavior, space.
Research Profile

Hernan G. Garcia, Assistant Professor.

Reinhard Genzel, Professor. Physics, existence and formation of black holes in galactic nuclei, the nature of the power source, the evolution of (ultra)luminous infrared galaxies, gas dynamics, the fueling of active galactic nuclei, the properties evolution of starburst galaxies.
Research Profile

Naomi Ginsberg, Assistant Professor.

Hartmut Haeffner, Associate Professor. Quantum information and computation, precision measurements, ion traps, quantum state engineering, decoherence, quantum simulations, quantum energy transport, quantum chaos, cryogenic electronics.
Research Profile

Lawrence J. Hall, Professor. Physics, standard model of particle physics, symmetries of nature, the symmetry of the electroweak interaction, spacetime symmetries: weak scale supersymmetry, constrained theories for the quark and charged lepton masses, supersymmetric theory.
Research Profile

Oskar Hallatschek, Assistant Professor. Biophysics, random mutational events, genetic diversity, genome architecture, statistical physics, stochoastic reaction-diffusion systems, .

Wick Haxton, Professor. Astrophysics, neutrino physics, nuclear astrophysics, tests of symmetries and conservation laws in nuclear and particle and atomic physics, many-body theory, effective theories.
Research Profile

Beate Heinemann, Professor. Particle physics.
Research Profile

Frances Hellman, Professor. Condensed matter physics and materials science.
Research Profile

William L. Holzapfel, Professor. Cosmology, physics, measurement and interpretation of anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background, the universe, density of energy, baryonic matter in the universe, the degree angular scale interferometer, the arcminute cosmology bolometer array.
Research Profile

Petr Horava, Professor. Cosmology, physics, quantum geometry, particle physics, string (and M-) theory, quantum gravity.
Research Profile

Barbara Jacak, Professor. Nuclear physics, particle physics, quark gluon plasma.

+ Bob Jacobsen, Professor. Physics, high energy physics, LEP collider and detectors, CKM matrix, B meson decays, CP violation in the B system.
Research Profile

Daniel Kasen, Associate Professor. Astrophysics, nuclear physics .

Edgar Knobloch, Professor. Astrophysics, geophysics, physics, nonlinear dynamics of dissipative systems, bifurcation theory, low-dimensional behavior of continuous systems, the theory of nonlinear waves, pattern formation in fluid systems, reaction-diffusion systems.
Research Profile

Yury G. Kolomensky, Professor. Particle physics, precision measurements, electroweak interactions, neutrino physics, QCD, BaBar, E158, CUORE, Mu2e.
Research Profile

Alessandra Lanzara, Professor. Nanostructures, physics, solid-state physics, complex novel materials, correlated electron systems, temperature superconductors, colossal magneto-resistance manganites, organic material, fullerenes, nanotubes, nanosphere, nanorods.
Research Profile

Dung-Hai Lee, Professor. Physics, theoretical condensed matter, organization principles enabling microscopic degrees of freedom to behave cooperatively, matter and their formation mechanisms, low dimensional quantum magnets, strongly correlated Fermi and Bose fluids.
Research Profile

Adrian T. Lee, Professor. Physics.
Research Profile

Stephen R. Leone, Professor. Physical chemistry, molecular dynamics, atomic, molecular, nanostructured materials, energy applications, attosecond physics and chemistry, radical reactions, combustion dynamics, microscopy, Optical physics, chemical physics, soft x-ray, high harmonic generation, ultrafast laser, aerosol chemistry and dynamics, neutrals imaging.
Research Profile

Robert G. Littlejohn, Professor. Plasma physics, nonlinear dynamics, physics, atomic, molecular, optical, and nuclear physics, dissipation in many-particle systems, semiclassical treatment of spin-orbit forces in nuclei, normal form theory for mode conversion or Landau-Zener transition.
Research Profile

Steven G. Louie, Professor. Nanoscience, nuclear magnetic resonance, semiconductors, metals, physics, fullerenes, nanotubes, condensed matter theory, surfaces, defects, nanostructure materials, clusters, many-electron effects in solids.
Research Profile

Kam-Biu Luk, Professor. Physics, particle physics, neutrinos coming from the nuclear processes in the sun, neutrino oscillation, anti-neutrinos, neutrino mixing parameters, nuclear instrumentation, data mining.
Research Profile

Daniel Mckinsey, Professor. Dark matter, noble gases, cryogenics, high voltages, particle physics, astrophysics, low temperature physics, detector physics, neutrinos.
Research Profile

Joel E. Moore, Professor. Physics, nanotubes, condensed matter theory, the properties of, electron-electron interactions, zero-temperature phase transitions, interaction effects in nanoscale devices, quantum phase transitions.
Research Profile

Holger Mueller, Associate Professor. Atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
Research Profile

Hitoshi Murayama, Professor. Physics, particle physics, the universe, fundamental constituents of matter, Higgs boson, anti-matter, neutrino oscillations, finite value of the cosmological constant, triple coincidence of energy densities.
Research Profile

Jeffrey B. Neaton, Professor. Condensed matter theory, Materials Physics, nanoscience, physical chemistry, Electronic Structure Theory, Transport, Hard-Soft Interfaces, Complex Oxides, renewable energy, energy conversion.
Research Profile

Yasunori Nomura, Professor. Electroweak symmetry, developing new ideas and building realistic models in particle physics, particle physics theory and cosmology, hidden extra spatial dimensions and supersymmetry, physics of the multiverse, multiverse and quantum gravity.
Research Profile

Gabriel Orebi Gann, Assistant Professor. Particle physics.
Research Profile

Joseph W. Orenstein, Professor. Physics, optics, electromagnetic radiation, probe condensed matter systems, light waves, transmission and reflection coefficients, high-Tc superconductors organic molecular crystals, quasiparticles, origin of superconductivity, terahertz spectroscopy.
Research Profile

Saul Perlmutter, Professor. Cosmology, dark energy, physics, astrophysics experiments, observational astrophysics, supernovae, accelerating universe.
Research Profile

Matt Pyle, Assistant Professor. Astrophysics, nuclear physics, dark matter, detector technology, massive low temperature calorimeters, SuperCDMS.

Zi Q. Qiu, Professor. Physics, novel behavior of the quantum magnetism in magnetic nanostructures, oscillatory interlayer coupling, the giant magnetoresistance, condensed matter experiment, technology applications, molecular beam epitaxy, artificial structures.
Research Profile

Eliot Quataert, Professor. Compact objects, theoretical astrophysics, theoretical physics, black holes, accretion theory, plasma physics, high energy astrophysics, galaxies, stars.
Research Profile

Surjeet Rajendran, Assistant Professor. Theoretical Particle Physics, precision metrology.
Research Profile

R. Ramesh, Professor. Processing of complex oxide heterostructures, nanoscale characterization/device structures, thin film growth and materials physics of complex oxides, materials processing for devices, information technologies.
Research Profile

Daniel S. Rokhsar, Professor. Biology, collective phenomena and ordering in condensed matter and biological systems, theoretical modeling, computational modeling, behavior of quantum fluids, cold atomic gases, high temperature superconductors, Fermi and Bose systems.
Research Profile

Bernard Sadoulet, Professor. Astrophysics, cosmology, physics, condensed matter, particle physics, developing sophisticated detectors, UA1 central detector, ubiquitous dark matter in the universe, searching for dark matter, development of advanced phonon-mediated detectors.
Research Profile

Uros Seljak, Professor. Astrophysics, theoretical cosmologist, weak lensing, galaxy clustering, CMB anisotropies, lyman alphy forest.

Marjorie D. Shapiro, Professor. Physics, particle physics, particle experiments, probing the most basic interactions in nature, quarks, leptons, collider detector, the atlas experiment, electroweak symmetry breaking, mass, design of the silicon strip detectors, pixel detectors.
Research Profile

+ Irfan Siddiqi, Professor. Condensed matter physics, superconducting qubits, quantum limited amplifiers, quantum circuits.
Research Profile

Dan M. Stamper-Kurn, Professor. Atomic physics, the use of ultra-cold neutral atoms, studies of microscopic and macroscopic quantum phenomena, cavity quantum electrodynamics, Bose-Einstein condensation, precision and quantum measurement.
Research Profile

Ashvin Vishwanath, Professor. Theoretical physics, physics, condensed matter theory, quantum condensed matter, systems of many quantum particles, dilute atomic gases, optical lattices, strongly correlated materials, fractionalization, unconventional quantum phase transition.
Research Profile

Feng Wang, Associate Professor. Condensed matter physics, photonics, nanoscience.
Research Profile

Martin White, Professor. Cosmology, formation of structure in the universe, dark energy, expansion of the universe, cosmic microwave background, quasars, redshift surveys.
Research Profile

Michael Witherell, Professor. Particle physics, dark matter particles, LUX, LUX-ZEPLIN, neutrinoless, neutrinoless double beta decay.

Jonathan Wurtele, Professor. Physics, stability, plasma theory, advanced accelerator concepts, intense laser-plasma interaction, the basic equilibrium, radiation properties of intense charged particle beams, simulation and the development of proof-of-principle experiments.
Research Profile

Norman Yao, Assistant Professor. Atomic, molecular, and optical physics.

Ahmet Yildiz, Associate Professor. Single molecule biophysics, molecular motors, telomeres.
Research Profile

Alex Zettl, Professor. Physics, condensed matter physics, fullerenes, condensed matter experiments, characterize novel materials with unusual electronic and magnetic ground states, low-dimensional and nanoscale structures, superconductors, giant magnetoresistance materials, nanotubes, graphene, boron nitride nanostructures, neural probes, NEMS.
Research Profile

Lecturers

Catherine Bordel, Lecturer.

Andrew Charman, Lecturer.

Alex Frano, Lecturer.

Austin J. Hedeman, Lecturer.

Melvin Pomerantz, Lecturer.

Matthias Reinsch, Lecturer.

Achilles Speliotopoulos, Lecturer.

Steven W. Stahler, Lecturer.

Visiting Faculty

Alicia Alonzo, Visiting Associate Professor.

John Cardy, Visiting Professor.

Daniel Green, Visiting Assistant Professor.

Ribhu Kaul, Visiting Associate Professor.

Huey-Wen Lin, Visiting Assistant Professor.

Jairo Velasco, Visiting Assistant Professor.

Emeritus Faculty

Korkut Bardakci, Professor Emeritus.

Dmitry Budker, Professor Emeritus. Modern atomic physics, discrete symmetries, samarium, dysprosium, ytterbium, spectral line broadening, parity nonconservation, magnetometry, atomic collisions, NV diamond, fundamental physics.
Research Profile

Geoffrey Chew, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

William Chinowsky, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

+ John Clarke, Professor Emeritus. Nuclear magnetic resonance, physics, noise limitations, applications of superconducting quantum interference devices, low-transition temperature, axion detectors, sensing of magnetically-tagged biomolecules, nondestructive evaluation.
Research Profile

Marvin L. Cohen, Professor. Social cultural anthropology, medical and psychiatric anthropology, critical gerontology, lesbian and gay studies, feminist and queer theory.
Research Profile

Marc Davis, Professor Emeritus. Astronomy, physical cosmology, large scale velocity fields, structure formation in the universe, maps of galactic dust.
Research Profile

Robert C. Dynes, Professor Emeritus. Condensed matter physics and materials science.
Research Profile

R. P. Ely, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

William R. Frazer, Professor Emeritus. Particle physics.
Research Profile

Mary K. Gaillard, Professor Emeritus. Elementary particle theory.
Research Profile

Erwin L. Hahn, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

Martin B. Halpern, Professor Emeritus.

+ J. David Jackson, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

Allan N. Kaufman, Professor Emeritus. Physics, fundamental aspects of plasma physics, application to plasma heating in tokamaks, interaction between positive and negative energy waves in nonuniform plasma, conversion of magnetosonic waves to ion-hybrid waves in tokamak geometries, heating.
Research Profile

Leroy T. Kerth, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

+ Charles Kittel, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

Stanley Mandelstam, Professor Emeritus. Physics, string theory, the n-loop superstring amplitude, particle theory, Seiberg and Witten in supersymmetric field theories, topology, topology changes in two-dimensional target spaces.
Research Profile

Richard Marrus, Professor Emeritus. Physics, spectroscopy of one- and two-electron ions, beam-foil method, measurement of the hyperfine structure, hyperfine structure of the ground state of hydrogenic bismuth, atomic experiments.
Research Profile

Christopher F. Mckee, Professor Emeritus. Astrophysics, interstellar medium, formation of stars, astrophysical fluid dynamics, computational astrophysics, astrophysical blast waves, supernova remnants, interstellar shocks.
Research Profile

+ Forrest S. Mozer, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

+ Richard Muller, Professor Emeritus. Astrophysics, geophysics, physics, elementary particle physics, cosmic micro wave background, supernovae for cosmology, origin of the earth's magnetic flips, Nemesis theory, glacial cycles, red sprites, lunar impacts, iridium measurement.
Research Profile

Richard E. Packard, Professor Emeritus. Physics, condensed matter physics, experimental low temperature physics, quantum liquids, superfluid, surface waves in superfluid, liquid helium.
Research Profile

P. Buford Price, Professor Emeritus. Evolution, metabolism, neutrino astrophysics, microbes, climate research, volcanism, glacial ice.
Research Profile

Frederick Reif, Professor Emeritus.

Paul L. Richards, Professor Emeritus. Physics, utilizing far infrared and near-millimeter wavelength radiation, infrared physics, experimental cosmology, MAXIMA experiment, cosmic background radiation, far infrared spectroscopy, astrophysics experiment.
Research Profile

Art Rosenfeld, Professor Emeritus. Physics, electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, low-emissivity, selective windows, DoE-2 computer program for the energy design of buildings, building technologies, energy analysis, indoor environment, building ventilation.
Research Profile

Rainer K. Sachs, Professor Emeritus. Computational biology, carcinogenesis, mathematical biology, ionizing radiation, chromosome aberrations, radiation risk, cancer radiation therapy.
Research Profile

Charles L. Schwartz, Professor Emeritus. Theoretical physics, physics, social responsibility in science.
Research Profile

Yuen Ron Shen, Professor Emeritus.

James L. Siegrist, Professor Emeritus. High energy physics, particle experiments, large hadron collider, ATLAS, high center of mass energies, collider detectors, development of instrumentation and software, dark matter direct detection, non-proliferation, physical sciences and oncology.
Research Profile

Isadore M. Singer, Professor Emeritus. Mathematics, physics, partial differential equations, geometry.
Research Profile

George F. Smoot, Professor Emeritus. Cosmology, physics, astrophysics experiments, observational astrophysics, observing our galaxy, the cosmic background radiation, ground-based radio-telescope observations, balloon-borne instrumentation, satellite experiments, the NASA cosmic background.
Research Profile

Herbert M. Steiner, Professor Emeritus. Physics, particle experiments, experimental particle physics, high energy fission, experiments with antiprotons, pion-nuleon and nucleon -nucleon scattering with polarized targets, pi-N phase shift analyses, the spin and intrinsic parity of hyperons.
Research Profile

M. Lynn Stevenson, Professor Emeritus.

Mark Strovink, Professor Emeritus. Physics, discrete symmetries, particle experiments, absolute predictions fundamental tenets of the standard model, charge parity, nonconservation in K meson decay; establishment of upper limits on the quark charge radius, effects of gluon radiation.
Research Profile

Mahiko Suzuki, Professor Emeritus. Physics, chiral symmetry, particle theory, electroweak symmetry, supersymmetry, standard model of particle interaction, heavy quark symmetry, B meson physics, disoriented chiral condensate, semileptonic D and B decays.
Research Profile

George H. Trilling, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

Robert D. Tripp, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

+ Eyvind H. Wichmann, Professor Emeritus. Physics.
Research Profile

Peter Y. Yu, Professor Emeritus.

Contact Information

Department of Physics

366 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-642-3316

Fax: 510-643-8497

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Joel Moore, PhD

366 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-642-3316

jemoore@berkeley.edu

Head Graduate Adviser

Irfan Siddiqi, PhD

366 LeConte Hall

irfan_siddiqi@berkeley.edu

Faculty Adviser for GSI Affairs

Marjorie Shapiro, PhD

366 LeConte Hall

mdshapiro@lbl.gov

Equity Adviser and Campus Liason

Ori Ganor, PhD

366 LeConte Hall

ganor@berkeley.edu

Ombudsperson

Raphael Bousso, PhD

366 LeConte Hall

bousso@lbl.gov

Student Services Manager

Claudia Trujillo

376 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-643-5261

Fax: 510-643-8497

claudiat@berkeley.edu

Graduate Adviser

Anne Takizawa

372 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-642-7524

Fax: 510-643-8497

act@berkeley.edu

Graduate Adviser

Donna Sakima

370 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-642-0596

Fax: 510-643-8497

sakima@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Adviser

Kathy Lee

368 LeConte Hall

Phone: 510-642-0481

Fax: 510-643-8497

kathyl@berkeley.edu

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