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.
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:
- A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
- A grade point average of B or better (3.0);
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHYSICS 209 | Classical Electromagnetism | 5 |
PHYSICS 211 | Equilibrium Statistical Physics | 4 |
PHYSICS 221A | Quantum Mechanics | 5 |
PHYSICS 221B | Quantum Mechanics | 5 |
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 295, PHYSICS 299, PHYSICS 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
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Courses Required | ||
PHYSICS 209 | Classical Electromagnetism | 5 |
PHYSICS 211 | Equilibrium Statistical Physics | 4 |
PHYSICS 221A/221B | Quantum Mechanics | 5 |
Physics electives: | ||
Graduate | 11 | |
Graduate/Upper Division | 8 |
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Major in physical science such as chemistry, physics, etc., or engineering; consent of advisor or instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Gronsky, S.W. Lee, Wu
Also listed as: BIO ENG C280/MAT SCI C261/NSE C201
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 [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Chiang, Kasen, Ma, Quataert, White
Also listed as: ASTRON C202
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: NSE C242
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 105 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 205A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 105, 110A; 110B concurrently; open to advanced undergraduates with GPA of 3.70
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Chiang, Kasen, Quataert
Also listed as: ASTRON C207
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 110A-110B or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 112 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 112 and 221A-221B, or equivalents
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 221A-221B or equivalent recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 137A-137B or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 221A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 221A-221B or equivalent or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Holzapfel, Lee, Ma, Seljak, White
Also listed as: ASTRON C228
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics/Astronomy C228 or equivalent or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 209 or equivalent, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 221A-221B or equivalent or consent of instructor (concurrent enrollment in 226 is recommended)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232A or equivalent or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232A or equivalent or consent of instructor (concurrent enrollment in 232B is recommended)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 233A or equivalent or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232A or equivalent or consent of instructor. 232B is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 234A or equivalent or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 110A, 130, 137A-137B, and 138; or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Advanced Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics: Read Less [-]
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 141A-141B and 221A-221B or equivalents, or consent of instructor; 240A is prerequisite to 240B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 141A-141B and 221A-221B or equivalents, or consent of instructor; 240A is prerequisite to 240B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 142, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 142, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Department of Physics or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 201 or consent of instructor. 202 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Boggs, Quataert
Also listed as: ASTRON C254
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 [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Instructor: Quataert
Also listed as: ASTRON C285
PHYSICS 290A Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 1997, Fall 1996, Spring 1996
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290B Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290D Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2005, Fall 2004, Fall 2003
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290E Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290F Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290G Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290H Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290I Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 1999, Spring 1998
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290J Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290K Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290L Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2000
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290N Seminar in Non-Neutral Plasmas 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006
Seminar in Non-Neutral Plasmas: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290P Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290Q Seminar in Quantum Optics 2 Units
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Seminar in Quantum Optics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290R Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290S Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290T Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2000, Fall 1999, Spring 1999
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290X Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290Y Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 290Z Seminar 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Seminar: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS C290C Cosmology 2 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Cosmology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Instructors: White, Cohn
Also listed as: ASTRON C290C
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
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 [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 299 Research 1 - 12 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 300
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Advanced Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics: Read Less [-]
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor; may be taken concurrently with 301
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Formerly known as: Physics 300
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Physics: Read Less [-]
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 [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: For qualified graduate students
Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate examination preparation
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
PHYSICS 700 Departmental Colloquium 0.0 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Physics Department weekly colloquium.
Departmental Colloquium: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of colloquium per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Physics/Graduate examination preparation
Grading: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Formerly known as: Physics 800
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
Student Services Manager
Claudia Trujillo
376 LeConte Hall
Phone: 510-643-5261
Fax: 510-643-8497
Undergraduate Adviser
Kathy Lee
368 LeConte Hall
Phone: 510-642-0481
Fax: 510-643-8497