Undergraduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Courses of Instruction



Main Departmental Office
Seaver Science Center 300
(213) 740-0848
FAX: 740-6653
E-mail: physdept@usc.edu
http: //www.usc.edu/dept/physics/

Undergraduate Office
Seeley G. Mudd Building 407
(213) 740-1140

Chair: Hans M. Bozler, Ph.D.

Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs: Richard S. Thompson, Ph.D.

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Affairs: N. Eugene Bickers, Ph.D.

Faculty

Professors: Lloyd Armstrong, Jr., Ph.D. (Provost); Itzhak Bars, Ph.D.; Gerd Bergmann, Ph.D.; Hans M. Bozler, Ph.D.; Tu-nan Chang, Ph.D.; Jack Feinberg, Ph.D.; Christopher M. Gould, Ph.D.*; Martin A. Gundersen, Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering); Robert W. Hellwarth, Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering); Darrell L. Judge, Ph.D.; Joseph A. Kunc, Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering); Anupam Madhukar, Ph.D. (Materials Science); Kazumi Maki, D.S.; John S. Nodvik, Ph.D.; Robert C. Penner, Ph.D. (Mathematics); Edward J. Rhodes, Jr., Ph.D.*; Hubert Saleur, Ph.D.; Robin Shakeshaft, Ph.D.; Howard S. Taylor, Ph.D. (Chemistry); Christoph von der Malsburg, Ph.D. (Computer Science); William G. Wagner, Ph.D.; Nicholas P. Warner, Ph.D.

Associate Professors: N. Eugene Bickers, Ph.D.*; Werner Dappen, Ph.D.; Melvin D. Daybell, Ph.D.; Dennis Nemeschansky, Ph.D.; Krzysztof Pilch, Ph.D.; Richard S. Thompson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor: Vitaly Kresin, Ph.D.

Research Professors: Israel Senitzky, Ph.D.; Chung-Yung (Robert) Wu, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor: Marcel Pont, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor: Sheo S. Prasad, Ph.D.

Emeritus Professors: Harriet H. Forster, Ph.D.; Gibson Reaves, Ph.D.*; John A. Russell, Ph.D.*; William G. Spitzer, Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering and Materials Science)*; Charles N. Waddell, Ph.D.

*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.

Degree Programs

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Bachelor of Science in Physics, the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy, the Bachelor of Science in Physics/Computer Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Physics, the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy, the Bachelor of Arts in Physical Sciences, a minor in physics or astronomy, the Master of Science in Physics, Master of Arts in Physics and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Physics

This program is intended primarily for students who are interested in a career in physics.

Required lower division coursesUnits
CHEM 115abL**Advanced General Chemistry4-4
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4
PHYS 161L*Advanced Principles of Physics I4
PHYS 162L*Advanced Principles of Physics II4
PHYS 163L*Advanced Principles of Physics III4
PHYS 190aFreshman Colloquium1
Required upper division coursesUnits
MATH 445Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II4
PHYS 302LPhysical Optics4
PHYS 304Mechanics4
PHYS 316Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics4
PHYS 408abElectricity and Magnetism4-4
PHYS 438abIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications4-4
PHYS 440Introduction to Solid State Physics4
PHYS 491abLSenior Laboratory2-2
____
Total units77

*PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L.

**CHEM 105abL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM 115abL.

Bachelor of Science in Astronomy

This program is intended primarily for students who are interested in a career in astronomy.

Required lower division coursesUnits
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4
PHYS 161L*Advanced Principles of Physics I4
PHYS 162L*Advanced Principles of Physics II4
PHYS 163L*Advanced Principles of Physics III4
Required upper division coursesUnits
ASTR 400The Solar System4
ASTR 410Stellar Astronomy4
ASTR 420Galaxies and Cosmology4
ASTR 440Astrophysics4
MATH 445Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II4
PHYS 302LPhysical Optics4
PHYS 304Mechanics4
PHYS 316Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics4
PHYS 408abElectricity and Magnetism4-4
PHYS 438aIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications4-4
____
Total units72

*PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L.

Bachelor of Science in Physics/Computer Science

This program is intended for students with dual interests in physics and computer science who wish to complete the essential courses for both majors within their normal four-year career.

Required lower division coursesUnits
CSCI 101LIntroduction to Computer Science3
CSCI 102LData Structures4
CSCI 110Introduction to Digital Logic (Enroll in EE 101)3
CSCI 201LIntroduction to Software Development4
CSCI 271Discrete Methods in Computer Science4
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 225Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4
PHYS 151LFundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4
Required upper division coursesUnits
CSCI 301Theory of Computations3
CSCI 357Basic Organization of Computer Systems (Enroll in EE 357)3
CSCI 402Operating Systems3
MATH 445Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II4
PHYS 304Mechanics4
PHYS 408abElectricity and Magnetism4-4
PHYS 438abIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications4-4
PHYS 495Senior Project2
____
Total units81

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

This program is intended for students with an interest in physics who do not intend to pursue a career in physics.

Required lower division coursesUnits
CHEM 105abL**General Chemistry4-4
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4
PHYS 161L*Advanced Principles of Physics I4
PHYS 162L*Advanced Principles of Physics II4
PHYS 163L*Advanced Principles of Physics III4
PHYS 190aFreshman Colloquium1
Required upper division coursesUnits
MATH 445Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II4
PHYS 304Mechanics4
PHYS 316Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics4
PHYS 408aElectricity and Magnetism4
PHYS 438aIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications4
PHYS 491abLSenior Laboratory2-2
Choose onePHYS 302L, PHYS 408b, PHYS 438b, or PHYS 4404
____
Total units65

*PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L.

**CHEM 115abL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM 105abL.

Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy

This program is intended for students with an interest in astronomy who do not intend to pursue a career in the field.

Required lower division coursesUnits
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4
PHYS 161L*Advanced Principles of Physics I4
PHYS 162L*Advanced Principles of Physics II4
PHYS 163L*Advanced Principles of Physics III4
Required upper division coursesUnits
ASTR 400The Solar System4
ASTR 410Stellar Astronomy4
ASTR 420Galaxies and Cosmology4
ASTR 440Astrophysics4
PHYS 302LPhysical Optics4
PHYS 304Mechanics4
PHYS 316Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics4
____
Total units56

*PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences

This program is intended for students with an interest in the physical sciences. The program is designed to allow students interested in teaching at the secondary level to enroll in courses required for the California Single Subject Teaching credential offered through the School of Education.

Required lower division coursesUnits
CHEM 105abLGeneral Chemistry4-4
GEOL 105LPlanet Earth4
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
PHYS 151LFundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4
PHYS 153LFundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics4
Required upper division coursesUnits
Astronomy Elective*4
Chemistry Elective*4
Earth Sciences Elective*4
Physics Elective*4
Three additional electives from these fields*12
____
Total units64

*Upper division courses must be applicable to majors in their respective departments.

Department Requirements for a Minor in Physics

For the lower division, PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L; CHEM 105aLbL or 115aLbL; and MATH 125, 126, 226 and 245 are required. For the upper division, PHYS 304, 408ab and 438ab; and MATH 445 are required.

Department Requirements for a Minor in Astronomy

For the lower division, PHYS 135abL (or PHYS 151L and 152L), and MATH 126 are required. For the upper division, ASTR 400, 410, 420 and one of either ASTR 385, 430L or 440 are required.

Grade Point Average in Major Subject

A GPA of C (2.0) or higher is required in all upper division courses taken in the department for all of the above major degree programs. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all courses in the department specifically listed as subject requirements.

Advisement

Advisement is required for all physics majors (both B.S. and B.A. degree candidates) and for all physics-computer science majors. Students should meet with their departmental academic advisor at least once a semester to review the direction of their academic programs. Students who have not met with an advisor should contact the associate chair for undergraduate affairs. Students are also encouraged to seek the advisement of faculty members whose specializations are appropriate to their intended field of graduate study.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students are encouraged to become familiar with the research programs of the faculty in the department. Students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in research in physics or astronomy following graduation are strongly encouraged to become involved directly in one of the research programs, whether as summer research assistants or as part-time laboratory assistants during the academic year. Specific research opportunities will depend upon individual faculty research programs.

Graduate Degrees

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate programs leading to three advanced degrees in physics: the Master of Arts (M.A.), the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

The graduate program in physics prepares students for professional careers in research, teaching and developmental applications of physics. Entering students spend a year and a half in intensive course work providing a broad background in advanced physics regardless of degree objective. Subsequent training usually includes a mix of course work and independent research. The doctoral program affords exceptionally close collaboration between students and faculty.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for graduate study in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is a bachelor's (or master's) degree in physics.

Criteria

All applicants for admission must take the Graduate Record Examinations, including the Physics Subject Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts of any graduate-level courses are required. The TOEFL is required of international students applying for a teaching assistantship and is advised for those applying for admission only.

Procedure

Applicants may be admitted to the program at the beginning of fall or spring semester.

Degree Requirements

These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.

Master of Science and Master of Arts in Physics

Residence

All M.S. and M.A. degree students, except those enrolled in work-study programs, are expected to take at least three, three-unit courses for each of two semesters. Students admitted with advanced standing to the master's program may transfer one course (four units) toward the master's requirements.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for the M.S. or M.A.

Course Requirements

Option A The M.S. degree requires a thesis plus satisfactory completion of seven courses, of which no more than one course may be 590 Directed Research. Option B The M.A. degree requires satisfactory completion of eight courses, exclusive of 590. The required courses for either option are PHYS 504a, 508a and 558a. For either option at least five courses must be at the 500 level or higher and remaining courses at the 400 level or higher; at least five courses must be in physics. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. No upper division courses required for the B.A. in Physics may be counted for credit toward the M.A. or M.S. degree.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in physics are required to take the departmental screening examination not later than during their third semester (excluding summer). This examination serves as the required comprehensive examination for the M.A. degree. A high level of performance is required for the M.A. degree, and a superior level is required for admission to or continuation in the Ph.D. program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Residence

All Ph.D. students in physics are expected to enroll in at least three, three-unit courses for at least four semesters in graduate school. Students admitted with advanced standing in the Ph.D. program may transfer up to 30 units, or its equivalent, of acceptable work completed elsewhere.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D.

Course Requirements

The student is expected to have prepared for understanding all branches of physics. A minimum of 14 courses, excluding dissertation and directed research courses, taken at this university and elsewhere, is required. At least 10 courses must be at the 500 level or higher and at least 10 courses must be in physics. A total of 60 units of credit is required. The required courses for the Ph.D. are PHYS 500, 504a, 508ab, 510ab, 518a, 558ab and 794ab. All required physics courses (except 500 and 794) must be passed with a grade of B or better. After passing the qualifying examination the student must register for PHYS 794 each fall and spring semester.

Screening Procedure

Any student proceeding toward the Ph.D. in physics must pass the departmental screening examination at a superior level. New advanced students who have passed an equivalent comprehensive examination at a well-recognized research university with superior grades may apply to the departmental examination committee for an oral interview in order to be exempted from the written screening examination. Such a student must already have a Ph.D. thesis advisor at the time of the interview.

Guidance Committee

The associate chair for graduate studies serves as advisor to incoming students and assists in the appointment of the guidance committee, which is formed after the screening examination has been passed. After the student passes the qualifying examination and a dissertation topic is approved, the five-member guidance committee becomes known as the dissertation committee and is responsible for monitoring the candidate's progress and for approving the final content and form of the dissertation.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination must be attempted not later than during the second semester (excluding summer) after passing the screening procedure. The Ph.D. qualifying examination contains a written part and an oral part. The written part consists of a critical review by the student of a published work selected by the guidance committee and of a research proposal prepared by the student on the area in which the student intends to do a doctoral dissertation. The oral part expands on the written part.

Dissertation

A doctoral dissertation in physics is expected to be an extensive description of original research carried out by the student. A complete discussion of reported research in relation to previous work by others is essential.

Defense of the Dissertation

The dissertation must be defended in a final oral examination. The candidate must be prepared to answer general questions in the field as well as specific questions regarding the dissertation.

Research Areas

Opportunities for research are offered in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, elementary particle theory, lasers, ultralow temperature physics, nonlinear optics, quantum electronics, solid-state physics, and space physics.

 

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