Main Departmental Office
Seaver Science Center 303
(213) 740-0848
FAX: 740-6653
E-mail: physdept@usc.eduUndergraduate Office
Seeley G. Mudd Building 407
(213) 740-1140Astronomy Office
Stauffer Hall of Science 360
(213) 740-5848Chair: 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.; 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.*; 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.; Hubert Saleur, Ph.D.; Richard S. Thompson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor: Vitaly Kresin, Ph.D.
Research Professor: Israel Senitzky, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor: Chung-Yung (Robert) Wu, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professors: Peter Lambropoulos, Ph.D.*; Sheo 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
Department Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physics
This program is intended primarily for students who are interested in a career in physics.
Required courses, Lower division Units PHYS 161L* Advanced Principles of Physics I 4 PHYS 162L* Advanced Principles of Physics II 4 PHYS 163L* Advanced Principles of Physics III 4 PHYS 190a Freshman Colloquium 1 *PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L.
Required courses, Upper division 40 Units PHYS 304 Mechanics 4 PHYS 408ab Electricity and Magnetism 4-4 PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and
its Applications4-4 PHYS 491abL Senior Laboratory 2-2 Plus an additional 16 units in physics
Other requirements: Units CHEM 115abL* Advanced General Chemistry 4-4 MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 126 Calculus II 4 MATH 226 Calculus III 4 MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4 MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II 4 *CHEM 105abL may be substituted for CHEM 115abL.
Department Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy
Required courses, Lower division Units PHYS 151L Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Waves,
and Sound4 PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Thermodynamics,
Electricity, and Magnetism4 PHYS 153L Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and
Modern Physics4
Required courses, Upper division Units ASTR 400 The Solar System 4 ASTR 410 Stellar Astronomy 4 ASTR 420 Galaxies and Cosmology 4 ASTR 430L The Reduction of Observations 4 ASTR 440 Astrophysics 4 PHYS 302L Physical Optics 4 PHYS 304 Mechanics 4 PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics and
Statistical Physics4 PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism 4 PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and
its Applications4-4
Other requirements Units MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 126 Calculus II 4 MATH 226 Calculus III 4 MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4 MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II 4 and two courses approved for credit toward majors in either chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, physics, computer sciences or engineering, at least one of which must be an upper division course.
Department Major Requirements for the 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 courses, Lower division Units PHYS 151L Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Waves,
and Sound4 PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Thermodynamics,
Electricity, and Magnetism4 CSCI 101L Introduction to Computer Science 3 CSCI 102L Data Structures 4 CSCI 110 Introduction to Digital Logic (Enroll in EE 101) 3 CSCI 201L Introduction to Software Development 4 CSCI 271 Discrete Methods in Computer Science 4
Required courses, Upper division Units PHYS 304 Mechanics 4 PHYS 408ab Electricity and Magnetism 4-4 PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and
its Applications4-4 PHYS 495 Senior Project 3 CSCI 301 Theory of Computation 3 CSCI 357 Basic Organization of Computer Systems
(Enroll in EE 357)3 CSCI 402 Operating Systems 3
Other requirements Units MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 126 Calculus II 4 MATH 225 Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations 4 MATH 226 Calculus III 4 MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4 MATH 270 Proof Techniques and Mathematical Structures 4 MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II 4
Department Major Requirements for the 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 courses, Lower division Units PHYS 151L* Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Waves,
and Sound4 PHYS 152L* Fundamentals of Physics II: Thermodynamics,
Electricity, and Magnetism4 PHYS 153L* Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and
Modern Physics4 PHYS 190a Freshman Colloquium 1 *PHYS 161L, 162L and 163L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L.
Required courses, Upper division Units PHYS 304 Mechanics 4 PHYS 408ab Electricity and Magnetism 4-4 PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its
Applications4-4 PHYS 491abL Senior Laboratory 2-2 Plus an additional 8 units in physics
Other requirements Units CHEM 105abL* General Chemistry 4-4 MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 126 Calculus II 4 MATH 226 Calculus III 4 MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4 MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II 4 *CHEM 115abL may be substituted for CHEM 105abL.
Department Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy
Required courses, Lower division Units PHYS 151L Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Waves,
and Sound4 PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Thermodynamics,
Electricity, and Magnetism4 PHYS 153L Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and
Modern Physics4
Required courses, Upper division Units ASTR 400 The Solar System 4 ASTR 410 Stellar Astronomy 4 ASTR 420 Galaxies and Cosmology 4 ASTR 430L The Reduction of Observations 4 ASTR 440 Astrophysics 4 PHYS 302L Physical Optics 4 PHYS 304* Mechanics, or PHYS 316* Introduction to Thermodynamics and
Statistical Physics4 *In some cases ASTR 490 may be substituted for PHYS 304 or 316.
Other requirements Units MATH 125 Calculus I 4 MATH 126 Calculus II 4 MATH 226 Calculus III 4 MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I 4
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences
This program is intended primarily for students interested in teaching in the physical sciences, although it may be appropriate for other students with an interest in the physical sciences.For the lower division, CHEM 105abL or 115abL; GEOL 105L; MATH 125 and 126; PHYS 151L and 152L, are required. For the upper division, 32 units of courses (eight courses) applicable to majors in astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and physics, with at least four units (one course) in each of these four majors are required.
Department Requirements for a Minor in Physics
For the lower division, PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L; CHEM 105abL or 115abL; 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 105abL or 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 Requirements for Graduation and the Graduate School 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 504a, 508ab, 510ab, 518a, 540, 558ab and 668. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.
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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