Jul 05, 2025

2020-2021 Academic Catalog

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2020-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, Computational Physics Concentration, MS

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The goal of this concentration, offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy , is to give the candidate a thorough grounding in physics, computer programming, and numerical methods. All candidates are required to complete a thesis including the defense (Plan A) or take an oral comprehensive examination as culminating experience (Plan B).

The admission requirements , advancement to candidacy , and graduation requirements are detailed on the Physics, MS degree program section of the catalog.

Master’s Requirements (30 units)

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)

Students must pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) . Complete one of the following:

PHYS 100W - Methods of Research and Communication in Physics 3 units (GWAR)
PHYS 200W - Research and Communication in Physics 3 units (GWAR)
PHYS 220E - Graduate Optics Lab 3 units (GWAR)

Core Courses (15 units)

PHYS 205 - Advanced Dynamics 3 units
PHYS 210 - Electromagnetic Theory 3 units
PHYS 230 - Methods in Mathematical Physics 3 units
PHYS 240 - Computational Physics 3 units
PHYS 263A - Quantum Theory 3 units

Mathematics Courses (6 units)

Complete one course:

MATH 143C - Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing 3 units
MATH 143M - Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing 3 units

Complete one course:

Select one course in consultation with Graduate Advisor.

MATH 243B - Advanced Topics in Numerical Analysis 3 units
MATH 243M - Numerical Linear Algebra 3 units
200-level mathematics or physics course 3 unit(s)

Culminating Experience (6 units)

Complete one option (Plan A or Plan B):

Plan A (Thesis)

PHYS 297 - Directed Research 1-5 units (4 units required)
PHYS 299 - Master’s Thesis 1-4 units (2 units required)

Plan B (Project)

PHYS 298 - Graduate Research Report 1-4 units (1 unit required)
Additional 3 units of PHYS 297 or 200-level mathematics or physics elective course selected in consultation with graduate advisor
PSYC 298 - Special Problems 1-6 units (2 units required)

Total Units Required (30 units)

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