Applied Physics Option (APh)

The applied physics option is designed to extend knowledge of the principles of pure physics to the development of new technologies. Research in applied physics focuses primarily on problems of technological importance. The interdisciplinary nature of this option allows considerable flexibility in coursework, training and individual research interests to enhance maximum breadth and depth.

Current areas of specialization within applied physics span a wide range of topics such as Photonics including integrated microphotonic and nanophotonic devices, optical meta-materials, and optical approaches to quantum computation and communication; Solid-state materials and device work including nanostructured materials and devices, superconducting devices for quantum computation, wide bandgap semiconductors and heterostructures for optoelectronics, photovoltaics, novel memory devices, and spin-dependent transport; Biophysics including single-molecule-scale studies of the mechanics of DNA, proteins, and their assemblies; Plasma-physics including spheromak plasmas for fusion application, plasma processes occurring in the sun, and the dynamics of pure electron plasmas; Hydrodynamics, nonlinear dynamics and thermal behavior in small scale systems including symmetry breaking in soft condensed matter, micro/nanofluidic, optofluidic, and biofluidic devices, optical trapping in fluids, pattern formation and phase separation in nanoscale films and convection-diffusive phenomena in natural and mimetic systems.

1. SEC 10 and one of SEC 11, SEC 12, or SEC 13. SEC 11-13 requirement can be satisfied by three units of additional work associated with the senior thesis (APh 78 or APh 79), or by taking Ph 70, En/Wr 84 or Bi/BE 24.
2. APh/EE 9, APh/EE 23, APh/EE 24. With option rep permission, one of these classes can be replaced with Ph 3, Ph 5, Ph 6, Ph 7 or Ch 6.
3. Ph 12 abc, APh/MS/ME 105 ab [Ph 127 ab], Ph 106 abc, and Ph 125 ab [Ch 125 ab]
4. Ma 2, Ma 3, and ACM 95/100 ab.
5. Either APh 78 abc or APh 79 abc, or three terms of APh 123, APh 109, APh 119, Ae/APh 104 bc or Ph 77 ab. Any substitutions or additions require prior approval of the option representative.
6. Four advanced APh courses numbered over 100 from Ae/APh/CE/ME 101 abc, Ae/Aph 104 abc, APh/MS/ME 105 c, APh/Ph 112, APh 114 abc, Ph/APh/EE/BE 118 ab, Ph/APh/EE 118 c, EE/APh 120, Ph/APh 137 ab, APh/Ph 138 ab, APh/MS 141, EE/APh 149, APh/Ph/MS 152, APh/Ph/Ae/MS 153, APh/EE 130/131/132, APh 156 abc, EE/APh 158, APh/EE 190 abc, BE/Bi/APh 161, MS/APh 162, MS/APh 171, EE/APh 180, APh/EE 183, Ae/ME/APh 218, Ph/APh 223 ab, APh/MS 256. In case the courses are offered as a two or three class sequence, the entire sequence should be taken if offered. Note that APh 100 and APh 200 do not satisfy this requirement. Any substitutions or additions require prior approval of the option representative.
7. Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units, including the courses listed above. No course in fulfillment of option requirements may be taken on a pass/fail basis.
8. Any student whose grade-point average is less than 1.9 at the end of the academic year in the subjects listed above may be refused permission to continue work in this option.

Students are encouraged to obtain a well-rounded course of study pursuant to the B.S. degree in applied physics. The option representative and/or undergraduate adviser will gladly assist students in choosing appropriate elective courses. Students ultimately interested in pursuing an advanced degree in applied physics or related fields are encouraged to complete a senior thesis project through APh 78 or APh 79.