|
Undergraduate physics training can be excellent preparation for a career or graduate work in other fields, from related sciences such as oceanography or geology to law school, banking or medicine. The Applied Physics major combines core physics coursework with classes in related fields. The computational physics track gives students programming background and shows how to approach problems through computation, an increasingly important skill as technology spreads throughout modern life. Other options include physical electronics, chemical physics, geophysics, materials science, physical oceanography, and atmospheric physics.
Real World
A degree in applied physics provides you with a flexible set of skills with outstanding career opportunities in such areas as scientific computing (energy, biotechnology, aerospace, chemical and environmental industries), physics research (in academic, national and industrial laboratories), interdisciplinary fields involving physics, mathematics and computation (such as materials science, computer science, finance and medical imaging) and teaching and education.
Major Requirements
The B.S. degree in applied physics provides the student with both a solid foundation in physics as well as practical expertise in one of six specialty areas: materials science, chemical physics, atmospheric
physics, geophysics, computational physics and physical electronics. Here we highlight the computational physics emphasis.
As a computational physics major, you will begin with core lower and upper division physics courses and courses in computer science (including C/C++ programming, object-oriented programming and data structures). Electives in the major include such courses as parallel computing, numerical methods, numerical analysis, theory of computing and solid state physics.
Major Adviser
Name: Georgie Tolle
Contact: tolle@physics.ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-4092
A Student Perspective
I've never before wanted to do my homework as much as I've wanted to do my computational physics homework! It's so intriguing to be able to give the computer instructions and generate planetary orbits or solve very difficult mathematical equations. Computers make it possible for physics to describe and predict what's really going on out there with much greater accuracy.
~ Melissa Eitzel
A Faculty Perspective
What makes our applied physics unique is the integration of coursework with undergraduate research programs which, in many cases, are doing work which is literally the best in the nation. Also, the broad knowledge this major provides allows for success in many different types of industries, from computer-related fields to aerospace and medical companies. It also provides a base which prepares students for the rapid changes they'll encounter in any technical field they enter.
~ Richard Scalettar, professor
|
