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From subatomic particles to galaxies with billions of stars, physics studies what the universe is made of and how it works. As a physics major at UC Davis, you will learn about our present understanding of the universe and also have the opportunity to join with our faculty in research that pushes forward the frontier of knowledge. This research ranges from the very smallest distances associated with elementary particle physics through nanophysics and superconductivity and on to the structure and evolution of the entire universe. We offer a B.S. with astrophysics specialization as well as the standard A.B. physics degree.
Real World
Physics majors pursue careers and graduate study in a broad range of fields. A.B. majors often enter such areas as teaching at the pre-college level, management and administration in industrial laboratories and government agencies or production and sales in industry. B.S. majors are well prepared to continue their study of physics at the graduate level; many also study such related fields as astrophysics and astronomy, computer science and materials science.
Major Requirements
Physics majors begin with a sequence of courses in classical and modern physics along with six quarters of calculus and other mathematics. After the initial preparation, you will be ready for more advanced courses in dynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, and advanced experimental techniques.
Major Adviser
Name: Georgie Tolle
Contact: tolle@physics.ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-4092
A Student Perspective
I started doing research with a professor the summer before my junior year, having no prior experience. I just knocked on a few professors' doors and asked if they needed any help, and right away, I had a paying job doing hands-on research in a lab. That research has led to my being listed as a co-author on two publications. I was trusted to work independently on projects, but my professor was always available to offer help if I needed it.
~ Jacob Shine
A Faculty Perspective
One of my favorite undergraduate courses to teach is Introduction to Modern Astrophysics. I have a lot of fun teaching people amazing things about the universe, and, at the same time, deepening their knowledge of basic physics. My own research focuses on the evolution of the large-scale structure of the universe, and I've been able to work with three undergraduate research assistants in the last eighteen months.
~ Lloyd Knox, associate professor
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