University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara Physics Department UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2009-2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction p. 2 Community Science Center p. 2 Department Majors Bachelor of Arts..... p. 4 Bachelor of Science..... p. 5 Recommended course schedule for BS majors p. 7 Course schedule and checklist for BS majors p. 9 Department Minors Physics Minor.... p. 10 Astronomy and Planetary Sciences Minor. p. 11 Physics Honors Program Bachelor s Honors Thesis. p. 12 Bachelor s Honors Thesis Policy.. p. 13 Advising p. 14 Information for transfer students p. 15 List of Physics Academic Advisors. p. 15 Physics Undergraduate Email List (ugrads@physics.ucsb.edu)... p. 15 Society of Physics Students (SPS)... p. 16 FAQ. p. 17 How to declare a Physics major.. p. 17 How to declare a Physics minor.. p. 18 Getting help with a Physics course.. p. 19 Physics Department Faculty.. p. 22 Physics Department Faculty by Areas of Research... p. 24 2

UCSB PHYSICS A physics major at UCSB participates in a four year program leading to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The department also offers a Minor in Physics as well as a Minor in Astronomy and Planetary Science. The breadth and depth of course offerings at UCSB, the quality and quantity of modern technological equipment and the competence and accomplishments of faculty and staff compare with those of the largest and most distinguished universities and colleges in the world. The faculty includes a number of members of the National Academy of Sciences, and four Nobel Laureates. The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, funded by the National Science Foundation, resides on campus and attracts the best theoretical physicists in the world for a rich variety of focused programs, each of several months duration. Within the Department of Physics itself, research is carried on by forty-two faculty members, distributed mainly among the fields of condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. In addition, many postdoctoral fellows and graduate students are partners in the research projects, as well as a good fraction of junior and senior undergraduate majors who are headed for graduate school in science. The Community Science Center (CSC), a highly publicized and widely copied educational facility, is utilized by students from all disciplines. With many and varied demonstrations maintained in an atmosphere of free investigation, the CSC has established itself as a unique supplement to the lower division curriculum at UCSB. The junior and senior level laboratory courses are well known for their state-of-the-art instrumentation. They also allow a balance of formal instruction and individually motivated projects. The Community Science Center supplements both lecture and laboratory. It gives students freedom to investigate phenomena on their own and at their own pace in an atmosphere encouraging exploration and discovery. The laboratory sessions systematically introduce students to modern instrumentation, and at the same time give them the opportunity to perform some of the most critical and fascinating experiments in the history of physics. UCSB physics graduate teaching assistants (TA's) are required to participate in a departmentally supervised graduate level teacher education seminar aimed specifically at developing solid teaching habits and strategies. Consequently, we believe that our TA's are among the best qualified anywhere. Teaching assistants supervise the discussions and laboratory courses. 3

FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORE YEARS An emphasis is placed on introducing the fundamental ideas of physics in both an experimental and theoretical setting. The six quarter introductory sequence takes the student through a survey which includes: mass, space, time, energy, motion, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, atoms, molecules, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas and nuclei, from Newton to Einstein, from Franklin to Maxwell, from Dalton to Schrodinger and Heisenberg, from absolute to relative motion, and from certainty to probability. Physics majors are required to complete the Physics 20-21-22-23-24-25 plus 3L-4L-5L or 25L (or 13AH, 13BH and 13CH). This series was created specifically for Physics majors in order to better prepare them for the rigorous coursework that follows in the upper division portion of their career. Class size in this series ranges from 40-50 students, allowing for challenging exploration of advanced subject matter in a more intimate academic setting. JUNIOR & SENIOR YEARS The core of the upper division program for the Bachelor of Science degree requires: one quarter of thermodynamics and mathematical methods, two quarters of classical mechanics, advanced experimental physics, and a year of electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics. Students will also choose among a large selection of more specialized physics elective courses to complete the remaining units required for the B.S. degree (requirements, and a proposed schedule for the upper division program are outlined on the following pages [Page 7]). The B.S. degree is recommended for those intending to go on to graduate study and/or a career in physics. A checklist for major requirements is also available on page 10. The Bachelor of Arts degree program allows more freedom in selecting upper division courses. The only restriction, beyond individual course prerequisites, is that 6 of the 42 upper division physics units required for the degree be made up of advanced laboratory courses (see Bachelor of Arts requirements [Page 5].). The Minor in Physics, as well as a Minor in Astronomy and Planetary Science, requires a minimum of 18 units of upper-division physics courses. Students have significant freedom in selecting courses. Please see Minor requirements [Page 11]. In the upper division, small class size and close student-teacher interaction are the rule rather than the exception. The courses present the student with a more sophisticated and formal study of the discipline. Concepts and techniques are illustrated with reference to modern analysis and research. Together, they enable the student to connect diverse phenomena at an advanced level and to generalize to new systems and discoveries. The upper division laboratory facilities are excellent. The electronics laboratory is individualized, and students can expect to gain a working knowledge of contemporary electronics. The advanced laboratory gives students direct experience with those experiments which were instrumental in revolutionizing modern physics. 4

PHYSICS DEGREES These pages are provided as an outline for your convenience and are not considered official by the College of Letters and Science. For official College of Letters and Science regulations and prerequisites, please consult your current major requirements sheet and the general catalog. All physics majors are required to complete a Progress Check at the beginning of each academic year. This is meant to be a guide to help make sure you are on the right track, and also approve any substitutions you or your faculty advisor may suggest. This does not take the place of a Petition for Degree Requirements. These progress check forms are located with the Staff Advisor in Broida 3019C. PHYSICS - BACHELOR OF ARTS PREPARATION FOR THE MAJOR: Math 3A-B-C. Calculus with applications (4 units each) Math 5A-B-C. Advanced calculus with applications (4 units each) Chemistry 1A-B. General chemistry (or 2A-B-Honors) (3 units each) Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 3L, 4L, General physics (3-4 units) + Labs (1-2 units; check 5L or 25L (or 13AH, 13BH, 13CH) catalog) UPPER DIVISION MAJOR: 42 units of approved Upper Division chemistry, EEMB, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, MCDB or physics courses distributed as follows: 24 units of upper division physics. Please note that a grade of C- or higher is required to satisfy the prerequisites for all UD physics courses. In a series of courses, such as Physics 110A-B-C, the earlier courses are considered prerequisites for the later ones (Exceptions will be made only with instructor consent). Exceptions to the rule are only accepted with a Petition for Graduation Requirements. 6 units of upper division physics laboratory chosen from the following courses: Physics 127AL, 127BL, 128AL, and 128BL. 12 units of upper division chemistry, EEMB, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, MCDB and physics electives chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. 5

PHYSICS - BACHELOR OF SCIENCE PREPARATION FOR THE MAJOR: Math 3A-B-C... Math 5A-B-C... Chemistry 1A-B... Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 3L, 4L, 5L or 25L (or 13AH, 13BH, 13CH) Calculus with applications (4 units each) Advanced calculus with applications General chemistry (or 2A-B-Honors) General physics (3-4 units) + Labs (1-2 units; check catalog) UPPER DIVISION MAJOR: A grade of C- or higher is required to satisfy the prerequisites for all upper-division courses. In a series of courses, such as Physics 110A-B-C, the earlier courses are considered prerequisites for the later ones. Exceptions will be made only with instructor consent. Majors are encouraged to take 105A-B in their sophomore year, please see recommended course schedule for BS degree. 56 upper division units are required, as follows: Physics 100A Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 units) Physics 105A-B Classical Mechanics (3 units each) Physics 110A-B Electromagnetism (4 units each) Physics 115A-B-C Elementary Quantum Mechanics and Applications (4 units each) Physics 119A Thermal and Statistical Physics (3 units) Physics 127AL..... Analog Electronics (4 units) Physics 128AL-BL Advanced Experimental Physics (3 units each) 14 units of upper division physics electives, with no more than 7 units in the following courses: 127BL, 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L and 199. With petition, up to 4 units of upper division chemistry, EEMB, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, MCDB and physics electives may be applied to this requirement. Physics 100B Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 units) Physics 106.. Nonlinear Phenomena (4 units) Physics 110C Electromagnetism (4 units) Physics 119B Thermal and Statistical Mechanics (4 units) Physics 120.. Physics of California (4 units) Physics 123A-B Condensed Matter Physics (4 units each) Physics 125.. Elementary Particle Physics (4 units) Physics 127BL Digital Electronics ( 3 units) Physics 131.. Gravitation and Relativity (4 units) Physics 132.. Stellar Structure and Evolution (4 units) Physics 133.. Galaxies and Cosmology (4 units) Physics 134... Observational Astrophysics for Honor Students (4 units) 6

Physics 135.. Physics 141.. Physics 142L Physics 143L Physics 144L Physics 145L Physics 150.. Biophysics and Biomolecular Materials (3 units) Optics (4 units) Experimental Research in Condensed Matter Physics (1-4 units) Experimental Research in Physics (1-4 units) Experimental Research in Biophysics (1-4 units) Experimental Research in Astrophysics (1-4 units) Special Topics in Physics (1-4 units) MAJOR REGULATIONS FOR BOTH B.S. AND B.A. DEGREE CANDIDATES P/NP Grading Option: Not allowed for any major course (Prep or UD major), including courses applied to the major from other departments, with the exception of up to 7 units from the following Physics courses may be taken P/NP: 142L, 143L, 144L 145L, 198, 199. GPA requirements: Students must have a 2.0 overall GPA, a 2.0 in the major, and a 2.0 in the upper division major in order to graduate. Substitutions for major requirements are permissible only with department permission, by petition. This may apply to transfer work as well. Double majors may, with approval of both major departments, have up to 8 units applied simultaneously to both UD majors. Residence requirement: At least 18 UD units in the major must be taken while in residence at UCSB. All physics majors are required to complete a Progress Check at the beginning of each academic year. This is meant to be a guide to help make sure you are on the right track, and also approve any substitutions you or your faculty advisor may suggest. This does not take the place of a Petition for Degree Requirements. These progress check forms are located with the Staff Advisor in Broida 3019C. 7

RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE - PHYSICS B.S. The Physics Department offers 3 tracks for the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics: Standard Track This track is appropriate for most majors. Advanced Track This track is appropriate for majors with strong high school physics backgrounds. Honors Track This track is intended for well-prepared students who plan to go on to Graduate School in Physics. Advanced track and Honors track students are encouraged to take 105A-B in their Sophomore year allowing for additional Physics Electives in the Junior year. They are also encouraged to enroll in the 13AH-BH-CH lab series, which would substitute the 3L-4L-5L labs. It is also recommended that Physics 127AL, Physics 128AL and Physics 128BL be taken in the JUNIOR year so that students can concentrate on thesis research in the senior year. While we will substitute the Physics 128AL and 128BL requirements for thesis work based on experimental research, those who are conducting theoretical research are encouraged to complete Physics 128AL and 128BL. Standard Track FALL WINTER SPRING Freshman Math 3A Chem 1A Phys 20 Math 3B Chem 1B Phys 21 Math 3C Phys 22 Sophomore Junior Senior Math 5A Phys 23 Phys 3L Phys 100A Phys 119A Phys 110A Phys 115C Phys 127AL Math 5B Phys 24 Phys 4L Phys 115A Phys 105A Physics Elective Phys 110B Phys 128AL Physics Elective Math 5C Phys 25 Phys 25L Phys 115B Phys 105B Physics Elective Physics 128BL Physics Elective Physics Elective 8

Advanced Track FALL WINTER SPRING Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Math 3A Chem 1A Phys 20 Math 5A Phys 23 Phys 3L (or 13AH) Phys 100A Phys 119A Phys 127AL Phys 110A Phys 115C Phys Elect/Research Math 3B Chem 1B Phys 21 Math 5B Phys 24 Phys 4L (or 13BH) Phys 105A Phys 115A Phys 128AL Phys Elective Phys 110B Phys Elective Phys Elect/Research Math 3C Phys 22 Math 5C Phys 25 Phys 25L (or 13CH) Phys 105B Phys 115B Phys 128BL Phys Elective Phys Elective Phys Elective Phys Elect/Research Honors Track FALL WINTER SPRING Freshman Math 3A Chem 1A Phys 20 Math 3B Chem 1B Phys 21 Math 3C Phys 22 Sophomore Junior Senior Math 5A Phys 23 Phys 3L (or 13AH) Phys 100A Phys 110A Phys 119A Phys 127AL Phys 115C Phys Elective Phys Elect/Research Math 5B Phys 24 Phys 4L (or 13BH) Phys 105A Phys 115A Phys 110B Phys 119B Phys 128AL Phys Elective Phys Elective Phys Elect/Research Math 5C Phys 25 Phys 25L (or 13CH) Phys 105B Phys 115B Phys 128BL Phys Elective Phys Elective Phys Elective (opt) Phys Elect/Research 9

COURSE SCHEDULE & CHECKLIST FOR BS MAJORS Students should consult the college catalog or the College of Letters and Science for General Education requirements. The below schedule is merely a worksheet for the major requirements for the degree of Physics B.S. and does not include the requirements for General Education. For students pursuing a senior thesis, it is also recommended that Physics 127AL, 128AL and 128BL are taken in the JUNIOR year so that students can concentrate on thesis research in the senior year. While we will waive the Physics 128AL and 128BL requirements for thesis work based on experimental research, those who are conducting theoretical research are encouraged to complete Physics 128AL and 128BL. Freshman: Course Units Course Units Course Units Phys 20 4 Phys 21 4 Phys 22 4 Math 3A 4 Math 3B 4 Math 3C 4 Chem 1A 3 Chem 1B 3 Total Units: Total Units: Total Units: Sophomore: Course Units Course Units Course Units Phys 23 3 Phys 24 3 Phys 25 3 Phys 3L 1 Phys 4L 1 Phys 25L 2 or 13AH (2) or 13BH (2) or 13CH (2) Math 5A 4 Math 5B 4 Math 5C 4 Total Units: Total Units: Total Units: Junior: Course Units Course Units Course Units Phys 100A 3 Phys 115A 4 Phys 115B 4 Phys 119A 3 Phys 105A 3 Phys 105B 3 Phys Elective Phys Elective Phys Elective Total Units: Total Units: Total Units: Senior: Course Units Course Units Course Units Phys 110A 4 Phys 110B 4 Phys 128BL 3 Phys 115C 4 Phys 128AL 3 Phys Elective Phys 127AL 4 Phys Elective Phys Elective Total Units: Total Units: Total Units: 10

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT MINORS Please see College of Letters and Science official minor sheets for official rules and regulations. MINOR IN PHYSICS All courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to five units from the following Physics courses may be taken P/NP: 142L, 143L, 144L 145L, 198, 199. PREPARATION FOR THE MINOR: Math 3A-B-C Calculus with Applications Math 5A-B-C Advanced Calculus with Applications Physics 1-2-3-4-5 (or 20-21-22-23-24-25); Basic or General Physics with labs and Physics 3L-4L-5L or 25L UPPER-DIVISION MINOR: 18 units of upper-division physics courses distributed as follows: 3 courses chosen from the following: Physics 100A Phys 105A-B Phys 110A-B-C Physics 115A-B Phys 119A-B Methods of Theoretical Physics Classical Mechanics Electromagnetism Elementary Quantum Mechanics and Applications Thermal and Statistical Physics 6 9 additional units of Upper Division Physics Electives At least 18 upper division quarter units are completed for the minor At least 12 of the upper division units for the minor are completed while in residence at UCSB The UC grade point average in all applicable upper division courses, including those in excess of minimum requirements, is 2.0 or higher No more than 5 upper division units overlap between this minor and the upper division portion of the major(s) or other minor(s) No reference will be made to the minor on any progress checks or degree clearance forms. 11

MINOR IN ASTRONOMY AND PLANETARY SCIENCES All courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to five units from the following Physics courses may be taken P/NP: 142L*, 143L*, 144L*, 145L*, 198*, 199*. PREPARATION FOR THE MINOR Math 3A-B-C Calculus with Applications Math 5A-B-C Advanced Calculus with Applications Physics 1-2-3-4-5 (or 20-21-22-23-24-25); Basic Physics with labs and Physics 3L-4L-5L or 25L RECOMMENDED Chemistry 1ABC, Geology 2. These courses are prerequisites to several of the upper-division elective choices below. UPPER-DIVISION MINOR 18 units distributed as follows: Physics 132 Physics 133 Stellar Structure and Evolution Galaxies and Cosmology 10 units of upper-division electives chosen from: Physics 131, 134, 141, 145L*, 198*, 199*; Geology 123, 124G, 159AB, 198*, 199* At least 18 upper division quarter units are completed for the minor At least 12 of the upper division units for the minor are completed while in residence at UCSB The UC grade point average in all applicable upper division courses, including those in excess of minimum requirements, is 2.0 or higher No more than 5 upper division units overlap between this minor and the upper division portion of the major(s) or other minor(s) *Project must be approved by the advisor for Astronomy and Planetary Science. In addition, no more than 5 units from Physics 142L, 143L, 145L, 198, 199 and Geology 198, 199 will be accepted toward the minor. 12

THE DEPARTMENT PHYSICS HONORS PROGRAM The department has special opportunities for good students at both the lower-division and upperdivision levels. Special honors laboratory courses (Physics 13AH, 13BH and 13CH) require unusual creativity and are available to a few students each year. Physics 142L, 143L, 144L and 145L are available to qualified seniors. All of the honors courses require the consent of the instructor and qualify for the College of Letters and Sciences Honors Program. BACHELOR'S HONORS THESIS The opportunity to pursue a Bachelor s Honors Thesis is available for students who maintain a grade point average in Physics of 3.5 or better. Students must submit a signed Honors Thesis proposal form to the undergraduate faculty advisor for approval three quarters before the Thesis is submitted. It is recommended that students discuss plans to pursue an Honors Thesis with their faculty advisor even earlier (e.g. before the beginning of their junior year). Completion of an Honors Thesis involves developing a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, presenting a public seminar describing the work, and submitting a formal written report to the faculty member and the undergraduate advisory committee for grading and approval. Honors Thesis work is credited via one of the following courses: Physics 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 198, and 199. It is also recommended that Physics 127AL, Physics 128AL and Physics 128BL be taken in the JUNIOR year so that thesis candidates can concentrate on thesis research in the senior year. While we will substitute the Physics 128AL and 128BL requirements for thesis work based on experimental research, those who are conducting theoretical research are encouraged to complete Physics 128AL and 128BL. Cover sheets may be obtained from the Staff Advisor in Broida 3019C. The Bachelor s Honors Thesis Policy can be found on the next page. 13

BACHELOR S HONORS THESIS POLICY Honors students should pursue a senior thesis. This involves the presentation of a seminar and the writing of a document, both of which describe their research. There are specific guidelines that a student pursuing the Honors Thesis should follow, those of which are outlined below. Theses must state the problem to be studied, summarize previous knowledge, make some advance, and indicate its significance. 1. A thesis proposal, signed by the proposed thesis advisor, should be submitted to the Physics Undergraduate Advisor in Broida 3019 at least three quarters before the quarter in which the thesis will be finished, even if the student is not registered for that quarter. 2. Any Physics Department ladder faculty member of permanent research staff member is an acceptable thesis advisor. 3. If you want to do a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member outside the Physics Department, fill out the thesis proposal and submit it as above. You will be notified if a departmental co-supervisor is required. 4. The total amount of academic credit that can be earned for a thesis may not exceed 10 units. Note that one unit corresponds to 3 hours of work per week in a 10 week quarter. 5. You must submit one copy of your final thesis to the Physics Department, via your undergraduate faculty advisor. It should be printed double-spaced and single-sided on archival bond paper with original signatures, formatted as described for graduate student theses (see formats described in links on http://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/academic/thesis/). 6. Your thesis must be signed by your thesis advisor and must be presented and submitted to the Undergraduate Faculty Advisors Committee (through your undergraduate faculty advisor) for their approval. This must be done before the last day of classes in the quarter you intend to graduate. 7. To complete your Honors Thesis, you must also make arrangements to give a seminar about your thesis work before the last day of classes in the quarter you intend to graduate. The seminar must be open to the public and advertised within the Physics Department. 8. Ask the Undergraduate Staff Advisor to book a Broida room for the presentation to Undergraduate Faculty Advisors and another room for the seminar. 14

ADVISING In addition to a staff undergraduate advisor, the Physics Department appoints a faculty advisor to each class level. Once the academic year is over, the freshman advisor becomes the sophomore advisor, the sophomore advisor becomes the new junior advisor, and so on. This system is set up so that a student can maintain an advisory relationship with the same faculty member throughout the entire duration of a student s academic experience at UCSB. All students must visit with their faculty advisor as soon as they arrive on campus. It is required that each student complete a Physics Undergraduate Student Annual Evaluation form during the first quarter they become a Physics major, and again at every fall quarter until they graduate. This will insure that students are on the right track and will help to eliminate potential obstacles that would otherwise prevent the student from graduating in a timely manner. These forms are located in Broida 3019C, with the staff undergraduate advisor. TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students should bring a copy of their unofficial transcripts from every college they have attended to the Physics office as soon as possible. The Physics Department does not receive the official copies that are sent when a student applies UCSB. Those transcripts are sent to the Office of Admissions and remain in a confidential file unavailable for reference. Even though some unarticulated courses may have been accepted for credit by the College of Letters and Science, they may not apply to the major. Therefore, it is important to meet with a departmental advisor as soon as possible. From there, students will receive instructions on how to have pre-requisites cleared for registration. Also helpful in addition to transcripts are course descriptions and any syllabi. In some cases where a student has come from a school other than a California junior college, a Petition for Degree Requirements may be necessary. Petitions are always necessary for colleges that are out of state. For course relationships between community/junior colleges and UCSB, please visit http://assist.org. 15

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS ACADEMIC ADVISORS Advising Name Phone Email Location Undergraduates Jean Dill 893-4567 ugrad@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 3019C Undergraduates- Freshman Undergraduates- Sophomores Undergraduates- Juniors Undergraduates- Transfers Undergraduates- Seniors Prof. David Cannell 893-3150 david@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 4103 Prof. Ben Monreal 893-3440 bmonreal@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 5123 Prof. Robert Antonucci 893-4350 ski@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 2015K Prof. David Stuart 893-5147 stuart@hep.physics.ucsb.edu Broida 5113 Prof. Deborah Fygenson 893-2449 deborah@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 2419 Graduates Jennifer Farrar 893-4646 jennifer@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 3019D Graduates Prof. Donald Marolf 893-5205 marolf@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 6131 Appointments are made by contacting your advisor directly by email. Walk-in hours for the Undergraduate Staff advisor are M-F 9 AM -12 PM and 1 PM - 3 PM, in Broida 3019C. DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE EMAIL LIST Physics Majors should all add themselves to the ugrads@physics.ucsb.edu list. Access to account options and subscriptions are available only through computers located in the Physics Department. Students may use the computers in the PSC during working hours to access this website: http://mail.physics.ucsb.edu/mailman/listinfo/ugrads. Content on this list is monitored by the list moderator, who denies or approves content for posting. Information posted includes course/schedule changes, room changes, cancellations, new additions, major information, job opportunities, internship opportunities, seminar announcements, Society of Physics Students announcements, and more. Students should feel free to post on this site if they have questions or news. However, spamming is prohibited. 16

SOCIETY OF PHYSICS STUDENTS To join the Society of Physics Students, please contact the faculty mentor, Professor The society is geared toward Physics majors, and is connected with a national group. The national office is of the Society of Physics Students is located at: One Physics Ellipse College Park, MD, 20740 Tel: 301-209-3007 Fax: 301-209-0839 Email: sps@aip.org Web: http://www.spsnational.org The following information was taken from the SPS General Information brochure: The Society of Physics Students is a professional association explicitly designed for students. Membership, through collegiate chapters, is open to anyone interested in physics. Within SPS is housed Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, which elects members on the basis of outstanding academic achievement. This unique two-in-one society operates within the American Institute of Physics, an umbrella organization for ten other professional science societies. SPS was formed in 1968 and now has over 700 chapters on campuses across the country. About 5000 students take part in chapter activities each year, making SPS the fourth largest physics society in the country. The associated honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma, now exists in about 450 of those chapters with over 75,000 inductees throughout its history. 17

FAQ s: What do I do if I am not a physics major and want to become one? If you are a college of letters and science major, you should seek the advice of the staff undergraduate advisor in Broida 3019C. You should take with you a copy of your new student profile, and unofficial transcripts that can be printed from GOLD as long as it contains your name, address and perm number. Once the major change petition is completed, and you have been accepted, the advisor will obtain the signature of the Department Chair and send it along to L&S for final approval. Students with a GPA below a 2.0 will not be accepted in to the major. If you are an Engineering major, you need to speak with the Engineering Advising office for release into L&S. I would like to double major? You need to check with each department you are proposing to double major in. Bring a copy of your new student profile and unofficial transcripts to the new department you wish to enroll with. You will fill out a change of major petition and the department chair from each department will need to approve it, after the staff advisors approve your change. Keep in mind that each department is different, and may have a different way of handling major change petitions. I would like to double major in the college of engineering and letters and science? First things first. Stop in at the Engineering Office and speak to the academic advisor there. If they approve your double major, they will help you initialize paperwork to release you into the Physics major, or accept you into an engineering major. Then you should see the staff advisor in the Physics Department for additional help. You should then make your way to the College of L&S to talk about what kinds of G.E. requirements you would have to fulfill. I want to find out about G.E. requirements? You should go to Cheadle Hall, room 1117 and speak with an advisor there. We only handle major requirements. 18

I have a question about the content in a course I am taking? It would be a good idea to speak with your faculty advisor about course-work related issues. I am a transfer student who needs help getting transfer work to substitute some of my major course work? Come to the Physics office with syllabi, new student profiles and/or transcripts. Make sure you have transcripts for every course you would like credit for. Syllabi are helpful in case the course descriptions we find are lacking in information. A general rule of thumb: If you are coming from out of state, a private California school, or a UC/Cal State Campus, bring a syllabi. If you are unsure, check with the Department (ugrad@physics.ucsb.edu). In some instances, your course work would need to be evaluated by a faculty advisor, and a Petition for Degree Requirements is necessary. If you need course-work other than Physics evaluated, you should bring the same materials to the other departments. They will then fill out a recommendation for evaluation that can be used in the Petition for Degree Requirements process. A note about Physics 21-25 If you are looking for credit for any/all of the Physics 20 series, make sure to check with the faculty advisor. The Physics 20 series is in general much more difficult than coursework at a Junior College, and our upper division courses are geared toward students who have completed the more difficult series. In this case, you may feel more comfortable auditing/enrolling in part of the Physics 20 series. We want you to succeed, so please ask us for help if you need it! I want to enroll in a minor? You should seek the advice of the department you wish to minor in. If it is Physics, speak to the staff advisor about determining which courses will overlap in the minor and major. Students do not declare a Physics minor, although it is always a good idea to meet with a staff advisor to make sure you are on the right track. Once your requirements are fulfilled, the staff advisor completes a clearance form, and your minor will appear on your diploma. Your GPA must remain at a 2.0 or better in all upper division minor courses and overall. It is your responsibility to alert the undergraduate during the quarter for which you are graduating of your intention to graduate with a minor on your diploma. I am graduating. Is there anything I need to do? Yes! Make sure you speak with your staff advisor! There is nothing worse than finding out a week before commencement that your requirements have not been fulfilled. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have completed everything you need to! 19

I took the Physics 1-2-3-4-5 series instead of the Physics 20-21-22-23-24-25 series because I was previously a different major. In many cases, this would be fine depending on how well you did in the Physics 1-2-3-4-5 courses. In some cases where students have not been successful with Physics 1-2-3-4-5, we would take another look at the choice of major he or she is pursuing. The Physics 20 series is a difficult one that is designed to prepare students for the rigorous upper division curriculum. If a student can not complete the Physics 1 series or Physics 20 series successfully, then a Physics major may not be the best choice. A Petition for Degree Requirements is always necessary for this (or any) substitution not listed on the major sheet. Many times we may recommend that you audit the 21 series to prepare yourself for what you will encounter later in the Physics career. I took Physics 6A-B-C + labs because I was previously a different major. In no way, shape or form, would we substitute Physics 6A-B-C + labs for Physics 20-21-22-23- 24-25. In this case, you would have to enroll in Physics 20-21-22-23-24-25 + labs for study credit only through the College of L&S. You will not graduate if you do not take the required series. I want to take a Graduate Level Course and have it count toward my degree requirements. All you need to do is complete a petition for an Undergraduate to Enroll in a Graduate Level Course, found at the Registrar s Office. Depending on the course, it may be possible to use it toward your major. In this case, a Petition for Degree Requirements would be necessary. I want to take a course overseas. You should get, from the college of your choice, a copy of a syllabus and course description, as well as the name of the book you will be using, in order to evaluate whether or not your course would transfer to your major. The course would be evaluated and a Petition for Degree Requirements should be completed. This should be done before you go away, as there is no guarantee that the course you complete is transferable to the major. I need help with my Physics course? For lower division courses, the Physics Department offers the use of a Physics Study Room, or PSR, located on the first floor of Broida, room 1019. Any undergraduate physics student can come here to study or get help with homework during the period of 8AM - 4:30PM during the normal academic year. For help with upper division courses, it is best to see the TA assigned to your course, as he or she would be best prepared to answer questions from you. This allows the lower division TA s to remain open and free for students needing assistance in lower division courses. For a list of TA office hours in the PSR, please see http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/education/plc.php3. You can also seek help at CLAS for lower 20

division work - http://www.clas.ucsb.edu/. The resources are out there -- it is up to you to harness them! I am interested in Physics Outreach or the Physics Circus? Students interested in the Physics Circus should consult the instructor in charge of the Circus that year. It changes from year to year, so check with the Department or the schedule of classes for that quarter. I want to pursue Physics Research! Congratulations! You have made a decision that will prove valuable to you as you embark on the Physics path Normally, students are not encouraged to pursue research until they have taken a few courses at UCSB. That way, you make connections with some faculty through courses, and you will feel less intimidated in getting your foot in the door with a research group. I suggest starting with a faculty member that you know, who you feel comfortable with approaching. See if there is any lab work available for undergraduates. If that does not work, peruse the Physics website: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu for faculty in fields that you find interesting. Contact them directly to make appointments, or to see if they are in the market for hiring undergraduates. Research is highly recommended for motivated students planning on continuing to graduate school, or who are interested in a Physics related profession. If all else fails, speak with your faculty advisor who may be able to point you in a good starting direction. I want to do an internship off campus. First, you should speak with your faculty advisor. It is possible to do an internship somewhere off campus, or even with a different faculty member on campus. Bring your project for approval to your faculty advisor/research sponsor. Once approved, you may be instructed to enroll in a Physics research course this will help guarantee that you receive course credit for any work you complete. Next, check with the College of Letters and Science for regulations to make sure that there are no liability issues with you working off campus. If everything checks out, you will be enrolled at UCSB for units through a faculty sponsor or advisor. Once the quarter is complete, your supervisor will need to report to your advisor/sponsor in order for a grade to be submitted. I have a complaint about a faculty member, TA or staff member. Depending on the problem, you may want to seek the advice of an advisor. In general, it is good to try to confront the person you are having a conflict with. If that does not work, or you are uncomfortable doing that, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with the Chair of the Department for consultation. We take complaints very seriously, and evaluate each case. Confidentiality is also an extreme priority, so if you want to remain anonymous, you are well within your right. 21

I have taken AP Physics exams? Many students have taken Physics AP exams in High School. The breakdown of the exams states that: For a score of 3, 4, or 5: Physics B Exam = Physics 10 or Natural Sciences 1A Physics C Exam (Mechanics) = Physics 6A (not 6AL) Physics C Exam (Electricity and Magnetism) = Physics 6B (not 6BL) We don't give credit for Physics 1 or 21 via AP exams, however you will find that you will be more prepared for Physics 20 in the Fall quarter. If you did exceptionally well in the Physics C exams and your major requires the Physics 1-5 series, you may want to think about taking the Physics 20 series instead. The Physics 20 series is more involved and taught at a more advanced level than the Physics 1-5 series. Check the schedule of classes and consult the instructor of the course for more information. Credit for Physics labs are not given through the Physics Department. Consult your major department for information on Physics 6AL and/or Physics 6BL substitutions. 22

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT FACULTY Ahlers, Guenter, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental statistical mechanics. Allen, James, Ph.D., MIT, Experimental condensed matter physics. Antonucci, Robert, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz, Observational astrophysics. Awschalom, David, Ph.D., Cornell, Experimental condensed matter physics. Balents, Leon, Ph.D., Harvard, Theoretical condensed matter physics. Berenstein, David, Ph.D., University of Texas, Theoretical particle physics. Bildsten, Lars, Ph.D., Cornell, Theoretical astrophysics. Blaes, Omer, Ph.D., International School for Advanced Studies, Theoretical astrophysics. Bouwmeester, Dik, Ph.D., University of Leiden, Netherlands, Experimental condensed matter physics. Campagnari, Claudio, Ph.D., Yale, Experimental high energy physics. Cannell, David, Ph.D., MIT, Experimental condensed matter physics. Carlson, Jean, Ph.D., Cornell, Theoretical condensed matter physics. Cleland, Andrew, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental condensed matter physics. Wim van Dam, Ph.D., University of Amsterdam and University of Oxford, Theoretical condensed matter physics. Eardley, Douglas, Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley, Relativistic astrophysics. Fisher, Matthew, Ph.D., Illinois, Theoretical condensed matter physics. Freedman, Roger, Ph.D., Stanford, Observational astrophysics. Fygenson, Deborah, Ph.D., Princeton, Experimental biophysics. Giddings, Steven, Ph.D., Princeton, Theoretical elementary particle physics. Gross, David, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Theoretical particle physics. Gwinn, Carl, Ph.D., Princeton, Experimental astrophysics. Gwinn, Elisabeth, Ph.D., Harvard, Experimental condensed matter physics. Hansma, Paul, Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley, Experimental condensed matter physics. Heeger, Alan, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental condensed matter physics. Horowitz, Gary, Ph.D., Chicago, Theoretical general relativity and gravitation. Incandela, Joseph, Ph.D., Chicago, Experimental high energy physics. 23

Lipman, Everett, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental biophysics. Lubin, Philip, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental astrophysics. Ludwig, Andreas, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Theoretical condensed matter physics. Marolf, Donald, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, Theoretical gravitational physics. Martin, Crystal, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Observational and Theoretical astrophysics. Martinis, John, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Condensed Matter Experimental. Metiu, Horia, Ph.D., MIT, Theoretical physical chemistry. (Chemistry) Nelson, Harry, Ph.D., Stanford, Experimental high energy physics. Oh, Siang-Peng, Ph.D., Princeton University, Theoretical astrophysics. Pincus, Philip, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Polymer theories. Polchinski, Joseph, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Theoretical elementary particle physics. Richman, Jeffrey, Ph.D., CalTech, Experimental high energy physics. Roig, Francesc, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Mathematical physics. Sherwin, Mark, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Experimental condensed matter physics. Shraiman, Boris, Ph.D., Harvard, Biophysics. Srednicki, Mark, Ph.D., Stanford, Theoretical particle physics. Stuart, David, Ph.D., UC Davis. Experimental particle physics, high energy physics. Treu, Tommaso, Ph.D., Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy, Observational astrophysics. Witherell, Michael, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Experimental high energy physics. Zee, Anthony, Ph.D., Harvard, Theoretical particle physics. 24

Faculty by Areas of Research Astrophysics (Experimental and Observational) Faculty Information Research Robert Antonucci Active galactic nuclei and quasars: Unified model of orientation ski@ginger.physics.ucsb.edu effects; emission mechanisms. High redshift lensed quasar hosts studied with Broida 5131, 805-893-4350 molecular interferometry. Some observational cosmology, in particular a major effect to detect the ionized gas in the intergalactic medium. Carl Gwinn cgwinn@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 5123, 805-893-2814 Philip Lubin lubin@cfi.ucsb.edu Broida 2014 x8432 Excerpt borrowed from: http://theory.itp.ucsb.edu/~deholz/astrolist/research1.html Visit his website: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~cgwinn/contact.html What is Dark Matter and Dark Energy and why is the universe dominated by them? Will the universe expand forever or collapse eventually? Did the universe undergo a hyper expansion phase commonly called the inflationary era? Were there gravitational waves generated from this era that can be detected? These are some of the question our group studies? The experimental cosmology group s primary research focus is on studies of the large scale structure and evolution of the universe thru studies of the remnant heat from the early universe, the Cosmic Microwave Background. We build and operate a number of ground based and balloon borne millimeter wavelength telescopes as well as are involved in a major NASA/ ESA space mission called the PLANCK mission. We have to develop new technologies to make increasingly sensitive and sophisticated measurements. There are numerous research opportunities in our lab. Please contact us for a tour and discussion. Astrophysics (Theory) Lars Bildsten bildsten@itp.ucsb.edu KITP 2313 805-893-3979 I primarily work in the field of stellar astrophysics, where my current efforts are focused on the physics of accreting neutron stars and white dwarfs. This includes the theoretical study of many different physical phenomena, including thermonuclear instabilities, nuclear spallation, propagating combustion fronts and stellar oscillations. I also observe these objects with space-based X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes. I have considered the prospects for detection of coalescing neutron star/neutron star binaries at cosmological distances and accreting neutron stars in our Galaxy with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory. Omer Blaes blaes@gemini.physics.ucsb.edu Broida 6131, 805-893-7239 Douglas Eardley doug@itp.ucsb.edu KITP 2420, 805-893-4072 Crystal Martin cmartin@physics.ucsb.edu Excerpt borrowed from: http://theory.itp.ucsb.edu/~bildsten/ Visit his website: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~blaes/researchsummary.html Professor Eardley s research interests are in general relativity theory (gravitational collapse, black holes, singularities, gravitational waves, tests of relativity, quantum gravity); theoretical astrophysics (x-ray sources, active galactic nuclei and quasars, accretion, cosmology); mathematical physics (nonlinear partial differential equations, differential geometry); and arms control and national security. Since he is a theorist, there is no opportunity for undergraduate employment. However, he does supervise reading courses and senior theses. Galaxies are central to our understanding of the universe. They trace the geometry of space-time and give birth to stars and planets. My research 25

Broida 5133, 805-893-8760 Mark Srednicki mark@tpau.physics.ucsb.edu Broida 6221, 805-893-2165 program focuses on measuring and understanding the astrophysical processes that shape the origin, structure, and evolution of galaxies. Some outstanding problems that interest my group are: (1) How is the star formation rate regulated in galaxies, (2) What is the cosmological impact of galactic winds, and (3) Which objects reionized the Universe? Biophysics (including Experimental Biophysics) Deborah Fygenson The sub-cellular biological world is full of phenomena that challenge physical intuition: deborah@physics.ucsb.edu single-molecule machines, self-assembling architectures and spontaneous information Broida 2409, 805-893-2449 processing. These phenomena derive from the physical character of biological macromolecules, which have passed through the evolutionary design process and acquired the character of a technology. Biological science has provided a qualitative understanding of many macromolecular technological wonders, at least in their biological context, but we are far from having the sort of profound understanding that would enable us to rationally design similar macromolecular devices or interactions, with or without biological relevance. In many cases, even an empirical basis for quantitative, predictive modeling is lacking. Elucidation of the physical principles that define and constrain macromolecular technology abstracted from biological systems is the underlying theme of research in Fygenson Lab. Helen Hansma hhansma@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 6139, 805-893-3881 Paul Hansma prasant@physics.ucsb.edu Broida 2523, 805-893-2523 Everett Lipman lipman@physics Experimental Biophysics Broida 2409, 805-893-8875 Philip Fyl Pincus** fyl@physics.ucsb.edu MRL3005, 805-893-4685 (** and soft condensed matter physics) Cyrus Safinya** safinya@engineering.ucsb.edu Excerpt borrowed from: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~deborah/ Visit her website: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~hhansma/~hhansma.htm The Hansma Lab is interested in a number of areas of physics, biophysics, and materials research. Excerpt borrowed from: http://hansmalab.physics.ucsb.edu/ The goal of research in my group is to advance our understanding of how physical interactions govern the assembly and behavior of proteins and nucleic acids, the molecular building blocks of life. In order to avoid the inevitable loss of information that results from studying a large ensemble, we observe biological molecules individually. Our recent experiments have used ultra-sensitive optical detection and microfluidic devices to examine protein molecules as they fold into their functional native states. Fyl Pincus obtained his Physics Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in 1961 and after an NSF post-doctoral fellowship at Saclay spent approximately 20 years in the Physics Department at UCLA. He then joined the Exxon Research and Engineering Laboratory in Annandale, NJ for 3 years before coming to UCSB in 1985 as Professor of Chemical Engineering. He now holds joint appointments in the Physics and Materials Departments. Professor Pincus is a condensed matter theorist who has worked in such diverse areas as magnetism, superconductivity, liquid crystals, and correlated electrons in organic conductors. His present activities are in soft condensed matter, particularly on problems motivated by biomolecular issues such as membrane-bound proteins and Coulomb effects in biomolecular assemblies. Honors include Joliot Curie Professor (ESPCI, 1981), John Simon Guggenheim Fellow (Orsay, 1975), Raymond & Beverly Sackler Distinguished Lecturer in Physics (Tel Aviv, 1988), High Polymer Physics Prize of the APS (Ford Prize, 1992), Chaire- Paris Sciences (ESPCI, 1999). Excerpt borrowed from: http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/mrl/people/faculty/faculty.html Cyrus Safinya is a Professor of Materials and Physics and an affiliated faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UCSB. He has a B.S. in Physics and 26