Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Physics is a very popular and common major to choose at SDSU. Although it can be challenging, physics is a great major to choose and will be a good major to pave your path into success.
1) The Physics Major Background
The study of physics is considered the foundation of modern science. It has fascinated the nest minds of every age – from Newton to Maxwell, Einstein, Bohr, Schroedinger, Oppenheimer and Schwinger. The study of this diverse field encompasses areas such as optics, electricity, magnetism, the properties of the solid state, atomic structure, nuclear structure, motion, relativity, space and time. Physics also plays a significant role in chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology, and in the applied sciences of engineering and technology.
2) Faculty Members at SDSU
Emeritus: Burnett, Cottrell, Day, Feher, Goldberg, Lilly, Morris, Oseroff, Piserchio, Roeder, S., Shackelford, Shore, Templin, Wallace, Wolter
Chair: Sinha
Professors: Davis, Johnson, Papin, Sinha, Sweedler, Torikachvili, Weber
Associate Professors: Anderson, Baljon, Tambasco Assistant Professors: Kuznetsova, Nollett
Lecturers: Bass, Chalmers, Fong, Leduc, Mardirossian Adjunct: Bendall, Mueller
3) Career Opportunities at SDSU
Students who become physics majors will be selecting a rewarding and vital career. The great burst of activity during the last 20 years has instilled a new excitement in physics. For example, the invention of the laser in the late 1950s revolutionized the field of optics. These advances stimulated whole new areas in physics applications. Superconductivity has led to the search for a high-temperature superconductor so that electrical power might be transmitted without loss; quantum mechanical tunneling has led to the tunnel diode; and solid state physics brought about the transistor and its successors. The career opportunities for physics graduates are as diverse as the eld itself. They include research and development; management or administration in industrial laboratories or government agencies; technical sales; electronic design; laser instrument research; and secondary teaching.
4) Impacted Program at SDSU
The majors in the Department of Physics are impacted. To be admitted to one of the majors in the department, students must meet the following criteria:
a. Complete preparation for the major.
b. Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units.
c. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
To complete the major, students must fullfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the pre-major at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).
5) Physics Minor
The following courses are prerequisites to the physics minor and do not count toward the 15 units required for the minor. Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L; Mathematics 150, 151, 252. The minor in physics consists of a minimum of 15 units to include Physics 350, 354, 360, 400A; Mathematics 342A. Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general educa- tion requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
In conclusion, physics is a great major to choose. Although physics is pretty challenging, it will all be worth it in the end. Physics majors often go into the work field straight away, and get successful jobs. Overall, physics is a great major and if you do not want to put your main focus on it, minoring is always an option. All in all, take at least one physics class while your time at SDSU.
