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Welcome to the
Physics Department
Program Description
Physics is the study of the natural world at its foundation. As such it is the basis of other disciplines such as biology, medicine, chemistry, computer science, geology, astronomy, and engineering. Physicists study the world from the smallest particles of matter (quarks and leptons), nuclei, atoms, and molecules; through the forces of motion which determine properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma; to descriptions of the behavior of matter on all scales up to stars, galaxies, and even the origin and fate of the universe. The department encourages student-faculty interaction in all these areas.
For students intending to pursue graduate work or employment in Electrical Engineering, the department offers an Electrical Engineering option, intended to facilitate a seamless transition after graduation. We have a partnership with one of our sister CSU campuses.
The Physics Minor has flexible upper division requirements to encourage students majoring in other fields to broaden their expertise to fit a niche in contemporary technology or research. Students are invited to meet with a physics advisor to map areas of interest and expertise. The most successful physics minors distinguish themselves as mathematics majors in applied math, computer science majors in computer hardware, chemistry students in physical chemistry, music majors in electronics and instrumentation, and clinical science majors with elements of nuclear physics (modern physics).
Career Possibilities
Graduates find technical positions in industry, government, or teaching; or pursue advanced degrees for research, design, or analysis in physics, engineering, or related fields. The campus is surrounded with electronics, aerospace, and semiconductor companies, among others, who hire physicists to work in applications of optics, electrical engineering, biophysics, computer science, geophysics, aerospace, and astronomy.
Academic Advising
All prospective students should meet with a Physics department faculty member to learn more about the physics major and minor and to receive assistance in planning a schedule for courses. All physics majors must review their course list with a physics advisor prior to registration each semester.
See our Undergraduate [PDF] Student Learning Outcomes now online.
Research
CSUDH Physics is distinguished by its excellence in research. We have nationally recognized research programs in experimental cosmology, plasma physics, space physics, elementary particles and relativity, nuclear physics, particle astrophysics and cosmic rays, medical applications of physics, biophysics, and non-linear science. We study a variety of topics from the curvature of the universe and grand unification of the fundamental forces in nature, to space plasmas, exploding stars, stellar fusion, particle astrophysics and cosmic rays, and new techniques for diagnostic imaging, modeling the strength and elasticity of bones and arteries, and radiation therapy.
Dr. Ximena Cid, Department Chair
xcid@csudh.edu