DEPARTMENT O F PHYS I CS & B IOP HYSI C S
PHYSICS Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, exploring the universe from its smallest to grandest scales. Physics attempts to understand nature in both its greatest simplicity and its most uncontrollable complexity. Physicists are model-builders of everything from the architecture of the cosmos, to the substructure of the nuclei, the complexity of life, and even the hidden patterns of the stock market.
WHY CHOOSE PHYSICS OR BIOPHYSICS AT USD? WE OFFER One-on-One Faculty Interactions Small Class-Sizes, Long-Lasting Connections Cutting-edge Faculty and Student Research
Engineering Physics Pathway Our department offers students interested in engineering, a 4.5year pathway to earn a BA in Physics and a BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering.
Physics Education Pathway Students interested in pursuing K-12 education, we offer a 4-year pathway to earn a BA in Physics as well as a single-subject teaching credential and preparation for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
BIOPHYSICS
Biophysics lies at the intersection of physics, biology and chemistry. It focuses on applying the understanding of methods and quantitative skills gained in physics to a vast array of biological systems in order to gain new insights into biological problems; ranging from brain function, vascular networks, and DNA synthesis to biomedical devices, drug delivery and aquatic animal migration.
STUDENT OUTREACH USD's Society of club designed biophysics. SPS major events per
Physics Students (SPS) is a vibrant and active for any student interested in physics or holds monthly meetings, and organizes 2-3 year, including:
K-12 outreach events with local schools Attending national physics conferences Hosting Pi Day fundraising activities
The research and dedicated mentorship within the department allowed me to explore independent research and conference opportunities, while also developing my own confidence and leadership skills. The faculty supported me through the application, interview, and decision process, and remain one of my go-to resources for advice in the graduate school setting. -KATHRYN REGAN, BIOPHYSICS '18
Beyond engaging in research at the department laboratories, students are given the opportunity to travel across the nation to attend and present their work at worldleading conferences. I found this experience immersed me in the world of scientific academia, giving me a new perspective and appreciation for my studies. -LUKE THOMAS, PHYSICS '19
LIFE AFTER USD U S D b i o p h y s i c s a n d p h y s i c s g r a d u a t e s g o o n t o g ra du a t e pro g ra m s in p h y s i c s , e n g i n e e r i n g , m e d i c i n e , b i o l o g y , e d u c a t i o n , b u s in e s s , a n d m o re ; t h e y p u r s u e c a r e e r s i n b i o t e c h n o l o g y , n u c l e a r f u s i o n re s e a rc h , a e ro s pa c e e n g i n e e r i n g , h e a l t h c a r e , s o f t w a r e e n g i n e e r i n g , m a c h in e in t e llig e n c e r e s e a r c h , t e a c h i n g , p h a r m a c e u t i c a l d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d m o re . OUR ALUMNI HAVE... gone on to graduate and medical school at top-ranking universities: Stanford University University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Boston University UCLA Texas A&M Georgia Tech Case Western Reserve and MORE! been hired to work at top-notch companies: Illumina DIII-D National Fusion Facility Sandia National Lab National Institute of Standards & Technology Mitre Corp and MORE! received prestigious awards including: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship APS Le Roy Apker Award National Goldwater Scholarship Beckman Scholarship Phi Beta Kappa APS GSOFT Poster Prize ASU President's Fellowship UCSC Regents' Fellowship and MORE!
GET IN TOUCH 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA www.sandiego.edu/cas/physics physics@sandiego.edu, (619)260-4058