College of Natural Sciences
Watanabe 416
2505 Correa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7087
Fax: (808) 956-7107
Email: physics@hawaii.edu
Web: phys.hawaii.edu/

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*V. Bindi, PhD (Chair)—particle astrophysics
*E. B. Szarmes, PhD (Associate Chair)—lasers and optics
*T. E. Browder, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*D. Farrah, PhD—observational astrophysics
*P. Gorham, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*J. Kumar, PhD—elementary particles, theory
*P. K. Lam, PhD—condensed matter, theory
*J. G. Learned, PhD—particle astrophysics
*D. Marfatia, PhD—elementary particle (theory)
*J. Maricic, PhD—particle astrophysics
M. A. Nassir, MS—astronomy
*K. Nishimura, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
D. Rubin, PhD—observational cosmology
J. Sakstein, PhD—cosmology
*K. Sattler, PhD—condensed matter, ­experiment
*S. Still, PhD—theoretical biophysics, physics of information s
*S. Vahsen, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*G. Varner, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*C. Vause III, PhD—condensed matter, theory
*P. von Doetinchem, PhD—particle astrophysics

Emeritus Faculty

R. J. Cence, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
P. P. Crooker, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
J. R. Gaines, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
F. A. Harris, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
C. F. Hayes, PhD— condensed matter, experiment
S. L. Olsen, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
M. W. Peters, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
X. R. Tata, PhD—elementary particles, theory

Retired Faculty in Residence

M. D. Jones, PhD—elementary particles, experiment

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

E. Baxter, PhD—cosmology
C. Haggerty, PhD—space and plasma physics
J. Kuhn, PhD—solar astrophysics
R. Milincic, PhD—particle astrophysics
V. Stenger, PhD—neurosciences, particle astrophysics

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

A. Barger, PhD—cosmology, observational
G. Bower, PhD—astrophysics, compact objects, black holes, radio astronomy instrumentation
K. Croker, PhD—astrophysics theory
S. Dye, PhD—particle astrophysics
D. Eder, PhD—hypersonic simulation codes, stellar mergers
K. Flood, PhD—high energy physics
S. Matsuno, PhD—particle astrophysics
A. McDonald, PhD—particle astrophysics
R. Morse, PhD—particle astrophysics
R. Mussa, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
E. Price, PhD—accelerator physics
W. Simmons, PhD—elementary particles, theory
R. Sinha, PhD—theoretical and experimental aspects of heavy flavor physics
J. Yepez, PhD—quantum information dynamics studies in quantum computation

Degrees Offered: BA (including minor) in physics, BS in physics, BS in astrophysics, MS in physics, PhD in physics

The Academic Program

Physics (PHYS) is the study of matter and energy and how they interact at the most basic levels. Areas include mechanics, optics and lasers, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear phenomena, condensed matter, and elementary particles. Physics is widely regarded as the most fundamental of all the sciences. UH Mānoa offers both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in physics. Faculty members who teach physics courses are at the forefront of research in physics both in experiment and in theory. In the field of elementary particles, faculty members currently perform experiments in Hawai‘i, the mainland U.S., France, Japan, and Antarctica to study neutrinos and high-energy gamma rays coming from the stars. Others are involved in experiments at the BEPC II accelerator in China and at the KEKB accelerator in Japan, studying particle production and decay and the violation of particle/anti-particle symmetry. Faculty members are also involved in the space-based AMS experiment and on the development of techniques for dark matter searches. The particle theory group is involved in the identification of new physics that addresses new questions in particle physics and cosmology that are beyond the scope of the Standard Model, and the development of strategies that distinguish this new physics from the Standard Model phenomena. In condensed-matter physics, they investigate nano-materials and use a scanning tunneling microscope to take pictures of individual atoms. A free electron laser is operating in the physics building. This device allows scientists to carry out forefront research in fundamental and applied physics. Often, undergraduate physics majors work on these projects along with graduate students and the faculty.

Undergraduate Study

Advising

Academic advising is mandatory for all undergraduate physics majors. Contact the department office for assignment to an advisor. Note that in order to complete the program in 4 years, a physics student must begin the study of calculus in either the first or the second semester of the freshman year.

BA in Physics

The BA Physics degree is designed specifically for those students who wish to supplement the core study of physics with courses in interdisciplinary fields. As a fundamental science with applications in many fields, physics strengthens the background of students who have wider interests that lie outside of physics, in fields such as biology, health sciences, environmental studies, oceanography, geology, computer sciences, and social sciences.

Requirements

Students must complete the following courses with grades of C (not C-) or better:

      • PHYS 170/170L, 272/272L, 274/274L, 310, 350, 400, 480
      • One course in advanced laboratory or applied techniques: Computational/Numerical Methods (PHYS 305 or MATH 407), or Electronics (PHYS 475 or EE 211), or Advanced Physics Lab (PHYS 480L)
      • CHEM 161/161L or 171/171L or 181A/181L
      • MATH 241, 242, 243, and 244; or MATH 251A, 252A, and 253A
      • MATH 307 or 311
      • Minimum of 15 credits of an approved Interdisciplinary Concentration (IC) course program:
          – Courses must be chosen to form a coherent theme related to physics
          – Minimum of 12 credits must be non-introductory courses at the 200-level or above
          – Proposed IC courses (and any modifications) must be approved by physics
          department chair or his/her designee
          – Approval shall be granted only after the student has passed (or is currently enrolled in) PHYS 274, 274L, and MATH 243 or 253A

      For more details, including examples of previously approved Interdisciplinary Concentration course programs, see the website: phys.hawaii.edu.

      Upon approval of a physics department advisor, MATH 215 and 216 may be substituted for MATH 241 and 242, and PHYS 170 through 272L may be satisfied by PHYS 151 through 152L.

      For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

      BS in Physics

      Requirements

      Students must complete 46 credit hours in physics courses, including:

      • PHYS 170/170L, 272/272L, 274/274L, 310, 311, 350, 400, 430, 450, 480, 480L, and 481
      • One course from PHYS 440, 460, or 490
      • Two courses from PHYS 305, 475, or 481L
      • CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L or 171/171L or 181A/181L
      • MATH 241, 242, 243, 244, and 311 or 307 (MATH 251A, 252A, 253A, may be substituted for MATH 241, 242, 243, 244. MATH 215, 216, may be substituted for MATH 241, 242, with consent from physics advisor.)
      • Grade of C (not C-) or better in above courses

      Upon approval of a physics department advisor and chair, the PHYS 170 through 272L requirements may be satisfied by PHYS 151 through 152L; and requirements for PHYS 305 (or 475 or 481L), 440 (or 460 or 490), 450, 480, and 480L, may be modified to accommodate a special emphasis or interdisciplinary program that is appropriate for the major in physics.

      For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

      Minor in Physics

      Requirements

      • PHYS 151/151L and 152/152L or PHYS 170/170L and 272/272L
      • PHYS 274 (lab not necessary)
      • 15 additional upper division credit hours, including PHYS 310, 350, and 480
      • Grade of C (not C-) or better in the above courses

      Upon recommendation of a physics department advisor and chair, requirements for PHYS 310, 350, and 480 may be modified if an equivalent course is taken in another department.

      BA (and Minor) in Astronomy

      For more information on the BA degree and Minor in Astronomy, see ASTR program.

      BS (and Minor) in Astrophysics

      For more information on the BS degree and Minor in Astrophysics, see ASTR program.

      Graduate Study

      This program offers opportunities for study and research leading to the MS and PhD degrees in physics. The staff and facilities are especially aimed toward experimental and theoretical work in elementary particle physics, astroparticle physics, cosmology, nanophysics, and particle accelerator physics.

    • It is recommended that intended candidates for the MS or PhD in physics present a minimum of 35 undergraduate credit hours in physics, including atomic and nuclear physics, electromagnetism, mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Courses in general chemistry and differential equations are also recommended. Official scores of the GRE General Test and the subject test in physics must be submitted prior to admission.
    • At least one year of teaching experience is typically required of MS or PhD candidates; exceptions are subject to department approval. All graduate students are required to attend the weekly colloquium.

      Master’s Degree

      Students wishing to terminate their formal education with the MS degree generally select Plan A (thesis) so as to gain some research experience, as well as formal class work. These students are prepared to enter teaching positions at the community college level or industrial and civil service positions at the junior scientist and engineer level.

    • Students planning advanced graduate work generally complete the Plan B (non-thesis) or Plan C (examination) requirements for the MS degree. At this point most of their formal class work has been completed and further work consists mainly of seminars, directed research, and the dissertation.

      Requirements

      For the MS Plan A, students must complete 30 credit hours of course work, including (a) a minimum of 18 credit hours of physics courses numbered 600 to 798, including PHYS 610, 650, 670, and 690; (b) minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis (PHYS 700); and (c) approved electives, which may be selected from PHYS 699 for a maximum of 2 credit hours and courses in mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, and philosophy. Other courses can be included on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the department chair. A final oral examination covers the thesis and related areas and completes the Plan A requirements.

    • For the MS Plan B, students must complete 30 credit hours of course work, including (a) a minimum of 18 credit hours of physics courses numbered 600 to 798, including PHYS 610, 650, 670, and 690; and (b) approved electives, which may be selected from PHYS 699 for a maximum of 9 credit hours and courses in mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, and philosophy. Other courses can be included on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the department chair. A written qualifying examination completes the Plan B requirements.
    • For the MS Plan C, there is no credit hour requirement but a minimum residency requirement must be satisfied. MS Plan C is intended for students who had completed equivalent course requirements at another institution. Admission to Plan C requires the approval of the physics graduate program advisory committee. A written qualifying examination and a final oral examination complete the requirements for Plan C.
    • Students should refer to the Graduate Division section for any additional requirements.

      Doctoral Degree

      The PhD degree is essentially a research degree. Students complete an original and significant piece of research and are at the forefront of one area of physics. Students are expected to enter the academic world in a teaching and research capacity or industrial and government research laboratories as senior scientists.

      Requirements

      Students in the PhD program must perform satisfactorily on a written qualifying examination followed by an advancement-to-candidacy oral examination. A scholarly dissertation must be written, and a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation completes the requirements for the PhD.

    • A student is allowed two attempts to pass the written qualifying examination within the student’s first six semesters as a regular classified graduate student. The student’s first attempt must be within the student’s first four semesters as a regular classified graduate student. Students who fail twice cannot continue in the graduate program.
      Although course work is not a formal requirement for the PhD, students are responsible for the material covered in graduate courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics, and in undergraduate courses in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, on which the written qualifying examination is based. Students should also consult with their thesis advisors about enrolling in courses that are relevant to their dissertation research.
    • Students should refer to the Graduate Division section for any additional requirements.