Computational Physics Concentration

March 30, 2023

Computational Astrophysics by Brant Robertson — Computational Astrophysics (image credit: Brant Robertson, UCSC)

In response to the growing need for computational physicists, a new Applied Physics concentration, Computational Physics, has been launched!

Simulation Images

Simulation of excitation lifetime through radiative decay (image credit: Yuan Ping, UCSC) — Simulation of exciton lifetime through radiative decay
(image credit: Yuan Ping, UCSC)

Simulation of Higgs boson decay (image credit: Jason Nielsen, UCSC) — Simulation of Higgs boson decay
(image credit: Jason Nielsen, UCSC)

This dynamic program offers a unique blend of computer science and physics courses that provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle complex problems in a range of scientific fields such as,

Climate science

Industrial applications

Biophysics

Graduates in computational physics are highly sought after and have a competitive edge in industries such as, energy, aerospace, and pharmaceutical according to career placement site Physics Today | Jobs.

Students pursuing the Computational Physics concentration will receive,

Training in basic computer coding
A broad grounding in fundamental physics:
- Classical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Statistical Mechanics
Elective courses that combine physics and computational methods
A capstone course which provides students with techniques of computational physics

Interested students

Go to the UC Santa Cruz General Catalog to find requirements for the Computational Physics concentration.