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.