What is Physics?
- Physics is not Engineering but many Physicists work as Engineers
- Physics is not Philosophy but many Physicists explore fundamental questions
- Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences
- The goal of physics is to understand the physical world (universe) around us and to understand how we know what we think we know
About the UHCL Physics Program
- UHCL's physics program grew out the UHCL Physical Sciences: Space Science Program
- Research in Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Physics
- Students can specialize in Cosmology, Astrophysics, Neutrino Physics, Biophysics, Applied Physics, Nanophysics, Condensed Matter Physics or Materials Science
History of Physics at UHCL
- Physical Science program was established in 1975 after the founding of UHCL
- Originally a combination of astronomy, chemistry, geology and physics but eventually lost concentrations in chemistry and geology
- Physical Science BS redeveloped to prepare students for Teacher Certification in 2003 and was eventually discontinued
- Physical Science MS replaced by a physics MS in 2004
- Physics BS initiated in 2009
- The Physics and Physical Sciences programs graduated several Astronauts
- The UHCL Physics Program was ranked as one of the highest producing master's level physics programs in the US
Why Major in Physics at UHCL?
- High Salaries and Low Unemployment Rates (AIP Career Info)
- Training in a huge range of fields from teaching to computing or engineering
- Ability to continue on to graduate school in several disciplines including medicine and law
- More flexible requirements than similar disciplines like engineering
- Research Opportunities on campus and with local industry
- Friendly Faculty who engage with students in small classes and mentor students in research
- Advanced research facilities in our new STEM building
- Teaching Assistantships available for qualified students
What We Offer
- Physics BS - designed to prepare students for technical careers in Engineering, Physics or Space
Science
- Physics BS Sub-Plan in Engineering – designed specifically to prepare undergraduate students for careers in engineering and applied physics based on ABET standards
- Physics BS Sub-Plan in Computational Physics – designed to provide students with a background in physics and computer sciences necessary for advanced computational research
- Physics MS - enhances the background of practicing engineers and prepares students for Ph.D.
work in physics or Astronomy
- Physics MS Sub-Plan in Technical Management - to prepare students for careers in managing technical projects and people
- Collaborative PhD with UH - Allows students to complete a PhD in physics. Some students can do this while working with NASA
Facilities
- Applied Physics Research Lab
- Biophysics Research Lab
- Computational Physics Research Lab
- Materials Physics Research Lab
- Modern Physics Lab
BS in Physics
- Prepares students for technical careers in areas such as engineering and computing
- Prepares students for advanced study in Physics and Space Science
- Engineering Physics sub-plan prepares students for the Professional Engineer Certification
MS in physics
- Prepare students for PhD level work
- Enhance the knowledge base of practicing engineers
- Provide students with advanced research experience
Curriculum
- Standard Physics Core
- Advanced Electives (Nanotechnology, General Relativity, Astroparticle Physics, Special Topics)
- Capstone - Thesis and Non-thesis options for MS
- Every Undergraduate and Graduate student works on a research project before graduating