Physics background

Curriculum in Applied Physics

Our curriculum blends core physical science, advanced engineering, and mission-driven applications — from quantum technologies and optical systems to space engineering, energy, and climate physics.

Foundation

Core Physics & Mathematical Foundations

Build fluency in the fundamental laws of nature and the analytical tools required to model, predict, and engineer physical systems.

Core Topics
  • Classical Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Modern Physics
Methods & Theory
  • Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering
  • Electromagnetics
  • Introduction to Relativity
  • Chaos and Its Applications
Quantum & Computing

Quantum Science & Emerging Technologies

Enter the quantum era: quantum devices, quantum information, quantum sensing, and practical near-term quantum computing.

  • Applied Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Quantum Algorithms: Near Term Applications
  • Quantum Information Processing
  • Quantum Instrumentation
  • Superconducting Devices: Physics and Applications
Space & Astrophysics

Space, Astrophysics & Planetary Systems

Study planets, stars, spacecraft, and the universe — and learn how to design systems that operate in space.

Astrophysics & Planetary Science
  • Introduction to Planetary Science
  • Introduction to Astrophysics
  • Physics in Lunar Exploration
  • Introduction to Exoplanets
  • Cosmology
  • Space Physics
Orbital Dynamics & Mission Design
  • Orbital and Celestial Mechanics
  • Physics of Space Systems I
  • Physics of Space Systems II
Energy & Sustainability

Energy, Power & Climate Systems

Explore power generation, renewable energy, large-scale infrastructure, and the physics driving Earth's climate system.

  • Electric Power Principles
  • Alternate Energy Technology
  • Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Energy Conversion
  • Physics of Climate
Materials & Survival

Materials, Matter & Extreme Environments

Design and analyze advanced materials for aerospace, nuclear, hypersonic, and energy systems in harsh environments.

  • Materials Science
  • Materials Characterization
  • Materials in Extreme Environments
  • Solid State Physics
Sensing & Imaging

Photonics, Optics & Sensing

Learn optical physics, advanced detectors, remote sensing, and intelligent sensor systems for science, defense, and industry.

Optical Science & Engineering
  • Principles of Optics
  • Modern Optics
  • Optical System Design and Modelling
  • Optical Detectors & Applications
  • Optics and MATLAB
Sensors & Remote Measurement
  • Fundamentals of Sensors
  • Sensors and Sensor Systems
  • Infrared Sensors: Physics and Applications
  • Physics of Remote Sensing
Modeling & Environment

Computational Physics, Oceans & Applied Electromagnetics

High-fidelity simulation, advanced electromagnetics for real-world systems, and physical circulation in the ocean.

  • Applied Computational Electromagnetics
  • Intro to Oceanography
Graduate Research

Research, Projects & Independent Study

Work one-on-one with faculty on focused research problems, applied design efforts, or exploratory studies aligned with your goals.

  • Applied Physics Project
  • Directed Studies in Applied Physics