A Message from the Chair of the Department of Physics,
Professor Fridolin Weber
Welcome to the Department of Physics at San Diego State. I am fully committed to ensuring that every
undergraduate and graduate student can reach their potential as a physicist. Our department has a strong
tradition of excellent teaching and active research. We prioritize the success of each student, and our faculty members are readily accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students. The small class sizes in the Department of Physics ensure that students receive personalized attention and a comprehensive education that equips them for careers in both industry and academia.
We value creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where we celebrate diversity in all its forms. Fostering the education of students from diverse backgrounds is a top priority for us, as we believe that each student’s unique perspective enriches the learning experience and provides a comprehensive understanding of the material through different viewpoints.
Physics is essential to modern science, and our faculty is involved in cutting-edge research, covering both fundamental and applied physics. All undergraduate majors complete a senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. Our hands-on learning approach prepares students for successful entry into academia or industry. Additionally, our Master’s degree program provides a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework and a thesis, often leading to scientific publications. The Department of Physics offers a broad and diverse range of learning experiences that cover both fundamental and applied aspects of physics. These include:
- Condensed Matter Physics: Investigating the physical properties of solids and liquids, with a focus on phenomena like superconductivity, magnetism, and crystallography.
- Computational Nuclear Physics: Utilizing computational methods to solve complex
problems in various fields of physics, from advanced quantum mechanics to astrophysics. - Experimental Optics: Studying the behavior of light and its interaction with matter, including research in laser physics, optical imaging, and the development of novel optical technologies.
- Medical Physics: Applying physics to medical problems, particularly in radiation therapy physics and diagnostic imaging, with accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP).
- Physics Education: Focusing on research to improve the teaching and learning of physics, aiming to enhance educational methods and outcomes.
- Relativistic Particles and Fields: Applying quantum mechanics, field theory, and relativistic gravity, as described by Einstein’s General Relativity, to understand high-energy processes, the behavior of particles at extreme energies, and cosmic phenomena such as black holes and the expansion of the universe.
- Quantum Computing: Introduction of the principles of quantum mechanics as they apply to
the development and operation of quantum computers, focusing on quantum bits (qubits),
quantum gates, and the unique computational power offered by quantum superposition and
entanglement. Exploring new computational paradigms that could revolutionize computing
by solving problems that are intractable for classical computers.
My colleagues and I are excited to welcome you to our vibrant community. Thank you very much for your interest.
Dr. Fridolin Weber
Distinguished Professor of Physics
Department Chair