Directed Studies and Student Research

Directed studies (Phys 499, Phys 598)

  Due to schedulling uncertainties special topics courses are offered very infrequently.
  Interested students should contact me to arrange for structured one-quarter directed study as introduction to one of the following topics:   Such introductory courses are appropriate for any student who wishes to know at the technical level something about one or more of these areas as part of their general education.
  Students who wish to specialize in one of these areas, either at Cal State LA or elsewhere, should plan for two to three quarter sequence.

Undergraduate Research (Phys 497), Graduate Research (Phys 597), Thesis (Phys 599)

  Theoretical physics is not a suitable area for undergraduate research unless a student has a very strong mathematical background.
  In either case, both undergraduate and graduate students should start with one or more directed study courses in one of the areas listed above before beginning their research project.
  Possible topics vary from quarter to quarter, depending on Mm's current interest and activities.
  Check links under Projects and Research on Mm homepage and contact me if interested.
  To get some idea about the current topics of interest in Cosmology that attract most manpower, check out KIPAC and KICP.

Suggested programs of study

  If possible, take upper division GE theme I Ancient and Modern, and ASTR 360 Ancient and Modern Views of the Universe.
  BS program currently has 19 units of upper division electives. Recommendation: take 425B (4), 428 (3), 432B (3), and 488 (3) with Mm, and 2x 499 (3+3) with Mm.
  BA program allows for 20-30 units of upper division electives in physics and 4-14 units of electives in other science fields, or science related fields, with adviser approval. Recommendation: take 410AB (4+4), 425A (4), 427 (4), 428 (3), 432AB (3+3), 488 (3) with Mm, and 2x 499 (3+3) also with Mm.
  M.S. program research option has as required courses 597, 598, and 599, at least 1 unit of each for the total of 9 units; these should all be taken with Mm. Depending on undergraduate preparation, 11 units of electives should be chosen from 488 (3), 428 (1), 444 (4), MATH or CS courses, or more 597/598 units with Mm.
  M.S. program course option requires for 9-12 units of upper division electives courses in physics and 8-11 units of additional electives for the total of 20 units. Phys 597 and 599 are not allowed and 598 is limited to at most 4 units. Take 428 (3) and 444 (4), 488 (3) with Mm, 512AB (4+4), and 598 (2) with Mm.
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