StudyQA — Bachelor: Applied Physics — California Institute of Technology

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The Applied Physics option is designed to extend knowledge of the principles of pure physics to the development of new technologies. Areas of current research emphasis in Applied Physics at Caltech include: optics and photonics, semiconductor devices, fluid dynamics, plasma physics, biophysics, and quantum physics. The interdisciplinary nature of this option allows considerable flexibility in course work, training and individual research interests to enhance maximum breadth and depth. By graduation, students have learned basic laboratory and engineering methods used in a broad range of applied physics sub-disciplines and will be able to critically evaluate and understand applied physics literature. To accomplish these goals, students are expected to complete a series of required laboratory and classroom courses designed to introduce them to a range of applied physics sub-disciplines. Undergraduate research is encouraged both during the academic year and through participation in summer research programs.

Second Year		First Term	Second Term	Third Term
Ph 12 abc	Sophomore Physics	9	9	9
Ma 2 and 3	Sophomore Mathematics	9	9	0
ACM 95 abc	Intro. Methods of Applied Math.	12	12	12
	HSS electives	9	9	9
	Laboratory electives1	6	6	6
	Other elective	0	0	9
		45	45	45

Three Year		First Term	Second Term	Third Term
Ph 125 ab	Quantum Mechanics	9	9	0
APh 110 ab	Topics in Applied Physics	2	2	0
APh 17 ab	Thermodynamics and Stat. Mech	9	9	0
Ph 106 abc	Topics in Classical Physics	9	9	9
	HSS electives	9	9	9
	Other elective	9	9	27
		47	47	47

Fourth Year		First Term	Second Term	Third Term
APh 78 abc	Senior Thesis, Experimental3	9	9	9
or
APh 77	Laboratory in Applied Physics3	-	9	9
	Advanced Elective2	9	9	9
	HSS electives	9	9	9
	Other electives including APh100	27	18	18
		45	45	45

Requirements

Common Application or the Coalition Application with Caltech Questions - Caltech does not have a preference between the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We advise that you use the best platform for your application process.
- Note: Caltech is also a QuestBridge Partner. Students may apply for Caltech through the QuestBridge College Match Program.
$75 application fee or fee waiver (Common App waiver, Coalition Application waiver, or Caltech-specific waiver)
SAT with Optional Essay or ACT with Writing (official scores from testing agency)
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 (official scores from testing agency)
1 SAT science subject test: biology (ecological), biology (molecular), chemistry, or physics (official scores from testing agency)
1 math or science teacher evaluation
1 humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation
Secondary School Report
Academic transcripts
TOEFL scores - Required of all international citizens unless 1) your native language is English; or 2) you have had school instruction for two or more years in English. The two years of school instruction must be completed prior to the application deadline). We do not accept the IELTS or any other substitute for the TOEFL requirement.
International Financial Aid Statement of Intent - When an international citizen applies for freshman admission, the application prompts questions to confirm his/her understanding of our financial aid policy and thus confirm his/her financial aid intent towards Caltech. Caltech is need-sensitive for international citizens because the total amount of financial aid funds is limited for these students, and we remain committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted students.