Courses

Applied Science and Technology (AS&T)

University of California Berkeley

The Graduate Program in Applied Science and Technology (AS&T) focuses on studies involving the application of physical and mathematical techniques to fundamental investigations and emerging areas within the physical and life sciences. Major areas of emphasis are in applied physics, engineering sciences, and mathematical sciences. AS&T is a Ph.D. program; however, students who are interested in pursuing a Master's of Science degree may complete the additional requirements while continuing to work toward the Ph.D.

AS&T offers students the option of crossing disciplinary lines in developing graduate degree programs. Students choose courses from a variety of departments as appropriate. They are given graduate exams tailored to reflect the breadth of their programs. For example, a student interested in quantum phenomena in nanostructures could take courses in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) and in Physics, and would be examined appropriately; students interested in the development and application of x-ray microscopy for the life sciences could take physical science courses in EECS and physics, as well as courses in biochemistry and physiology; if a student is primarily interested in theoretical mechanics, s/he could take courses in engineering and mathematics, drawing equally on both for a balanced foundation, while not having to satisfy all the requirements for a Ph.D. in either mathematics or engineering.

The program allows students and faculty to focus on subjects that straddle two or more disciplines. For example, plasma theory and experiment, as applied to plasma-assisted materials-processing techniques, fusion research or space physics, could be attractive to students when situated within an interdisciplinary group rather than a single department. The Group seeks to foster closer collaboration between faculty and students from different departments, particularly through joint classes, seminars, and supervision of graduate students. There are approximately 40 faculty members from various research disciplines associated with AS&T (see list of faculty).

Finally, the program in AS&T facilitates the use of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques developed in an associated engineering department and encourages collaboration between the Campus and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in emerging areas. An example is the development of high-brightness radiation sources at short wavelengths, such as the major synchrotron facility, the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which is suitable for studies based on the use of extreme ultraviolet and x-ray radiation. Collaboration on nonlinear optical techniques at short wavelengths also can be enhanced by a cross-disciplinary setting. A second area of collaboration is the fabrication of nanostructures, and pursuit of scientific and technological opportunities based on availability of these confined structures. This is an emerging area of strong interest to individuals in several departments. Facilities available, both at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and on the Berkeley campus, that could greatly enhance educational programs include: atomic resolution electron microscopy, laboratories for microfabrication, computational and image-processing capabilities, and laboratories for the fabrication of layered materials of atomic thickness.