School of Physical Sciences
New $21 Million Grant
From NIH
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Subscribe hereU.S. News Graduate School Rankings
The School of Physical Sciences has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence with top-ranked graduate programs across multiple departments:
CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY (Overall #20)
- Biochemistry #8
- Inorganic Chemistry #14
- Theoretical Chemistry #15
- Physical Chemistry #17
MATHEMATICS (Overall #20)
- Discrete Mathematics #5
- Algebra #10
- Geometry #15
PHYSICS (Overall #21)
- Physics of Living Systems #5
- Condensed Matter #13
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All the latest news on the school's research, faculty, students, programs and more.
OUR DEPARTMENTS
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Our researchers excel in observational, experimental and theoretical astrophysics. Our vision is to facilitate exciting growth and strengthens astrophysics research areas, enhances undergraduate and graduate educational programs, and supports activities and initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Chemistry & Biochemistry
We are committed to excellence in research, education and service. As part of this mission, the department values and promotes equity, fairness and inclusion of diverse members. It welcomes opportunities to engage a broader audience in the excitement of discovery and to connect more members of the campus and local communities with the chemistry of everyday experiences.
Mathematics
From algebra and combinatorics to statistics and probability theory, we offer a vast array of research areas and opportunities for collaboration. UC San Diego mathematics helps the world in a variety of ways, from developing algorithms for big data to applying math for easing traffic congestion.
Physics
The foundational science, physics informs us about what is possible and impossible—from the outer reaches of space to the pockets of everyday life. Our department attracts some of the brightest scholars in the world, asks fundamental questions about the universe and develops the methods and tools to answer those questions.
About Us
The School of Physical Sciences is committed to inclusive excellence in research and teaching, providing the resources and environment for all our community members to excel. Our priorities support the Chancellor’s strategic goals as we focus on facilitating student success, growing the faculty for the future and enabling new research directions. We offer students a wide range of undergraduate degrees and top-ranking graduate programs, and our world-renowned faculty contribute to our students’ success through mentorship. We also support the state’s need for qualified science teachers through the California Teach Science and Math Initiative. At UC San Diego, we’re where research and teaching excellence begins.
Alumni
Since 1960, UC San Diego has been educating the next generation of leaders and thinkers in science. Our alumni embody the spirit of the school, and they are a key reason why UC San Diego is known for scientific excellence in research, education and discovery. The Triton family includes more than 13,000 physical sciences alumni, all part of the larger UC San Diego Alumni Network. We encourage you to stay connected with us through email, social media and this website. Please let us know what you’re up to—we’d love to reach out and stay in touch!