Fundamental
treatment of physics without use of calculus. Required for
biological science majors; recommended for behavioral science
majors. Biologists planning graduate work may find the 201-205
and 306 series in physics with calculus better suited to their
needs. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours for each course.
HYS 101–103 = CAN PHYS SEQ A
PHYS 101: Prerequisite:
Knowledge of elementary algebra and trigonometry. Mechanics of
particles, rigid bodies; gravity; simple harmonic motion.
PHYS 101P Physics Recitation (1)
Recitation for Physics 101 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC.
Recitation for Physics 102 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC.
PHYS 103: Prerequisite: PHYS 102 . Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, relativity, quanta, atoms, nuclei, and fundamental particles.
PHYS 103P Physics Recitation (1)
Recitation for Physics 103 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC.
PHYS 150 Principles of Physics (4)
Prerequisite:
Ability to use simple algebraic equations. Introductory course,
not for science or engineering majors. Basic concepts of
mechanics, sound, heat, electricity, light, relativity, atomic and
nuclear structure. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
PHYS 150P Physics Recitation (1)
Recitation for Physics 150 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC .
PHYS 154L,P Selected Topics in Physics (1–6)
Prerequisite: Specific prerequisites announced in Schedule of Classes. Topics of current interest in physics and astronomy, as announced in Schedule of Classes; relevance of physics in solving problems of modern technological society.
PHYS 155 Nature of Physical World (4)
Primarily
for non-majors in science. Concepts of physics illustrated
through everyday phenomena. Topics include mechanical forces,
fluids, heat, waves, nuclear theory, radiation, and energy in operation
of living and nonliving systems.
PHYS 156 Physics for the Twenty-first Century (4)
Current
topics in physics that will play a significant role in social and
economic issues of the 21st century. Fundamental physics concepts
necessary to understand these topics. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory
3 hours. GE B2
PHYS 157 Learning Science through Inquiry (4) (also listed as BIOL 157)
Hands-on
exploration by the scientific method of biology and physics topics,
e.g. plant growth and sound. The emphasis is on individual and
group learning through inquiry-based investigation and student directed
research. Activity 6 hours. No credit toward
Biology/Physics major or minor. GE B3
PHYS 198 General Physics Laboratory (1)
Prerequisites:
Approval of the Physics Chair and student's major adviser.
Provides registration mechanism for transfer students who require lower
division laboratory to complete requirements for lower division physics
course.
PHYS 201–205 General Physics (4 each)
Two-year sequence for physical science and engineering majors, using calculus. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
PHYS 201 General Physics Prerequisites: High school physics or permission of department; MATH 206 (may be taken concurrently). Vectors, mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, basic conservation laws of mechanics.
PHYS 201P: Physics Recitation (1)
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in PHYS 201 . Recitation for PHYS 201 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC .
PHYS 202 General Physics
PHYS Prerequisite: PHYS 201 ; prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 207 . Mechanical vibrations and sound, elementary thermodynamics.
PHYS 202P: Physics Recitation (1)
Corequisite: PHYS 202 . Recitation for PHYS 202 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC .
PHYS 203 General Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS 202 . Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 208 . Elementary field theory, basic electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits.
PHYS 203P: Physics Recitation
Corequisite: Concurrent registration in PHYS 203 . Recitation for PHYS 203 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC .
PHYS 204 General Physics:
Prerequisite: PHYS 203 .
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 209. Continuation of
electricity and magnetism including oscillations and waves;
geometrical and physical optics.
PHYS 204P Physics Recitation (1)
Corequisite: Concurrent registration in PHYS 204 . Recitation for PHYS 204 with emphasis on techniques of problem solving. Graded CR/NC .
PHYS 205 General Physics:
Prerequisite: PHYS 204 ;
prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 209. Topics in modern physics
including special relativity, elementary quantum physics, atomic
theory, Schrödinger's equation.
Upper Division Courses
PHYS 306 Modern Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 205 .
Elementary quantum mechanics and its applications to atoms, molecules,
nuclei, particle physics and solid state physics.
PHYS 311 Elements of Modern Astronomy (3) (also listed as ASTR 311)
Prerequisite: PHYS 205 . Survey of modern astronomy, designed for students majoring in physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
PHYS 312 Basic Electronics (4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 204 .
AC and DC circuits, solid-state circuits and devices, feedback,
operational amplifiers. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
PHYS 313 Digital Electronics (4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 312 .
Design and use of pulse circuits and digital logic circuits.
Fundamentals of computer design and computer programming. Lecture
3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
PHYS 333 Applied Modern Physics (4)
Prerequisites: MATH 215 , PHYS 204 .
Selected topics in modern physics of solids including special
relativity, wave mechanics, photons, phonons, applications to lasers,
semiconductors, and other devices.
PHYS 350N Evolution of Universe and Earth (4) (also listed as GEOL 350N)
Prerequisite:
GE natural science requirement. Origin and evolution of the
universe, elements, stars, sun, the Earth, and life upon it.
PHYS 363 The Creative Process in Physics (4)
Prerequisite:
GE natural science requirement. The creative process in physics
past and present. Individual achievements from Galileo to modern
times, both experimental and theoretical; examination of how
large scientific groups work; implications for future research.
PHYS 396 Honors Studies in Physics (3)
Prerequisite:
Admission to departmental honors program. Study leading to
colloquium presentation required for conferral of Bachelor of Science
degree with Departmental Honors in Physics.
PHYS 400-level Courses
All
400-level courses may be applied toward master's degree requirements
except the following, subject to limits established by the department
and approval of the graduate adviser: PHYS 410AB , 425AB , 426AB , 427 , 432AB , 470 , 497 , 499 .
PHYS 410AB Mathematical Methods of Physics (4, 4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 204 ;
MATH 209. Vector calculus, integration, series, complex
variables, special functions, boundary value problems, calculus of
variations. Emphasis on mathematical solution of problems in
physics.
PHYS 411 Introduction to Astrophysics (3) (also listed as ASTR 411)
PHYS 412 Laboratory Applications of Minicomputers and Microcomputers (4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 313
strongly recommended. The use of minicomputers and microcomputers
in physics laboratories and research. Fundamentals of data
acquisition, interfacing, and data display. Lecture 2 hours,
laboratory 6 hours.
PHYS 420 Physics Computing (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 410A
and some programming experience recommended. Introduction to the
use of computers in physics. The use of numerical recipes and
symbolic manipulation programs for the solution of scientific
problems. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
PHYS 425AB Introduction to Theoretical Physics (4, 4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 205 , 410A .
Application of mathematics to solutions of problems in physics with
emphasis on general area of mechanics; Newtonian, Lagrangian, and
Hamiltonian mechanics, field theory, special relativity.
PHYS 426AB Electricity and Magnetism (3, 3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 205 , 410A .
Theoretical electricity and magnetism; properties of electric and
magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves; emphasis on mathematical
solution of problems.
PHYS 427 Thermodynamics (4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 205 , MATH 209. Corequisite: 410A.
Introduction to thermodynamics and statistical physics; emphasis on mathematical solution of problems.
PHYS 428 Statistical Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 427 .
Introduction to statistical mechanics, transport phenomena,
fluctuations; emphasis on mathematical solution of problems.
PHYS 431 Modern Optics (4)
Prerequisites or corequisites: PHYS 205 , 410AB ; recommended corequisite: PHYS 471 .
Introduction to modern optics; geometric optics by matrix
methods, partial polarization, coherence, diffraction, quantum optics,
and developments in laser technology.
PHYS 432AB Introductory Quantum Mechanics (3, 3)
PHYS Prerequisites: PHYS 306 , 410A . Introduction to quantum mechanics with applications; emphasis on mathematical solution of problems.
432A: Fundamentals
of wave mechanics, wave packets, and the uncertainty principle.
Schrödinger's equation, operators and eigenfunctions, one-dimensional
problems.
432B: Central potentials, spectroscopy, spin and angular momentum, symmetry and conservation laws.
PHYS 433 Solid State Physics I (4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 306 ; 427
recommended. Crystal structure, thermal and electrical behavior
of insulators, metals, and semiconductors; band theory.
PHYS 434 Solid State Physics II (4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 432A ; 427 , 433
recommended. Fermi surface, transport theory, superconductivity,
magnetic resonance, optical properties, superfluidity, ion
implantation.
PHYS 443AB Biophysics (3, 2)
Prerequisites: Lower division biophysics or biochemistry program; CHEM 401 or PHYS 427 .
PHYS 443A: Physical aspects of living state. Lecture 3 hours.
443B: Theory of physical methods used in measurement of biological processes. Lecture 2 hours.
Prerequisites: PHYS 306 , 312 .
Instrumentation, techniques, and analytical evaluation involved in
current experimental practice; basic experiments in vacuum
techniques, and in classical, solid-state, and nuclear physics.
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 6 hours.
PHYS 471 Advanced Physics Laboratory II (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 470 .
Further advanced laboratory experience in contemporary fields.
Experiments in nuclear physics, solid-state physics, cryogenics,
optics, laser physics, spectroscopy, and related topics, as selected by
instructor. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 6 hours. May be
repeated to maximum of 9 units.
PHYS 488 Modern Topics in General Relativity (3) (also listed as ASTR 488)
Prerequisites: PHYS 410AB ; 425AB
strongly recommended. Introduction to basic ideas of general
relativity: physics of spacetime, relativistic stars,
gravitational collapse and black holes, gravitational waves, testing of
general relativity.
PHYS 491 Topics in Contemporary Experimental Physics (3)
Prerequisites:
Upper division or graduate standing in physics; others as listed
in department announcement. Each section of course is a lecture
series designed to present current developments in research;
laboratory program may be included. Specific topics listed in Schedule of Classes and in department. May be repeated for credit.
PHYS 492 Topics in Contemporary Theoretical Physics (3)
Prerequisites:
Upper division or graduate standing in Physics; others as listed
in department announcement. Each section of course is a lecture
series designed to present current developments in theory.
Specific topic listed in Schedule of Classes and in department. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite:
Consent of faculty sponsor prior to registration. Laboratory work
organized on a project basis open to a limited number of qualified
physics majors each year. Emphasis on developing experimental
ability and initiative of the student. May be repeated for
credit.
PHYS 499 Undergraduate Directed Study (1–4)
Prerequisites:
Consent of faculty sponsor before registration and ability to work
independently. Includes regular conferences with sponsor and
preparation of a report. May be repeated for credit.
