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Physics Courses

PHYS 400 - 599

421. Quantum Mechanics I

Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include the origins of quantum theory, angular momentum, the Dirac formalism, 2-level systems and the harmonic oscillator. Four hours lecture. Formerly PHYS 322. Prerequisites: MATH 331, PHYS 225, 306, and 373. (4 units)

422. Quantum Mechanics II

Continued study of the principles of quantum mechanics introduced in PHYS 421. Topics include the axiomatic formulation of quantum mechanics, spin and orbital angular momentum, the Schroedinger equation in three dimensions, approximation methods, and scattering. Prerequisites: PHYS 306, 314, and 421. (4 units)

430. Advanced Physics Laboratory

Selected advanced experiments appropriate to a student's previous preparation. May be repeated for credit. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisite: PHYS 313. Recommended: PHYS 421. (4 units)

450. Introduction to Solid State Physics

Basic concepts of solid state physics, including crystal structure; free electron gas model; electronic structure of solids; phonons; properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors; magnetism; superconductivity. Four hours lecture. Prerequisite: PHYS 421. (4 units)

461. Introduction to Nuclear Physics

Basic concepts of nuclear structure and reactions, including accelerators and detectors, the nucleon-nucleon force, basic nuclear properties, the shell model, radioactivity, heavy ion reactions and quarks. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 306, 422 and 373. (4 units)

463. Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics

A survey of elementary particle physics, including accelerators, relativistic kinematics, conservation laws, quarks, the standard model, and quantum field theories. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 306, 422 and 373. (4 units)

473. Mathematical Methods of Physics II

A continuation of PHYS 373. Topics covered include functions of a complex variable and partial differential equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 373. MATH 331 and PHYS 225 are strongly recommended. (4 units)

573. Mathematical Methods of Physics III

A continuation of PHYS 473 with emphasis on advanced topics relevant to physics. Prerequisites: MATH 331 and PHYS 473. (4 units)

PHYS 300 - 399

306. Classical Mechanics I

A continuing study of dynamics with an introduction to advanced formulations. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 and PHYS 373. (4 units)

307. Classical Mechanics II

A continuation of PHYS 306 with emphasis on systems of particles and rigid bodies. Four hours lecture. Formerly PHYS 406. Prerequisites: PHYS 306. (4 units)

313. Electrodynamics I

Derivation and applications of Maxwell's equations. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 and PHYS 373. (4 units)

314. Electrodynamics II

A continuation of PHYS 313 with advanced applications of Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Four hours lecture. Formerly PHYS 414. Prerequisites: PHYS 313. (4 units)

315. Introduction to Modern Optics

An introduction to geometrical optics, physical optics and lasers. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 313. (4 units)

318. Materials Science and Engineering

Fundamental materials science concepts with applications to include: structure, electrical and thermal properties, phase diagrams, interfaces, and band structure. Four hours lecture. Graded A,B,C/no credit. Prerequisites: CHEM 215, MATH 252 and PHYS 224. (4 units)

324. Statistical and Thermal Physics

Basics of equilibrium thermodynamics including statistical description of physical systems, entropy and temperature, classical and quantum statistical ensembles, thermodynamics, and selected applications. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: MATH 252 and PHYS 225. (4 units)

350. Data Acquisition and Control

An introduction to computer-based data acquisition, control and analysis. Topics include instrument control, graphical programming, algorithm development, feedback control algorithms, and computer-based data analysis. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisites: CSCI 201, PHYS 150 and 222. (4 units)

352. Advanced Electronics

Advanced analog electronics techniques for science and engineering. Topics include computer-aided circuit design, high frequency techniques, modular circuit design, and computer-experiment interfacing. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisites: PHYS 350 and 373. (4 units)

370. Introduction to Astrophysics

Basic principles of stellar structure and evolution, galactic structure, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 and 373. (4 units)

373. Mathematical Methods of Physics I

Vector calculus, Fourier analysis, and ordinary differential equations. Emphasis on techniques applicable to the problems of physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and MATH 252. MATH 331 is recommended. (4 units)

398. Junior Assessment

Students will review the foundational subjects in physics (primarily classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics) at the intermediate level and apply that knowledge to problem-solving.  Prerequisites: PHYS 306 and PHYS 313 with a grade of "C" or better. (1 unit)

PHYS 100 - 299

150. Introductory Electronics

Introduces electronics for the sciences and engineering. Assumes no experience in electronics and be taken prior to introductory physics. Focus is on analog electronics: practical circuits, passive and active circuit elements, signal conditioning, test and measurement skills, and a brief introduction to digital electronics. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: a knowledge of trigonometry and exponential functions. (5 units)

221. General Physics I

First course of a five-course sequence in introductory physics for scienctists and engineers. This sequence is intended for students with a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Mechanics. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisites: MATH 211. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 212. (5 units)

222. General Physics II

Second course in a five-course sequence in introductory physics for scientists and engineers. Electromagnetism. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisites: PHYS 221, MATH 212. Recommended: MATH 213. (5 units)

223. General Physics III

Third course of a five-course sequence in introductory physics for scientists and engineers. Waves and optics. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required. Prerequisite: PHYS 222. (5 units)

224. General Physics IV

Fourth course of a five-course sequence in introductory physics for scientists and engineers. Special relativity, kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 223 or consent of instructor. (3 units)

225. General Physics V

Fifth course of a five-course sequence in introductory physics for scientists and engineers. Modern physics. Three hours lecture. Formerly PHYS 228. Prerequisite: PHYS 224 or consent of instructor. (3 units)