Physics Courses

LOWER-DIVISION

PHY 141, 142 (4,4) GENERAL PHYSICS I, II–GE

A general introduction to physics including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The course is taught primarily at the algebra/trigonometry level but does require limited use of calculus. Meets the professional requirements of life and medical science majors. Four lectures and one laboratory each week.
Corequisite: Mathematics 164 or consent of instructor.

PHY 241, 242 (4,4) UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I, II–GE

An analytic, calculus-based study of classical physics appropriate for science and engineering majors. Includes mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Four lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered in a spring and fall sequence.
Corequisite: Mathematics 145 or 164 or consent of instructor.

UPPER-DIVISION

PHY 304 (4) MODERN PHYSICS

An introduction to concepts of modern physics including relativity, quantum theory, atomic physics, and high energy physics. Four lectures and one laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: Physics 142 or 242.

PHY 311 (3) NUCLEAR PHYSICS

A survey of nuclear physics including nuclear models, laws of radioactive decay, radiation detection, and applications of nuclear science in engineering and medicine. Three lectures and one laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: Physics 142.

PHY 341 (4) ANALYTICAL MECHANICS

Newtonian mechanics, dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, oscillatory motion, central forces, inertial tensors, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.
Prerequisites: Physics 242 and Mathematics 274.
Recommended: Mathematics 334.

PHY 361, 362 (3,3) ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, AND WAVES I, II

Classical electromagnetism including electric and magnetic fields, the electromagnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations, and a study of electromagnetic radiation including interference, diffraction, and interaction with material bodies.
Prerequisites: Physics 242 and Mathematics 274.
Recommended: Mathematics 334.

PHY 401 (3) THERMODYNAMICS

Fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; applications to both classical and quantum systems.
Prerequisite: Physics 242.
Recommended: Mathematics 334.

PHY 431 (3) QUANTUM MECHANICS

A rigorous introduction to quantum physics including Schroedinger’s equation, matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, and applications in atomic and molecular physics.
Prerequisites: Physics 304 and Mathematics 274.
Recommended: Mathematics 334.

PHY 443 (3) SOLID STATE PHYSICS

An introduction to the study of solids, including crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, crystal binding, phonons, and electron band theory.
Prerequisite: Physics 431.

PHY 475 (2) SENIOR LABORATORY AND STUDENT PROJECT

This course provides students the opportunity to prepare a technical paper on scientific or engineering research and to make an oral presentation of their results of this research.  Initially topics investigated will draw on learning from the core curriculum, including topics in an advanced laboratory setting in mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electricity and magnetism.  Students will then develop and explore a project of their choosing.  This course will normally be completed in a student's senior year.

PHY 489 (1-4) INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICS

Designed to provide experience in applied settings for students majoring in physics. An academic plan must be developed in consultation between the supervising faculty member, student and work supervisor. Students must complete 45 hours of supervised work for each unit of credit received. Students may repeat this course for up to four units.

PHY 490 (1-3) SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS

The topics in physics chosen depend on regular or visiting faculty expertise as well as student demand. May be repeated as topics vary up to a total of six units.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PHY 495 (1) SEMINAR IN PHYSICS

Presentation of papers by students, faculty, and visiting scholars, as well as attendance at seminars at other institutions. May be repeated up to a maximum of four units. Graded Credit/No Credit.

PHY 499 (1-4) RESEARCH IN PHYSICS

Independent investigation, under the supervision of a faculty member, of a specific problem in physics or engineering.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Senior standing.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSES

PSC 103 (4) EARTH SCIENCE–GE

An introductory survey of the disciplines of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, with discussion of philosophical and societal issues. (Meets a general education requirement; does not count toward any Chemistry or Physics majors.)
Prerequisite: Mathematics 099 or equivalent.

PSC 105 (4) THE COSMOS - GE

An introduction to our place in the universe emphasizing religious, cultural and historic perspectives including modern developments in physics and astronomy. (Meets a general education requirement; does not count toward any Chemistry or Physics majors.)
Prerequisite: Mathematics 099 or equivalent

PSC 110 (4) PHYSICAL SCIENCE – GE

An introductory survey of selected principles in physics and chemistry with a discussion of related societal and environmental issues. (Meets a general education requirement; does not count toward any Chemistry or Physics majors.) One two-hour laboratory each week.
Corequisite: Mathematics 099 or equivalent.