Physics
Courses
Lower-Division
The Physics 1 sequence is primarily intended for biology.
The Physics 2 sequence is intended for physical science and engineering
majors and those biological science majors with strong mathematical aptitude.
The Physics 4 sequence is intended for all physics majors and for students
with an interest in physics. This five-quarter sequence covers the same
topics as the Physics 2 sequence, but it covers these topics more slowly
and in more depth. The Physics 4 sequence provides a solid foundation
for the upper-division courses required for the physics major.
Note: Since some of the material is duplicated in the Physics
1, 2 and 4 sequences, credit cannot be obtained for both. Please check
with the Physics Student Affairs Office when switching sequences. (Example:
Physics 1A followed by Physics 2A, no credit for Physics 2A.)
Physics 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are intended for non-science majors.
Physics 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 do not use calculus while Physics 11
uses some calculus.
1A. Mechanics (Lecture and Laboratory) (5) First
quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based lecture and laboratory introductory
physics course, geared toward life-science majors. Equilibrium and motion
of particles in Newtonian mechanics, examples from astronomy, biology
and sports, oscillations and waves, vibrating strings and sound. Prerequisites:
Mathematics 10A or 20A and prior or concurrent enrollment in Math. 10B
or Math. 20B, and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 10B; or concurrent
enrollment in Mathematics 20A. (F,W,S)
1B. Electricity, Magnetism, and Thermodynamics (Lecture and Laboratory)
(5) Second quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based
lecture and laboratory introductory physics course geared toward life-science
majors. Electric fields, magnetic fields, DC and AC circuitry, and thermal
physics. Prerequisites: Physics 1A and prior or concurrent enrollment
in Math. 10C, 10D, or 20C. (F,W,S) Course materials fee is required.
1C. Diffusion, Radiation, and Modern Physics (Lecture and Laboratory)
(5) Third quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based
lecture and laboratory introductory physics course geared toward life-science
majors. Behavior of systems under combined thermal and electric forces,
the interaction of light with matter as illustrated through optics and
quantum mechanics. Examples from biology and instrumentation. Prerequisites:
Physics 1B and Mathematics 10C or Mathematics 10D or 20C. (F,W,S)
Course materials fee is required.
2A. PhysicsMechanics (4) A calculus-based
science-engineering general physics course covering vectors, motion in
one and two dimensions, Newtons first and second laws, work and
energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, collisions, rotational
kinematics, rotational dynamics, equilibrium of rigid bodies, oscillations,
gravitation. Prerequisites: Mathematics 20A, and concurrent enrollment
in Mathematics 20B. (F,W,S)
2B. PhysicsElectricity and Magnetism (4) Continuation
of Physics 2A covering charge and matter, the electric field, Gausss
law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance,
electromotive force and circuits, the magnetic field, Amperes law,
Faradays law, inductance, electromagnetic oscillations, alternating
currents and Maxwells equations. Prerequisites: Physics 2A, Mathematics
20B, and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20C. (F,W,S)
2BL. Physics LaboratoryMechanics and Electrostatics (2) One
hour lecture and three hours laboratory. Experiments include gravitational
force, linear and rotational motion, conservation of energy and momentum,
collisions, oscillations and springs, gyroscopes. Experiments on electrostatics
involve charge, electric field, potential, and capacitance. Data reduction
and error analysis are required for written laboratory reports. Prerequisite:
concurrent enrollment in Physics 2B or 4C. (F,W,S) Course materials
fee is required.
2C. PhysicsFluids, Waves, Thermodynamics, and Optics (4) Continuation
of Physics 2B covering fluid mechanics, waves in elastic media, sound
waves, temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic
theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, Maxwells
equations, electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, interference and diffraction.
Prerequisites: Physics 2B, Mathematics 20C, and concurrent enrollment
in Mathematics 20D. (F,W,S)
2CL. Physics LaboratoryElectricity and Magnetism, Waves, and
Optics (2) One hour lecture and three hours
laboratory. Experiments on refraction, interference/diffraction using
lasers and microwaves; lenses and the eye; acoustics; oscilloscope and
L-R-C circuits; oscillations, resonance and damping, measurement of magnetic
fields; and the mechanical equivalence of heat. Prerequisites: prior
or concurrent enrollment in Physics 1C, 2C, or 4D. (F,W,S) Course
materials fee is required.
2D. PhysicsRelativity and Quantum Physics (4) A
modern physics course covering atomic view of matter, electricity and
radiation, atomic models of Rutherford and Bohr, relativity, X-rays, wave
and particle duality, matter waves, Schrždingers equation, atomic
view of solids, natural radioactivity. Prerequisites: Physics 2B and
Mathematics 20D. (F,W,S)
2DL. Physics LaboratoryModern Physics (2) One
hour of lecture and three hours of laboratory. Experiments to be chosen
from refraction, diffraction and interference of microwaves, Hall effect,
thermal band gap, optical spectra, coherence of light, photoelectric effect,
e/m ratio of particles, radioactive decays, and plasma physics. Prerequisites:
2BL or 2CL, prior or concurrent enrollment in Physics 2D or 4E. (S)
Course materials fee is required.
4A. Physics for Physics MajorsMechanics (4) The
first quarter of a five-quarter calculus-based physics sequence for physics
majors and students with a serious interest in physics. The topics covered
are vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, conservation
of energy, conservation of momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics
and dynamics, equilibrium of rigid bodies. Prerequisites: Mathematics
20A and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20B. (W)
4B. Physics for Physics MajorsMechanics, Fluids, Waves, and
Heat (4) Continuation of Physics 4A covering
oscillations, gravity, fluid statics and dynamics, waves in elastic media,
sound waves, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory
of gases, second law of thermodynamics, gaseous mixtures and chemical
reactions. Prerequisites: Physics 4A, Mathematics 20B and concurrent
enrollment in Mathematics 20C. (S)
4C. Physics for Physics MajorsElectricity and Magnetism (4) Continuation
of Physics 4B covering charge and Coulombs law, electric field,
Gausss law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current
and resistance, magnetic field, Amperes law, Faradays law,
inductance, magnetic properties of matter, LRC circuits, Maxwells
equations. Prerequisites: Physics 4B, Mathematics 20C and concurrent
enrollment in Mathematics 20D. (F)
4D. Physics for Physics MajorsElectromagnetic Waves, Optics,
and Special Relativity (4) Continuation of
Physics 4C covering electromagnetic waves and the nature of light, cavities
and wave guides, electromagnetic radiation, reflection and refraction
with applications to geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, holography,
special relativity. Prerequisites: Physics 4C, Mathematics 20D and
concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20E. (W)
4E. Physics for Physics MajorsQuantum Physics (4) Continuation
of Physics 4D covering experimental basis of quantum mechanics: Schrždinger
equation and simple applications; spin; structure of atoms and molecules;
selected topics from solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics.
Prerequisites: Physics 4D, Mathematics 20E, and concurrent enrollment
in Mathematics 20F. (S)
5. The Universe (4) Introduction to astronomy.
Topics include the earths place in the universe; the atom and light;
the birth, life, and death of stars; the Milky Way galaxy; normal and
active galaxies; and cosmology. Physics 5 or 7, and Earth Sciences 10
and 30 form a three-quarter sequence. Students may not receive credit
for both Physics 5 and Physics 7. Restricted to P/NP grading option if
taken after Physics 1A, 2A, or 4A. (F,S)
6. Physics of Space Science and Exploration (4) Descriptive
introduction to basic physics concepts relevant to space science and exploration.
Topics include gravity; orbits, weightlessness, and Keplers laws;
the Earths physical environment (including its atmosphere, its magnetic
field, and radiation from the sun); and light as an electromagnetic wave.
These topics form the basis for an introduction to the space program and
discussion of the scientific reasons for performing experiments or observations
in space. Restricted to P/NP grading option if taken after Physics 1A,
2A, or 4A. (W) (Not offered in 20032004.)
7. Introductory Astronomy (4) Introduction
to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics same as Physics 5. This course uses
basic pre-calculus level mathematics (algebra, proportions, logs, similar
triangles). Physics 5 or 7 and Earth Sciences 10 and 30 form a three-quarter
sequence. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 5 and Physics
7. Restricted to P/NP grading option if taken after Physics 1A, 2A, or
4A. (W)
8. Physics of Everyday Life (4) Examines
phenomena and technology encountered in daily life from a physics perspective.
Topics include waves, musical instruments, telecommunication, sports,
appliances, transportation, computers, and energy sources. Physics concepts
will be introduced and discussed as needed employing some algebra. No
prior physics knowledge is required. Restricted to P/NP grading option
if taken after Physics 1A, 2A, or 4A. (S)
9. The Solar System (4) A non-mathematical
exploration of our Solar System and other planetary systems for non-science
majors. The sun, terrestrial and giant planets, satellites, asteroids,
comets and meteors. The formation of planetary systems, space exploration,
the development and search for life. (F)
10. Concepts in Physics (4) This is a one-quarter
general physics course for nonscience majors. Topics covered are motion,
energy, heat, waves, electric current, radiation, light, atoms and molecules,
nuclear fission and fusion. This course emphasizes concepts with minimal
mathematical formulation. Prerequisite: college algebra or equivalent.
Restricted to P/NP grading option if taken after Physics 1A, 2A,
or 4A. (W)
11. Survey of Physics (4) Survey of physics
for non-science majors with strong mathematical background, including
calculus. Physics 11 describes the laws of motion, gravity, energy, momentum,
and relativity. A laboratory component consists of two experiments with
gravity and conservation principles. Prerequisites: Mathematics 10A
or 20A and concurrent enrollment in Math 10B or 20B. (F)
12. Energy and the Environment (4) A course
covering energy fundamentals, energy use in an industrial society and
the impact of large-scale energy consumption. It addresses topics on fossil
fuel, heat engines, solar energy, nuclear energy, energy conservation,
transportation, air pollution and global effects. Concepts and quantitative
analysis. (S)
90. Undergraduate SeminarPhysics Today (1) Undergraduate
seminars organized around the research interests of various faculty members.
Prerequisite: none. (F,W,S)
91. Undergraduate Seminar on Physics (1) Undergraduate
seminars organized around the research interests of various faculty members.
(F,W,S)
Upper-Division
100A. Electromagnetism (4) Coulombs
law, electric fields, electrostatics; conductors and dielectrics; steady
currents, elements of circuit theory. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites:
Physics 2C or 4D, Mathematics 20D; 20E, 20F. (Concurrent enrollment
in Math. 20F permitted.) (F)
100B. Electromagnetism (4) Magnetic fields
and magnetostatics, magnetic materials, induction, AC circuits, displacement
currents; development of Maxwells equations. Four hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Physics 100A. (W)
100C. Electromagnetism (4) Electromagnetic
waves, radiation theory; application to optics; motion of charged particles
in electromagnetic fields; relation of electromagnetism to relativistic
concepts. Four hours lecture. Prerequisite: Physics 100B. (S)
105A. Mathematical and Computational Physics (4) A
combined analytic and mathematica-based numerical approach to the solution
of common applied mathematics problems in physics and engineering. Topics:
Fourier series and integrals, special functions, initial and boundary
value problems, Greens functions; heat, Laplace and wave equations.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 20E and 20F and Physics 4E or 2D. (F)
105B. Mathematical and Computational Physics (4) A
continuation of Physics 105A covering selected advanced topics in applied
mathematical and numerical methods. Topics include statistics, diffusion
and Monte-Carlo simulations; Laplace equation and numerical methods for
nonseparable geometries; waves in inhomogeneous media, WKB analysis; nonlinear
systems and chaos. Prerequisite: Physics 105A. (W)
107/207. Macromolecule Structure Determination by X-ray Crystallography
(4) This course will describe the different
steps used in solving for a three dimensional structure of a macromolecule
using X-ray crystallography. Topics covered: theory of X-ray diffraction
by a crystal; X-ray sources & detectors; crystallization of a protein;
crystal symmetry; solution of phase problem by the isomorphous replacement
method; anomalous scattering; molecular replacement method; model building
and phase improvement; structure refinement. Prerequisites: Mathematics
20D and Physics 100A, or BIBC 100 or Chemistry 114A or consent of instructor.
(F)
110A. Mechanics (4) Coordinate transformations,
review of Newtonian mechanics, linear oscillations, gravitation, calculus
of variations, Hamiltons principle, Lagrangian dynamics, Hamiltons
equations, central force motion. Four hours lecture. Prerequisites:
Physics 2C or 4D, Mathematics 20D, 20E, 20F (concurrent enrollment in
Mathematics 20F permitted). (F)
110B. Mechanics (4) Noninertial reference
systems, dynamics of rigid bodies, coupled oscillators, special relativity,
continuous systems. Prerequisites: Physics 110A and Mathematics 20E.
(W)
120A-B. Physical Measurements (4-4) A laboratory-lecture
course in physical measurements with an emphasis on electronic methods.
Topics include circuit theory, special circuits. Fourier analysis, noise,
transmission lines, transistor theory, amplifiers, feedback, operational
amplifiers, oscillators, pulse circuits, digital electronics. Three hours
lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Physics 2CL and 2DL,
Physics 100A. (S,F) Course materials fee is required.
121. Experimental Techniques (4) A laboratory-lecture
course on the performance of scientific experiments with an emphasis on
the use of microcomputers for control and data handling. Topics include
microcomputer-architecture, interfacing, and programming, digital to analog
and analog to digital conversion, asynchronous buses, interrupt and control
techniques, transducers, actuators, digital signal processingsignal
filtering, deconvolution, averaging and detection, construction techniquessoldering,
parts selection, assembly methods, project managementplanning, funding,
scheduling, and utilization of personnel. Three hours lecture, four hours
laboratory. Prerequisite: Physics 120A or equivalent. (W) Course
materials fee is required.
122/222. Experimental Foundation of Particle Physics (44) Modern
experimental techniques in particle physics will be discussed. Experiments
are selected which have provided (or will shortly provide) tests of the
theory of elementary particles. Examples of topics for which experiments
are discussed include neutral currents, discovery of the J/Psi and Upsilon
particle, number of light neutrino species, neutrino mass, CP violation
and Higgs Searches. Prerequisite: Physics 130B or Physics 215B.
130A. Quantum Physics (4) Phenomena which
led to the development of quantum mechanics. Wave mechanics; the Schrždinger
equation, interpretation of the wave function, the uncertainty principle,
piece-wise constant potentials, simple harmonic oscillator, central field
and the hydrogen atom. Observables and measurements. Four hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Physics 2C or 2D, 4E, or equivalent. (S)
130B. Quantum Physics (4) Matrix mechanics,
angular momentum and spin, Stern-Gerlach experiments, dynamics of two-state
systems, approximation methods, the complete hydrogen spectrum, identical
particles. Four hours lecture. Prerequisite: Physics 130A. (F)
130C. Quantum Physics (4) Scattering theory,
symmetry and conservation laws, systems of interacting particles, interaction
of electromagnetic radiation with matter, Fermi golden rule, the relativistic
electron. Prerequisites: Physics 100C or equivalent, 130B. (W)
133/219. Condensed Matter/Materials Science Laboratory (4) A
project-oriented laboratory course utilizing state-of-the-art experimental
techniques in materials science. The course prepares students for research
in a modern condensed matter-materials science laboratory. Under supervision,
the students develop their own experimental ideas after investigating
current research literature. With the use of sophisticated state-of- the-art
instrumentation students conduct research, write a research paper, and
make verbal presentations. Prerequisites: Physics 2CL and 2DL for undergraduates;
Physics 152A or Physics 211A for graduate students. (S) Course materials
fee is required.
140A. Statistical and Thermal Physics (4) Integrated
treatment of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; statistical treatment
of entropy, review of elementary probability theory, canonical distribution,
partition function, free energy, phase equilibrium, introduction to ideal
quantum gases. Prerequisites: Physics 130A, or consent of instructor.
(F)
140B. Statistical and Thermal Physics (4) Applications
of the theory of ideal quantum gases in condensed matter physics, nuclear
physics and astrophysics; advanced thermodynamics, the third law, chemical
equilibrium, low temperature physics; kinetic theory and transport in
non-equilibrium systems; introduction to critical phenomena including
mean field theory. Prerequisites: Physics 140A, or consent of instructor.
(W)
141.Computational Physics I: Probabilistic Models and Simulations
(4) Project-based computational physics laboratory
course with students choice of Fortran90/95, or C/C++. Applications
from materials science to the structure of the early universe are chosen
from molecular dynamics, classical and quantum Monte Carlo methods, physical
Langevin/Fokker-Planck processes, and other modern topics. Prerequisites:
Phys 105B and MAE 9 or 10, CSE 11, or consent of instructor. (W)
142. Computational Physics II: PDE and Matrix Models (4) Project-based
computational physics laboratory course for modern physics and engineering
problems with students choice of Fortran90/95, or C/C++. Applications
of finite element PDE models are chosen from quantum mechanics and nanodevices,
fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, materials physics, and other modern
topics. Prerequisites: Phys 105B and MAE 9 or 10 or CSE 11, or consent
of instructor. (S)
151. Elementary Plasma Physics (4) Particle
motions, plasmas as fluids, waves, diffusion, equilibrium and stability,
nonlinear effects, controlled fusion. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites:
Math 21D or consent of instructor. Physics 100 (B,C) or ECE 107 and
Physics 110A are suggested. Cross listed with MAE 117A. (S)
152A. Condensed Matter Physics (4) Physics
of the solid state. Binding mechanisms, crystal structures and symmetries,
diffraction, reciprocal space, phonons, free and nearly free electron
models, energy bands, solid state thermodynamics, kinetic theory and transport,
semiconductors. Prerequisites: Physics 130A or Chemistry 133, and Physics
140A. (W)
152B. Electronic Materials (4) Physics
of electronic materials. Semiconductors: bands, donors and acceptors,
devices. Metals: Fermi surface, screening, optical properties. Insulators:
dia-/ferro-electrics, displacive transitions. Magnets: dia-/para-/ferro-/antiferro-magnetism,
phase transitions, low temperature properties. Superconductors: pairing,
Meissner effect, flux quantization, BCS theory. Prerequisite: Physics
152A or consent of instructor. (S)
154. Nuclear and Particle Physics (4) The
strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions of elementary particles
at high energies. Symmetries and conservation laws. Introduction to the
calculation of particle decay widths and scattering cross-sections using
Feynman diagrams. Relativistic equations of motion, including the Dirac
equation. Prerequisites: Physics 130B.
155. Nonlinear Dynamics (4) Qualitative
aspects of Hamiltonian and dissipative dynamical systems: stability of
orbits, integrability of Hamiltonian systems, chaos and nonperiodic motion,
transition to chaos. Examples to be drawn from mechanics, fluid mechanics,
and related physical systems. Numerical work and graphical display and
interpretation will be emphasized. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites:
Physics 100B and 110B. (S)
160. Stellar Astrophysics (4) Introduction
to stellar astrophysics: observational properties of stars, solar physics,
radiation and energy transport in stars, stellar spectroscopy, nuclear
processes in stars, stellar structure and evolution, degenerate matter
and compact stellar objects, supernovae and nucleosynthesis. Physics 160,
161, and 162 may be taken as a three-quarter sequence for students interested
in pursuing graduate study in astrophysics or individually as topics of
interest. Prerequisite: Physics 2 or 4 sequence or equivalent.
(F)
161. Black Holes and The Milky Way Galaxy (4) The
structure and content of the Milky Way galaxy and the physics of black
holes. Topics will be selected from: general relativity, theory and observation
of black holes, galactic x-ray sources, galactic structure, physical processes
in the interstellar medium, star formation. Physics 160, 161, and 162
may be taken as a three-quarter sequence for students interested in pursuing
graduate study in astrophysics or individually as topics of interest.
Prerequisites: Physics 2 or 4 sequence or equivalent. (W)
162. Galaxies and Cosmology (4) The structure
and properties of galaxies, galaxy dynamics and dark matter, the expanding
universe, plus some of the following topics: the big bang, early universe,
galaxy formation and evolution, large scale structure, active galaxies
and quasars. Physics 160, 161, and 162 may be taken as a three-quarter
sequence for students interested in pursuing graduate study in astrophysics
or individually as topics of interest. Prerequisites: Physics 2 or
4 sequence or equivalent. (S)
163. Exploring the Solar System (4) Topics
will include: the early solar system, and planetary formation; an introduction
to the Sun and planets; the solar wind and its interaction with planets;
spacecraft instruments and observations; the search for life in the solar
system; and the search for planets outside our solar system. Prerequisites:
Physics 2A-B or Physics 4A-4C. (F)
171/271. Biophysics of Neurons and Networks (4-4) Fundamental
limits to measurements on nervous systems, the biophysics of excitable
membranes and neurons, and the fundamentals of recurrent neuronal networks.
The emphasis is on information processing by the nervous system through
physical reasoning and mathematical anaylsis. Three hours lecture. The
graduate version, Physics 271, will include a report at the level of a
research proposal. Prerequisites: Physics 100A and 110A, BILD 1, Chemistry
6C and Physics 140A, for graduate students, consent of instructor.
The graduate version, Physics 271, will include a report at the level
of a research proposal. (F)
172/272. Biophysics of Molecules (4-4) Physical
concepts and techniques used to study the structure and function of biological
molecules, the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological activity, and
physical descriptions of biological processes. Examples from enzyme action,
protein folding, photobiology, and molecular motors. Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Physics 100A and 110A, BILD 1, Chemistry 6C and Physics
130A; and graduate students, consent of instructor. The graduate version,
Physics 272, will include a report at the level of a research proposal.
(W)
173. Modern Physics Laboratory: Biological and Quantum Physics (4) A
selection of experiments in contemporary physics and biophysics. Students
select among pulsed NMR, Mossbauer, Zeeman effect, light scattering, holography,
optical trapping, voltage clamp and genetic transcription of ion channels
in oocytes, flourescent imaging, and flight control in flies. Prerequisites:
Physics 120A, BILD 1 and Chemistry 6BL. (S)
191. Undergraduate Seminar on Physics (1) Undergraduate
seminars organized around the research interests of various faculty members.
Prerequisite: Physics 2A or 4A series.
195. Physics Instruction (2-4) Students
will be responsible for and teach a class section of a lower-division
physics course. They will also attend a weekly meeting on teaching methods
and materials conducted by the professor who supervises their teaching.
(P/NP grades only.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (F,W,S)
197. Physics Internship (4) An enrichment
program which provides work experience with industry, government offices,
etc., under the supervision of a faculty member and industrial supervisor.
Prerequisite: Completion of 90 units with 2.5 GPA and consent of faculty
adviser.
198. Directed Group Study (2 or 4) Directed
group study on a topic or in a field not included in the regular departmental
curriculum. (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisites: consent of instructor
and departmental chair. (F,W,S)
199. Research for Undergraduates (2 or 4) Independent
reading or research on a problem by special arrangement with a faculty
member. (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisites: consent of instructor and
departmental chair. (F,W,S)
199H. Honors Thesis Research for Undergraduates (2-4) Honors
thesis research for seniors participating in the Honors Program. Research
is conducted under the supervision of a physics faculty member. Prerequisite:
admission to the Honors Program in physics. (F,W,S)
Graduate
200A. Theoretical Mechanics (4) Lagranges
equations and Hamiltons principle; symmetry and constants of the
motion. Applications to: charged particle motion; central forces and scattering
theory; small oscillations; anharmonic oscillations; rigid body motion;
continuum mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 110B or equivalent.
(F)
200B. Theoretical Mechanics (4) Hamiltons
equations, canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; action-angle
variables and adiabatic invariants; introduction to canonical perturbation
theory, nonintegrable systems and chaos; Liouville equation; ergodicity
and mixing; entropy; statistical ensembles. Prerequisite: Physics 200A.
(W)
201. Mathematical Physics (5) An introduction
to mathematical methods used in theoretical physics. Topics include: a
review of complex variable theory, applications of the Cauchy residue
theorem, asymptotic series, method of steepest descent, Fourier and Laplace
transforms, series solutions for ODEs and related special functions,
Sturm Liouville theory, variational principles, boundary value problems,
and Greens function techniques. (F)
203A. Advanced Classical Electrodynamics (5) Electrostatics,
symmetries of Laplaces equation and methods for solution, boundary
value problems, electrostatics in macroscopic media, magnetostatics, Maxwells
equations, Green functions for Maxwells equations, plane wave solutions,
plane waves in macroscopic media. Prerequisite: Physics 100C or equivalent.
(W)
203B. Advanced Classical Electrodynamics (4) Special
theory of relativity, covariant formulation of electrodynamics, radiation
from current distributions and accelerated charges, multipole radiation
fields, waveguides and resonant cavities. Prerequisite: Physics 203A.
(S)
206. Topics in Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry (4) (Same
as BGGN 206, Chemistry 206.) Selection of topics of current interest.
Examples: primary processes of photosynthesis; membrane biophysics; applications
of physical methods to problems in biology and chemistry, e.g., magnetic
resonance, X-ray diffraction, fluctuation spectroscopy, optical techniques
(fluorescence, optical rotary dispersion, circular dichroism). Topics
may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
(W)
107/207. Macromolecule Structure Determination by X-ray Crystallography
(4) This course will describe the different
steps used in solving for a three-dimensional structure of a macromolecule
using X-ray crystallography. Topics covered: theory of X-ray diffraction
by a crystal; X-ray sources & detectors; crystallization of a protein;
crystal symnmetry; solution of phase problem by the isomorphous replacement
method; anomalous scattering; molecular replacement method; model building
and phase improvement; structure refinement. Prerequisites: Mathematics
20D, Physics 100A, or BIBC 100 or Chemistry 114A or consent of instructor.
(F)
210A. Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics (4) Approach
to equilibrium: BBGKY hierarchy; Boltzmann equation; H-theorem. Ensemble
theory; thermodynamic potentials. Quantum statistics; Bose condensation.
Interacting systems: Cluster expansion; phase transition via mean-field
theory; the Ginzburg criterion. Prerequisites: Physics 140A-B, 152A,
200A-B, or equivalent; concurrent enrollment in Physics 212C. (S)
210B. Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics (4) Transport
phenomena; kinetic theory and the Chapman-Enskog method; hydrodynamic
theory; nonlinear effects and the mode coupling method. Stochastic processes;
Langevin and Focker-Planck equation; fluctuation-dissipation relation;
multiplicative processes; dynamic field theory; Martin-Siggia-Rose formalism;
dynamical scaling theory. Prerequisite: Physics 210A. (F)
210C. Statistical Field Theory (4) Phase
transition and critical phenomena: Landau-Ginzburg model and statistical
field theory; Goldstone modes; breakdown of mean-field theory. Universality;
scaling theory; the renormalization group. Epsilon expansion; large-N
expansion; the nonlinear-sigma model. Topological defects; duality; the
Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. Prerequisite: Physics 210A or consent
of instructor. (W)
211A. Solid-State Physics (5) The first
of a two-quarter course in solid-state physics. Covers a range of solid-state
phenomena that can be understood within an independent particle description.
Topics include: chemical versus band-theoretical description of solids,
electronic band structure calculation, lattice dynamics, transport phenomena
and electrodynamics in metals, optical properties, semiconductor physics.
Prerequisite: Physics 152A or equivalent. (F)
211B. Solid-State Physics (4) Continuation
of 211A. Deals with collective effects in solids arising from interactions
between constituents. Topics include electron-electron and electron-phonon
interactions, screening, band structure effects, Landau Fermi liquid theory.
Magnetism in metals and insulators, superconductivity; occurrence, phenomenology,
and microscopic theory. Prerequisites: Physics 210A, 211A. (offered
in alternate years) (W)
212A. Quantum Mechanics (4) Hilbert space
formulation of quantum mechanics and application to simple systems: states
and observables, uncertainty relations and measurements, time evolution,
and mixed states and density matrix. Symmetries: commuting observables
and symmetries, rotation group representations, Clebsh-Gordon coefficients,
Wigner-Eckhardt theorem, and discrete symmetries (parity, time reversal,
etc.). Prerequisite: Physics 130B or equivalent. (F)
212B. Quantum Mechanics (4) Time independent
perturbation theory: non-degenerate and degenerate cases, Zeeman effect,
fine structure, exclusion principle, and many-electron atoms. Time dependent
perturbation theory: interaction picture and Dyson series, transition
rates. Radiation theory: quantization of EM field, calculation of atomic
level transition rates, line width, and spontaneous decay. Prerequisite:
Physics 212A. (W)
212C. Quantum Mechanics (4) Scattering
theory: Lippman-Schwinger formalism, Born approximation, partial waves,
inelastic processes, and spin dependence. Path integrals: introductions
and simple examples, rigid rotator, and Bohm-Aharonov effect. Dirac equation:
single particle equation, hydrogen atom, and holes. Prerequisites:
Physics 212A-B. (S)
214. Physics of Elementary Particles (4) Classification
of particles using symmetries and invariance principles, quarks and leptons,
quantum electrodynamics, weak interactions, e+p- interactions, deep-inelastic
lepton-nucleon scattering, pp collisions, introduction to QCD. Prerequisite:
Physics 215A. (W)
215A. Particles and Fields (4) The first
quarter of a three-quarter course on field theory and elementary particle
physics. Topics covered include the relation between symmetries and conservation
laws, the calculation of cross sections and reaction rates, covariant
perturbation theory, and quantum electrodynamics. (F)
215B. Particles and Fields (4) Continuation
of 215A. Gauge theory quantization by means of path integrals, SU(3) symmetry
and the quark model, spontaneous symmetry breakdown, introduction to QCD
and the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model of weak interactions, basic issues
of renormalization. Prerequisite: Physics 215A. (W)
215C. Particles and Fields (4) Modern applications
of the renormalization group in quantum chromodynamics and the weak interactions.
Unified gauge theories, particle cosmology, and special topics in particle
theory. Prerequisites: Physics 215A-B. (offered in alternate years)
(S)
217. Field Theory and the Renormalization Group (4) Application
of field theory techniques and the renormalization group method to problems
in condensed matter or particle physics. Topics will vary and may include:
spin-glass and other systems dominated by quenched disorders; polymer
statistics and liquid crystals; bosonization and many-body quantum systems
in 1+1 dimensions; quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak model. Prerequisites:
Physics 210C, 212C, or consent of instructor. (offered in alternate
years) (S)
218A. Plasma Physics (4) The basic physics
of plasmas is discussed for the simple case of an unmagnetized plasma.
Topics include: thermal equilibrium statistical properties, fluid and
Landau theory of electron and ion plasma waves, velocity space instabilities,
quasi-linear theory, fluctuations, scattering or radiation, Fokker-Planck
equation. (F)
218B. Plasma Physics (4) This course deals
with magnetized plasma. Topics include: Appleton-Hartree theory of waves
in cold plasma, waves in warm plasma (Bernstein waves, cyclotron damping).
MHD equations, MHD waves, low frequency modes, and the adiabatic theory
of particle orbits. Prerequisite: Physics 218A. (W)
218C. Plasma Physics (4) This course deals
with the physics of confined plasmas with particular relevance to controlled
fusion. Topics include: topology of magnetic fields, confined plasma equilibria,
energy principles, ballooning and kink instabilities, resistive MHD modes
(tearing, rippling and pressure-driven), gyrokinetic theory, microinstabilities
and anomalous transport, and laser-plasma interactions relevant to inertial
fusion. Prerequisite: Physics 218B. (S)
133/219. Condensed Matter/Materials Science Laboratory (4) A
project-oriented laboratory course utilizing state-of-the-art experimental
techniques in materials science. The course prepares students for research
in a modern condensed matter-materials science laboratory. Under supervision,
the students develop their own experimental ideas after investigating
current research literature. With the use of sophisticated state-of-the-art
instrumentation students conduct research, write a research paper, and
make verbal presentations. Prerequisites: Physics 2CL and 2DL for undergraduates;
Physics 152A or Physics 211A for graduate students. (S)
220. Group Theoretical Methods in Physics (4) Study
of group theoretical methods with applications to problems in high energy,
atomic, and condensed matter physics. Representation theory, tensor methods,
Clebsh-Gordan series. Young tableaux. The course will cover discrete groups,
Lie groups and Lie algebras, with emphasis on permutation, orthogonal,
and unitary groups. Prerequisite: Physics 212C. (S)
221A. Nonlinear and Nonequilibrium Dynamics of Physical Systems (4) An
introduction to the modern theory of dynamical systems and applications
thereof. Topics include maps and flows, bifurcation theory and normal
form analysis, chaotic attractors in dissipative systems, Hamiltonian
dynamics and the KAM theorem, and time series analysis. Examples from
real physical systems will be stressed throughout. Prerequisite: Physics
200B. (offered in alternate years) (W)
221B. Nonlinear and Nonequilibrium Dynamics of Physical Systems (4) Nonlinear
dynamics in spatially extended systems. Material to be covered includes
fluid mechanical instabilities, the amplitude equation approach to pattern
formation, reaction-diffusion dynamics, integrable systems and solitons,
and an introduction to coherent structures and spatio-temporal chaos.
Prerequisites: Physics 210B and 221A. (offered in alternate years)
(S)
122/222. Experimental Foundation of Particle Physics (44) Modern
experimental techniques in particle physics will be discussed. Experiments
are selected which have provided (or will shortly provide) tests of the
theory of elementary particles. Examples of topics for which experiments
are discussed include neutral currents, discovery of the J/Psi and Upsilon
particle, number of light neutrino species, neutrino mass, CP violation
and Higgs searches.Prerequisite: Physics 130B or Physics 215B.
223. Stellar Structure and Evolution (4) Energy
generation, flow, hydrostatic equilibrium, equation of state. Dependence
of stellar parameters (central surface temperature, radius, luminosity,
etc.) on stellar mass and relation to physical constants. Relationship
of these parameters to the H-R diagram and stellar evolution. Stellar
interiors, opacity sources, radiative and convective energy flow. Nuclear
reactions, neutrino processes. Polytropic models. White dwarfs and neutron
stars. Prerequisites: Physics 130C or equivalent, Physics 140A-B or
equivalent. (S/U grades permitted.) (offered in alternate years) (F)
224. Physics of the Interstellar Medium (4) Gaseous
nebulae, molecular clouds, ionized regions, and dust. Low energy processes
in neutral and ionized gases. Interaction of matter with radiation, emission
and absorption processes, formation of atomic lines. Energy balance, steady
state temperatures, and the physics and properties of dust. Masers and
molecular line emission. Dynamics and shocks in the interstellar medium.
Prerequisites: Physics 130A-B or equivalent, Physics 140A-B or equivalent.
(S/U grades permitted.) (offered in alternate years)
225A-B. General Relativity (4-4) This is
a two-quarter course on gravitation and the general theory of relativity.
The first quarter is intended to be offered every year and may be taken
independently of the second quarter. The second quarter will be offered
in alternate years. Topics covered in the first quarter include special
relativity, differential geometry, the equivalence principle, the Einstein
field equations, and experimental and observational tests of gravitation
theories. The second quarter will focus on more advanced topics, including
gravitational collapse, Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries, black holes,
gravitational radiation, cosmology, and quantum gravitation. (225B offered
in alternate years) (F,W)
226. Galaxies and Galactic Dynamics (4) The
structure and dynamics of galaxies. Topics include potential theory, the
theory of stellar orbits, self-consistent equilibria of stellar systems,
stability and dynamics of stellar systems including relaxation and approach
to equilibrium. Collisions between galaxies, galactic evolution, dark
matter, and galaxy formation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
(offered in alternate years)
227. Cosmology (4) An advanced survey of
topics in physical cosmology. The Friedmann models and the large-scale
structure of the universe, including the observational determination of
Ho (the Hubble constant) and qo (the deceleration parameter). Galaxy number
counts. A systematic exposition of the physics of the early universe,
including vacuum phase transitions; inflation; the generation of net baryon
number, fluctuations, topological defects and textures. Primordial nucleosynthesis,
both standard and nonstandard models. Growth and decay of adiabatic and
isocurvature density fluctuations. Discussion of dark matter candidates
and constraints from observation and experiment. Nucleocosmo-chronology
and the determination of the age of the universe. Prerequisite: consent
of instructor. (offered in alternate years)
228. High-Energy Astrophysics and Compact Objects (4) The
physics of compact objects, including the equation of state of dense matter
and stellar stability theory. Maximum mass of neutron stars, white dwarfs,
and super-massive objects. Black holes and accretion disks. Compact x-ray
sources and transient phenomena, including x-ray and g-ray bursts. The
fundamental physics of electromagnetic radiation mechanisms: synchrotron
radiation, Compton scattering, thermal and nonthermal bremsstrahlung,
pair production, pulsars. particle acceleration models, neutrino production
and energy loss mechanisms, supernovae, and neutron star production. Prerequisites:
Physics 130A-B-C or equivalent. (offered in alternate years)
152B/232. Electronic Materials (4) Physics
of electronic materials. Semiconductors: bands, donors and acceptors,
devices. Metals: Fermi surface, screening, optical properties. Insulators:
dia-/ferro-electrics, displacive transitions. Magnets: dia-/para-/ferro-/antiferro-magnetism,
phase transitions, low temperature properties. Superconductors: pairing,
Meissner effect, flux quantization, BCS theory. Prerequisite: Physics
152A, Phys 211 or consent of instructor. Graduate students in Phys
232 will complete a special topics paper. (S)
235. Nonlinear Plasma Theory (4) This course
deals with nonlinear phenomena in plasmas. Topics include: orbit perturbation
theory, stochasticity, Arnold diffusion, nonlinear wave-particle and wave-wave
interaction, resonance broadening, basics of fluid and plasma turbulence,
closure methods, models of coherent structures. Prerequisite: Physics
218C or consent of instructor. (offered in alternate years) (W)
239. Special Topics (13) From time
to time a member of the regular faculty or a resident visitor will find
it possible to give a self- contained short course on an advanced topic
in his or her special area of research. This course is not offered on
a regular basis, but it is estimated that it will be given once each academic
year. (S/U grades permitted.)
250. Condensed Matter Physics Seminar (01) Discussion
of current research in physics of the solid state and of other condensed
matter. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
251. High-Energy Physics Seminar (01) Discussions
of current research in nuclear physics, principally in the field of elementary
particles. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
252. Plasma Physics Seminar (01) Discussions
of recent research in plasma physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
253. Astrophysics and Space Physics Seminar (01) Discussions
of recent research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/U grades only.)
(F,W,S)
256. Biophysics Special Topics Seminar (01) Discussions
of current research in experimental solid state physics and biophysics.
(S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
257. High-Energy Physics Special Topics Seminar (01) Discussions
of current research in high-energy physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
258. Astrophysics and Space Physics Special Topics Seminar (01) Discussions
of current research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/U grades only.)
(F,W,S)
260. Physics Colloquium (01) Discussions
of recent research in physics directed to the entire physics community.
(S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
261. Seminar on Physics Research at UCSD (01) Discussions
of current research conducted by faculty members in the Department of
Physics. (S/U grades only.) (W,S)
262. Complex Dynamical Systems Seminar (01) Discussions
of recent research in nonlinear and nonequilibrium physics. (S/U grades
only.) (F,W,S)
265. Neuronal Networks Topics Seminar (1) Discussion
of current research on neuronal systems and dynamics. (F,W,S)
266. Recent Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (13) The
course is dedicated to recent developments in the area of condensed matter
physics through lectures given by graduate students and postdocs. The
course teaches practical skills, delivering research lectures, and answering
questions in front of a research audience. Prerequisite: physics graduate
students in good standing. (F,W,S)
171/271. Biophysics of Neurons and Networks (44) Fundamental
limits to measurements on nervous systems, the biophysics of excitable
membranes and neurons, and the fundamentals of recurrent neuronal networks.
The emphasis is on information processing by the nervous system through
physical reasoning and mathematical anaylsis. Three hours lecture. The
graduate version, Physics 271, will include a report at the level of a
research proposal. Prerequisites: Physics 100A and 110A, BILD 1, Chemistry
6C and Physics 140A, for graduate students, consent of instructor.
The graduate version, Physics 271, will include a report at the level
of a research proposal. (W)
172/272. Biophysics of Molecules (44) Physical
concepts and techniques used to study the structure and function of biological
molecules, the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological activity, and
physical descriptions of biological processes. Examples from enzyme action,
protein folding, photobiology, and molecular motors. Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Physics 100A and 110A, BILD 1, Chemistry 6C and Physics
130A and graduate students consent of instructor. The graduate version,
Physics 272, will include a report at the level of a research proposal.
(S)
295. M.S. Thesis Research in Materials Physics (112) Directed
research on M.S. dissertation topic. (F,W,S)
297. Special Studies in Physics (14) Studies
of special topics in physics under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and departmental vice chair, education.
(S/U grades permitted.) (F,W,S)
298. Directed Study in Physics (1-12) Research
studies under the direction of a faculty member. (S/U grades permitted.)
(F,W,S)
299. Thesis Research in Physics (1-12) Directed
research on dissertation topic. (F,W,S)
500. Instruction in Physics Teaching (1-4) This
course, designed for graduate students, includes discussion of teaching,
techniques and materials necessary to teach physics courses. One meeting
per week with course instructors, one meeting per week in an assigned
recitation section, problem session, or laboratory section. Students are
required to take a total of two units of Physics 500. (F,W,S)
Physics Courses
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