Physics
Courses
For course descriptions not found in the 2006-2007 General
Catalog, please contact the department for more information.
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 (3) First
quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course, geared towards
life-science majors. Equilib-rium 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, prior or concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 10B or
20B, concurrent enrollment in Physics 1AL laboratory. (F,W,S)
1AL. Mechanics Laboratory (2) Physics
laboratory course to accompany Physics 1A. Experiments in mechanics.
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Physics 1A. (F,W,S)
1B. Electricity and Magnetism (3) Second
quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course geared toward
life-science majors. Electric fields, magnetic fields, DC and AC
circuitry. Prerequisites: Physics 1A, 1AL and prior or concurrent
enrollment in Mathematics 10C-D or 20C. Concurrent enrollment in
Physics 1BL. (F,W,S)
1BL. Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (2) Physics
laboratory course to accompany Physics 1B. Experiments in electricity
and magnetism. Course materials fee is required. Prerequisite:
concurrent enrollment in Physics 1B. (F, W, S)
1C. Waves, Optics and Modern Physics (3) Third
quarter of a three-quarter 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. (First offered winter 2005) Prerequisites:
Physics 1B, 1BL, Mathematics 10C or 10D or 20C. Concurrent enrollment
in Physics 1CL. (F, W, S)
1CL. Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics Laboratory (2) Physics
laboratory course to accompany Physics 1C. Experiments in waves,
optics, and modern physics. Course materials fee is required. First
offered in winter 2005. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment
in Physics 1C. (F,W,S)
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 20E. (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 20F.
(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 20D. (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)
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)
87. Freshman Seminar in Physics and Astrophysics (1) The
Freshman Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with
the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty
member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered
in all campus departments and undergraduate colleges, and topics
vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited to fifteen to
twenty students, with preference given to entering freshmen.
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)
99. Independent Study (2) Independent
reading or research on a topic by special arrangement with a faculty
member. (P/NP grading only.) Prerequisites: lower-division standing.
Completion of thirty units at UCSD undergraduate study, a minimum
UCSD GPA of 3.0, and a completed and approved “Special Studies”
form. Department stamp required.
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) (Not offered
in 2006–07.)
110A. Mechanics (4)
Phase flows, bifurcations, linear oscillations, calculus of variations,
Lagrangian dynamics, conservation laws, central forces, systems
of particles, collisions, coupled oscillations. Four-hour 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, Hamilton's
equations, Liouville's theorem, chaos, continuum mechanics, special
relativity. Prerequisites: Physics 110A and Mathematics 20E. (W)
SIO
111/Phys. 111 Introduction to Ocean Waves and Tides (4)
This course will cover a broad range of physical oceanography
topics, including linear dynamics of surface gravity waves,
dispersion relations, spectral descriptions, group velocity,
shoaling waves,
ray theory, edge waves, Coriolis force, the tide-generating
force, Laplace's tide equations, Kelvin waves. Prerequisites:
Math.
20A-E
and Physics 2A-C or equivalent. (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.
129/229. Applied Quantum Mechanics (4) Fundamental
Quantum Theory: Schrödinger equation and probabilistic
interpretation, illustrated by electron in quantum box. Rectilinear
particle motion: bound states, bonding, scattering and tunneling,
device dynamics. Harmonic oscillators: phonons and photons in cavity.
Perturbation theory. Angular momentum and spin: particle statistics.
Graduate students will have longer homework assignments and an
additional take-home exam. Prerequisites: (Math. 20D and 20F)
or (Math. 102 and 110) or MAE 105 or Phys. 105A. (W)
130A. Quantum Physics (4) Phenomena
which led to the development of quantum mechanics. Wave mechanics;
the Schrödinger 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.
137. String Theory (4) Quantum
mechanics and gravity. Electromagnetism from gravity and extra dimensions.
Unification of forces. Quantum black holes. Properties of strings
and branes. Prerequisites: Physics 100A and 110A or consent
of instructor, Physics 130A may be taken concurrently. (S)
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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: upper-division standing
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. Prerequisite: upper-division standing
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. Prerequisite:
Math. 20D 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)
180/280. Teaching and Learning Physics (4) How
people learn and understand key concepts in physics. Readings in
physics, physics education research, and cognitive science. Field
work teaching and evaluating pre-college and college students. Useful
for students interested in teaching and learning physical sciences.
Prerequisites: Physics 1, 2, or 4 series, or consent of instructor.
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)
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) (Not offered in
2006-07.)
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)
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)
129/229. Applied Quantum Mechanics (4) Fundamental
Quantum Theory: Schrödinger equation and probabilistic
interpretation, illustrated by electron in quantum box. Rectilinear
particle motion: bound states, bonding, scattering and tunneling,
device dynamics. Harmonic oscillators: phonons and photons in cavity.
Perturbation theory. Angular momentum and spin: particle statistics.
Graduate students will have longer homework assignments and an
additional take-home final. Prerequisites: (Math. 20D and 20F)
or (Math. 102 and 110) or MAE 105 or Phys. 105A. (W)
230. Advanced Solid-State Physics (1-4) Selection
of advanced topics in solid-state physics; material covered may
vary from year to year. Examples of topics covered: disordered systems,
surface physics, strong-coupling superconductivity, quantum Hall
effect, low-dimensional solids, heavy fermion systems, high-temperature
superconductivity, solid and liquid helium. (Offered in alternate
years.) Prerequisite: Physics 211B.
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.)
141/241. Computational Physics I: Probabilistic Models
and Simulations (4-4)
Project-based computational physics laboratory course with student's
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. Graduate students will do advanced
projects. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent
of instructor; graduate standing for 241. (W)
142/242.
Computational Physics II: PDE and Matrix Models (4-4)
Project-based computational physics laboratory course for modern
physics and engineering problems with student's 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. Graduate students will
do advanced projects. Prerequisites: upper-division standing;
graduate standing for 242. (S)
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)
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)
180/280. Teaching and Learning Physics (4) How
people learn and understand key concepts in physics. Readings in
physics, physics education research, and cognitive science. Field
work teaching and evaluating pre-college and college students. Useful
for students interested in teaching and learning physical sciences.
Undergraduate students are required to read and discuss papers in
class. Graduate students are expected to read the papers and prepare
an annotated bibliography on the background literature, then lead
the in-class discussion on the topics covered in the papers. Prerequisites:
Physics 1, 2, or 4 series, or consent of instructor.
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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