Physics

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the 2007-2008 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. 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, 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. Physics–Mechanics (4) A calculus-based science-engineering general physics course covering vectors, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton’s 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. Physics–Electricity and Magnetism (4) Continuation of Physics 2A covering charge and matter, the electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, electromotive force and circuits, the magnetic field, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, electromagnetic oscillations, alternating currents and Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisites: Physics 2A, Mathematics 20B, and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20C. (F,W,S)

2BL. Physics Laboratory–Mechanics 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. Physics–Fluids, 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, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, interference and diffraction. Prerequisites: Physics 2B, Mathematics 20C, and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20D. (F,W,S)

2CL. Physics Laboratory–Electricity 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. Physics–Relativity 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, Schrödinger’s equation, atomic view of solids, natural radioactivity. Prerequisites: Physics 2B and Mathematics 20D. (F,W,S)

2DL. Physics Laboratory–Modern 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 Majors–Mechanics (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 Majors–Mechanics, 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 Majors–Electricity and Magnetism (4) Continuation of Physics 4B covering charge and Coulomb’s law, electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, magnetic field, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, magnetic properties of matter, LRC circuits, Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisites: Physics 4B, Mathematics 20C, and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20E. (F)

4D. Physics for Physics Majors–Electromagnetic 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 Majors–Quantum Physics (4) Continuation of Physics 4D covering experimental basis of quantum mechanics: Schrï¿½dinger 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 earth’s 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 SIO 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 Kepler’s laws; the Earth’s 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 Seminar–Physics 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) Coulomb’s 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 Maxwell’s 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, Green’s 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)

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 courses providing content and experiences useful in modern physics laboratories. Topics include: mechanical design and machining; mechanics of materials; thermal design/control; vacuum and cryogenic technologies; optical raytracing and design; practical electronics; computer interface to scientific equipment. (W)

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 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. 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 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. 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. Elementary Particle Physics (4) The constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) and their interactions (strong, electromagnetic, and weak). Symmetries and conservation laws. Fundamental processes involving quarks and leptons. Unification of weak and electromagnetic interactions. Particle-astrophysics and the Big Bang. 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 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E. (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 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E. (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 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D or 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E. (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.

192. Senior Seminar in Physics The Senior Seminar Program is designed to allow senior undergraduates to meet with faculty members in a small group setting to explore an intellectual topic in Physics (at the upper-division level). Senior Seminars may be offered in all campus departments. Topics will vary from quarter to quarter. Senior Seminars may be taken for credit up to four times, with a change in topic, and permission of the department. Enrollment is limited to twenty students, with preference given to Seniors.

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 advisor.

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) Lagrange’s equations and Hamilton’s 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) Hamilton’s 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 ODE’s and related special functions, Sturm Liouville theory, variational principles, boundary value problems, and Green’s function techniques. (F)

203A. Advanced Classical Electrodynamics (5) Electrostatics, symmetries of Laplace’s equation and methods for solution, boundary value problems, electrostatics in macroscopic media, magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, Green functions for Maxwell’s 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)

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)

222A. Elementary Particle Physics (4) Weak interactions; neutrino physics; C,P, and CP violation; electroweak guage theory and symmetry breaking. Design of detectors and experiments; searches for new phenomena. Prerequisites: Physics 214. (W)

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. Prerequisite: Physics 211B. (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 (1–3) 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)

243. Stochastic Methods (4) Introduction to methods of stochastic modeling and simulation. Topics include: random variables; stochastic processes; Markov processes; one-step processes; the Fokker-Planck equation and Brownian motion; the Langevin approach; Monte-Carlo methods; fluctuations and the Boltzmann equation; and stochastic differential equations. (F)

244. Parallel Computing in Science and Engineering (4) Introduction to basic techniques of parallel computing, the design of parallel algorithms, and their scientific and engineering applications. Topics include: parallel computing platforms; message-passing model and software; design and application of parallel software packages; parallel visualization; parallel applications. (S)

250. Condensed Matter Physics Seminar (0–1) 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 (0–1) 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 (0–1) Discussions of recent research in plasma physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)

253. Astrophysics and Space Physics Seminar (0–1) Discussions of recent research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)

257. High-Energy Physics Special Topics Seminar (0–1) Discussions of current research in high-energy physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)

258. Astrophysics and Space Physics Special Topics Seminar (0–1) Discussions of current research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)

260. Physics Colloquium (0–1) 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 (0–1) Discussions of current research conducted by faculty members in the Department of Physics. (S/U grades only.) (W,S)

262. Complex Dynamical Systems Seminar (0–1) 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 (1–3) 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 (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. (W)

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. (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 (1–12) Directed research on M.S. dissertation topic. (F,W,S)

297. Special Studies in Physics (1–4) 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)