Physics
Professors K. E. Kihlstrom, W. F. Rogers (chair), H. M. Sommermann
Description of the Major. Physicists seek a fundamental understanding of the physical universe. The skills and knowledge gained in studying physics can be applied not just in research but in several applied disciplines as well. The major includes courses in mathematics (the foundation of science) chemistry (for scientific breadth) and physics. In addition to theory courses, both laboratory classes and hands-on research provide the practical training that is relevant to both graduate school or professional work in science and engineering. For students desiring greater breadth (or a double major) there is also the B.A. degree track that allows greater flexibility.
Distinctive Features. Beyond coursework the opportunity to participate in research is available to students in the department. Current research opportunities include thin film superconductivity, astronomy and experimental nuclear/atomic physics. Internships and summer research programs (both on campus and NSF sponsored programs at other institutions) are both available and encouraged. Students are encouraged to participate in an off-campus program during the junior or senior year.
Career Choices. A physics degree provides a solid foundation for a great many careers besides that of research physicist including: science writing, patent law, software development, materials research, nuclear medical science, forensic science, museum education, engineering (mechanical, electrical, process, civil, aeronautical, etc.), medicine, technician, teaching (high school or college).
Requirements for a B.S. in Physics: 67 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 39 units
- PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
- PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
- PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
- PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
- PHY 40 Differential Equations (4)
- CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
- MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
- MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 28 units
- PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
- PHY 121, 122 Quantum Mechanics I, II (4,4)
- PHY 131 Classical Mechanics (4)
- PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
- PHY 151 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (4)
- PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4)
- Strongly Recommended: PHY 170 Advanced Physics Lab (2)
Requirements for a B.A. in Physics: 55 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 39 units
- PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
- PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
- PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
- PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
- PHY 40 Differential Equations (4)
- CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
- MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
- MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 16 units
- PHY 121 Quantum Mechanics I (4)
- PHY 131 Classical Mechanics (4)
- Two of the following: (8)
- PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
- PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
- PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4)
Requirements for a Physics Minor: 23 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 15 units
- PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
- PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
- PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
- PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Required Upper-Division Courses from the following: 8 units
- PHY 121 Quantum Mechanics I (4)
- PHY 131 Classical Mechanics (4)
- PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
- PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
- PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4)
Lower-Division Course Descriptions
PHY 7 The Physics of Music (4) An exploration of music and sound from the perspective of classical physics. Topics include basic physical principles of vibrating systems, wave propagation, and resonance; the ear and the perception of sound, pitch, tone quality, and harmony; scales and temperament; musical instruments and the human voice; the electronic reproduction of sound; and room acoustics. Course will include some “hands-on” activity and attendance of at least one local music production or recital.
PHY 11, 13 Physics for Life Science Majors I, II (4,4) Prerequisite: Admissions math requirement (see p. 232). PHY 11: Kinematics: motion in one and two dimensions; vectors. Statics and dynamics: Newtonian mechanics. Linear and angular momentum, energy. Conservation principles. Elastic properties of materials. Thermodynamics. Thermal properties of materials. Fluid mechanics. PHY 13: Electricity and magnetism. Sound waves and light waves: optics. Elements of atomic and nuclear physics. Intended for biology, pre-medical, physical education, and non-science majors.
PHY 14 Physics For Life Science Majors Laboratory (1) Corequisite: PHY 13. Weekly three-hour laboratory. Covers experiments in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, and light.
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4) Prerequisite: MA 9, 10. PHY 21: Vectors, kinematics and dynamics of translational motion; work, energy, momentum, angular momentum, conservation laws, kinematics and dynamics of rotational motion, gravity, simple harmonic motion. PHY 23: Electric charges and current, electric and magnetic fields, capacitance, inductance, waves, sound, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, refraction, reflection of light, lenses, interference and diffraction.
PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1) Corequisite for PHY 22: PHY 21. Corequisite for PHY 24: PHY 23. Weekly three-hour laboratory. Covers experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and light.
PHY 25 Modern Physics (4) Prerequisites: PHY 23, MA 19. Continuation of PHY 21, 23 requiring advanced calculus. Introductory study of special and general relativity, quantum theory, atomic physics, and elements of solid state, nuclear and particle physics.
PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1) Corequisite: PHY 25. Weekly three-hour laboratory. Experiments in modern physics.
PHY 40 Differential Equations (4) Prerequisites: PHY 23, MA 19. Physical systems and first-order equations; homogeneous and non-homogeneous linear equations with applications; linear systems solved by eigenvalue and eigenvector solutions of matrix equations; LaPlace transforms applied to initial value problems. Power series solutions; numerical methods; Fourier series and boundary value problems; selected partial differential equations from classical physics.
Upper-Division Course Descriptions
PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4) Prerequisite: MA 19. Vector analysis: gradient, divergence, curl; complex analysis; curvilinear coordinate systems; matrices; eigenvalue problems; orthogonal functions.
PHY 117 Exploration of the Universe (4) A seminar course focusing on the connections between scientific and religious views of the universe.
PHY 121 Quantum Mechanics I (4) Prerequisites: MA 10, PHY 21 or 23. Postulates in quantum mechanics. Matrix mechanics, Hilbert space, angular momentum, time evolution, spin, EPR paradox, Bell inequalities, wave mechanics, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom.
PHY 122 Quantum Mechanics II (4) Prerequisites: PHY 25, PHY 40, PHY 115, PHY 121. Translational and rotational symmetry in the two body problem, bound states of central potentials, time independent perturbations, identical particles, scattering, photons and atoms.
PHY 130 Mechanics (4) Prerequisites: PHY 25 and PHY 40. Statics; kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, conservation laws; energy analysis with attention to equilibrium of rigid bodies and the method of virtual work; motion under central forces with applications to space mechanics; impulsive forces and torques in translational and rotational motion.
PHY 131 Classical Mechanics (4) Prerequisites: PHY 25 and PHY 40. Newtonian mechanics, three dimensional motion, oscillations, central force motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, rigid body dynamics.
PHY 135 Materials Science (4) Prerequisites: PHY 23, MA 19. Fundamentals (crystal structure and defects), microstructure (phase diagrams and kinetics) and properties of the major classes of materials: metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and semiconductors. Properties examined include: mechanical, electrical, optical/dielectric, magnetic, thermal and composite.
PHY 142 Circuits and Electronics (4) Prerequisites: PHY 23 and MA 10. Corequisite: PHY 143. A basic introduction to circuits and electronics including electrical quantities, circuit principles, signal processing circuits, semiconductor diodes, transistors and integrated circuits. Digital electronics including logic elements and microprocessors. Analog electronics including operational amplifiers and design of large and small signal amplifiers.
PHY 143 Electronics Laboratory (1) Corequisite: PHY 142. This weekly three-hour laboratory provides an introduction to practical electronic devices, experience in using some basic measurement techniques, and a feel for the capabilities and limitations of some common electronic instruments. The laboratory experiments are designed to supplement and complement the class (PHY 142) discussions.
PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4) Prerequisites: PHY 25 and MA 40. Electrostatics and magnetostatics with emphasis on vector differential operators and integration related to Gauss’ law, the divergence theorem, Green’s theorem, the Biot-Savart law and the various laws of Maxwell; applications of LaPlace’s and Poisson’s equations; properties of dielectrics and magnetic media; and image solutions; electric and magnetic force interactions; propagation and reflection of plane electromagnetic waves; elements of transmission line theory, Smith charts.
PHY 151 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (4) Prerequisite: PHY 150. Antennas, electromagnetic waves, super-position, interference, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, crystal optics, matrix optics, laser beams and resonators, guided waves, quantum aspects of light fiberoptics and holography.
PHY 155 Topics (4) Prerequisites: MA 9, 10 and PHY 25. Advanced treatment of topics of current interest in physics.
PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4) Prerequisites: MA 10, PHY 21 or 23. Classical equilibrium thermodynamics: applications of the first and second law of thermodynamics to condensed and gas phases. Compressible flow and heat transfer. Principles and applications of statistical thermodynamics.
PHY 170 Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) Prerequisites: PHY 26, PHY 131. Advanced experiments in several areas of physics.
PHY 95/195 Seminar (1) Developments of current interest in the sciences.
PHY 190 Engineering Physics Practicum (1) Projects meeting three hours per week under the tutelage of practicing engineers. Up to six units of practicum may be taken for elective credit.
PHY 198 Physics Research (1-4) Prerequisites: PHY 25, PHY 131. Students will work closely with faculty on original research and/or senior thesis.