NOTE: Math. 6; Physics 4A-B-C and 4A-B-CL are prerequisite to
all upper division and graduate physics courses. No more than 12 units of
lower division physics may be appeed toward a degree. Associated lecture
and laboratory courses must be taken concurrently.
2A-B. General Physics (4-4)
Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or Math 4. Mechanics, properties
of matter, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
(3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
2A-BL. General Physics Laboratory (1-1)
(Former Physics 3A-B)
4A. Mechanics and Sound (3)
Prerequisite: Math 3. Statics, forces, motion, properties of matter, wave
motion and sound; solution of problems illustrating principles of mechanics.
4AL. Mechanics and Sound Laboratory (1-1)
(3 lab hours)
4B. Electricity and Magnetism (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 4a, Math. 3, 4. Electrostatics, concepts of fields
and potential, capacitance, D.C. circuits, chemical and thermal effects,
magnetic fields, induced current, alternating current circuits.
4BL. Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (1)
(3 lab hours)
4C. Heat, Light and Radiation (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 4A, Math. 3, 4. Temperature, calorimetry, heat
flow, engine cycles, lenses, mirrors, optical instruments, spectra, atomic
structure, radioactivity, X-rays, and nuclear physics.
4CL. Heat, Light and Radiation Laboratory (1)
(3 lab hours)
See Phy Sci for 10A. Introduction to Physical Science (3)
55. Sound (3)
For music students and others interested in the physical basis of music.
Vibrations and spectra of various musical instruments; harmony and discord,
the tempered scale; acoustics; reproducing instruments; hearing.
102A-B. Modern Physics (3-3)
Prerequisite: Chem 1A or 2A-B. (A) Theoretical and experimental aspects
of atomic nature of matter, measurement of electronic charge, conduction
of electricity in gases, radiation, photo-electric effect, atom models and
spectroscopy. (B) Natural and artificial radioactivity, cosmic rays, fission,
fusion, properties of nuclear radiations and their detection.
105A-B. Analytical Mechanics (3-3)
Prerequisite: Physics 4C. (A) Analytical and vector treatment of the fundamental
principles of statics, kinematics, and dynamics. (B) Advanced dynamics;
harmonic motion, central force fields, and Lagrange's equations.
107A-B. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3-3)
Prerequisites: Physics 105A, Math 81. (A) Mathematical analysis of electrostatics
and magnetostatics, Gauss' law, solutions of Laplace's equation, images,
theory of conduction, magnetic potentials. (B) Motion of ions in electric
and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations and
wave propagation, electron theory, and magnetic properties.
110. Physical Optics (3)
Theory of optical phenomena; wave theory of light with applications to optical
instruments; interference and diffraction phenomena, dispersion, polarization.
110L. Physical Optics Laboratory (1) (3 lab hours)
115. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisite: Physics 102A, 105A, 110, Math 181. Historical background,
postulates, meaning and methods of quantum mechanics; applications to atomic
phenomena.
120. Electrical Measurements (3)
Theory, operation, and use of electrical and electronic instruments and
circuits commonly used in science laboratories. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
126. Physical Electronics: Tubes (2)
Electron ballistics, thermionic emission, diode and multielement tube characteristics,
rectification, elementary amplifier theory, gas tubes, special tubes.
126L. Physical Electronics Laboratory: Tubes (1) (3 lab hours)
127. Physical Electronics: Circuits (2)
Prerequisite: Physics 126, 126L. Audio and RF amplifiers, oscillators, feedback,
modulation, detection, application of tubes to control techniques, solid
state and transistor theory.
127L. Physical Electronics Laboratory: Circuits (1) (3 lab hours)
130A-B. Advanced Laboratory (2-2)
Prerequisites: Physics 102, 129. Advanced experiments in mechanics, electricity,
and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. Opportunity for at least one
individual project. (6 lab hours)
140. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory (3)
Prerequisite: Math 81. Fundamental concepts and laws of classical thermodynamics.
Rudiments of kinetic theory and statistical thermodynamics with application
to physical and chemical systems.
162. Solid State Physics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 102, or Chem 110B and permission of instructor, or
Chem 215. Classification of solids; crystalline state and lattice vibrations;
properties of metallic lattices and dielectrics; magnetic properties of
solids; free electron theory and band theory of metals; semiconductors;
imperfections.
170A-B. Mathematical Physics (3-3)
Prerequisite: Math 81. Application of mathematical methods to the solution
of problems in physics.
180A-B. Seminar in Physics (1-1)
Prerequisite: senior or graduate physics major or permission of department
chair.
190. Independent Study (1-3; max see reference)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study.
(See Course Numbering System.)
Physics (Physics)
See Physical Science for 200.
Integrated Physical Science (3)
203A-B. Theoretical Physics (3-3)
Advanced treatment of classical analytical mechanics including Lagrange's
and Hamilton's formulation of the laws of motion, special relativity, small
oscillation theory, hydrodynamics.
206. History and Philosophy of Physical Science (2)
Development of physical science from the historical standpoint and its significant
contributions; philosophy of science, nature of reality, principle of causality,
role of definitions in science, uncertainty and measurements, rise and decline
of the mechanical view, epistemology.
220A-B. Advanced Electricity and Magnetism (3-3)
Electromagnetic theory and its applications; electrostatics, boundary-value
problems in electrostatics, dielectrics, multipoles, magnetostatics, Maxwell's
equations, electromagnetic radiation, optical properties of materials, wave
guides and resonant cavities.
221A-B. Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3)
The nature of matter and radiation as deduced from the classical and quantum
mechanical theories; atomic and nuclear structure; the nature of the nucleus
as deduced from classical and quantum mechanical theories; models of nuclear
structure.
222A-B. Quantum Mechanics (3-3)
223. Statistical Mechanics (3)
Theoretical principles of classical and quantum statistics.
280A-B. Group Study of Selected Topics (3-3)
290. Independent Study (1-5)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study.
299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion,
and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree.
350. Physical Science for Elementary School Teachers (3-6)
Maximum total credit 12 units; not more than 6 units in one field. Prerequisite:
elementary school credential. Selection of source materials and aids available
for illustration of fundamental concepts and principles in physical science;
laboratory work in construction, operation, and use of demonstrations and
experiments in the elementary school.