Physics - undergraduate program

Physics

[ undergraduate program | graduate program | faculty ]

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog 2019–20, please contact the department for more information.

For the schedule of course offerings, please see the department website.

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.

Physics 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are intended for nonscience majors. Physics 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 do not use calculus while Physics 11 uses some calculus.

PHYS 1A. Mechanics (3)

First quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course, geared toward life-science majors. Equilibrium and motion of particles in one and two dimensions in the framework of Newtonian mechanics, force laws (including gravity), energy, momentum, rotational motion, conservation laws, and fluids. Examples will be drawn from astronomy, biology, sports, and current events. Prerequisites: Math 10A or 20A. Corequisites: Physics 1AL and Math 10B or 20B (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 1AL. Mechanics Laboratory (2)

Physics laboratory course to accompany Physics 1A. Experiments in Mechanics. Prerequisites: Math 10A or 20A. Corequisites: Physics 1A and Math 10B or 20B (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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 or 2A, 1AL or 2BL, and Math 10B or 20B. Corequisites: Physics 1BL and Math 10C or 20C or 31BH or 11 (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 1BL. Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (2)

Physics laboratory course to accompany Physics 1B. Experiments in electricity and magnetism. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: Physics 1A or 2A, 1AL or 2BL, and Math 10B or 20B. Corequisites: Physics 1B and Math 10C or 20C or 31BH or 11 (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 1C. Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics (3)

Third quarter of a three-quarter introductory physics course geared toward life-science majors. The physics of oscillations and waves, vibrating strings and sound, the behavior of systems under combined thermal and electric forces, and the interaction of light with matter as illustrated through optics and quantum mechanics. Examples from biology, sports, medicine, and current events. Prerequisites: Physics 1B or 2B, 1BL or 2CL, and Math 10C or 20C or 31BH or 11. Corequisites: Physics 1CL.

PHYS 1CL. Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics Laboratory (2)

Physics laboratory course to accompany Physics 1C. Experiments in waves, optics, and modern physics. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: Physics 1B or 2B, 1BL or 2CL, and Math 10C or 20C or 31BH or 11. Corequisites: Physics 1C.

PHYS 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: Math 20A. Corequisites: Math 20B (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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 or 4A and Math 20A-B. Corequisites: Math 20C or 31BH (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 2BL. Physics Laboratory—Mechanics (2)

Experiments include gravitational force, linear and rotational motion, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, oscillations and springs, gyroscopes. Data reduction and error analysis are required for written laboratory reports. One-hour lecture and three hours’ laboratory. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A. Corequisites: Physics 2B or 4C (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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 2A or 4A, and Math 20A and 20B and 20C or 31BH. Corequisites: Math 20D (prior completion is sufficient). Recommended preparation: prior completion of Physics 2B is strongly recommended.

PHYS 2CL. Physics Laboratory—Electricity and Magnetism (2)

Experiments on L-R-C circuits; oscillations, resonance and damping, measurement of magnetic fields. One-hour lecture and three hours’ laboratory. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A and Physics 2B or 4C. Corequisites: Physics 2C or 4D (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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 2A or 4A, 2B, and Math 20D. Corequisites: Math 20E or 31CH (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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. Program or materials fees may apply. Prerequisites: Physics 2BL or 2CL. Corequisites: Physics 2D or 4E (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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: Math 20A. Corequisites: Math 20B (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 4B. Physics for Physics Majors—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 2A or 4A and Math 20B. Corequisites: Math 20C or 31BH (prior completion is sufficient). Students continuing to Physics 4C will also need Math 18 or 20F or 31AH.

PHYS 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 2A or 4A, Physics 2C or 4B, Math 20C or 31BH, and Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Corequisites: Math 20E or 31CH (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 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 2A or 4A, Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20E or 31CH, and Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Corequisites: Math 20D (prior completion is sufficient).

PHYS 4E. Physics for Physics Majors—Quantum Physics (4)

Continuation of Physics 4D covering experimental basis of quantum mechanics: Schrödinger equation and simple applications; spin; structure of atoms and molecules; selected topics from solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A, Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Physics 2D or 4D, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, and Math 18 or 20F or 31AH.

PHYS 5. Stars and Black Holes (4)

An introduction to the evolution of stars, including their birth and death. Topics include constellations, the atom and light, telescopes, stellar birth, stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and general relativity. This course uses basic algebra, proportion, radians, logs, and powers. Physics 5, 7, 9, and 13 form a four-quarter sequence and can be taken individually in any order.

PHYS 7. Galaxies and Cosmology (4)

An introduction to galaxies and cosmology. Topics include the Milky Way, galaxy types and distances, dark matter, large scale structure, the expansion of the Universe, dark energy, and the early Universe. This course uses basic algebra, proportion, radians, logs and powers. Physics 5, 7, 9, and 13 form a four-quarter sequence and can be taken individually in any order.

PHYS 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.

PHYS 9. The Solar System (4)

An exploration of our solar system. Topics include the Sun, terrestrial and giant planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, dwarf planets and the Kuiper Belt, exoplanets, and the formation of planetary systems. This course uses basic algebra, proportion, radians, logs and powers. Physics 5, 7, 9, and 13 form a four-quarter sequence and can be taken individually in any order.

PHYS 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. Recommended preparation: college algebra.

PHYS 11. Survey of Physics (4)

Survey of physics for nonscience 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: Math10A or 20A. Corequisites: Math 10B or 20B.

PHYS 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.

PHYS 13. Life in the Universe (4)

An exploration of life in the Universe. Topics include defining life; the origin, development, and fundamental characteristics of life on Earth; searches for life elsewhere in the solar system and other planetary systems; space exploration; and identifying extraterrestrial intelligence. This course uses basic algebra, proportion, radians, logs, and powers. Physics 5, 7, 9, and 13 form a four-quarter sequence and can be taken individually in any order.

PHYS 30. Poetry for Physicists (4)

Physicists have spoken of the beauty of equations. The poet John Keats wrote, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty...” What did they mean? Students will consider such questions while reading relevant essays and poems. Requirements include one creative exercise or presentation. Cross-listed with LTEN 30. Students cannot earn credit for both Physics 30 and LTEN 30. Prerequisites: CAT 2 or DOC 2 or HUM 1 or MCWP 40 or MMW 12 or WARR 11A or WCWP 10A and CAT 3 or DOC 3 or HUM 2 or MCWP 50 or MMW 13 or WARR 11B or WCWP 10B.

PHYS 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.

PHYS 98. Directed Group Study (2)

Directed group study on a topic, or in a field not included in the regular departmental curriculum. P/NP grades only.

PHYS 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 UC San Diego undergraduate study, a minimum UC San Diego GPA of 3.0, and a completed and approved Special Studies form. Department stamp required.

Upper Division

PHYS 100A. Electromagnetism I (4)

Coulomb’s law, electric fields, electrostatics; conductors and dielectrics; steady currents, elements of circuit theory. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A, Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Physics 2C or 4D, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH and Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Open to major codes PY26, PY28, PY29, PY30, PY31, PY32, PY33, and PY34 only.

PHYS 100B. Electromagnetism II (4)

Magnetic fields and magnetostatics, magnetic materials, induction, AC circuits, displacement currents; development of Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisites: Physics 100A, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Open to major codes PY26, PY28, PY29, PY30, PY31, PY32, PY33, and PY34 only.

PHYS 100C. Electromagnetism III (4)

Electromagnetic waves, radiation theory; application to optics; motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields; relation of electromagnetism to relativistic concepts. Prerequisites: Physics 100B.

PHYS 105A. Mathematical and Computational Physics I (4)

A combined analytic and mathematically-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: Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Physics 2D or 4D, Physics 2D or 4E, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Open to major codes PY26, PY28, PY29, PY30, PY31, PY32, PY33, and PY34 only.

PHYS 105B. Mathematical and Computational Physics II (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. Prerequisites: Physics 105A, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, Math 18 or 20F or 31AH.

PHYS 110A. Mechanics I (4)

Phase flows, bifurcations, linear oscillations, calculus of variations, Lagrangian dynamics, conservation laws, central forces, systems of particles, collisions, coupled oscillations. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A, Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Physics 2C or 4D, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Open to major codes PY26, PY28, PY29, PY30, PY31, PY32, PY33, and PY34 only.

PHYS 110B. Mechanics II (4)

Noninertial reference systems, dynamics of rigid bodies, Hamilton’s equations, Liouville’s theorem, chaos, continuum mechanics, special relativity. Prerequisites: Physics 110A, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH, Math 18 or 20F or 31AH. Open to major codes PY26, PY28, PY29, PY30, PY31, PY32, PY33, and PY34 only.

PHYS 111. Introduction to Ocean Waves (4)

The linear theory of ocean surface waves, including group velocity, wave dispersion, ray theory, wave measurement and prediction, shoaling waves, giant waves, ship wakes, tsunamis, and the physics of the surf zone. Cross-listed with SIO 111. Students cannot earn credit for both Physics 111 and SIO 111. Prerequisites: Physics 2A or 4A, Physics 2B or 4C, Physics 2C or 4B, Math 20A, Math 20B, Math 20C or 31BH, Math 20D, Math 20E or 31CH.

PHYS 116. Fluid Dynamics for Physicists (4)

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This is a basic course in fluid dynamics for advanced students Physics 200A-B. Corequisites: Physics 212C.

PHYS...