Physics and Astronomy
4 units The astronomer's understanding of the earth, moon, and planets. Explores the basic nature of science and the scientific method. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam. (3+2) (Fall) 4 units Universe beyond the solar system. Methods of science applied to classification of stars, galaxies, nebulae, and exotic objects such as pulsars, quasars, and black holes. Intended for non-science majors and science majors having an interest in astronomy. May be taken to satisfy the general education lab science requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam. (3+2) (Spring) 4 units A course designed in cooperation with the music department principally for music majors interested in the acoustical foundation of this subject. Emphasis throughout is on the needs and interests of the music student. May not be counted toward a Physics major or minor. (3+2) 3 units A general introduction to selected topics in physics. A historical perspective of fundamental ideas of motion will be examined. Focus will be on the development of problem-solving skills in such areas as unit analysis; making approximations; and using trigonometry, exponential functions, logarithms, vectors, derivatives, integrals, and graphs. A blend of history, selected topics, direct experiences, problem-solving practice and applying math skills is used to enhance preparation for success in physics courses. Prerequisite: Consent of department. 1-5 units A survey of mechanics and properties of matter. Recommended for liberal arts majors and pre-professionals. Not recommended for physics majors and minors and pre-engineers. Prerequisite: Mathematics 108 or equivalent. (4+2) (Fall) 5 units A survey of waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear radiation. Recommended for liberal arts majors and pre-professionals. Not recommended for physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 107 and Mathematics 108 or equivalent. (4+2) (Spring) 5 units A survey of mechanics, sound, and heat providing a background for advanced work in these fields. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 171 or consent of instructor. (4+2) (Fall) 5 units A survey of electricity, magnetism, and light providing a background for advanced work in these fields. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. Prerequisite: Physics 109 or 107 and Mathematics 171. (4+2) (Spring) 3 units The astronomer's understanding of the earth, moon, and planets. Explores the basic nature of science and the scientific method. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam. (3+0) (Fall) 3 units Identical to Physics 104 except no laboratory experience is included. May be used to satisfy laboratory science requirement only if Physics 124 is taken during a later term. Credit may not be earned for both Physics 114 and Physics 104. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam. (3 + 0) (Spring) 1 unit Laboratory component of the Solar System, Physics 103. Completes 4 units (crs.) applicable toward laboratory science requirement when taken following Physics 113. Prerequisite: Physics 113. (0+2) (Fall) 1 unit Laboratory component of Cosmic Evolution, Physics 104. Completes 4 units (crs.) applicable toward the laboratory science requirement when taken following Physics 114. Prerequisite: Physics 114. (0+2) (Spring) 3 units The action of forces on bodies at rest or in equilibrium. For pre-engineering students and not ordinarily taken by physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 107 or 109 (may be taken concurrently) and Mathematics 171. (3+0) 3 units Motion and the action of forces that produce or modify the motion of bodies. For pre-engineering students and not ordinarily taken by physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 201 and Mathematics 172 (may be taken concurrently). (3+0) 4 units Twentieth century physics; emphasis on atomic and sub-atomic phenomena. Normally acceptable for pre-engineering students. Prerequisite: Physics 108 or 110 and Mathematics 171. (3+0) (Fall) 2 units An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with modern physics and classical mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Physics 206 and concurrent registration in Physics 320. (Spring) 3 units DC and AC circuit theory with emphasis placed on the external electrical properties of analog electronic devices and their practical applications. Prerequisite: Physics 108, 110 or consent of instructor. 305/505 (2+2) 3 units Review of geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, double refraction, electromagnetic theory of light, introduction to quantum optics and lasers. Prerequisite: Physics 110 and Mathematics 172. 307/507 (3+0) 1 unit Development of basic skills in machining and bonding metals for construction of laboratory apparatus. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (0+3) 4 units Fundamentals and applications of combinational and sequential digital circuits, memory and storage, microprocessors, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, emphasizing use in measurement and instrumentation. Credit may not be earned for both Physics 211 and 311/511. Prerequisite: Previous physics or electronics course, Mathematics 122 or consent of instructor. 311/511 (3+2) 3 units The fundamentals of digital signal processing techniques with an emphasis on their computer implementation: linear shift-invariant systems, the Z-transform, the discrete and continuous Fourier transforms, digital filter design, and inverse filters. Familiarity with calculus, complex numbers, and BASIC or FORTRAN is assumed. 319/519 (3+0) 3 units The physical and mathematical concepts associated with one-dimensional motion, two and three-dimensional motion including the use of different coordinate systems and accelerating reference frames. Analytical, numerical and graphical methods using modern computer technology will be used. Prerequisite: Physics 109 and Mathematics 172. (3+0) (Spring) 2 units An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with physical optics and themodynamics and statistical mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent registration in Physics 307 and Physics 408. (Spring) 3 units A laboratory course to provide the high school physics teacher with opportunities to handle the physical apparatus used in modern physics curricula. Prerequisite: A two-term sequence in General Physics. 335/535 (1+3) 3 units Use, calibration and interfacing of transducers. Integrated use of computers and transducers for data acquisition and experimental control. Prerequisite: Physics 211, 305, 311 or consent of instructor. 405/605 (2+2) 3 units Temperature, entropy, and other thermal quantities introduced from microscopic considerations and related to macroscopic thermodynamic variables. Calculation of macroscopic properties of matter from microscopic models. Prerequisite: Physics 320. 408/608 (3+0) 3 units An advanced treatment of important topics in electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: Physics 320. 417/617 (3+0) Physics/Astronomy 419 3 units (crs.) Introductory Quantum Mechanics Development of quantum mechanics principles and application to important simple physical systems. Prerequisite: Physics 320. 419/619 (3+0) 2 units An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent registration in Physics 417 and Physics 419. 1-3 units See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. 1-3 units A Physics/Astronomy course on a topic not covered in the department's curriculum. This course may be repeated with different content. Each time it is offered, the topic will be announced in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1-3 units See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. 1-6 units Honors thesis projects include any advanced independent endeavor in the student's major field of study e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production. Proposals (attached to Independent Study contract) must show clear promise of honors level work and be approved by a faculty sponsor. Course title for transcript will be Honors Thesis. Completed projects will be announced and presented to interested students and faculty. Prerequisite: University Honors program and junior standing. Maximum of 6 units (crs.). 1-4 units Independent research arranged with a faculty supervisor. A contract must be arranged with the faculty member and approved by the department chairman prior to registration. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Minimum of 15 units (crs.) of physics completed.
Name of Course and Description
Credits
Physics/Astronomy 103 The Solar System (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 104 Stars, Galaxies & the Universe (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 105 Basic Acoustics of Music (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 106 Introduction to Topics in Physics
Physics/Astronomy 107 General Physics (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 108 General Physics (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 109 General Physics (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 110 General Physics (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 113 The Solar System - no lab (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 114 Stars, Galaxies & the Universe -no lab (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 123 Solar System Laboratory (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 124 Stars, Galaxies & the Universe Laboratory (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 201 Statics for Engineering
Physics/Astronomy 202 Dynamics for Engineering
Physics/Astronomy 206 Introductory Modern Physics
Physics/Astronomy 222 Physics Lab I
Physics/Astronomy 305 Electronic Circuits and Devices
Physics/Astronomy 307 Physical Optics
Physics/Astronomy 309 Construction Techniques
Physics/Astronomy 311 Digital Instrumentation (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 319 Digital Signal Processing
Physics/Astronomy 320 Classical Physics
Physics/Astronomy 322 Physics Lab II
Physics/Astronomy 335 Demonstration and Laboratory Techniques in Physics (NS)
Physics/Astronomy 405 Modern Instrumentation and Interfacing
Physics/Astronomy 408 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
Physics/Astronomy 417 Electricity and Magnetism
Physics/Astronomy 422 Physics Lab III
Physics/Astronomy 446 Independent Study
Physics/Astronomy 451 Special Topics
Physics/Astronomy 456 Related Readings
Physics/Astronomy 474 Honors: Thesis
Physics/Astronomy 491 Senior Research Project
