May 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Lower Division Courses numbered 1–99 are designed primarily for freshmen and sophomores but are open to all students for lower division credit. (Graduate students requesting to enroll in lower-division undergraduate courses will not receive unit credit nor will the course fulfill degree requirements.) Upper Division Courses courses numbered 100–199 are open to all students who have met the necessary prerequisites as indicated in the catalog course description. Preparation should generally include completion of one lower division course in the given subject or completion of two years of college work.

GRADUATE COURSES

Courses numbered 200–299 are open to graduate students. (Undergraduate students must obtain the signature of the instructor, School Dean, and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Graduate level units will count towards the required 120 units for graduation; however students are urged to meet with their academic advisor in order to determine if graduate course units may be used to fulfill a graduation requirement.)

CROSS-LISTED/CONJOINED COURSES

Cross-listed Courses are the same course offered under different course subjects at the same level (either undergraduate or graduate) that share the same meeting time, requirements, units, etc. Conjoined Courses are the same course but one is undergraduate and one is graduate.

COREQUISITE COURSE

A corequisite course is a course that must be taken at the same time as another course.

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites for courses should be followed carefully; the responsibility for meeting these requirements rests on the student. If you can demonstrate that your preparation is equivalent to that specified by the prerequisites, the instructor may waive these requirements for you. The instructor also may request that a student who has not completed the prerequisites be dropped from the course. If the prerequisite for a course is not satisfied, students must obtain the approval of the instructor (or school designee) of the course they wish to take.

For all undergraduate courses a “C-” or better grade is required for a course to be used as a prerequisite for another course. If a course was taken for a “P/NP” grade then a “P” grade is required.

For all graduate courses a “B” or better grade is required for a course to be used as a prerequisite for another course. If a course was taken for a “S/U” grade then a “S” grade is required.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

No credit is allowed for completing a less advanced course after successful completion (C-or better) of a more advanced course in the foreign languages. This applies only to lower division foreign language courses, not upper division courses. 

GRADING OPTIONS

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, each course is letter graded with a P/NP or S/U option (unless required for your major or graduate program). The policy regarding Grading Options , can be found in an alternate section of the catalog.

More information about Course Substitutions  and Course Materials and Services Fees  can be found in alternate areas of the catalog.

 

Physics

  
  • PHYS 005: Energy and the Environment


    [3 units]

    Introduction to energy and the environment. Examines different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and the environmental effects of using these energy resources. We cover environmental, economic and sustainability considerations associated with fossil fuels and alternative energy sources.

    Normal Letter Grade only.


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  • PHYS 006: The Cosmos, Science and You


    [4 units]

    Introduction to physics and astronomy for non science and engineering majors. Topics include: Scientific method as illustrated by astronomical discoveries about the Cosmos; and the concepts of matter and energy; and the formation of the Universe, galaxies, stars and the Solar System. Throughout the course our physical connection and dependence the Cosmos are illustrated using new discoveries in astrophysics, astrochemistry and astrobiology.

    Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 008: Introductory Physics I for Physical Sciences


    [4 units]

    Introduction to classical and contemporary physics. Intended for students with preparation in calculus and algebra. Topics include introduction to forces, kinetics, equilibria, fluids, waves, and heat. Experiments and computer exercises are integrated into the course content.

    Prerequisite: MATH 021 , which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 008H , PHYS 018 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 008H: Honors Introductory Physics I for Physical Sciences


    [4 units]

    A mathematically intense introduction to classical mechanics designed for majors and other highly motivated students. Utilizing differential and integral calculus, topics include forces, kinetics, energy, momentum, gravity, rotations, waves, and fluids. Advanced coursework in all areas (i.e. homework, etc.) prepares students for success in upper-division physics courses.

    Prerequisite: MATH 021 , which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 008 , PHYS 018 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 009: Introductory Physics II for Physical Sciences


    [4 units]

    Continuation of introduction to classical and contemporary physics. Topics include introduction to electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and modern physics. Experiments and computer exercises are integrated into the course content.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam and MATH 021  or equivalent exam) or (MATH 011  with B or better or equivalent exam and PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and MATH 022 , which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 009H , PHYS 019 . Pass/No Pass option. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 009H: Honors Introductory Physics II for Physical Sciences


    [4 units]

    A mathematically intense introduction to classical electromagnetism for students who are motivated to learn physics at an advanced level. Utilizing calculus, topics include electrostatics, magnetism, AC and DC circuits, electromagnetism, and optics. Advanced coursework prepares students for advanced study in physical science and engineering courses.

    Prerequisite: (MATH 022 , which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam) and (MATH 021  with B or better or equivalent exam) and (PHYS 008  with A- or better or PHYS 008H  with B or better or equivalent exam). Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 009, PHYS 019. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 010: Introductory Physics III


    [4 units]

    An introduction to developments in modern physics over the last 100 years that have radically altered our view of nature. Particular emphasis is placed on the quantum theory, with applications to atoms, molecules, solids, and light.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and MATH 024 , which may be taken concurrently, and ( PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H  or PHYS 019 , any of which may be taken concurrently). Pass/No Pass option. Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 012: Light, Color, and Vision


    [4 units]

    Introduction to the physics, chemistry, and biology of light and vision for nonscientists. Covers basic optics, optical instruments, photography, light and color in nature, human and animal vision, visual perception and optical illusions, and aspects of modern technology including fiber optics and lasers. Includes classroom demonstrations and out-of-class observational exercises.

    Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 018: Introductory Physics I for Biological Sciences


    [4 units]

    First introductory physics course for biological science majors. Topics include vectors, kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy and Conservation, Torque and rotation, Fluids and Elasticity, Oscillations and Waves all with an emphasis on biological applications.

    Prerequisite: MATH 011  or MATH 021 , either of which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 008 , PHYS 008H . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 019: Introductory Physics II for Biological Sciences


    [4 units]

    The physical principles of electromagnetism and thermodynamics are introduced, examined, and discussed in the context of biological applications.

    Prerequisite: (MATH 011  or MATH 021  or equivalent exam) and (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and (MATH 012  or MATH 022 , either of which may be taken concurrently, or equivalent exam). Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: PHYS 009 , PHYS 009H . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 095: Lower Division Undergraduate Research


    [1-5 units]

    Supervised research

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass option. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 098: Lower Division Directed Group Study


    [1-5 units]

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 099: Lower Division Individual Study


    [1-5 units]

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 104: Biophysics


    [4 units]

    Provides students an understanding of relevant physical principles for biological systems, introduce them to experimental and theoretical techniques of biophysics and to communicate the excitement of cutting-edge biophysics research. Topics include diffusion, fluids, entropic forces, motor proteins, enzymes, nerve impulses, networks and evolution.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H  or PHYS 019 ). Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Cross-Listed with BIO 104 . Conjoined with PHYS 204 .


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  • PHYS 105: Analytic Mechanics Core


    [4 units]

    Rigorous, mathematical foundation in classical mechanics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics; motion of particles in one, two and three dimensions; central force motion; moving coordinate systems; mechanics of continuous media; oscillations; normal modes; Lagrange’s equations; and Hamiltonian methods.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and (MATH 022  or equivalent exam) and (MATH 023  or MATH 023H , either of which may be taken concurrently) and MATH 024 , which may be taken concurrently. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 108: Thermal Physics Core


    [4 units]

    Aims to give students a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of thermal physics. Topics include probability, ensembles, equilibrium, entropy, laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, magnetism, chemical equilibria and quantum statistics.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H  or PHYS 019 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 109: Soft Matter Physics


    [3 units]

    An introduction to the physics of soft materials designed for upper level undergraduate students in physics. In this course we will use a physics based approach to study the structure and assembly of a variety materials including liquid crystals, polymers, colloidal systems and surfactants including biological examples.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 108 . Normal Letter Grade only. Conjoined with PHYS 209 .


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 110: Electrodynamics Core


    [4 units]

    Intermediate Electrodynamics. Topics covered include vector calculus including divergence, curl and vector field theorems; Electrostatics including field, potential, work and energy; Laplace’s equation including solutions in different geometries, separating variables, method of images and multipole expansions; Electrostatics in media including polarization and dielectrics (linear/nonlinear); Magnetostatics including the Biot-Savart Law, Ampere’s Law and vector potentials; Magnetic fields in matter including magnetization, linear and non-linear media; and Electrodynamics including EMF, induction and Maxwell’s equations as well as conservation of charge, energy, and momentum in EM fields.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ) and (MATH 023  or MATH 023H ). Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 112: Statistical Mechanics


    [4 units]

    Covers the fundamental concepts of statistical mechanics, which form the microscopic basis for thermodynamics. Topics include applications to macroscopic systems, condensed states, phase transformations, quantum distributions, elementary kinetic theory of transport processes, and fluctuation phenomena.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 108 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 115: Electrodynamics Core II Waves and Dynamic Electromagnetic Fields


    [4 units]

    Waves and advanced electromagnetic fields, including radiation and special relativity. General discussion of waves and vibrations. Review of Maxwell’s equations and discussion on conserved quantities in electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves, potential formulations, radiation from moving charges, and special relativity.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 110 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 116: Mathematical Methods


    [4 units]

    Essential mathematical methods for physicists, with an emphasis on Linear Algebra, Partial Differential Equation, and Fourier Transform. The subjects covered in this course are the standard tools for quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, and electrodynamics. This Course Satisfies the Physics Programmatic Learning Outcomes #2: Mathematical Expertise.

    Prerequisite: (MATH 023  or MATH 023H ) and MATH 024  and (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ). Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 120: Physics of Materials


    [4 units]

    Electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of solids. Free electron model, introduction to band theory. Crystal structures and lattice vibrations. Mechanisms and characterization of electrical conductivity, optical absorption, magnetic behavior, dielectric properties, and p-n junctions.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ) and CHEM 112 . Pass/No Pass option. Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 126: Special Relativity Minicourse


    [2 units]

    This half-semester minicourse introduces the exciting and thought-provoking physics of special relativity. Topics include hallmark experiments; Lorentz transformations; time dilation and length contraction; relativistic optics; tensor techniques; mass, energy, and momentum; relativistic mechanics; and relativistic electricity and magnetism.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H  or PHYS 019 . PHYS 110  recommended. Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 137: Quantum Mechanics Core


    [4 units]

    Fundamentals of quantum mechanics, which forms the foundation of our modern understanding of matter at the atomic and molecular level. Topics include the Schroedinger equation, Hilbert spaces, the operator formalism, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, tunneling, perturbation and WKB theory, fermions, and bosons.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 010  and (MATH 023  or MATH 023H ) and MATH 024 . Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 138: Quantum Mechanics II Core


    [2 units]

    Applies quantum mechanics to solve problems in atomic physics. Includes two parts: (1) the study of perturbative techniques, variational principle and adiabatic approximation, all of which widely used in modern physics; (2) the study of the quantum theory of angular momentum.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 137 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 141: Condensed Matter Physics


    [4 units]

    An introduction to the physics of materials designed for upper level undergraduate students in physics or chemistry. The course will cover traditional solid state physics and include topics in soft matter. This class will examine the relationship between microscopic structure and bulk properties in different materials.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 137  or CHEM 112 ) and (PHYS 112  or CHEM 113 ). Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 241 .


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  • PHYS 144: Modern Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics


    [4 units]

    Discusses modern topics in the so-called Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics. The interaction of atoms with radiation, laser cooling and trapping, Bose-Einstein condensation, atomic interferometry, ion traps, and quantum computing. An advanced physics course that is closely connected to ongoing research.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 137 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 244 .


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  • PHYS 148: Modern Optics


    [4 units]

    Discusses light from the electromagnetic and geometrical perspectives. Students will learn about reflection and refraction, revisit and then expand upon geometrical optics, gain a deeper understanding of interference, and learn about polarization.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ) and (MATH 023  or MATH 023H ) and MATH 024 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 151: Topics in Solar Energy Physics


    [3 units]

    The physics of solar energy production and utilization. Specific topics may be emphasized according to instructor, including: the solar energy resource, modeling and simulation, thermal and photovoltaic collectors, solar energy systems, nonimaging optics, and special applications (solar lasers, material processing, etc.).

    Prerequisite: (MATH 022  or equivalent exam) and (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ). Pass/No Pass option. Conjoined with ME 260 .


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  • PHYS 159: Particle Physics


    [4 units]

    Tools of particle and nuclear physics. Properties, classification, and interactions of particles including the quark-gluon constituents of hadrons. High-energy phenomena analyzed by quantum mechanical methods. Quantum number determination of resonances, hardon structure functions, introductory electroweak theory with dirac matrices, Standard Model (overview), grand unified theories.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 137 . Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 160: Modern Physics Lab


    [4 units]

    Provides a rigorous foundation in physics laboratory techniques, with an emphasis on hands-on laboratory training. The nature of the experiments available to students cover a range of modern topics, from nonlinear dynamics and chaos through nonlinear optics and spectroscopy. Emphasis is placed on error estimation, data analysis, and interpretation.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 010 . Pass/No Pass option. Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 161: Astrophysics and Cosmology


    [3 units]

    Elements of general relativity. Physics of pulsars, cosmic rays, black holes. The cosmological distance scale, elementary cosmological models, properties of galaxies and quasars. The mass density and age of the universe. Evidence for dark matter and concepts of the early universe and of galaxy formation. Reflections on astrophysics as a probe of the extrema of physics.

    Prerequisite: (MATH 022  or equivalent exam) and (PHYS 009  or PHYS 009H ). Pass/No Pass option.


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  • PHYS 172: Quantum Information Science


    [4 units]

    The course covers: 1) basic concepts in quantum information and quantum computation, (2) physical systems for implementation of quantum bits and logic gates, in particular, solid-state and AMO systems, and (3) quantum information and its connections to many-body physics including quantum simulation.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 137 . Normal Letter Grade only.


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  • PHYS 180: Nonlinear Dynamics


    [4 units]

    Most processes encountered in nature are inherently nonlinear. This course introduces the main topics of low-dimensional nonlinear systems, with applications to a wide variety of disciplines, including physics, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Specific topics include maps and flows in one and two dimensions, phase portraits, bifurcations, chaos, and fractals.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H  or PHYS 018  or equivalent exam) and (MATH 023  or MATH 023H ) and MATH 024 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 280 .


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  • PHYS 195: Upper Division Undergraduate Research


    [1-5 units]

    Supervised research.

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass option. Course may be repeated for credit. Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 196: Undergraduate Thesis


    [2 units]

    Gives upper-division undergraduate Physics majors further opportunity to engage in laboratory, field, theoretical, and/or computational research under the supervision of a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest. The seminar portion of this course supports students in writing and orally presenting their senior thesis.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 195 . Open only to major(s): Physics. Open only to standing(s): Junior, Senior. Permission of instructor required. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.


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  • PHYS 198: Upper Division Directed Group Study


    [1-5 units]

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 199: Upper Division Individual Study


    [1-5 units]

    Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 201: Teaching and Learning in the Sciences


    [1 unit]

    An introduction to ‘scientific teaching’ - an approach to teaching science that uses many of the same skills applied in research. Topics will include how people learn, active learning, designing, organizing and facilitating teachable units, classroom management, diversity in the classroom and assessment design.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Cross-Listed with MATH 201 .


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  • PHYS 204: Biophysics


    [4 units]

    Provides an understanding of relevant physical principles for biological systems, introduce them to experimental and theoretical techniques of biophysics and to communicate the excitement of cutting-edge biophysics research. Topics include diffusion, fluids, entropic force, motor proteins, enzymes, nerve impulses, networks and evolution.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with BIO 104 , PHYS 104 .


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 205: Classical Mechanics


    [4 units]

    Topics in classical mechanics, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, Conservation Laws and Symmetry and the relationship, Calculus of variations and variational principle, Euler angles and rigid body dynamics, Oscillations and normal modes.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 209: Soft Matter Physics


    [3 units]

    Introduction to the physics of soft materials designed for graduate students in physics. Uses a physics based approach to study the structure and assembly of a variety of materials including liquid crystals, polymers, colloidal systems and surfactants including biological examples.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Conjoined with PHYS 109 .


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 210: Electrodynamics and Optics I


    [4 units]

    Introduction to electrodynamics. Electrostatics including Poisson and Laplace Equations, Green’s Theorem and different Boundary Value Problems, Polarizibility, Susceptibility and dielectric media. Magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, Plane Electromagnetic Waves, Polarization of light, Electromagnetic radiation in different media.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 211: Electrodynamics and Optics II


    [4 units]

    Continuation of electrodynamics. Wave guides and resonant cavities, Multipole radiation, Relativistic charged particles in electromagnetic fields, Collisions between charged particles and radiation from moving charges with relativistic corrections, introductory magnetohydrodynamics.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 210 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 212: Statistical Mechanics


    [4 units]

    Topics include: General principles of statistical mechanics including microcanonical, macrocanonical and grand canonical ensembles, fluctuations and equilibrium. Thermodynamics including Legendre transforms and Maxwell relations, fluctuations and stability and Landau theory. Quantum statistical mechanics including Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 237: Quantum Mechanics I


    [4 units]

    Introductory Quantum Mechanics starting with simple Quantum two-state systems and one-dimensional problems, Uncertainty relations, Solution of Schrodinger’s equation for important two and three dimensional physical situations, Angular momentum, identical particles and spin statistics. Hydrogen and multi-electron atoms.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 238: Quantum Mechanics II


    [4 units]

    Perturbation methods, both stationary and time-dependent, Scattering, interaction with electromagnetic fields, Stark effect, Measurement theory and decoherence, Quantum Hall effect.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 237 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 241: Condensed Matter Physics


    [4 units]

    An introduction to the physics of materials designed for graduate students in physics or chemistry. The course will cover traditional solid state physics and include topics in soft matter. This class will examine the relationship between microscopic structure and bulk properties in different materials.

    Prerequisite: Knowledge of electrodynamics, thermal physics and introductory quantum mechanics required. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 141 .


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  • PHYS 244: Modern Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics


    [4 units]

    Covers modern topics in the atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. The interaction of atoms with radiation, laser cooling and trapping, Bose-Einstein condensation, atom interferometry, and ion trap quantum computing. Quantitative understanding of the physics effects is required for graduate students.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 144 .


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  • PHYS 248: Quantum Optics


    [3 units]

    Covers the quantum nature of light, atom-light interaction and experimental quantum optics. It will provide a basis for research in the field of quantum optics. Fundamental concepts and techniques will be linked to modern experimental research.

    Normal Letter Grade only.


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  • PHYS 249: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory


    [4 units]

    An introduction to quantum field theory with a special emphasis on quantum electrodynamics (QED). Topics include canonical quantization of scalar fields, electromagnetic fields, perturbation theory and renormalization methods among others.

    Prerequisite: PHYS 238 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.


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  • PHYS 270: Academic Writing in Graduate Studies


    [3 units]

    Designed to increase the writing proficiency of graduate students, with a focus on strategies for reading critically, organizing and developing thoughts, choosing appropriate vocabulary, and generating and revising writing in a given scientific field. Topics address scientific disciplines. Projects may include writing abstracts, research reports, literature reviews, posters, and grant proposals.

    Open only to major(s): Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Applied Mathematics, Quantitative and Systems Biology. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. Cross-Listed with CHEM 270 , MATH 270 , QSB 270 .


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  • PHYS 280: Nonlinear Dynamics


    [4 units]

    Most processes encountered in nature are inherently nonlinear. This course introduces the main topics of low-dimensional nonlinear systems, with applications to a wide variety of disciplines, including physics, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Specific topics include maps and flows in one and two dimensions, phase portraits, bifurcations, chaos, and fractals.

    Prerequisite: (PHYS 008  or PHYS 008H ) and MATH 023  and MATH 024 . Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 180 .


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  • PHYS 285: Seminar: Nanomaterials for Space Exploration


    [1 unit]

    Designed for students in materials engineering, physics, and chemistry. Intended to expose students to various nanomaterial-based devices, foster students’ critical thinking in postulating feasible approaches, and develop students’ communication and presentation skills.

    Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with BEST 285 , CHEM 285 , ME 285 .


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  • PHYS 290: Current Topics in Physics and Chemistry


    [3 units]

    Exploration of current research directions, problems, and techniques in molecular and materials chemistry, physics and engineering. Course format emphasizes student-led presentation, analysis, and discussion of reading assignments from the current and recent scientific literature. Topics determined by the instructor and changes each semester.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 291: Physics and Chemistry Seminar


    [1 unit]

    Graduate seminar on current research in molecular and materials chemistry, physics, and engineering.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated for credit. Cross-Listed with CHEM 291 .


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  • PHYS 292: Special Topics in Physics


    [1-4 units]

    Treatment of a special topic or theme in Physics at the graduate level.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. Course may be repeated for credit in different subject area. Discussion included.


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  • Syllabus

    PHYS 293: Physics Colloquium


    [1 unit]

    This is a colloquium series with talks on a wide range of research topics in Physics. Speakers for the colloquia are primarily invited researchers from other Institutions. Some of the seminars additionally showcase the research performed by UC Merced Physics faculty, post doctoral researchers and graduate students. This is a forum to introduce the undergraduate and graduate students to cutting edge research in Physics conducted on-site and elsewhere, and to give them an opportunity to meet researchers and faculty from other Universities/Research Institutions.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 295: Graduate Research


    [1-15 units]

    Supervised research.

    Permission of instructor required. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 298: Directed Group Study


    [1-12 units]

    Group project under faculty supervision.

    Permission of instructor required. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 299: Directed Independent Study


    [1-12 units]

    Independent project under faculty supervision.

    Permission of instructor required. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated for credit.


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  • PHYS 399: University Teaching


    [1 unit]

    PHYS 399 is the counterpart to PHYS 201 , which focuses on the theory of teaching and learning. The goals of PHYS 399 are to implement and practice select elements of the Scientific Teaching approach to instruction and to identify teaching challenges and use the foundation from PHYS 201  to seek solutions.

    Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Laboratory included.


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