Physics Department Courses

15 PHYS 101 College Physics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: >500 on the math placement test, or credit for 15 MATH 173 or permission from the instructor.
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A survey of physics without calculus. Three lecture hours and one-hour recitation per week. Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry required. Coreq.: Phys. 111. This course does not satisfy the engineering or pre-engineering requirement.

15 PHYS 102 College Physics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS101 .
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A survey of physics without calculus. Three lecture hours and one-hour recitation per week. Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry required. The second offering in a three-part course sequence. Coreq.: Phys. 112. This course does not satisfy the engineering or pre-engineering requirement.

15 PHYS 103 College Physics
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS102
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A survey of physics without calculus. Three lecture hours and one-hour recitation per week. Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry required. The third offering in a three-part course sequence. Coreq.: Phys. 113. This course does not satisfy the engineering or pre-engineering requirement.

15 PHYS 104 How Things Work: From Roller Coasters to Rocket Ships
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
How Things Work is a practical introduction into the Physics and Science of everyday life. This course considers objects from our everyday environment and their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. The emphasis of Physics 104 is on Newton's Laws, and how they are involved in roller coasters, submarines, and rocket ships! Formerly Introductory Physics I.

15 PHYS 105 How Things Work: From GPS Satellites to Global Warming
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
How Things Work is a practical introduction into the Physics and Science of everyday life. This course considers objects from our everyday environment and their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. The emphasis of Physics 105 is on Thermodynamics, Relativity and Electricity and Magnetism, and how they are involved in Global Warming, Automobiles, Air-Conditioning and Power-Systems! Formerly Introdutory Physics II.

15 PHYS 106 How Things Work: From Digital Cameras to Lasers!
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
How Things Work is a practical introduction into the Physics and Science of everyday life. This course considers objects from our everyday environment and their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. The emphasis of Physics 106 is on Waves, Optics and Quantum Mechanics, and how they are involved in Digital Cameras, Lasers, Musical Instruments, Medical Imaging and Nuclear Power! Formerly Introductory Physics III.

15 PHYS 110 In the Beginning -- A Physical Description
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
The course will examine in detail the first three minutes of the existence of the universe. The objective of the course is to impart to the students a reasonably clear idea of the probable sequence of physical event in the very early universe. The purpose of the course, beyond its stated objective, is to show the power of physical reasoning. One can build a logical, consistent, and compelling picture of the early universe using experimental observations made now, billions of years later.

15 PHYS 111 College Physics Lab
Credits: 1
A 2-1/2 hour laboratory each week to accompany college physics.

15 PHYS 112 College Physics Lab
Credits: 1
A 2-1/2 hour laboratory each week to accompany college physics. The second offering in a three- part course sequence.

15 PHYS 113 College Physics Lab
Credits: 1
A 2-1/2 hour laboratory each week to accompany college physics. The third offering in a three- part course sequence.

15 PHYS 120 Astronomy: The Solar System
The sky and its motions. Tides, eclipses, light, and telescopes. The history of Astronomy. Comparative planetology, comets, and other interplanetary debris. Formation and evolution of our solar system.

15 PHYS 121 Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies
The sun and solar activity. The structure and evolution of stars. Variable stars, star charts, and coordinate systems. Stellar death, supernova, black holes. The Milky Way, other galaxies, active galaxies, and cosmology.

15 PHYS 122 Astronomy: Life in the Universe
The scientific investigation of life in the universe. The chemical and biological evolution of life on earth. The search for life within our solar system. Planetary systems and habitable regions around other stars. The search for extraterrestrial signals of intelligent design.

15 PHYS 123 Astronomy: Earth and Moon
The study of earth vicinity solar system phenomena including eclipses, meteors, comets, and asteroids. These phenomena are explained studying the orbit and perturbations of the earth-moon system. The cycle of lunar and solar eclipses, and the influence of astronomy on calendars and time keeping.

15 PHYS 125 Astronomy Lab
Meets one morning or evening per week. Selected experiments in astronomy: use of telescopes, astrophotography, solar observations, computers in astronomy.

15 PHYS 132 Meteorology: The Physics of Weather and the Environment
Introduction to the atmosphere, pressure, temperature, precipitation, fluid flow, solar radiation, optical phenomena (rainbows, mirages, sunsets), storms, forecasting and climate.

15 PHYS 133 Physics of Sound and Music
A description of acoustical phenomena: the reception of sound (the ear), the environment of music (from acoustics), and the production of musical sounds (musical instruments).

15 PHYS 134 Physics of Light and Color
A study of the basic principles of light with emphasis on the color spectrum, interference phenomena, color reproduction, lasers, holography, color perception, color and the consumer and the artist.

15 PHYS 135 Our Elegant Universe
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
Topics of modern physics, such as a grand unified theory of everything, string theory, extra dimensions of space, the big bang, with historical context, non-mathematical conceptual presentation.

15 PHYS 201 General Physics I
Credits: 4
A survey of physics, using calculus, recommended for science and mathematics students.Coreq.: Phys. 211 Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 261.

15 PHYS 201H Honors General Physics I
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: co-registration in 15MATH251 or higher
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Limited to Honors Students. Material covered includes: 1 and 2-D Motion, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum conservation, angular motion and momentum, and simple harmonic motion.

15 PHYS 202 General Physics II
Credits: 4
A survey of physics, using calculus, recommended for science and mathematics students. The second offering in a three-part course sequence. Coreq.: Phys. 212. Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 262.

15 PHYS 202H Honors General Physics II
Credits: 4
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Limited to Honors Students. Material covered includes: electricity and magnetism.

15 PHYS 203 General Physics III
Credits: 4
A survey of physics, using calculus, recommended for science and mathematics students. The third offering in a three-part course sequence. Coreq.: Phys. 213. Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 263.

15 PHYS 203H Honors General Physics III
Credits: 4
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Limited to Honors Students. Material covered includes: waves, thermodynamics and modern physics.

15 PHYS 204 General Physics for Physics Majors I
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: co-registration in 15MATH251 or higher
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
First quarter in Freshmen Sequence for PHYSICS majors. Material covered includes: 1 and 2-D motion, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum conservation, angular motion and momentum, and simple harmonic motion.

15 PHYS 205 General Physics for Physics Majors II
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS204, co-registration in 15MATH252 or higher
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Second quarter in Freshmen Sequence for physics majors. Material covered includes: electricity and magnetism.

15 PHYS 206 General Physics for Physics Majors III
Credits: 4
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS205, co-registration in 15MATH253 or higher
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Third quarter in Freshmen sequence for physics majors. Material covered includes: waves, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

15 PHYS 207 General Physics for Industrial Management Majors
A survey of physics, using calculus. Three lecture hours and one-hour recitation per week. Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 261.

15 PHYS 208 General Physics for Industrial Management Majors
A survey of physics, using calculus. Three lecture hours and 1-hr. recitation per week. The second offering in a three-part course sequence. Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 261,2,3.

15 PHYS 209 General Physics for Industrial Management Majors
A survey of physics, using calculus. Three lecture hours and 1-hr. recitation per week. The third offering in a three-part course sequence. Prereq. or Coreq.: Math 263.

15 PHYS 211 General Physics Laboratory I
Credits: 1
A three-hour laboratory each week accompanying General Physics.

15 PHYS 211H Honors General Physics Laboratory I
Credits: 1
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Limited to Honors Students. A 3-hour laboratory each week to accompany Honors General Physics I.

15 PHYS 212 Honors General Physics Laboratory II
Credits: 1
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Limited to Honors Students. A 3-hour laboratory each week to accompany Honors General Physics II.

15 PHYS 212H General Physics for Physics Majors Laboratory
Credits: 1
A 3 hour laboratory each week accompanying General Physics-Physics Majors.

15 PHYS 213 General Physics Laboratory III
Credits: 1
A three-hour laboratory each week accompanying General Physics.

15 PHYS 213H Honors General Physics Laboratory III
Credits: 1
A 3 hour laboratory each week accompanying General Physics-Physics Majors.

15 PHYS 214 General Physics Laboratory I- For Physics Majors
Credits: 1
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A 3 hour laboratory each week to accompany General Physics I- For Physics Majors.

15 PHYS 215 Gen Phy Lab- Phy Maj. General Physics Laboratory II- For Physics Majors
Credits: 1
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A 3 hour laboratory each week to accompany General Physics II- For Physics Majors.

15 PHYS 216 General Physics Laboratory III- For Physics Majors
Credits: 1
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
A 3 hour laboratory each week to accompany General Physics III- For Physics Majors.

15 PHYS 276 Modern Physics for Engineers
Quantum theory and applications to atomic, nuclear and solid state physics.

15 PHYS 279 Experimental Nanoscience and Technology
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
A laboratory experience for engineering and science students, covering the synthesis and characterization of nanostructures and the simple devices that can be made from them: carbon nanotube synthesis, nanotube sensor fabrication and characterization, quantum dot characterization, and gold nanoparticle fabrication and characterization.

15 PHYS 301 Mechanics
Credits: 3
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS353
A study of advanced undergraduate mechanics.

15 PHYS 302 Mechanics
Credits: 3
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS301
A study of advanced undergraduate mechanics. Prereq.: Phys. 301;_Coreq.: Math 342 or equiv.

15 PHYS 304 Electricity and Magnetism
Credits: 3
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS353
A study of advanced undergraduate electricity and magnetism.

15 PHYS 305 Electricity and Magnetism
Credits: 3
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS304
A study of advanced undergraduate electricity and magnetism. Prereq.: Phys. 304; Coreq.: Math 342 or equiv.

15 PHYS 331 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Thermodynamics and kinetic theory, with an introduction to statistical mechanics.

15 PHYS 332 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Thermodynamics and kinetic theory, with an introduction to statistical mechanics. Prereq.: Phys. 331.

15 PHYS 341 Advanced Topics in Astronomy
Credits: 3
Selected topics in astronomy. An in-depth examination of modern astronomical phenomena such as solar system astronomy and exploration, the birth and death of stars, black holes, and cosmology. Topics may vary from year to year.

15 PHYS 351 Intermediate Physics I
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS204, co-registration in MATH254 or higher
A study of intermediate undergraduate mechanics, which includes both analytical methods and laboratory experiments.

15 PHYS 352 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS II
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS351
A study of intermediate undergraduate electricity and magnetism, which includes both analytic methods and laboratory experiments.

15 PHYS 353 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS III
Prerequisite note: 15PHYS352
A study of intermediate undergraduate modern physics and quantum physics, which includes both analytical methods and laboratory experiments.

15 PHYS 361 Experiments in Modern Physics I
Credits: 3
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Students can choose from a variety of experiments in modern physics. Typically a student would do two or three experiments in a quarter. The choice of experiments can be tailored to match the student's interests. Not for Physics BS credit.

15 PHYS 362 Experiments in Modern Physics II
Credits: 3
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS, QR
Students can choose from a variety of experiments in modern physics. Typically a student would do two or three experiments in a quarter. The choice of experiments can be tailored to match the student's interests. Not for Physics BS credit.

15 PHYS 403 Special Relativity
Credits: 3
A comprehensive introduction to Special Relativity Topics include: Lorentz transformation, paradoxes of relativity, experimental evidence for relativity, relativistic dynamics and electromagnetics.

15 PHYS 406 Optics
Credits: 3
This course will include review of basic electrodynamics and Maxwell's equations followed by a discussion of wave propagation and optical properties of materials.

15 PHYS 499 Capstone Project
Credits: 3
A one quarter course normally taken in the spring of the senior year. Required for physics majors. The student is required to complete an independent research or teaching project under faculty supervision and prepare a written report on the project and its results. Proposals are required and due early in the preceding winter quarter.

15 PHYS 501 Special Problems
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
Special readings or experiments under direction of individual staff members. Permission of Department Head required. Cr. arranged. Open also to Honors students.

15 PHYS 502 Special Problems
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
Special readings or experiments under direction of individual staff members. Permission of department head required. Cr. arranged. Open also to Honors students. The second offering in a three-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 503 Special Problems
Breadth of Knowledge Code: NS
Special readings or experiments under direction of individual staff members. Permission of department head required. Cr. arranged. Open also to Honors students. The third offering in a three-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 507 Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Elements of quantum mechanics with applications to atomic physics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics.

15 PHYS 508 Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Elements of quantum mechanics with applications to atomic physics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. The second offering in a two-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 509 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Elements of quantum mechanics with applications to atomic physics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. The third offering in a three-part sequence.

15 PHYS 511 Advanced Laboratory I
Credits: 3
Modern and seminal classical physics experiments.

15 PHYS 512 Advanced Laboratory II
Credits: 3
Modern and seminal classical physics experiments. The second offering in a two-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 521 Introduction to Astrophysics I
Credits: 3
Introduction to modern astrophysics, including stellar structure, the interstellar medium, galactic structure, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.

15 PHYS 522 Introduction to Astrophysics II
Credits: 3
Continuation of 15-PHYS-521, Introduction to Astrophysics I

15 PHYS 622 Introduction to Quantum Computing
An introduction to the rapidly growing field of quantum computing. Taught by several faculty members and aimed at advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students in Physics, Computer Science, Mathmatics and Electrical Engineering. Cross-listed with ECES-622.

15 PHYS 623 Special Topics in Quantum Computing
Introduces advanced topics in quantum computing such as quantum algorithms, noise, error- correction, and information theory. Taught by several faculty members and aimed at advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students. Cross-listed with ECES 753.

15 PHYS 671 Introduction to Computational Physics and Mathematica
Introduction to mathematica and applications. Numerical and symbolic calculations, graphics, etc.

15 PHYS 707 Electrodynamics
Classical theory of electrodynamics and relativity.

15 PHYS 708 Electrodynamics
Classical theory of electrodynamics and relativity. The second offering in a two-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 710 Quantum Mechanics
Wave and matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, scattering, and angular momentum.

15 PHYS 711 Quantum Mechanics
Wave and matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, scattering and angular momentum. The second offering in a three-part course sequence. Prereq.: Phys. 710.

15 PHYS 712 Quantum Mechanics
Wave and matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, scattering and angular momentum. The third offering in a three-part course sequence. Prereq.: Phys. 711.

15 PHYS 713 Statistical Mechanics
Kinetic theory and statistical mechanics.

15 PHYS 714 Statistical Mechanics
Kinetic theory and statistical mechanics, The second offering in a two-part course sequence. Prereq.: Phys. 713..

15 PHYS 721 Mathematical Physics
Mathematical methods; linear algebra, complex variables, orthogonal functions, differential equations.

15 PHYS 741 Dynamics
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, small oscillations, Canonical transformations.

15 PHYS 743 Computational Physics
Monte Carlo methods, numerical integration, solution of linear and partial differential equations, parallel computing, solution of integral equations and renormalization group.

15 PHYS 751 Physics by Inquiry I
A course for science teachers that covers important introductory concepts in physics with depth and with an emphasis on development of reasoning skills necessary for scientific inquiry.

15 PHYS 752 Physics by Inquiry II
A course for science teachers that covers important introductory concepts in physics with depth and with an emphasis on development of reasoning skills necessary for scientific inquiry. The second offering in a three-way course sequence.

15 PHYS 753 Physics by Inquiry III
A course for science teachers that covers important introductory concepts in physics with depth and with an emphasis on development of reasoning skills necessary for scientific inquiry.

15 PHYS 754 Graduate Seminar in Physics Education
A graduate seminar covering the teaching of physics and research in physics education.

15 PHYS 821 Astrophysics I
Review of modern astrophysics, including stellar structure, the interstellar medium, galactic structure, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.

15 PHYS 822 Astrophysics II
Continuation of 15-PHYS-821, Astrophysics I

15 PHYS 841 Particle Physics
Basic phenomena of experimental and theoretical high energy particle physics.

15 PHYS 842 Particle Physics
Continuation of 15 PHYS 841

15 PHYS 845 Solid State Physics
Basic phenomena of experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics. A broad spectrum of topics will be covered.

15 PHYS 846 Solid State Physics
Continuation of 15 PHYS 845

15 PHYS 871 Advanced Problems
Readings or laboratory work in special topics under the direction of individual faculty members. Cr. to be arranged. Offered each quarter.

15 PHYS 872 Research for the Master's Degree
Offered ea. qtr.

15 PHYS 875 Selected Special Topics in Physics
Selected special topics-physics.

15 PHYS 910 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
The quantum theory of particles and fields.

15 PHYS 913 Field Theory
Quantum field theory, interactions, renormalization.

15 PHYS 914 Field Theory
Quantum field theory, interactions, renormalization. The second offering in a two-part course sequence. Prereq.: Phys. 913.

15 PHYS 925 Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics
Physics of plasmas, laser light scattering physics, plasmas in solids.

15 PHYS 926 Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics
Physics of plasmas, laser light scattering physics, plasmas in solids. Hrs. to be arranged. The second offering in a three-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 927 Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics
Physics of plasmas, laser light scattering physics, plasmas in solids. Hrs. to be arranged. The third offering in a three-part course sequence.

15 PHYS 937 Advanced Topics in Astrophysics I
Advanced study of modern astrophysics, including stellar structure, the interstellar medium, galactic structure, extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology.

15 PHYS 938 Advanced Topics in Astrophysics II
Continuation of 15PHYS937, Advanced Topics in Astrophysics I

15 PHYS 971 Research for the Doctorate
Cr. to be arranged. Offered ea. qtr.

15 PHYS 973 Readings and Research
Description not available.

15 PHYS 979 Special Topics in Modern Physics
Topics recently covered include group theory, gravitation, dimensional regularization.