Department of Physics
Division of Mathematical, Life,
and Physical Sciences
Broida Hall 3019
Telephone: (805) 893-3888
Fax: (805) 893-3307
E-mail: ugrad@physics.ucsb.edu
Website: www.physics.ucsb.edu (will
open in a new browser window)
Department Chair: Mark Srednicki
Contents:
Guenter Ahlers, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
S. James Allen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Robert Antonucci, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz, Professor (observational astrophysics)
David D. Awschalom, Ph.D., Cornell University, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics). Joint appointment with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Leon Balents, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics)
David Berenstein, Ph.D., University of Texas, Assistant Professor (theoretical high energy physics)
Lars Bildsten, Ph.D., Cornell University, Professor (theoretical astrophysics)
Omer M. Blaes, Ph.D., International School for Advanced Studies, Trieste, Italy, Professor (theoretical astrophysics)
Dirk Bouwmeester, Ph.D., University of Leiden, Netherlands, Associate Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Claudio F. Campagnari, Ph.D., Yale University, Professor (experimental high energy physics)
David S. Cannell, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Jean Carlson, Ph.D., Cornell University, Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics)
Andrew N. Cleland, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Wim van Dam, Ph.D., University of Amsterdam and University of Oxford, Assistant Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics). Joint appointment with Computer Science.
Douglas Eardley, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (theoretical gravitational physics)
Matthew P. A. Fisher, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics)
Roger Freedman, Ph.D., Stanford University, Lecturer with Security of Employment.
Deborah K. Fygenson, Ph.D., Princeton University, Associate Professor (experimental biophysics). Joint appointment with Biomolecular Science and Engineering.
Steve Giddings, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor (theoretical high energy physics)
David J. Gross, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor, 2004 Physics Nobel Laureate (theoretical high energy physics). Frederick W. Gluck Chair of Theoretical Physics.
Carl Gwinn, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor (observational astrophysics)
Elisabeth G. Gwinn, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Paul K. Hansma, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental biophysics)
Alan J. Heeger, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor, 2000 Chemistry Nobel Laureate (experimental condensed matter physics). Joint appointment with the Department of Materials.
Gary Horowitz, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Professor (theoretical gravitational physics)
Joseph Incandela, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Professor (experimental high energy physics)
Everett A. Lipman, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Assistant Professor (experimental biophysics)
Philip M. Lubin, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental astrophysics)
Andreas W. W. Ludwig, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics)
Donald Marolf, Ph.D., University of Texas, Professor (theoretical gravitational physics)
Crystal Martin, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Associate Professor (observational astrophysics)
John Martinis, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics) Worster Endowed Chair in Experimental Physics.
Horia I. Metiu, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor (theoretical condensed matter physics). Joint appointment with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Harry N. Nelson, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor (experimental high energy physics)
Siang-Peng Oh, Ph.D., Princeton University, Assistant Professor (theoretical astrophysics)
Philip A. Pincus, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (theoretical biophysics). Joint appointment with the Department of Materials; Biomolecular Science and Engineering.
Joseph G. Polchinski, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (theoretical high energy physics)
Jeffrey Richman, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Professor (experimental high energy physics)
Francesc Roig, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment. Joint appointment with the College of Creative Studies.
Mark Sherwin, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (experimental condensed matter physics)
Boris Shraiman, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (theoretical biophysics)
Mark Srednicki, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor (theoretical high energy physics)
David Stuart, Ph.D., UC Davis, Associate Professor (experimental high-energy physics)
Tommaso L. Treu, Ph.D., Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy, Assistant Professor (observational astrophysics)
Michael Witherell, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Professor (experimental high energy physics)
Anthony Zee, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (theoretical high energy physics)
Paul H. Barrett, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus
David O. Caldwell, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
Robert Eisberg, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus
José R. Fulco, Ph.D., University of Buenos Aires, Professor Emeritus
James B. Hartle, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
Daniel W. Hone, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Professor Emeritus
Vincent Jaccarino, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus
Walter Kohn, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor, 1998 Chemistry Nobel Laureate
James S. Langer, Ph.D., University of Birmingham, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
Harold W. Lewis, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus
Rollin J. Morrison, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Professor Emeritus
Stanton J. Peale, Ph.D., Cornell University, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
Raymond F. Sawyer, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
Douglas J. Scalapino, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor Emeritus
Glen E. Schrank, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Associate Professor Emeritus
Robert Schrieffer, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Professor Emeritus
Robert L. Sugar, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor
William C. Walker, Ph.D., University of Southern California, Professor Emeritus
Cyrus R. Safinya, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Materials)
The physics major provides the foundation for careers in basic and applied physics; in interdisciplinary areas such as astronomy, biophysics, environmental science, oceanography, and scientific instrumentation; and in economics, law, and medicine.
The Department of Physics offers undergraduate programs leading to the B.S. or the B.A. degree, a minor in astronomy and planetary science, and a minor in physics. It also offers a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. in physics. The bachelor of science degree requires a number of electives which may be taken according to the particular aims of the student, after consultation with a faculty advisor. It is designed to provide basic preparation for graduate school in physics, another physical science, or engineering, and for work in industry or a research laboratory. The bachelor of arts degree aims at providing students with a basic knowledge of the physical sciences that can be applied to a career in the natural or behavioral sciences, economics, or to further study in a professional school.
Students are assigned faculty advisors at the beginning of each academic year; it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the advisor to plan a major program. Transfer students must consult the appropriate advisor as soon as possible.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in physics who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.
Information regarding research opportunities is available by visiting the website at:
www.physics.ucsb.edu/research/. This site lists the faculty and their current research.
The Arnold T. Nordsieck Memorial Prize is awarded each year to an outstanding senior who has demonstrated notable promise in research.
In addition, there is an Outstanding Senior and an Outstanding Teaching Assistant prize awarded annually.
The John Cardy Award is given each year to a first-year graduate student with the strongest performance in the core graduate courses.
Undergraduate Program
Undergraduate advising. Prior to registration for the fall quarter each year, all physics majors must make an appointment with the appropriate faculty advisor. The advisors’ names may be obtained at the Department of Physics, Broida Hall 3019, or by calling (805) 893-3888. Before meeting with the advisor, each student must pick up the appropriate B.S./B.A. advising form from the department office. One copy of the form will be given to the student for future reference; a second copy will remain on file in the department office.
All courses to be applied to the B.S. major must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to 7 units from the following physics courses may be taken P/NP: Physics 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 198, 199.
Preparation for the major. The following courses should be completed in the first two years: Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; and 3L, 4L, 5L (or Physics 13AH, 13BH, 13CH); Mathematics 3A-B-C, 5A-B-C; Chemistry 1A-B (or Chemistry 2A-B). A suggested course schedule for freshmen is available from the undergraduate staff advisor.
Upper-division major. Fifty-six upper-division units are required for the B.S. degree in physics, including Physics 100A, 105A-B, 110A-B, 115A-B-C, 119A, 127AL, and 128AL-BL. Also required are 14 additional units of upper-division physics electives, of which no more than 7 units may be earned in the following courses: Physics 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 199. With the consent of the faculty advisor, 4 units of upper-division mathematics, chemistry, EEMB, engineering, geography, geology, or MCDB may be substituted toward the elective requirement. In order to satisfy prerequisites for those courses, which are normally taken in the senior year, students should include 100A, 105A-B, 115A-B and 119A in their junior year program.
Note: All B.S. candidates are required (1) to fulfill the General Education requirements of the College of Letters and Science for the B.S. degree; (2) to have their lower- and upper-division programs approved by the physics faculty advisor during the first quarter in which they have declared their major and subsequently once each year prior to enrollment; and (3) to maintain a C average in the major. Students who do not maintain a grade-point average of 2.0 in upper-division physics courses will be subject to dismissal from the major. (See Major Requirements)
All courses to be applied to the BA major must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to 7 units from the following physics courses may be taken P/NP: Physics,142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 198, 199.
Preparation for the major. The following courses should be completed in the first two years: Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 3L, 4L, 5L (or Physics 13AH, 13BH, 13CH); Mathematics 3A-B-C, 5A-B-C; Chemistry 1A-B (or Chemistry 2A-B). A suggested course schedule for freshmen is available from the undergraduate staff advisor.
Upper-division major. Forty-two upper-division units are required for the B.A. degree, including 30 units of upper-division physics courses and 12 units of chemistry, EEMB, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, MCDB, physics, or electives approved by a faculty advisor. Of the 30 upper-division units in physics, 6 must be upper-division laboratory, chosen from the following courses: Physics 127AL, 127BL, 128AL or 128BL.
Note: All B.A. candidates are required (1) to fulfill the General Education requirements of the College of Letters and Science for the B.A. degree; (2) to have their lower- and upper-division programs approved by the physics faculty advisor during the first quarter in which they have declared their major and subsequently once each year prior to enrollment; and (3) to maintain a C average in the major. Students who do not maintain a grade-point average of 2.0 in upper-division physics courses will be subject to dismissal from the major. (See Major Requirements)
The department provides special opportunities for highly motivated and successful students at both the lower- and upper-division levels, primarily through active involvement in the department’s research program. Outstanding sophomores are encouraged to take the Honors Laboratory sequence, Physics 13AH, BH, and CH, that is designed to aid students in making the transition from the classroom to the modern research laboratory. Many students spend the summers following their sophomore and junior years actively engaged in research, either on campus or at another institution. During the senior year, the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s honors thesis is available to students who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better, in physics.
Students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s honors thesis must submit a signed honors thesis proposal form to the undergraduate faculty advisor for approval three quarters before the thesis is submitted. It is recommended that students discuss plans to pursue an honors thesis with their faculty advisor even earlier (e.g. before the beginning of their junior year). Completion of an honors thesis involves developing a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, presenting a public seminar describing the work, and submitting a formal written thesis to the faculty member and the undergraduate advisory committee for grading and approval. Honors thesis work is credited through one of the following courses: Physics 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, and 199.
All courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to 5 units from the following physics courses may be taken P/NP: 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 198, 199.
Preparation for the minor. Physics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (or Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25); Physics 3L, 4L, 5L (or Physics 13AH, 13BH, 13CH); Mathematics 3A-B-C and 5A-B-C.
Upper-division minor. Eighteen units, distributed as follows: Physics 100A, 115A-B, and 7 units of upper-division physics electives.
Note: Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the chair of the department. Please see Academic Minors for special conditions governing minors in the College of Letters and Science.
Minor - Astronomy and Planetary Science
All courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis, with the exception of the following: up to 5 units from the following physics courses may be taken P/NP: 142L, 143L, 144L, 145L, 198, 199.
Preparation for the minor. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (or Physics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25); Physics 3L, 4L, 5L (or Physics 13AH, 13BH, 13CH); Mathematics 3A-B-C and 5A-B-C.
Upper-division minor. Eighteen units, distributed as follows: Physics 132, 133 (note that 132 and 133 are taught every other year in alternating years, and can be taken by students in either order), and 10 units of upper-division electives chosen from: Physics 131, 134, 141, 145L, 198*, 199*; Geology 123, 124G, 159A, 159B, 198*, 199*.
*Project must be approved by the faculty advisor. In addition, no more than 5 units from Physics 198, 199 and geology 198,199, will be accepted toward the minor.
Note: Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the chair of the department. Please see Academic Minors for special conditions governing minors in the College of Letters and Science.
Graduate Program
In addition to departmental requirements, candidates for graduate degrees must fulfill the university requirements described in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB."
Master of Arts - Physics
The Department of Physics does not offer a terminal M.A. program. Admission is to the Ph.D. program only. Master’s degrees may be awarded only in the case of students who leave the Ph.D. program or for continuing students who have advanced to candidacy and request the M.A. degree.
The requirements for the M.A. are (1) completion of 36 quarter-units of work, with a minimum of 32 units of graduate-level courses and the rest approved by the student’s academic advisory committee; and (2) successful completion of an M.A. examination administered by the student’s graduate advisory committee (successful completion of the advancement to candidacy exam fulfills this requirement).
Doctor of Philosophy - Physics
Admission
A candidate for admission to the Ph.D. program must present an undergraduate degree in physics, or its equivalent, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections as well as the Advanced Subject in physics. In addition to departmental admission requirements, applicants must also meet the university requirements for admission described in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB." Further information on the graduate program, and a description of current research, can be found at www.physics.ucsb.edu/.
Degree Requirements
First-year students will be required to pass the following graduate physics courses with a grade of B or better: Physics 205 (Classical Mechanics), 210A-B (Electromagnetic Theory), 215A-B-C (Quantum Mechanics), and 219 (Statistical Mechanics). The departmental graduate advisor can exempt students from taking a required course, or may require other courses in addition to those listed here. In addition, theoretical physics students must complete a minimum of five advanced graduate courses and experimental physics students must complete a minimum of three advanced graduate courses with a grade of B or better. At least one of these courses must be in an area clearly distinct from the student’s field of specialization - such a determination will be made by the graduate advisor. Exams will include an oral advancement to candidacy exam to be taken during winter quarter of the third year.
The final period of graduate study is primarily directed toward individual research and the preparation of a research-based dissertation. Research, either experimental or theoretical, is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member, normally in an area related to his or her own field of specialization. Students must pass an oral dissertation defense to be awarded the Ph.D.
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Astronomy Courses
Lower Division
1. Basic Astronomy
(4) Staff
A survey of the development of astronomy with an emphasis on understanding the observable properties of the solar system, the sun and other stars, our own and other galaxies, and the entire universe. Topics of current interest will be discussed as time permits. (F,W,S)
1H. Honors Supplement to Basic Astronomy
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: honors standing.
A supplement to Astronomy 1 emphasizing fundamental concepts and additional topics in Astronomy. Intended for highly motivated and well prepared students. (F,W,S)
2. History of the Universe
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Astronomy 1.
The content will vary with the professor and student interests. Course has included modern extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, quasars, active galactic nuclei, dark matter, gravitational lenses, the early universe, the origins of life, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. (S)
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Physics Courses
Lower Division
1. Basic Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Mathematics 3A.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 21.
Introduction to classical mechanics for students in engineering and the physical sciences. Measurement, units, and foundations of physics; vectors; kinematics; circular motion; forces, mass, and Newton’s laws; center of mass; momentum; work and energy; conservation laws; collisions; rotational kinematics.
2. Basic Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 1 and Mathematics 3A-B.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 22.
Rotational dynamics and angular momentum; equilibrium and elasticity; periodic motion including LRC electrical circuits; gravitation; fluid mechanics; temperature; thermal expansion; heat and the first law of thermodynamics; heat conduction; kinetic theory of gases; entropy and the second law; heat engines.
3. Basic Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 2 or 22; and Mathematics
3A-B-C.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 23.
Recommended preparation: Mathematics 5A (may be taken concurrently) and Physics 3L (may be taken concurrently).
Mechanical waves, wave interference and normal modes, sound and hearing, electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance, electromotive force, DC circuits.
3L. Physics Laboratory
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 3 or 23 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 13AH or Physics CS 15A.
Introductory laboratory emphasizing periodic motion, sound and basic electronics.
4. Basic Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 3 or 23.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 24.
Recommended preparation: Mathematics 5B (may be taken concurrently) and Physics 4L (may be taken concurrenlty).
Magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and inductance, AC circuits, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, light and geometrical optics, interference and diffraction.
4L. Physics Laboratory
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 4 or 24 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 13BH or Physics CS 15B.
Introductory laboratory emphasizing magnetism, circuits and optics.
5. Basic Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 4 or 24.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 25.
Recommended preparation: Mathematics 5C (may be taken concurrently) and Physics 5L (may be taken concurrently).
Special relativity, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, quantum mechanics, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear physics, elementary particles.
5L. Physics Laboratory
(1) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 4 or 24; and, Physics 5 or 25 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 13CH or Physics CS 15C.
Introductory laboratory emphasizing atomic spectra, diffraction and basic quantum physics.
6A-B-C. Introductory Physics
(3-3-3) Staff
Prerequisite: Mathematics 3A or 34A (may be taken concurrently - for 6A): Physics 6A with a minimum grade of C- (for 6B): Physics 6B with a minimum grade of C- (for 6C).
Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena, and is particularly useful preparation for upper-division study in the life sciences.
A. Vectors, velocity, acceleration. Newton’s laws. Work and Energy. Linear momentum. Gravity, Static equilibrium. Rotational motion. Angular momentum. (F,W)
B. Oscillatory motion. Vibrations, waves, sound. Fluids. Electrostatics and DC circuits. Magnetism and magnetic forces. Induction and Faraday’s law. AC circuits. If time permits: Heat and thermodynamics. (W,S,M)
C. Electromagnetic waves. Geometric optics, optical instruments. Interference and diffraction. Quantum theory of the atom. Nuclear physics. If time permits: special relativity, elementary particle physics. (F,S,M)
6AL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Physics 6A.
Self-directed laboratory course where students seek to discover simple mathematical descriptions to laws governing various physical phenomena. Each student is responsible for deciding what to measure, how to measure it, and what interpretation can be placed on the results. (F,W)
6BL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Physics 6B.
Experiments in the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of matter, the behavior of light, and quantum phenomena with application to the biological sciences. (W,S)
6CL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Physics 6C.
Experiments in the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of matter, the behavior of light, and quantum phenomena with application to the biological sciences. (F,S)
10. Concepts of Physics
(4) Staff
Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Natural Science 1A, Physics 1 or 6A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
A survey of important concepts in physics for the nonscience major. The contents will vary depending on the interests of the students and instructor. (W,S)
13AH. Honors Experimental Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 3 or 23 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 3L or Physics CS 15A.
Covers the essence of experimental research. Students study three different systems experimentally, and write short Physical Review style articles about the results. Students are responsible for deciding what to measure, how to analyze data, what conclusions can be reached, etc. (F)
13BH. Honors Experimental Physics
(2) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 13AH; Physics 4 or 24 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 4L or Physics CS 15B.
Computer control of experiments. Students learn LabView, and use it to measure and generate analog signals using a data acquisition card and a personal computer. Students ultimately use their computers to measure and control the temperature of a copper rod. (W)
13CH. Honors Experimental Physics
(2) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 13BH; Physics 5 or 25 (may be taken concurrently).
Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 5L or Physics CS 15C.
Design and construction of apparatus, drafting and computer-aided design. Machine shop practice including use of all major machine tools. The class acts as a team to design and, time permitting, build a scientific apparatus for a campus research group. (S)
16. Undergraduate Seminar
(1) Staff
Course is strongly recommended for freshmen, transfer students, and prospective majors within physics.
Selected topics of special interest designed to display the broad diversity of physics. Also designed to introduce students to faculty research and department labs. (F)
20. General Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 3A.
Open to non-majors. Designed for majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 1.
Recommended preparation: High school calculus and high school physics.
Classical mechanics, kinematics, vectors, Newton’s laws, work and energy, conservation laws. (F)
21. General Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 20 and Mathematics 3A with a grade of C- or better.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 1.
Momentum and collisions, rigid-body rotation. Rotational dynamics, statics, gravitation, periodic motion, fluid mechanics. (W)
22. General Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 21 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 3A-B.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 2.
Temperature and heat, thermal properties of matter, the laws of thermodynamics, mechanical waves, wave interference and normal modes, sound and hearing. (S)
23. General Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 22 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 3A-B-C.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 3.
Recommended preparation: Physics 3L or 13AH (may be taken concurrently).
Electric charge and electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance, electromotive force, DC circuits. (F)
24. General Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 23 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 5A
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 4.
Recommended preparation: Physics 4L or 13BH (may be taken concurrently).
Magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and inductance, AC circuits, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, light and geometrical optics, interference and diffraction. (W)
25. General Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 24 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 5A-B.
Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 5.
Recommended preparation: Physics 5L or 13CH (may be taken concurrently).
Special relativity, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, quantum mechanics, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear physics, elementary particles. (S)
43. Origins: A Dialogue Between Scientists and Humanists
(4) Staff
Same course as Religious Studies 43.
Introduction to the ways in which different disciplines have addressed the concept of origins. This course is organized as a dialogue between science, religion and history or more broadly construed between science and the humanities.
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Upper Division
A grade of C- or higher is required to satisfy the prerequisites for all upper-division courses. In series of courses, such as Physics 105A-B, the earlier courses are considered prerequisites for the later ones. Exceptions will be made only with the consent of the instructor.
100A-B. Methods of Theoretical Physics
(3-3) Staff
Prerequisites: Mathematics 5C with a minimum grade of C- (for Physics 100A): Physics 100A with a minimum grade of C- (for Physics 100B).
Mathematical methods in physics: theory of functions of complex variables, Fourier series, integral transforms, partial differential equations of physics, boundary value problems, Legendre and Bessel functions. Introduction to Hilbert spaces. (F,W)
105A-B. Classical Mechanics
(3-3) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 2 or 22 with a minimum grade of C-; Mathematics 5B (may be taken concurrently) (for Physics 105A): Physics 105A with a minimum grade of C- (for 105B).
Dynamics of a particle and systems of particles. Harmonic oscillator. Curvilinear coordinates. Central force motion. Scattering. Elementary rigid body motion. Moving coordinate systems. Lagrange’s equations and generalized coordinates. Forces of constraint. Rigid body rotation. Small vibrations and normal modes. Hamilton’s equations. Special relativity. (W,S)
106. Nonlinear Phenomena
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 105A; or ME 163; or upper-division standing in ECE.
Same course as ECE 183 and ME 169. Not open for credit to students who have completed ME 163C.
An introduction to nonlinear phenomena. Flows and bifurcations in one and two dimensions, chaos, fractals, strange attractors. Application to physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology. (S)
110A-B-C. Electromagnetism
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C-; and, Mathematics 5C (may be taken concurrently) (for Physics 110A): Physics 110A with a minimum grade of C- (for 110B): Physics 110B with a minimum grade of C- (for 110C).
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic properties of materials, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation from charged particles, special relativity. (F,W,S)
115A-B-C. Quantum Mechanics
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C-; and, Physics 100A with a minimum grade of C- or Mathematics 124A (may be taken concurrently) (for Physics 115A): Physics 115A with a minimum grade of C- (for 115B): Physics 115B with a minimum grade of C- (for 115C).
Inadequacies of classical physics and quantum mechanical resolutions. The postulates of quantum mechanics. Schroedinger’s equation, measurements, operators, and observables. Angular momentum and spin, the exclusion principle, perturbation theory and scattering theory. Application to atomic, molecular and nuclear physics. (W,S,F)
119A-B. Thermal and Statistical Physics
(3-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C- (for Physics 119A): Physics 119A with a minimum grade of C- (for Physics 119B).
Physics 119A not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 118. Physics 119B not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 119.
A. Thermodynamics: three laws of thermodynamics, phase diagrams, entropy, equipartition of energy, specific heat, reversible and irreversible processes, pressure, viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusion. (F)
B. Statistical mechanics: Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distribution laws. Relation of thermodynamic variables and microscopic properties. (W)
120. Physics of California: Waves, Weather, Quakes and Fires
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Why do the waves hit the beach every five seconds? This course teaches students the relevant fluid dynamics and allows them to apply it to natural phenomena of California: seismic waves, tsunamis, maximum tree heights, fluid flow around fish.
121A-B. The Practice of Science
(4-3) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor (for 121A): Physics 121A or ECE 121A; consent of instructor (for 121B).
Same course as ECE 121A-B.
Provides experience in pursuing careers within science and engineering through discussions with researchers, lectures on ethics, funding, intellectual property, and commercial innovation. Students prepare a focused research proposal that is pursued in the second quarter of the course.
123A-B. Condensed Matter Physics
(4-4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 115A with a minimum grade of C-.
Classification of solids; crystal symmetry, thermal electric and magnetic properties; metals, semiconductors, and the band theory of electronic states; magnetic resonance; superconductivity; imperfections. Emphasis will be placed on both fundamental and applied aspects. (F)
125. Elementary Particle Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 115B with a minimum grade of C-.
Introduction to quarks and leptons and the phenomenology of the particles they comprise; fundamental symmetries, invariance principles, and the associated quantum numbers, strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions and their relationship. (S)
127AL. Analog Electronics
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 2 or 22 or 6B with a minimum grade of C-; and, Mathematics 3B or 34B with a minimum grade of C-.
Passive circuits, diodes, transistors, field effect transistors, operational amplifiers, feedback and control. Design, building and testing of analog circuits. (F)
127BL. Digital Electronics
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 127AL with a minimum grade of C-.
Gates, combinational and sequential logic, multiplexes, counters, shift registers, memory and microprocessors. Design, building and testing of digital circuitry, including a modern microprocessor based computer system. (W)
128AL. Advanced Experimental Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 127AL with a minimum grade of C-; and Physics 115A (may be taken concurrently).
Selected experiments in contemporary physics, e.g., holography, laser lightscattering zeeman effect, x-rays, superconductivity, magnetic resonance, Mossbauer effect. (W)
128BL. Advanced Experimental Physics
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 128AL with a minimum grade of C-.
Selected experiments in contemporary physics, e.g., holography, laser lightscattering, optical pumping, semiconductors, superconductivity, magnetic resonance, Mossbauer effect. (S)
131. Gravitation and Relativity
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 105A-B with a minimum grade of C-.
Physics 105B may be taken concurrently only with the consent of the instructor.
An introduction to Einstein’s general relativity. The spacetime of special relativity, the principle of equivalence, gravity as geometry, the description of spacetime geometry, the spacetime of a relativistic star, solar system tests of general relativity, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology.
132. Stellar Structure and Evolution
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C-.
Observed properties and classification of stars, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar atmospheres, hydrostatic equilibrium, energy transport, equations of state, thermonuclear reaction rates, origin of the elements, life history of stars, stellar death, compact objects, star formation.
133. Galaxies and Cosmology
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Observed properties of galaxies, the interstellar medium, stellar dynamics, spiral arms, galaxy clusters, dark matter, quasars, the Hubble expansion, Friedmann models, thermal history of the universe, the origin of the light elements, the cosmic microwave background structure formation.
134. Observational Astrophysics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Recommended preparation: Physics 132 or 133.
Techniques and implementation of observational methods in astronomy/astrophysics. Sensors, digital-image processing and analysis, research projects with computer-controlled remote access telescope using a digital image sensor. Studies of variable stars, galaxy morphology, supernova, etc. (W)
135. Biophysics and Biomolecular Materials
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 6C or 25.
Same course as Materials 135.
Structure and function of cellular molecules (lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates). Genetic engineering techniques of molecular biology. Biomolecular materials and biomedical applications (e.g., bio-sensors, drug delivery systems, gene carrier systems).
141. Optics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Modern geometrical and physical optics. Polarization, coherence, interference, and diffraction phenomena. Fourier transform spectroscopy, intensity correlation interferometry, spatial filtering, and holography. Selected topics on lasers, light scattering, and quantum optics as time permits.
142L. Experimental Research in Condensed Matter Physics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in research laboratories in condensed matter physics.
143L. Experimental Research in Elementary Particle Physics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in experimental research in elementary particle physics.
144L. Experimental Research in Biophysics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in research laboratories in biophysics.
145L. Experimental Research in Astrophysics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in experimental research in astrophysics. Each staff member has his/her own course identified by a number listed in the Schedule of Classes.
150. Special Topics in Physics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Course varies from year to year according to the current interests.
160A. Colloquium
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C-.
Course may be repeated 3 times for credit. P/NP grading option only. Students may apply to act as colloquium coordinator, to coordinate pre-colloquium meeting and other details. Students interested in doing this may receive one unit of Physics 199 credit, and should contact the undergraduate staff advisor to make arrangements.
Pre-colloquium and colloquium. Allows students attending a pre-colloquium discussion section (1/2 hour) with speaker, and then attending the department colloquium (1 hour), to do so for one unit of Upper Division credit. (F,W,S)
160K. Science for the Public
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Same course as Engineering 160. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units, but only 4 units may be applied to the major. Open to graduate students in science and engineering disciplines and to undergraduate science and engineering majors.
Provides experience in communicating science and technology to nonspecialists. The major components of the course are field work in mentoring, a biweekly seminar, presentations to precollege students and to adult nonscientists, and end-of-term research papers.
198. Directed Reading
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division courses in physics.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined.
Each staff member has their own directed reading course identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes. (F,W,S)
199. Research in Physics
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division courses in physics.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Directed individual study open to qualified seniors in the department. Each staff member has their own independent studies course identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes.
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Graduate Courses
205. Classical Mechanics
(4) Staff
Review of Lagrangian mechanics. Variational principles. Hamilton’s equations. Canonical transformations. Hamilton Jacobi Theory. Action angle variables. Time dependent and canonical perturbation theory. Central forces and scattering. Small vibrations. Rigid body motion. Poincare maps. Non-Integrable systems. Hamiltonian and dissipative chaos. (F)
210A-B. Electromagnetic Theory
(4-4) Staff
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems, time varying fields, Maxwell’s equations, radiation, multipole fields, scattering, relativistic particle dynamics. (W,S)
215A-B-C. Quantum Mechanics
(4-4-4) Staff
Fundamental principles; Schroedinger equation; angular momentum; perturbation theory; scattering theory, emission, and absorption of radiation; Dirac equation. (F,W,S)
217A-B. The Many Body Problem in Condensed Matter Physics
(4-4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 215C.
Field theoretic methods as applied to (non-relativistic) condensed matter systems. Green’s functions and diagrammatic techniques applied to various examples of interacting many body systems, including fermions, bosons, and spins. Relationship of theoretical quantities to physical measurements. (W,S)
219. Statistical Mechanics
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 205, 215A and 119 taken at another institution.
Fundamental principles of classical and quantum statistics. Non-interacting Boltzmann, Bose, and Fermi systems. Virial expansion and other approaches to interacting systems. Phase transitions. (W)
220. Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 219.
Course will cover some of the following topics: a) critical phenomena-phase diagrams, first and second order phase transitions, scaling theory, high-temperature expansions, renormalization group; b) non-equilibrium statistical mechanics-Stochastic processes, Langevin equations, fluctuation-dissipation theorem, master equation , fluid dynamics. (S)
221A-B-C. Relativistic Quantum Field Theory
(4-4-4) Staff
Introduction to the theory of Lorentz covariant quantized fields. Global and local conservation laws. Path integral formulation. Applications to quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, and electroweak interactions. Other possible topics include grand unification, the renormalization group, anomalies, current algebra, and supersymmetry. (F,W,S)
223A-B-C. Concepts and Phenomena of Condensed Matter Physics
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 219 and 215C.
Lattice and electron dynamics. Elementary excitations and collective phenomena. Transport properties. Disorder and localization. Long-range order and broken symmetries. Magnetism, superconductivity and liquid crystals. Properties and structures of polymers, membranes, and self-assembling systems. (F,W,S)
225A. Elementary Particle Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 125 or 215C.
The phenomenology of the standard model of particle physics. QED and QCD processes. (F)
225B. Elementary Particle Physics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Physics 225A.
Weak interactions; neutrino physics; C,P, and CP violation; electroweak gauge theory and symmetry breaking. Design of detectors and experiments; searches for new phenomena. (W)
229A-B. Gauge Theories of Elementary Particles
(4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 221A-B-C.
Quantum theory of non-abelian gauge fields. Local, global, and spontaneous symmetry breaking. Collective phenomena; solitons, instantons, and magnetic monopoles. Effective field theories. Lattice gauge theory. applications to the standard model of elementary particles. (F,W)
230A-B. String Theory
(4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 221B and 231B.
Introduction to string theory. Bosonic and super string theories and their spectra. String perturbation theory and conformal field theory. Nonlinear sigma models and spacetime structure. String compactifications and unification of forces. Non-perturbative results and methods; dualities and branes.
231A-B-C. General Relativity
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: Physics 210A-B. Physics 231C may be repeated with consent of instructor.
Gravity as geometry, differential geometry, Einstein’s equation, relativistic stars, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology, gravitational radiation, and special topics. (F,W,S)
232. Stellar Structure and Evolution
(4) Staff
Physics of stellar structure, equations of state and heat transport. Birth of stars and physics of brown dwarfs. Thermonuclear burning and main sequence stellar structure. Evolution of stars and mass loss. Origin, physical structure, and cooling of compact objects. (S)
233. The Interstellar Medium
(4) Staff
Physical processes that regulate the state of diffuse gas in and around galaxies: Ionization and thermal equilibrium; absorption line studies; spectral line formation; properties of dust grains and extinction; molecular gas and star formation; supernova explosions and hydrodynamic shocks. (W)
234. High Energy Astrophysics
(4) Staff
Accretion power in a range of astrophysical contexts, from quasars to galactic black holes. Rapid release of thermonuclear energy, Type I X-ray bursts, classical novae, Type Ia supernovae. Relativistic jets from black holes, non-thermal radiation processes, physics of gamma-ray bursts.
235. Extragalactic Astrophysics
(4) Staff
Nebular astrophysics, active galactic nuclei, supermassive black holes, stellar dynamics, galaxies, clusters, dark matter, gravitational lensing, the intergalactic medium and galaxy formation. (F)
236. Cosmology
(4) Staff
Friedmann models, distance measures, cosmological parameters, thermal history of the universe, cosmological density fields, structure formation (top-hat model, Press-Schechter), big bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic microwave background.
250. Special Topics in Physics
(1-4) Staff
The course varies from year to year according to current interests.
260A. Colloquium
(1) Staff
260B. Seminar in Macromolecular Physics and Organic Solids
(1) Staff
260C. Seminar in General Relativity
(1) Staff
Talks on topics in gravity and general relativity pertinent to current doctoral research in the field.
260D. Seminar in Theoretical Physics
(1) Staff
260E. Condensed Matter and Applied Physics Seminar
(1) Staff
A lecture series of topics in materials and condensed matter physics, solid state physics, liquid helium, polymers, and related phenomenon.
260F. Seminar in High Energy Physics
(1) Staff
260G. Graduate Seminar
(1) Staff
Weekly seminar on topics of research currently being pursued in the Department of Physics.
260H. Seminar in Astrophysics and Cosmology
(1) Staff
Talks on topics in astrophysics and cosmology pertinent to current doctoral research in the field.
260J. Physics Outreach
(1) Staff
Active participation in an outreach program that presents physics demonstrations and experiments on the road to local schools in order to provide a valuable learning experience for K-12 students.
260K. Science for the Public
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; open to graduate students in science and engineering disciplines and to undergraduate science and engineering majors.
Provides experience in communicating science and technology to nonspecialists. The major components of the course are field work in mentoring, a biweekly seminar, presentations to precollege students and to adults nonscientists, and end-of-term research papers. (F,W,S)
500. Teaching Assistant Seminar
(2) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. Required course for all teaching assistants.
Covers development of teaching techniques especially oriented to lower-division physics laboratory instruction. Theoretical aspects covered at beginning of each quarter. Practical techniques discussed including weekly meeting with class instructor, formal evaluation, and videotaping analysis. (F)
594. Special Topics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest. Each staff member has a seminar identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes. (F,W,S)
595. Group Studies
(1-6) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units.
Each staff member has a group studies course identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes. (F,W,S)
596. Directed Reading and Research
(2-12) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Individual tutorial. Reading and research in special topics including work done as the basis for the dissertation. Each staff member has a directed reading and research course identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes. (F,W,S)
599. Dissertation Preparation
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit up to 24 units.
This course is reserved for writing the dissertation. Each staff member has a research course identified by a number code listed in the Schedule of Classes. (F,W,S)
