ARCHIVED CATALOG: Visit catalog.ucsb.edu to view the 2023-2024 General Catalog.

UC Santa Barbara General CatalogUniversity of California, Santa Barbara

Physics

Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences
Broida Hall 3019
Telephone: (805) 893-4567
E-mail: advisors@physics.ucsb.edu
Website: www.physics.ucsb.edu
Department Chair: Claudio Campagnari

 

Some courses displayed may not be offered every year. For actual course offerings by quarter, please consult the Quarterly Class Search or GOLD (for current students). To see the historical record of when a particular course has been taught in the past, please visit the Course Enrollment Histories.

Astronomy
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ASTRO 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.
ASTRO 1H. Honors Supplement to Basic Astronomy
(1) STAFF
Prerequisite: Honors standing. Concurrent enrollment in ASTRO 1.
A supplement to Astronomy 1 emphasizing fundamental concepts and additional topics in astronomy. Intended for highly motivated and well prepared students.
ASTRO 2. History of the Universe
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Astronomy 1.
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, theorigins of life, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.

 
Astronomy (Online)
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ASTROW 1. Basic Astronomy
(4) STAFF
Repeat Comments: ASTROW 1 is the online version of ASTRO 1.
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.

 
Physics
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PHYS 1. Basic Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 2A or 3A or AP Math AB Exam with a score of 3 or better.
Enrollment Comments: Reduced credit of 2 units will be given to students who have received credit for Physics 20. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 20 and 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.
PHYS 2. Basic Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 1 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 2A-B or 3A-B or AP Math BC exam with a score of 3 or better.
Repeat Comments: 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.
PHYS 3. Basic Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 2 with a grade of C- or better; Mathematics 2A-B or 3A-B (AP Math BC Exam score of 3 or better) and 4A.
Recommended Preparation: Physics 3L (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 23.
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.
PHYS 3L. Physics Laboratory
(1) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 3 or 23 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 13AH or Physics CS 15A.
Introductory laboratory emphasizing periodic motion, sound and basic electronics.
PHYS 4. Basic Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 3 with a grade of C- or better.
Recommended Preparation: Mathematics 6A and Physics 4L (may be taken concurrently)
Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 24.
Magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and inductance, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, light and geometrical optics, interference and diffraction.
PHYS 4L. Physics Laboratory
(1) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 4 or 24 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 13BH or Physics CS 15B.
Introductory laboratory emphasizing magnetism, circuits and optics.
PHYS 5. Basic Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 4 with a grade of C- or better.
Recommended Preparation: Mathematics 6B and Physics 5L (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 25.
Special relativity, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, quantum mechanics, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear physics, elementary particles.
PHYS 5L. Physics Laboratory
(1) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 4 or 24; and, Physics 5 or 25 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: 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.
PHYS 6A. Introductory Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 2A or 3A or 34A (may be taken concurrently) or AP Math AB Exam score of 3 or better.
Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena, and is particularly useful preparation for upper-division study in the life sciences. Vectors, velocity, acceleration. Newton's laws. Work and energy. Linear momentum. Gravity. Static equilibrium. Rotational motion. Angular momentum.
PHYS 6AL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1) STAFF
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Physics 6A.
Self directed laboratory course where students seek to discover simple mathematical descriptions of 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.
PHYS 6B. Introductory Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 6A with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer.
Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena, and is particularly useful preparation for upper-division study in the life sciences. 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.
PHYS 6BL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1)
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.
PHYS 6C. Introductory Physics
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 6B with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring, Summer, Fall.
Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena, and is particularly useful preparation for upper-division study in the life sciences. Electromagnetic waves. Geometric optics, optical instruments. Interference and diffraction. Quantum theory of the atom. Nuclear physics. If time permits: Special relativity, elementary particle physics.
PHYS 6CL. Introductory Experimental Physics
(1)
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.
PHYS 8. Introduction to Mathematical Methods for Physics
(4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Summer, Fall. This course is highly recommended for those students who have not completed AP calculus BC with a score of 5.
Repeat Comments: Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 1 or 21.
Single variable functions, derivatives and integrals with applications to kinematics. Taylor series. Introduction to ordinary differential equations and Newton's second law as an ODE. Vectors and scalars with physics applications. Dot and cross products. Matrices and determinants. Unit circle and trigonometric identities. Polar coordinates and kinematics in polar coordinates.
PHYS 10. Concepts of Physics
(4)
Enrollment Comments: Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Natural Science 1A, Physics 1 or 6A.
A survey of important concepts in physics for the non-science major. The contents will vary depending on the interests of the students and instructor.
PHYS 13AL. Honors Introduction to Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 3 or 23 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Fall. Quarters usually offered: Fall. Same course as Physics CS 15A. Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 3L, Physics 13AH 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.
PHYS 13BL. Honors Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 4 or 24 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter. Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 4L, Physics 13BH 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.
PHYS 13CL. Honors Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring. Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 5L, Physics 13CH 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.
PHYS 16. Undergraduate Seminar
(1) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Fall. This 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.
PHYS 20AL. Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 2 or 22; Physics 3 or 23 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Fall. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 3L, Physics 13AH, Physics 13AL or Physics CS 15A.
Introduction to Measurement and Experimentation. Basic good practices in note-taking, data collection, data visualization, error estimation, error propagation, curve fitting, and drawing conclusions, all exercised in the context of phenomena from mechanics and electronics.
PHYS 20BL. Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 3 or 23 and 20AL; Physics 4 or 24 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 4L, Physics 13BH, Physics 13BL or Physics CS 15B.
Introduction to Measurement and Experimentation, continued. Basics of image analysis, technical drawing, additive manufacturing, oscilloscope use, searching and digesting scientific literature, as well as continued practice of skills introduced in 20AL in the context of electromagnetic and optical phenomena.
PHYS 20CL. Experimental Physics
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 4 or 24 and 20BL; Physics 5 or 25 (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 5L, Physics 13CH, Physics 13CL, Physics 25L or Physics CS 15C.
Introduction to Measurement and Experimentation, with an emphasis on Scientific Communication and Experimental Design. Searching the scientific literature, reading a scientific paper, proposing and executing a measurement, and formally reporting on a measurement in writing, as well as continued practice of skills introduced in 20AL and 20BL in the context of modern physics phenomena.
PHYS 21. General Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 2A/3A and Mathematics 2B/3B or Physics 8 or AP Calculus BC Exam score of 5.
Recommended Preparation: High school calculus and high school physics.
Enrollment Comments: Open to non-majors. Designed for majors. Quarters usually offered: Winter, Fall.
Repeat Comments: Not open for degree credit to students who have completed Physics 1.
Classical mechanics, kinematics, vectors, Newton's laws, work and energy, conservation laws, rotational kinematics.
PHYS 22. General Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 21 with a grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring.
Repeat Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 2.
Rotational dynamics, fluid mechanics, gravitation, periodic motion, temperature and heat, thermodynamics.
PHYS 23. General Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 22 with a minimum grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring, Summer, Fall. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 3.
Repeat Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 3.
Mechanical waves, sound, electric charge and electric field, Gauss' Law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance, electromotive force, DC circuits.
PHYS 24. General Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 23 with a minimum grade of C-; Mathematics 4A.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Fall. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 4.
Magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and inductance, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, light and geometrical optics, interference and diffraction.
PHYS 25. General Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 24 with a minimum grade of C-; Mathematics 6A.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring. Not open for credit to students who have completed Physics 5.
Special relativity, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, quantum mechanics, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear physics, elementary particles.
PHYS 29. Introduction to Computer Programming for the Physical Sciences
(2) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 2B or 3B (may be taken concurrently) or AP Calculus BC Exam with a score of 3 or better
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
An introduction to programming and data analysis for the physical sciences. Topics include syntax, good coding practice, basic algorithmic structure, plotting, basic data analysis, numerical root-finding and integration.
PHYS 98. READINGS IN PHYSICS
(1-4)
Enrollment Comments: MAY BE REPEATED TO A MAXIMUM OF 6 UNITS. STUDENTS MUST HAVE A MINIMUM 3.0 CUMULATIVE GPA AND ARE LIMITED TO 3 UNITS PER QUARTER AND 30 UNITS TOTAL IN98/99/198/199/199DC/199RA COURSES COMBINED. NO MORE THAN 12 UNITS MAY BE EARNED IN ALL PHYSICS 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ COURSES COMBINED.
CRITICAL REVIEWS AND DISCUSSIONS OF SELECTED PHYSICS SUBJECTS, CONDUCTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PHYSICS FACULTY MEMBER.
PHYS 99. Introduction to Physics Research
(1-4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and are limited to 3 units per quarter and 30 units total in98/99/198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Independent research conducted under the guidance of a Physics faculty member. Topic and scope varies, to be specificied by student and supervisory faculty member prior to registration.
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PHYS 100A. Methods of Theoretical Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 6B with a grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring, Summer, Fall.
Repeat Comments: Students who completed PHYS 102 with a C- or below may take PHYS 100A as a legal repeat
Linear Algebra: Vector spaces, operators, spectral decomposition. Topics may include Sturm-Liouville equations, special functions. Fourier series and Fourier transforms, Dirac delta-function.
PHYS 100B. Methods of Theoretical Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Mathematics 5C or 6B with a grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter.
Repeat Comments: Students who completed PHYS 101 with a C- or below may take PHYS 100B as a legal repeat
Analytic functions, contour integrals and branch cuts. Conformal mapping. Laplace transforms. Asymptotic series and the gamma function. Green's functions.
PHYS 103. Intermediate Mechanics and Special Relativity
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 2 or 22 with a minimum grade of C-. Mathematics 6A (may be taken concurrently)
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
Newtonian mechanics in 3D. Conservation laws. Complex numbers. Oscillations. Inertial reference frames, Lorentz transformations, relativistic momentum and energy, four-vectors.
PHYS 104. Advanced Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 103 with a grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
Calculus of variations. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Central force problems and collision theory. Non-inertial reference frames. Coupled oscillations and waves.
PHYS 106. Nonlinear Phenomena
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 105A or Physics 103; or ME 163 or upper-division standing in ECE.
Enrollment Comments: Same course as ECE 183 and ME 169. Not open for credit to students who have completed ECE 163C.
Repeat Comments: PHYS 103 was formerly PHYS 105A.
An introduction to nonlinear phenomena. Flows and bifurcations in one and two dimensions, chaos, fractals, strange attractors. Applications to physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology.
PHYS 110A. Electromagnetism
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 with a minimum grade of C-; Mathematics 6B with minimum grade of C-.
Electrostatics, Laplace's equation, method of images, separation of variables, multipole expansion, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter.
PHYS 110B. Electromagnetism
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 110A with a minimum grade of C-.
Electrodynamics, Maxwells equations, conservation laws, electromagnetic waves, potentials and fields for moving charges, radiation, special relativity.
PHYS 115A. Quantum Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 and Physics 100A with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Summer, Fall.
The postulates of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation and its consequences, the quantum harmonic oscillator and other one dimensional quantum systems, Hilbert Space and Dirac notation, the hydrogen atom.
PHYS 115B. Quantum Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 115A with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring.
Spin and angular momentum, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, identical particles, symmetries and conservation laws, time independent perturbation theory.
PHYS 115C. Quantum Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 115B with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring.
The variational principle, time dependent perturbation theory, the adiabatic theorem. Topics from: WKB approximation, the Dirac equation, Berry's phase, Bell's inequality, quantum cryptography, quantum computation.
PHYS 119A. Thermal and Statistical Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 or 115A with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Fall.
Principles of statistical physics, entropy, large numbers, thermodynamic principles, microcanonical ensemble, ideal gas, free energy, chemical potential, selected applications. Canonical ensemble, if time permits.
PHYS 119B. Thermal and Statistical Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 119A with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring.
Canonical ensemble and partition functions, grand canonical ensemble, quantum statistics, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distribution laws. Topics from: Brownian motion, Langevin equation, dissipation and fluctuations, elementary kinetic theory, weakly interacting gases or mean field theory of magnetism, other topics illustrative of the breadth of the subject and/or selected applications.
PHYS 120. Physics of California Waves, Weather, Quakes and Fires
(4)
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.
PHYS 121A. The Practice of Science
(3) STAFF
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: Same course as ECE 121A.
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.
PHYS 121B. The Practice of Science
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 121A or ECE 121A; consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: Same course as ECE 121B.
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.
PHYS 123A. CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
(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 WILLBE PLACED ON BOTH FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS.
PHYS 123B. CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
(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.
PHYS 125. Elementary Particle Physics
(4)
Prerequisite: Physics 115B.
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.
PHYS 127AL. Analog Electronics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 13CL or 20CL and Math 3B with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring.
Passive circuits, diodes, transistors, field effect transistors, operational amplifiers, feedback and control. Design, building and testing of analog circuits.
PHYS 127BL. DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 127AL with a minimum grade of C-.
Enrollment Comments: QUARTERS USUALLY OFFERED: WINTER.
GATES, COMBINATIONAL AND SEQUENTIAL LOGIC, MULTIPLEXERS, COUNTERS, SHIFT REGISTERS, MEMORY AND MICROPROCESSORS. DESIGN, BUILDING AND TESTING OF DIGITAL CIRCUITRY, INCLUDING A MODERN MICROPROCESSOR BASED COMPUTER SYSTEM.
PHYS 128AL. Advanced Experimental Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 13CL or Physics 20CL or Physics CS 15C. Physics 115A (may be taken concurrently).
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
Selected experiments in physics, i.e. saturated absorption spectroscopy, muon lifetime measurements, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, Mossbauer effect. Develop skills in detailing observations in a scientific notebook, data collection and error analysis, operating complex physical apparatus, and scientific communication.
PHYS 128BL. Advanced Experimental Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 128AL with a minimum grade of C-.
Selected experiments in physics, i.e. saturated absorption spectroscopy, muon lifetime measurements, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, Mossbauer effect. Develop skills in detailing observations in a scientific notebook, data collection and error analysis, operating complex physical apparatus, and scientific communication.
PHYS 129L. Introduction to Scientific Computation
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 with a grade of C- or better, and Mathematics 6B with a grade of C- or better; Physics 29 with a grade of C- or better.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Not open to graduate students.
A survey of computers, programming, and computational techniques for the natural sciences. Physical foundations of computation, binary arithmetic, computer architecture, programming languages, operating systems, UNIX shell and filesystems. Programming tools, variables and data structures, expressions, control flow, files, functions and scoping, objects, error handling, debugging, graphics, text processing, networking, data acquisition and transfer. Mathematics and algorithms for data processing and analysis, numerical methods, random numbers and simulation.
PHYS 131. Gravitation and Relativity
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 105A-B or Physics 103-104 with a minimum grade of C- in each.
Enrollment Comments: Physics 104 may be taken concurrently with consent of 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 test of general relativity, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology.
PHYS 132. Stellar Structure and Evolution
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 or 115A 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.
PHYS 133. Cosmology
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 or 115A with a minimum grade of C-.
The geometry, contents and evolution of the universe as a whole. The empirical and theoretical foundations for the Big Bang, the Hubble expansion, Friedmann models, dark matter, dark energy, the thermal history of the universe, the origin of the light elements, the cosmic microwave background, reionization, and structure formation.
PHYS 134L. Observational Astrophysics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 or 115A with a minimum grade of C-.
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, supernovae, etc.
PHYS 135. Biophysics and Biomolecular Materials
(3)
Prerequisite: Physics 6C or 5 or 25.
Enrollment Comments: 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).
PHYS 136. Galaxies
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 2 or 22 with a minimum grade of C-, Physics 104 (may be taken concurrently)
The distribution of mass in galaxies, orbits of stars, Boltzmann equation, Jeans theorem, spiral structure & density waves, dynamics of star clusters, galaxy collisions, dynamical friction, gas dynamics, sound & shock waves, gas inflow & accretion, gas outflow & winds.
PHYS 137. Planets and Exoplanets
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25 or 115A with a minimum grade of C-, Physics 104 (may be taken concurrently)
An introduction to planets both in and out of the solar system. This course will provide a broad overview of planets in the solar system, the techniques used to detect planets outside the solar system, and demographics and characteristics of exoplanets.
PHYS 138. Soft Matter Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: Physics 119B
Enrollment Comments: Concurrently offered with PHYS 238.
A physics-based approach to study the structure, assembly and dynamical properties of a variety of soft materials, such as simple and complex fluids, colloidal systems, liquid crystals, polymers, granular matter and gels, including biological examples. Topics covered include elasticity, viscosity and viscoelasticity, capillarity and wetting, phases and phase diagrams of soft materials, entropy-driven phase transitions, Brownian motion and active matter.
PHYS 139. Physical Biology of the Cell
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 119B
Enrollment Comments: Concurrently offered with PHYS 239.
The role of physics in biology through quantitative measurements and modeling, the organization of a cell, and exemplary quantitative results of biological model systems. The physics of biologically relevant macromolecules, including DNA, RNA and mechanisms of transcription and translation; introduction to protein folding and the role of electrostatics in biology. The physics of the cytoskeleton including beam theory, persistence length, molecular motors, instrumentation used to characterize motor properties, as well as the role of active stresses in cell biology. If time permits, a brief introduction to cell motility and the structure of epithelial tissue.
PHYS 141. Optics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 110B with a minimum grade of C-.
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.
PHYS 142L. Experimental Research in Condensed Matter Physics
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in research laboratories in condensed matter physics.
PHYS 143L. Experimental Research in Elementary Particle Physics
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25; and consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified under graduates the opportunity to work in experimental research in elementary particle physics.
PHYS 144L. Experimental Research in Biophysics
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25; consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit.
Offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to work in research laboratories in biophysics.
PHYS 145L. Experimental Research in Astrophysics
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25; and consent of instructor.
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.
PHYS 150. Special Topics in Physics
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 5 or 25.
Course varies from year to year according to the current interests.
PHYS 160K. Science for the Public
(1-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units, but only 4 units may be applied to the major. Same course as Engineering 160. 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.
PHYS 180. Teaching and Learning Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: Required for Physics Education Concentration
Introduction to basic concepts in education literature and learning theory. The course involves readings of articles and text drawn from general and Physics education research and cognitive science. Students will engage in discussions and reflective activities that apply and relate the ideas from the readings to their own classroom experiences to help them become more effective teachers and learners.
PHYS 198. Directed Reading
(1-5) STAFF
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; upper-division standing; completion of 2 upper-division courses in physics.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding 3 quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in 98/99/198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Each staff member has own directed reading course identified by a number code listed in the schedule of classes.
PHYS 199. Research in Physics
(1-5) STAFF
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; upper-division standing; completion of 2 upper-division courses in physics.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding 3 quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in 98/99/198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined in the major.
Directed individual study open to qualified seniors in the department. Each staff member has own independent studies course identified by a number code listed in the schedule of classes.
PHYS 199RA. Independent Research Assistance
(1-5)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; upper-division standing; completion of 2 upper-division courses in physics.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding 3 quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in 98/99/198/199/199DC/199RA courses combined. No more than 12 units may be earned in all Physics 198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Undergraduate research for qualified seniors to gain valuable experience in research methodology.
Collapse Courses Graduate 
PHYS 205. Classical Mechanics
(4)
Review of lagrangian mechanics. Variational principles. Hamilton's equations. Canonical transformations. Hamilton Jacobi theory. Action angle variables. Time dependent and canonical perturbation theory. Central forcesand scattering. Small vibrations. Rigid body motion. Poincare maps. Non-integrable systems. Hamiltonian and dissipative chaos.
PHYS 210A. Electromagnetic Theory
(4)
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems, time varying fields, Maxwell's equations, radiation, multipole fields, scattering, relativistic particle dynamics.
PHYS 210B. Electromagnetic Theory
(4)
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems, time varying fields, Maxwell's equations, radiation, multipole fields, scattering, relativistic particle dynamics.
PHYS 215A. Quantum Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Fundamental principles; Schroedinger equation; angular momentum; perturbation theory; scattering theory, emission, and absorption of radiation; Dirac equation.
PHYS 215B. Quantum Mechanics
(4)
Fundamental principles; Schroedinger equation; angular momentum; perturbation theory; scattering theory, emission, and absorption of radiation; Dirac equation.
PHYS 215C. Quantum Mechanics
(4)
Fundamental principles; Schroedinger equation; angular momentum; perturbation theory; scattering theory, emission, and absorption of radiation; Dirac equation.
PHYS 217A. The Many Body Problem in Condensed Matter Physics
(4)
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.
PHYS 217B. The Many Body Problem in Condensed Matter Physics
(4)
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.
PHYS 219. Statistical Mechanics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 205, 215A, and 119B or equivalent 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.
PHYS 220. Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics
(4)
Prerequisite: Physics 219 or equivalent.
Course will cover some of the following topics: A) critical phenomena-phase diagrams, first and second order phase transitions, scalingtheory, high-temperature expansions, renormalization group; B) nonequilibrium statistical mechanics-stochastic processes. Langevin equations, fluctuation-dissipation theorem, master equations, fluid dynamics.
PHYS 221A. Relativistic Quantum Field Theory
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 205, Physics 210A, Physics 210B, Physics 215A, Physics 215B, and Physics 215C; or consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Fall.
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, anomolies, current algebra and supersymmetry.
PHYS 221B. Relativistic Quantum Field Theory
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 221A.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter.
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, anomolies, current algebra and supersymmetry.
PHYS 221C. Relativistic Quantum Field Theory
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 221B.
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Spring.
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, anomolies, current algebra and supersymmetry.
PHYS 223A. Concepts and Phenomena of Condensed Matter Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 223B. Concepts and Phenomena of Condensed Matter Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 223C. Concepts and Phenomena of Condensed Matter Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 225A. Elementary Particle Physics
(2-4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 125, 215C.
The phenomenology of the standard model of particle physics. QED and QCD process.
PHYS 225B. Elementary Particle Physics
(2-4) 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.
PHYS 228. Atomic and Molecular Physics
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Physics 215A and Phys 210A; or the consent of the instructor.
Recommended Preparation: Quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, at a beginning graduate or advanced undergraduate level.
A survey of major topics in modern atomic physics. Topics in atomic structure include general features of atomic spectra, fine structure, hyperfine structure, the Lamb shift, hydrogen, helium, alkali atoms, complex atoms, excited states, and synthetic atoms. Topics in atom-field interactions and atom atom interactions include the DC Stark effect, the Zeeman effect, transitions, two-level systems, stimulated and spontaneous emission, selection rules, lifetimes, line shapes, broadening mechanisms, the AC Stark effect, multiphoton processes, scattering channels, and Feshbach resonances. Also covers modern techniques including spectroscopy, laser cooling, atom traps, quantum gases, cold molecules, trapped ions, and atomic clocks.
PHYS 229A. Gauge Theories of Elementary Particles
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 229B. Gauge Theories of Elementary Particles
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 230A. String Theory
(4)
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 230B. String Theory
(4)
Prerequisite: 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.
PHYS 231A. General Relativity
(4)
Prerequisite: Physics 210A-B.
Gravity as geometry, differential geometry, Einstein's equation, relativistic stars, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology, gravitational radiation, and special topics.
PHYS 231B. General Relativity
(4)
Prerequisite: Physics 210A-B.
Gravity as geometry, differential geometry, Einstein's equation, relativistic stars, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology, gravitational radiation, and special topics.
PHYS 231C. General Relativity
(4)
Prerequisite: Physics 210A-B.
Enrollment Comments: 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.
PHYS 232. Stellar Structure and Evolution
(4)
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.
PHYS 233. The Interstellar Medium
(4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Quarters usually offered: Winter.
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.
PHYS 234. High Energy Astrophysics
(4)
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.
PHYS 235. Extragalactic Astrophysics
(4) STAFF
Nebular astrophysics, active galactic nuclei, supermassive black holes, galaxies, clusters, dark matter, gravitational lensing, the intergalactic medium and galaxy formation.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 237. Galactic Dynamics
(4) STAFF
Stellar dynamics, Jeans equations, potential theory, orbit theory, linear stability analysis, kinetic theory, dynamical friction, applications to star clusters, galaxy morphology and mergers.
PHYS 238. Soft Matter Physics
(4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Concurrently offered with PHYS 138. Students taking the course at the graduate level will be assigned additional readings form the Chaikin and Lubensky textbook and will be required to work through additional homework problems from this
A physics-based approach to study the structure, assembly and dynamical properties of a variety of soft materials, such as simple and complex fluids, colloidal systems, liquid crystals, polymers, granular matter and gels, including biological examples. Topics covered will include elasticity, viscosity and viscoelasticity, capillarity and wetting, phases and phase diagrams of soft materials, entropy-driven phase transitions, Brownian motion and active matter.
PHYS 239. Physical Biology of the Cell
(4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Concurrently offered with PHYS 139. Students taking the course at the graduate level will be assigned additional readings and homework problems, and prepare and present a report on a specific topic of choice.
The role of physics in biology through quantitative measurements and modeling, the organization of a cell, and exemplary quantitative results of biological model systems. The physics of biologically relevant macromolecules, including DNA, RNA and mechanisms of transcription and translation; introduction to protein folding and the role of electrostatics in biology. The physics of the cytoskeleton including beam theory, persistence length, molecular motors, instrumentation used to characterize motor properties, as well as the role of active stresses in cell biology. If time permits, a brief introduction to cell motility and the structure of epithelial tissue.
PHYS 240. Statistics, Data Analysis, and Machine Learning for Physicists
(4) STAFF
Recommended Preparation: Vector calculus, linear algebra, some statistics and probability, some upper division physics, programming in python.
Enrollment Comments: Open to non-majors. Quarters usually offered: Spring.
A survey of statistical and machine learning techniques as applied in modern physics research, with extensive applications to real data. Some of the topics covered include Bayesian and frequentist approaches to statistics; formulating and integrating likelihood functions; confidence intervals with and without assumptions of Gaussianity; Markov Chain Monte Carlo; principal component analysis and dimensionality reduction; Gaussian process regression; and time series analysis. Assignments will make use of published research and data sets, and will require the application of analysis techniques covered in class.
PHYS 250. Special Topics in Physics
(1-4) STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Course may be repeated with a different topic.
The course varies from year to year according to current interests.
PHYS 260A. Colloquium
(1)
Colloquium.
PHYS 260C. Seminar in General Relativity
(1)
Talks on topics in gravity and general relativity pertinent to current doctoral research in the field.
PHYS 260D. Seminar in Theoretical Physics
(1)
Seminar in theoretical physics.
PHYS 260F. Seminar in High Energy Physics
(1)
Discussions of those topics in experimental and theoretical high energy andelementary particle physics pertinent to current doctoral research in the field.
PHYS 260G. Graduate Seminar
(1) STAFF
Weekly seminar on topics of research currently being pursued in the department of physics.
PHYS 260H. Seminar in Astrophysics and Cosmology
(1)
Talks on topics in astrophysics and cosmology pertinent to current doctoralresearch in the field.
PHYS 260J. Physics Outreach
(1)
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.
PHYS 500. Teaching Assistant Seminar
(2)
Enrollment Comments: No unit credit allowed toward advanced degrees. 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.
PHYS 594. Special Topics
(1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest. Each staff memberhas a seminar identified by a number code listed in the schedule of classes.
PHYS 595. Group Studies
(1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Each staff member has a group studies course identified by a number code listed in the schedule of classes.
PHYS 596. Directed Reading and Research
(2-12) STAFF
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.
PHYS 599. Dissertation Preparation
(1-12)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit up to 12 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 ofclasses.