- Physics Major
- Biophysics Major
- Minor
- Course Descriptions
- Tutoring
- Learning Outcomes
University of San Diego
Physics
Science & Technology 281
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 260-4795
Fax: (619) 260-6874
andrewsk@sandiego.edu
Department Chair
Greg Severn,
severn@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Liz Harman
harman@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4682
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Course Descriptions
101 PHYSICS AND SOCIETY / 3 UNITS
A discussion of the concepts which unify our experience with the physical world. Topics are presented at an introductory level for the student with little or no background in physical science. Science related topics of special interest are discussed. Examples include: alternatives for energy production and conservation; radiation, its effect and applications; and ethical decisions in the application of new scientific discoveries. Three lectures weekly with demonstrations and discussions. (Every semester)
105 PHYSICAL SCIENCES FOR K-8 TEACHERS / 3 UNITS
A laboratory/lecture/discussion class designed to lead students toward an understanding of selected topics in chemistry and physics. The course topics are selected to satisfy the Physical Science specifications of the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools (K-12). Enrollment is limited to liberal studies majors. Two two-hour laboratory sessions per week. This course is cross-listed with Chemistry 105. (Fall semester)
A survey of astronomy covering astronomical history, planetology, stellar birth/life/death, large-scale structures, and cosmology. Three lectures weekly; no formal laboratory. No science prerequisites.
112 PHYSICS AND SOCIETY WITH LABORATORY / 3 UNITS
A discussion and empirical examination of the concepts which unify our experience with the physical world. Topics are presented at an elementary level for the student with little or no background in physical science. Science-related topics of special interest are discussed. Examples include: alternatives for energy production and conservation; radiation, its effect and application; and ethical decisions in the application of new scientific discoveries. Two lectures and one laboratory/recitation weekly.
117 ASTRONOMY WITH LABORATORY / 3 UNITS
A survey of astronomy covering astronomical history, descriptive astronomy, planetology, stellar birth/life/death, and cosmology. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum physical science requirement with laboratory. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly. No science prerequisites. (fall semester)
136 GENERAL PHYSICS I / 4 UNITS
A study of the fundamental principles of mechanics and wave motion, sound, and heat. Three lectures and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in MATH 130 or 150. (Every semester)
137 GENERAL PHYSICS II / 4 UNITS
A study of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Three lectures and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: PHYS 136. (Every semester)
270 INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICS, THERMODYNAMICS AND WAVE MOTION / 4 UNITS
A study of the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics and wave motion. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: MATH 150 completed or concurrent required; MATH 150 completed and MATH 151 concurrent recommended. (every semester)
271 INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM / 4 UNITS
A study of the fundamental principles of classical electricity and magnetism including optics. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 270 or PHYS 136 completed and MATH 151 completed or concurrent required; MATH 250 concurrent recommended. (every semester)
272 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS / 3 UNITS
An introduction to modern physics including special relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 151, PHYS 271 or PHYS 137. (spring semester)
272L INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY / 1 UNIT
Laboratory experiments to illustrate the topics presented in the lecture course: Introduction to Modern Physics (PHYS 272). Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 272.
301 ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT / 3 UNITS
Energy is the lifeblood of civilization, but its use entails substantial environmental costs. This course examines the physics and technology of energy production, distribution and use, as well as its environmental consequences. It is suitable for students having completed lower-division introductory physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 137 or PHYS 271
A study of the fundamental principles of Astrophysics including topics such as Stellar Evolution, Special and General Relativity, Cosmology, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life. Prerequisite: PHYS 137 or PHYS 271, Math 151.
314 ANALYTICAL MECHANICS / 3 UNITS
Statics and dynamics are developed using vector analysis, the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations, and normal coordinates. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 271. (Alternate years)
319 THERMAL AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS / 3 UNITS
This course employs techniques from statistical mechanics to explore topics in thermodynamics. Topics include ideal gases, phase transitions, chemical equilibrium, kinetic theory, and paramagnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 272.
324 ELECTROMAGNETISM / 3 UNITS
A development of Maxwell’s equations using vector calculus. The electrical and magnetic properties of matter and the solution of boundary value problems are also developed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 271 or PHYS 137. (alternate years)
330 QUANTUM MECHANICS / 3 UNITS
Introduction to the fundamental properties of Quantum Mechanics, including the Schroedinger equation in 1-3 dimensions, the mathematical formalism of Quantum Theory, and the solution of the Hydrogen atom. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 272. (alternate years)
331 ADVANCED TOPICS IN QUANTUM PHYSICS / 3 UNITS
Applications of Quantum Theory in areas such as atomic, nuclear, solid state, and elementary particle physics. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 330
340 BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS / 3 UNITS
Biological physics introduces the interface between the two classic sciences. The topic will be introduced systematically, building on the fundamentals of thermodynamics and build to system wide topics including medical physics and biomedical imaging. Specific topics may include single-molecule biophysics, optical trapping, self-assembly, nuclear dosimetry, x-ray, ultrasound and MRI imaging. Prerequisites: PHYS 137 or PHYS 271.
477 INTRODUCTION TO FLUIDS / 3 UNITS
An introduction to the basic principles of fluids. This course will serve as an introduction to concepts used in physical oceanography, atmospheric science, and other disciplines in which fluids are studied or utilized. Examples of applications to a broad range of disciplines (physics, engineering, earth sciences, and biology) will be developed. Prerequisites: MATH 150, 151, PHYS 136, 137 (or PHYS 270, 271), and consent of instructor.
477L FLUIDS LABORATORY / 1 UNIT
Laboratory work to accompany PHYS 477. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in PHYS 477.
480W EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS / 4 UNITS
Introduction to principles of research and techniques with an emphasis on electronics and modern physics. Vacuum technology, analogue and digital data acquisition instrumentation, high-resolution optical technology, and radiation technology will be used. This course is the writing intensive course in the physics curriculum and serves to introduce the student to the process of writing research papers in physics. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 272. (alternate years)
487 TECHNIQUES IN PHYSICS / 1-3 UNITS
Training and practice in those areas of physics of practical importance to the technician, teacher, and researcher. To include, but not limited to, technical methodology, preparation and technique in the teaching laboratory, and routines supportive of research. May be repeated up to a maximum of 4 units of credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
494 SPECIAL TOPICS / 1-4 UNITS
Topics chosen by the instructor in areas such as: thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, solid state, hydrodynamics, quantum mechanics, plasma physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, and advanced physics laboratory. May be repeated for credit if the course material is different. Prerequisites: PHYS 271 and consent of instructor.
A weekly seminar devoted to instruction on scientific presentations in physics. Students will give short presentations on topics of interest, and will prepare to give a lengthy presentation on their research work. One hour per week. It may be repeated for up to a maximum of 4 units. (fall semester)
An undergraduate research problem in experimental or theoretical physics, or research participation in the Environmental Studies program. A written report is required. Problem to be selected after consultation with department faculty. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
