Gregory D. Severn, PhD, Chair
Rae Anderson, PhD
David Devine, PhD
Eric Page, PhD
Daniel P. Sheehan, PhD

The Physics Major

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, exploring the universe from its smallest to grandest scales. In other words, physics attempts to understand nature in both its greatest simplicity and its most uncontrollable complexity. Physicists are model-builders of everything from the architecture of the cosmos, the substructure of the nuclei, the complexity of life, and even the hidden patterns of the stock market.

The bachelor’s degree in physics is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career paths including graduate school in physics or engineering; employment in physics, engineering or biotech fields; medical, dental or pharmacy school; and high school teaching.

The following high school preparation is recommended for students planning a major in physics at USD: High school physics, chemistry and biology; intermediate algebra; geometry; and trigonometry. High school calculus is strongly recommended, but not required.

Our five permanent faculty are dedicated to outstanding undergraduate teaching and perform research in a variety of areas including astrophysics, plasma physics, the foundations of thermodynamics, chemical physics, biophysics and physics education. USD physics faculty pride themselves on including undergraduate researchers and assistants at every level of their work. Our graduates include not only research scientists, but also medical students, theologians, computer programmers and engineers.

Preparation for the Major

PHYS 270 (or 136), 271, 272, 272L
MATH 150, 151, 250
CHEM 151, 151L, 152, 152L

Major Requirements

The 28 units of upper-division work in physics must include PHYS 314, 324, 330 and 480W. In addition, students must complete 12 units of elective physics coursework at the 300 or 400 level. The major culminates with three units of seminar and research, PHYS 495 and 496, normally taken in the senior year. Two upper-division courses in mathematics are required for the major, with MATH 310 and 311 suggested but not required.

Students planning to attend graduate school in physics are strongly advised to take as many physics and mathematics courses as their schedule will allow.

The following program of study fulfills the minimum requirement for a bachelor’s degree in physics. It is recommended that a student take MATH 150 in the first semester, and MATH 151 and PHYS 270 in the second semester. If the student is not prepared to take MATH 150 in the fall of the freshman year, it would be preferable to take MATH 115 and 118 the summer preceding the freshman year. It would be possible, but difficult, to take MATH 115 and 118 in the fall of the freshman year and still begin PHYS 270 in the spring of the freshman year along with MATH 150.

The Physics Minor

The 18 units required for a minor in Physics must include PHYS 270/271 (or PHYS 136/137), PHYS 272 and at least six upper-division units.

Physics Courses (PHYS)

PHYS 101  Physics and Society (3)
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.

PHYS 105  Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers (3)
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.

PHYS 107  Astronomy (3)
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.

PHYS 112  Physics and Society with Laboratory (3)
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.

PHYS 117  Astronomy with Laboratory (3)
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.

PHYS 136  General Physics I (4)
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.

PHYS 137  General Physics II (4)
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.

PHYS 270  Introduction to Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Wave Motion (4)
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.

PHYS 271  Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism (4)
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.

PHYS 272  Introduction to Modern Physics (3)
An introduction to modern physics including special relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Three hours of lecture per week. Spring semester. Prerequisites: MATH 151, PHYS 271 or PHYS 137.

PHYS 272L  Introduction to Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory experiments to illustrate the topics presented in the lecture course: Introduction to Modern Physics (PHYS 272). Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 272.

PHYS 301 Energy and the Environment (3)
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

PHYS 307  Astrophysics (3)
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.

PHYS 314  Analytical Mechanics (3)
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.

PHYS 319  Thermal and Statistical Physics (3)
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.

PHYS 324  Electromagnetism (3)
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.

PHYS 330  Quantum Mechanics (3)
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.

PHYS 331  Advanced Topics in Quantum Physics (3)
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

PHYS 340  Biological Physics (3)
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.

PHYS 477  Introduction to Fluids (3)
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.

PHYS 477L  Fluids Laboratory (1)
Laboratory work to accompany PHYS 477. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in PHYS 477.

PHYS 480W  Experimental Physics (4)
Introduction to principles of research and techniques with an emphasis on electronics and modern physics. Vacuum technology, analog 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.

PHYS 487  Techniques in Physics (1-3)
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 four units of credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PHYS 494  Special Topics (1-4)
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.

PHYS 495  Seminar (1)
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 four units. Fall semester.

PHYS 496  Research (1-4)
An undergraduate research problem in experimental or theoretical physics. A written report is required. Problem to be selected after consultation with department faculty. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.