Course Schedules

The Department of Physics at the University of San Diego offers a strong commitment to undergraduate physics education in a liberal arts environment including small class sizes, individualized attention and the ability to do one-on-one research with physicists active in their fields. The Physics Department currently has research programs in Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Thermodynamics, Biological and Optical Physics and Physics Education Research. Given the breadth of the curriculum and research possibilities, we believe Physics at USD is a great place to study!!

Physics Major Information

Preparation for the Major: PHYS 270, 271, 272, 272L, MATH 150, 151, 250, CHEM 151, 151L, 152, 152L

Major Requirements: 27 units of upper-division work including PHYS 314, 319, 320, 324, 325, 330, and 331, plus an additional upper-division physics laboratory course (PHYS 480W, or 477 with 477L). In exceptional circumstances, a student may substitute experimental physics research for this laboratory course.

Note: A minor in Mathematics is required for the Physics major.

All students, whether expecting to attend graduate school or expecting to work in industry, will benefit from an upper-division experimental laboratory experience, and such an experience is required to complete the major. In addition, the student is advised to take additional course work in mathematics and as many as possible of the following courses in Physics as electives: 477, 480W, 494, 495, and 498.

Students should fulfill as many of the non-science Core Curriculum requirements as possible during the freshman and sophomore years.

Suggested Course of Study

Below is a grid comprising the optimal sequence for a student entering USD intending to major in physics including core curriculum and electives (CCE). Please be aware that if a student decides to start a physics major some time after matriculation, the faculty of the Department of Physics will work with the student individually to determine his/her best sequence of courses.

Physics Courses (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)

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) and are intended for Liberal Studies majors. (Every year)

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

270 Introduction to Mechanics and Wave Motion (4)
A study of the fundamental principles of mechanics and wave motion. Three lectures 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 Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism (4)
A study of the fundamental principles of classical thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 270 completed and MATH 151 completed or concurrent required; MATH 250 concurrent recommended. (Every Semester)

272 Introduction to Optics and Modern Physics (3)
A study of geometric and physical optics, and an introduction to modern physics. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: MATH 151, PHYS 271. (Spring semester, every year)

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

314 Analytical Mechanics (4)
Statics and dynamics are developed using vector analysis, the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations, and normal coordinates. Four lectures per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 271. (Alternate years)

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. (Alternate years)

320 Electronics (4)
Development of the principles of direct current and alternating current circuits; electrical measurement techniques; electronics with discrete components, active and passive; and power supplies and the principles of amplifiers. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MATH 130 or 150, PHYS 271. (Alternate years)

324 Electromagnetic Theory I (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 lectures per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 271. (Alternate years)

325 Electromagnetic Theory II (3)
Applications of Maxwell's equations in areas such as: optics, plasma physics, superconductivity, and electrodynamics. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 324. (Alternate years)

330, 331 Quantum Physics I, II (3, 3)
Modern physical theories are studied including quantum and statistical mechanics. Applications are considered in areas such as atomic, nuclear, solid state, and elementary particle physics. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: MATH 250, PHYS 272. (Alternate years)

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.

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

480W Experimental Modern Physics (4)
Introduction to principles of research and techniques with an emphasis on plasma, atomic, and nuclear 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 320 and concurrent registration either PHYS 325 or PHYS 331. (Alternate years)

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 4 units of credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

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.

495 Seminar (1)
A weekly seminar on a current topic in physics. Generally, the students and staff will attend a physics seminar or colloquium in the San Diego area. Each student will also be required to prepare a presentation either on his or her own research work, or on a review of a current area. One hour per week.

498 Research (1-4)
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.

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