Physics Courses

PHYS 102

Physics of Modern Life

Units: 3

An introduction to physics concepts and principles with tangents into related technologies and global issues. Special attention is paid to devices and networks that furnish necessities of modern life. No background in physical science is required. Lab component involves guided hands-on investigation of physics principles and related technologies.

PHYS 105

Physical Sciences for K-8 Teachers

Units: 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 106

Exploring the Night Sky

Units: 3

An introduction to astronomy concepts and principles aimed at understanding the dynamics of the night sky. No background in physical science is required. Lab component involves guided hands-on investigation of astronomy principles and may include evening observing sessions.

PHYS 111

Introduction to Scientific Computing

Units: 3

Computation is an increasingly indispensable tool for almost all fields of modern science. Thisclass welcomes students from all STEM areas, and introduces fundamental computer andprogramming concepts essential for further studies in many disciplines. We will devote mostclass time to group programming tutorials while answering questions that pushes you to thinkabout what the code is actually doing and how to interpret resulting output. We will also exploreapplications to problems from scientific disciplines represented at USD. This class satisfies corecurriculum quantitative reasoning (CQUR) and first year integration (CINL) requirement.

PHYS 136

General Physics I

Units: 3

A study of the fundamental principles of mechanics, wave motion, sound, fluids, and heat. Physics principles will be covered using algebra and trigonometry. Three hours of lecture weekly. Concurrent enrollment in 136L required. Prerequisites: MATH 115 or MATH 130 or MATH 150 or pass Level 2 mathematics placement exam (2MTH or 3MTH).

PHYS 136L

General Physics I Lab

Units: 1

A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics. Meets weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 136.

PHYS 137

General Physics II

Units: 3

A study of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Physics principles will be covered using algebra and trigonometry. Three hours of lecture weekly. Concurrent enrollment in 137L required. Prerequisites: PHYS 136 and PHYS 136L.

PHYS 137L

General Physics II Lab

Units: 1

A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics. Meets weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 137.

PHYS 270

Introduction to Mechanics

Units: 3

A study of the fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, and momentum and energy conservation laws. Harmonic oscillations and wave motion will also be discussed. Three hours of lecture weekly. Concurrent enrollment in 270L required. Prerequisites: (MATH 150 with a minimum grade of C-) or (MATH 151 with a minimum grade of C-).

PHYS 270L

Mechanics Lab

Units: 1

A laboratory course introducing the concepts and techniques of experimental physics. Meets weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 270.

PHYS 271

Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism

Units: 3

A study of the fundamental principles of classical electricity and magnetism focusing on electrostatics and magnetic force. Circuits, electromagnetism, and light are also introduced. Three hours of lecture weekly. Concurrent enrollment in 271L required. Prerequisites: (PHYS 270 and PHYS 270L with a minimum grade of C-) or (PHYS 136 and PHYS 136L with a minimum grade of C-) and MATH 151 and PHYS 271L.

PHYS 271L

Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism Lab

Units: 1

A laboratory course that introduces the concepts and techniques of experimental physics. Meets weekly. Prerequisites: PHYS 271.

PHYS 272

Introduction to Modern Physics

Units: 3

An introduction to modern physics including principles and applications of quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and special relativity. Required for all physics and biophysics majors and physics minors, and is an accepted elective for engineering students. For physics and biophysics majors concurrent enrollment in PHYS 272L and PHYS 282 is required. Prerequisites: PHYS 271 with a minimum grade of C-, PHYS 271L with a minimum grade of C-, and MATH 250.

PHYS 272L

Introduction to Modern Physics Lab

Units: 1

A laboratory course where students use techniques of experimental physics to explore phenomena in modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 (Can be taken Concurrently)

PHYS 281

Introduction to Optics

Units: 1

This lab course provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of optics. Several guided lab activities will introduce basic concepts in optics including geometric optics (reflection, refraction, image formation) and wave optics (laser operation, coherence, diffraction, interference, polarization). Students can expect to learn and practice a wide range of techniques commonly used in experimental physics and biophysics labs. It is recommended that students take this course prior to taking Advanced Modern Physics Lab or Advanced Biophysics Lab. Offered in the Fall semester. Prerequisites: (PHYS 270 and PHYS 270L with a minimum grade of C-) or (PHYS 136 and PHYS 136L with a minimum grade of C-) and MATH 151 and PHYS 271L.

PHYS 282

Introduction to Methods in Computational Physics

Units: 1

A hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of using computation in physics and biophysics. A combination of in-class guided group practice and at-home individual practice will be employed to introduce, practice and apply fundamental computational techniques including: the declaration and manipulation of variables and arrays, conditional statements, loops, as well as procedural programming through creating functions. These fundamentals will be applied to creating graphical representations and performing calculations to further elucidate topics discussed in PHYS 272. Computational techniques will be introduced to highlight the application of these fundamentals. These techniques may include: solutions to initial value problem ordinary differential equations; solving boundary value problems and the eigenvalue problem; and statistics and stochastic methods. Prerequisites: PHYS 272.

PHYS 294

Special Topics in Physics and Biophysics

Units: 0.5 TO 4

Topics chosen by the instructor in areas that include but are not limited to: Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, physics and society, modern physics, astronomy, fluids, and thermodynamics. May be repeated for credit if the course material is different.

PHYS 300

Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics

Units: 3

An introduction to the methods of theoretical physics that uses physical applications to introduce mathematical techniques. This course will cover: the eigenvalue problem; Taylor expansions in one and multiple variables; solutions techniques to ordinary differential equations; Fourier analysis; separation of variables in partial differential equations; probability distribution functions and Dirac delta function. Other topics that may be discussed at the instructor’s discretion include: complex variables; Green’s functions and solutions to partial differential equations; vector spaces and group theory; chaos theory; special functions; Monte Carlo methods; and computational applications. Prerequisites: PHYS 271 with a minimum grade of C- and PHYS 271L with a minimum grade of C-, MATH 250 and PHYS 272.

PHYS 301

Energy and the Environment

Units: 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 and societal consequences. It is suitable for students having completed lower-division physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 307

Astrophysics

Units: 3

A study of the fundamental principles of astrophysics including topics such as stellar formation, life and death, galaxy evolution, special and general relativity, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 314

Analytical Mechanics

Units: 3

Statics and dynamics are developed using vector analysis, the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations. Orbit theory and chaos are among the special topics treated. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 319

Thermal and Statistical Physics

Units: 3

This course develops modern statistical mechanics and its application to thermodynamic principles and phenomena. Topics include ideal gases, phase transitions, stellar systems, chemical equilibrium, kinetic theory, paramagnetism, polymers and biophysics. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 324

Electromagnetism

Units: 3

A development of Maxwell’s equations using vector calculus. The electrical and magnetic properties of matter, solutions of boundary value problems, special relativity and radiation theory are also developed. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 325

Introduction to Fluids

Units: 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, astrophysics, and biology) will be developed. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 330

Quantum Mechanics

Units: 3

Introduction to the fundamental properties of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, including the Schrödinger equation in 1-3 dimensions, the mathematical formalism (involving linear algebra and partial differential equations) of quantum theory, the solution of the hydrogen atom, and elementary perturbation and scattering theory. Entanglement, Bell’s theorem, exotic states of matter, and history of physics are among the special topics discussed. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 340

Biological Physics

Units: 3

Biological physics introduces the interface between the two classic sciences. Physics principles and techniques are applied to questions and problems in biology with a focus on molecular and cellular biology. Topics will be introduced systematically, building on the fundamentals of thermodynamics up to current cutting edge research topics such as protein folding, molecular machines and brain function. Specific topics may include single-molecule biophysics, optical trapping, molecular and cellular self-assembly, gene regulation, biomaterials and biomedical imaging. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 371

Computational Physics

Units: 3

A hands-on introduction to the implementation of computational algorithms to solve problems in physics and biophysics and the interpretation of the results. Detailed topics covered will depend on instructor expertise. Topics may include solutions to ordinary and partial differential equations, linear algebra, fast Fourier transforms, numerical integration, differentiation and approximation, statistics and Monte Carlo methods. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C- and PHYS 282.

PHYS 381

Experimental Biophysics

Units: 4

A laboratory-based course introducing biophysics majors to interdisciplinary research techniques. Instrumentation development and experimental research explore topics of fluorescence and force spectroscopy, molecular diffusion, fluctuation-dissipation theory and viscoelasticity related to molecular and cellular biophysical systems. Students are trained in wet-lab techniques and computational methods. This is the primary upper-division laboratory requirement for biophysics majors and fulfills the core advanced writing (CADW), quantitative reasoning (CQUR), and information literacy (CILT) requirements. Students write and edit research reports on their experimental results at a level suitable for journal publication. The writing process also includes literature search techniques and an introduction to the peer review process. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 and PHYS 272L.

PHYS 388

Structure of Matter

Units: 3

An introduction to condensed matter physics, the study of the structure and dynamics of solids and liquids. Topics include the structure of crystals and amorphous matter, the scattering of waves to determine the arrangement and motion of atoms or particles, thermal and electrical conductivity, phase transitions, and superconductivity. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 with a minimum grade of C-.

PHYS 400

Research Forum

Units: 1

PHYS 400 brings together all Physics and Biophysics majors involved in undergraduate research (PHYS 496) to provide a formal platform to: (1) gain skills in abstract writing and poster preparation, (2) engage in the scientific literature, (3) form a community of scholars, (4) develop a sense of ownership of their work, and (5) contextualize how their research fits into the big picture. The course meets weekly for 1 hour. Class time is primarily devoted to: learning about and practicing to write scientific abstracts and prepare posters, and having journal club style discussions on student-chosen papers. Outside of class, students are responsible for completing literature searches, reading assigned research papers, writing abstracts, preparing posters, and writing research summaries. PHYS 496 is a required concurrent prerequisite. Offered in Fall semesters. Prerequisites: PHYS 496.

PHYS 471

Advanced Computational Physics Laboratory

Units: 4

A writing-intensive advanced laboratory course where students learn to apply sophisticated computational tools to scientific problems. Through multi-week group projects, students will choose the overall computational approach, combine numerical and analytic work as appropriate, and evaluated the validity and applicability of results. Students will devote significant time to writing research reports in the style of peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, supported by dedicated writing instruction and intensive feedback. Prerequisites: PHYS 371

PHYS 480

Experimental Modern Physics

Units: 4

A laboratory-based course focused on the introduction to principles of research techniques with an emphasis on modern physics. Experiments illustrate physical phenomena pertaining to core areas of physics: quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, laser physics and plasma physics. Analog and digital data acquisition instrumentation, high-resolution optical and laser technology, and phase sensitive detection technology will be explored. This course is the required writing-intensive course for physics majors and fulfills the upper-division core writing requirement. Students write papers up to professional standards required of publication in physics research journals, learn to write mathematical prose, engage in the peer review process, and learn to code LaTeX. Prerequisites: PHYS 272 and PHYS 272L

PHYS 487

Experiential Physics

Units: 1 TO 3

An independent experiential learning project focused on broad applications of physics and biophysics. Projects can include but are not limited to: teaching assistantships, internships, community outreach, communication/media, secondary school teaching, and traditional physics or biophysics research. All projects must be approved and supervised by a faculty mentor in the physics and biophysics department. A student seeking PHYS 487 credit must take initiative to meet with his/her academic advisor to identify projects that best meet his/her interests and goals. Once a student has identified a faculty mentor and project, he/she can enroll in PHYS 487 by completing the application form found on the Student Resources page of the department website. The detailed requirements for earning PHYS 487 credit can also be found on the Student Resources page.

PHYS 493

Seminar I: The Craft of Scientific Presentation

Units: 1

First semester of the physics and biophysics seminar series devoted to instruction on scientific presentations. Students give short presentations on topics of interest, and prepare a lengthy presentation on their research. Stress is laid on the preparation, execution, and critique of effective scientific presentations. One hour per week. Fall semester. Prerequisites: PHYS 496.

PHYS 494

Special Topics in Physics and Biophysics

Units: 0.5 TO 4

Topics chosen by the instructor in areas that include but are not limited to: condensed matter physics, quantum field theory, general relativity, plasma physics, electronics, soft matter physics, particle physics, neurophysics, and advanced physics and biophysics laboratories. May be repeated for credit if the course material is different.

PHYS 495

Seminar II: Frontiers of Physics

Units: 1

The second semester of the capstone seminar series for the Physics and Biophysics major that fulfills the Advanced Integration component of the Core curriculum. This course focuses on exposure to the breadth of current physics-related research topics, and understanding the impact and context of the research through the lens of other disciplines. Students will learn about a wide range of cutting-edge research topics such as: dark matter, global warming and alternative energy sources, biomechanics, graphene, neutrinos, etc. They will also learn about how the research fits into the “big picture” by considering ethical, political, societal, technological and/or historical issues related to the research. These goals are achieved through attending seminars, meeting with scientists, and completing routine reading and writing assignments. The course culminates with a final project in which students investigate and articulate the connection of one of the covered research topics to another discipline. Prerequisites: PHYS 272.

PHYS 496

Research

Units: 1 TO 3

An independent research project supervised by a faculty mentor in the physics and biophysics department. A student seeking PHYS 496 credit must take initiative to meet with faculty members to learn about their research interests and possible problems to research. Once a student has identified a faculty mentor and project, he/she can enroll in PHYS 496 by completing the application form found on the Student Resources page of the department website. The detailed requirements for earning PHYS 496 credit can also be found on the Student Resources page. Students completing their first unit of PHYS 496 must be concurrently enrolled in PHYS 400.

PHYS 499

Independent Study

Units: 1 TO 3