Physics Courses
Phys102 - Introduction to Astronomy (with lab)
People of every time and culture have studied the skies, named the arrangements of stars and used the apparent motions of the sun and moon to mark time. This course, designed for the non-scientist, surveys the known contents of the universe and explores the dynamic natures of celestial objects through study of their motions, interactions and evolutions. To foster appreciation for the methods of science, naked-eye observations are required of each student and attention is given to Western culture’s slow path toward understanding the cosmos and our place within it. Physics 102 is taught in studio format; lectures are combined with laboratory experiences, fostering interaction among the students and instructor. Major credit restricted. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys103 - College Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence designed to provide a general survey of physics. It emphasizes the relationship between basic physical principles and observations, both in the laboratory and in everyday events around us. It covers topics in mechanics and wave phenomena. The mathematical level of presentation assumes elementary algebra and basic trigonometry. While it serves as the appropriate physics course for students in the life sciences, it is designed to be accessible to all who have an interest in the subject. There is one laboratory period per week in addition to classwork. Offered Fall semester only. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys104 - College Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the second of a two-semester sequence designed to provide a general survey of physics. It emphasizes the relationship between basic physical principles and observations, both in the laboratory and in everyday events around us. It covers topics in electricity and magnetism and modern physics. The mathematical level of presentation assumes elementary algebra and basic trigonometry. While it serves as the appropriate physics course for students in the life sciences, it is designed to be accessible to all who have an interest in the subject. There is one laboratory period per week in addition to classwork. Prerequisite: PHYS 103 or 151. Offered Spring semester only. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys105 - Energy
What is energy, really, and why does it matter so much? This course begins with the science of energy: what it is, how it is measured, and the principles that govern its transformations. We will explore different forms of energy such as motion, heat, electricity, light, and nuclear energy, and how these concepts help us understand the technologies we use every day. From there, we will examine the energy systems that power our world, including fossil fuels, nuclear fission, and renewable sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and tidal energy. We will also study how energy can be stored for later use, through technologies such as batteries, pumped hydro, and thermal storage, and why storage is essential for a clean and reliable energy future. Students can expect hands-on activities, real-world data, and a science-first approach to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. This course uses elementary algebra and scientific notation. This course fulfills the EL requirement (2013 curriculum). Major credit restricted.
Phys110 - The Scientific Revolution
This course covers the development of scientific thought in the period 1500 to 1725. It examines changing views of nature in the fields of anatomy and physiology, astronomy and physics. Although the primary focus is on specific scientific developments, they are discussed in the context of concurrent social, economic and religious changes. Major credit restricted. Fulfills HU Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys112 - Global Climate
Climate is perhaps the single most important and pervasive factor controlling global ecosystems and human well-being. This interdisciplinary course examines global climate from a historical perspective, beginning with the formation of the solar system and continuing through geologic time to the present. Topics include the development of the atmosphere; the workings of the global heat engine of atmosphere, oceans and continents; evidence for past climate change; causes of global climate change; the effects of climate change on human evolution; and the effects of human evolution on the global climate system. This is a studio lab course. Major credit restricted. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum). Fulfills the EL requirement (2013 curriculum).
Phys120WL - Physics of Sound and Music
Music is an interaction between the production of sound and the listeners' perceptive abilities. In this course, the physical details of the production of sound with particular attention to "musical" sound will be explored. In a hands-on, experiment-based course, the physics of sound vibrations and waves, the overtone series, the workings of the human ear, the construction of various types of musical instruments, the electrical reproduction of sound, and other topics will be explored. This course satisfies the NS-L requirement. Also listed as Music 120WL.
Phys141 - Introduction to Microcontrollers
In this hands-on activity based class we will learn basic principles of programming and electronics as we wire circuits and write code to communicate with a microcontroller. The microcontroller allows us to both control devices (motors, LEDs, buzzers, ...) and to collect data from sensors (light, sound, ...). We will learn how these devices and sensors work, and we will use them to conduct experiments. We will make use of algebra and graphing. Fulfills QLR general education requirement (2013 curriculum)
Phys151 - University Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence organized according to the major unifying principles of physics. It is a general study of conservation laws, Newtonian dynamics, and special relativity. The material is presented at the level of elementary calculus. There is one laboratory period per week in addition to classwork. These courses are recommended for all students majoring in the physical sciences or completing the 3+2 engineering program. Co-requisite: MATH 135. Offered Fall semester only. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys152 - University Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the second of a two-semester sequence organized according to the major unifying principles of physics. It is a general study of electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and the quantum nature of light and matter. The material is presented at the level of elementary calculus. There is one laboratory period per week in addition to classwork. These courses are recommended for all students majoring in the physical sciences or completing the 3+2 engineering program. A grade of 2.0 or higher in this course is required as a prerequisite for enrollment in PHYS 221. Co-requisite: MATH 136. Prerequisite: PHYS 103 or 151. Offered Spring semester only. Fulfills NS-L Distribution (2013 curriculum).
Phys221 - Modern Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence providing a systematic study of the ideas and discoveries that transformed physics in the twentieth century. Topics in this course include special relativity, atomic structure, the wave-particle duality, and basic quantum mechanics. There is one laboratory per week in addition to classwork. Prerequisites: MATH 136 and a grade of 2.0 or higher in PHYS 104 or 152. Offered Fall semester only.
Phys222 - Modern Physics (with lab 1.25 units)
This course is the second of a two-semester sequence providing a systematic study of the ideas and discoveries that transformed physics in the twentieth century. Topics in this course include the quantum mechanical model of hydrogen, statistical mechanics, and applications such as solid-state physics, nuclear structure and reactions, and elementary particles. There is one laboratory per week in addition to classwork. Prerequisites: MATH 205 and a grade of 2.0 or higher in PHYS 221. Offered Spring semester only.
Phys307 - Classical Mechanics
For aspiring engineers, physicists, and problem-solvers, this course builds a strong foundation in mechanics and computational methods. We will explore Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics, covering kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and rigid body dynamics. Using Python-based numerical simulations (Runge-Kutta, Verlet, Symplectic Integrators), we will model real-world systems in aerospace, robotics, and biomechanics. By the end, you will not only understand the physics behind everything that moves but also develop computational skills essential for engineering and research. Prerequisites: PHYS 152, MATH 205.
Phys308 - Electricity and Magnetism
This course is the study of electricity and magnetism leading to Maxwell’s equations and physical optics. Prerequisites: PHYS 152, PHYS/MATH 333 or permission of instructor.
Phys311 - Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Science
In this course, we examine a few of the major scientific developments of the 19th and 20th centuries in some detail. Topics include evolution, genetics and a synthesis of the two; the wave theory of light; the discovery of the atomic and nuclear structure of matter; and the Manhattan Project. We also examine the various ways historians of science construct the stories they write as well as some of the historiographic issues they face. Also offered as HIST 311 and through European Studies.
Phys314 - Physical Biology and Medicine
We will explore the fundamental principles of physics as they apply to biological systems and medical applications. From nanotechnology to cancer research, this course delves into the intersection of physics, biology, and medicine, providing an understanding of the physical principles underpinning various aspects of medicine and life sciences. This course is normally offered in the spring of odd numbered years.
Phys317 - Instrumentation Lab (0.5 unit)
This course is ideal for students who love to tinker, experiment, and explore. Whether you are a physics major or a STEM student looking to sharpen your experimental skills, you will leave this course with an appreciation for the art of scientific inquiry and the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. You will work on at least two independent projects, choosing from a range of intriguing physics phenomena or proposing your own ideas. Whether you are optimizing the flight of a water rocket, investigating the behavior of ferrofluids, or exploring the physics of sound, you will learn to approach problems like a true scientist: asking questions, iterating on designs, and drawing meaningful conclusions from your data. Co-requisite: PHYS 307 or permission of instructor.
Phys318 - Electronics Lab (0.5 unit)
How do electronic systems work, and how can you design circuits to solve practical problems? This hands-on lab introduces essential concepts in analog and digital electronics. You will build and test circuits involving resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers while mastering industry-standard tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators. Through open-ended design challenges, you will be pushed to think like an engineer: prototype quickly, debug carefully, and create something that actually works. Whether you are harvesting ambient energy or building circuits that respond to the environment, you will learn to translate messy real-world constraints into functioning systems. Prerequisites: PHYS 152 and MATH 136.
Phys333 - Mathematical Methods of Physics
Solving important problems in the physical sciences and engineering often require powerful mathematical methods. This course provides an introduction to these methods, and emphasizes their application to problems drawn from diverse areas of classical and modern physics. Some representative topics include the theorems of Gauss and Stokes; Fourier series; and selected techniques from the theory of ordinary and partial differential equations. The course also introduces students to Mathematica as an aid in visualization and problem-solving. Prerequisites: PHYS 152, MATH 205.
Phys401, 402 - Quantum Mechanics
Intended for physics majors preparing for graduate study in physics and closely related areas, this course applies methods of advanced analysis to quantum mechanics and other topics. Phys401 is offered in odd numbered years in the spring semester. Prerequisite: PHYS 307, 308 or permission of the department.
Phys403, 404 - Topics in Advanced Physics
Seminars, projects or participation in faculty research designed to meet individual needs of advanced students. Offered on demand. Prerequisite: PHYS 307, 308 or permission of the department.
Phys451, 452, 453, 454 - Seminar in Contemporary Physics (0.5 unit each)
A weekly seminar in which students and faculty present reports derived from the physics literature on current research in physics. Representative topics are solar neutrinos, high-temperature superconductivity, the search for gravity waves and quantum chaos. Students are introduced to physics literature and databases. Students will assemble a comprehensive literature review and research project proposal on a topic of their choice to be presented to the department at the end of the semester. Second semester juniors can use this course as an opportunity to select their senior research project. Up to four semesters of enrollment are permitted, at one-half course unit per semester. Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.
Phys489, 490, 498, 499 - SYE: Advanced Laboratory
This course for physics majors consists of an individual project selected from an area of common interest between the student and one faculty member. A written report of the project is defended at an oral presentation. PHYS 498 and 499 are the honors versions of this course. Prerequisites or co-requisites: PHYS 308, 317 and 318, or permission of the department.