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Emeritus: Day, Feher, Garrison, Moe, Nichols, Smith, Teasdale, Wolter
Chair: Lilly
Professors: Burnett, Cottrell, Davis, Goldberg, Lilly, Morris, Oseroff, Papin, Piserchio, Rehfuss, Roeder, Shore, Sweedler, Templin, Torikachvili
Associate Professor: Wallace
Lecturers: Ferguson, Shackelford
Adjunct: Carlson, Mueller
Master of Arts degree in physics.
Master of Science degree in physics.
Master of Science degree in radiological health physics.
Major in chemical physics with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Major in physics with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.
Major in physics with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Minor in physics.
The study of physics is considered the center of modern science. It has fascinated the finest minds of every age - from Newton to Maxwell, Einstein, Bohr, Schroedinger, Oppenheimer and Schwinger. The study of this diverse field encompasses such areas as optics, electricity, magnetism, the properties of the solid state, atomic structure, nuclear structure, motion, relativity, space and time. Physics also plays a significant role in chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology, and in the applied sciences of engineering and technology.
Students who become physics majors will be selecting a rewarding and vital career. The great burst of activity during the last 20 years has instilled a new excitement in physics. For example, the invention of the laser in the late 1950s revolutionized the field of optics. These advances stimulated whole new areas in physics applications. Superconductivity has led to the search for a high-temperature superconductor so that electrical power might be transmitted without loss; quantum mechanical tunneling has led to the tunnel diode; and solid state physics brought about the transistor and its successors.
The career opportunities for physics graduates are as diverse as the field itself. They include research and development; management or administration in industrial laboratories or government agencies; technical sales; electronic design; laser instrument research; and secondary teaching.
Physics graduates may also enter a wide variety of graduate programs. For example, a radiological health physics master's degree qualifies students for employment with the Environmental Protection Agency, nuclear power stations, government laboratories, hospitals, Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." Individual master plans for each student are filed with the physics and chemistry undergraduate advisers and the Office of Admissions and Records.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L; Chemistry 200, 201, 231, 251; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252. (44 units)
Recommended: A course in computer programming.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 45 upper division units to include Physics 311, 350, 354A-354B, 357, 400A-400B; Chemistry 410A-410B, 431, 457, 520A, 550; Mathematics 342A-342B. Recommended: Mathematics 342C.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." Individual master plans for each student are filed with both the physics undergraduate adviser and the Office of Admissions and Records. No more than 48 units in physics courses can apply to the degree.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L; Chemistry 200, 201; Computer Science 106; Mathematics 150, 151, 252. (38 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive courses of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 33 upper division units to include Physics 311, 317, 350, 354A-354B, 357, 400A-400B, 460; Mathematics 342A, 342B.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." Individual master plans for each student are filed with both the physics undergraduate adviser and the Office of Admissions and Records.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the major and the major consist of basic requirements in the lower and upper division for all students plus additional upper division requirements in one of the following areas: (a) Foundations; (b) Scientific Instrumentation; (c) Modern Optics; (d) Condensed Matter.
Preparation for the Major. Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L; Chemistry 200, 201; Computer Science 106; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252. (38 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 42-45 upper division units to include Physics 311, 317, 350, 354A-354B, 357, 400A-400B, 460, 498A, 498B; Mathematics 342A, 342B.
In addition to the basic requirements, the student must complete the requirements in one of the following areas:
Required: Physics 516, 580, and Computer Science 575 or Mathematics 541.
Recommended: Computer Science 205.
Required: Physics 510, 532, 533.
Recommended: Physics 534.
Required: Physics 510 and a minimum of six units selected from Physics 406, 532, 542, and 564.
Required: Physics 406, 552, 553.
Recommended: Physics 516, 532, 554.
Required: Physics 513, 516.
The minor in physics consists of a minimum of 15 units in physics to include 12 upper division units in physics (excluding Physics 301 and 305). Courses selected must follow an integrated and coherent pattern of coursework. Courses must be approved by the Physics Department undergraduate adviser and be selected from one of the following areas:
Condensed Matter
Computational Physics
Foundations of Physics
Modern Optics
Radiological Physics
Scientific Instrumentation
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
Maximum credit 12 units for any combination of Physics 103, 107, 170, 180A-180B, 182A-182B, 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L, 201.
103. Conceptual Physics (3)
Physics as natural philosophy. How physical theories grow and change through interaction with experiment. Holography, black holes, fusion, acoustics, lasers, and other topics form a framework through which the laws of physics and their philosophical and historical foundations are explored.
107. Introductory Physics with Laboratory (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
How physics concepts describe everyday events, and frontier phenomena. Classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and selected topics from atomic, relativistic, and radioactivity physics. Not open to students with credit in Physics 170.
149. Special Study (1-2) Cr/NC I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of supervising instructor.
Individual study and laboratory work in area of student's major interest. Students will be assigned a member of the staff who will supervise their work. Maximum credit two units.
170. Preparation for Physics (3)
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra.
Elemental principles of physics approached from problem-solving and critical thinking perspectives necessary for success in Physics 180A and Physics 195. Not open to students with credit in a college level physics course. (Formerly numbered Physics 190.)
180A-180B. Fundamentals of Physics (3-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the Entry-Level Mathematics requirement and qualification on the Mathematics Departmental Placement
Examination, Part IA. Physics 180A is prerequisite to 180B.
Recommended: For Physics 180A, concurrent registration in Physics 182A; for Physics 180B, concurrent registration in Physics 182B.
Semester I: Mechanics, wave motion, sound, and fluids. Semester II: Electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Presented in a two-semester algebra/trigonometry based sequence. Physics 180A not open to students with credit in Physics 195. Physics 180B not open to students with credit in Physics 196.
182A-182B. Physical Measurements (1-1) I, II
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite for 182A: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics
180A.
Prerequisite for 182B: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics
180B.
A laboratory course to accompany Physics 180A-180B. Semester I: Properties of matter, mechanics, sound, and wave motion. Semester II: Electricity, DC circuits, oscilloscope measurement techniques, electric and magnetic fields, and optics. 182A: Not open to students with credit in Physics 195L. 182B: Not open to students with credit in Physics 196L.
195. Principles of Physics (3) I, II
(195 + 195L: CAN PHYS 8)
Prerequisites: High school physics or a grade of C or better in Physics 170. Credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 150.
Fundamental principles of physics in areas of mechanics and oscillatory motion. Designed for students requiring calculus-based physics.
195L. Principles of Physics Laboratory (1) I, II
(195 + 195L: CAN PHYS 8)
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 195.
Experiments in mechanics, wave motion, resonance phenomena using precision air tracks. Not open to students with credit in Physics 182A.
196. Principles of Physics (3) I, II
(196 + 196L: CAN PHYS 12)
Prerequisites: Physics 195, credit or concurrent registration in
Mathematics 151.
Fundamental principles of physics in areas of electricity and magnetism. Designed for students requiring calculus-based physics.
196L. Principles of Physics Laboratory (1) I, II
(196 + 196L: CAN PHYS 12)
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 196.
Experiments in DC circuits, AC circuits, electrical resonance, oscilloscope measurement techniques, and electric and magnetic fields. Not open to students with credit in Physics 182B.
197. Principles of Physics (3) I, II
(197 + 197L: CAN PHYS 14)
Prerequisites: Physics 196; credit or concurrent registration in
Mathematics 252.
Fundamental principles of physics in areas of wave motion, sound, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity, and modern physics. Designed for students requiring calculus-based physics.
197L. Principles of Physics Laboratory (1) I,II
(197 + 197L: CAN PHYS 14)
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 197.
Experiments in optics, lasers, holography, and nuclear counting.
201. Physics of Sound, Hearing, and Speech (4)
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Qualification on the Mathematics Departmental
Placement Examination, Part IA.
Fundamental nature of sound and applications to hearing and speech.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
301. Energy and the Environment (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirements in
Communication and Critical Thinking and Foundations II.A., Natural
Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning.
Fundamental physical concepts underlying energy, its conversion, and impact on the environment.
311. Electronics for Scientists (4)
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 180B and 182B, or 196 and 196L.
AC and DC circuits, diodes, transistors, conventional and operational amplifiers, analog to digital conversion, pulse and digital electronics. Introduce science majors to modern electronic devices and their utilization in scientific instrumentation.
317. Introduction to Computational Physics (2)
Six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 197 and Mathematics 342A.
Numerical methods applied to a variety of physics topics. Use of computers to solve and plot problems involving differential equations, matrices, root finding, numerical integration.
333. Physics Perspectives (3)
Prerequisite: Physics 180B or 197.
Theoretical physics emphasizing basic themes cutting across separate traditional subject divisions. Visualize three-dimensional vector fields, forces and torques. Balance between derivations, conceptual understanding, numerical problem-solving, estimations, and proportional reasoning.
350. Classical Mechanics (3) I, II
Prerequisites: Physics 197, 197L and credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 342A.
Newtonian mechanics, wave motion, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, generalized coordinates, normal coordinates, small oscillations, special theory of relativity.
354A-354B. Modern Physics (3-3)
Prerequisites: Physics 354A: Physics 197, 197L and credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 342A. Physics 354B: Physics 354A
and credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 342B.
Semester I: Atomic theory of matter, introduction to quantum theory with applications to atomic structure. Semester II: Atomic theory, periodic table, techniques of quantum mechanics. Applications of quantum mechanics to solid state and nuclear physics.
357. Advanced Physical Measurements (3) I, II
One lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 197, 197L, 311, and credit or concurrent
registration in Physics 354B.
Stresses both laboratory experiments and techniques of data and error analysis. Experiments are taken from major areas of physics.
400A-400B. Classical Electromagnetism (3-3)
Prerequisites: Physics 400A: Physics 197, 197L and credit or concurrent registration in Mathematics 342B. Physics 400B: Physics
400A.
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, radiation and wave propagation.
406. Optics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 197, 197L; Mathematics 342A.
Reflection, refraction, matrix methods, dispersion, polarization, double refraction, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, coherence theory, lasers, and holography with applications to optical instruments, wave propagation, and the nature of light.
460. Thermal Physics (3)
Prerequisite: Physics 354A.
Classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Applications of equilibrium thermodynamics. Introduction to statistical mechanics, including concepts from probability and statistics. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics. Applications of statistical mechanics in calculating macroscopic properties of simple systems.
496. Selected Topics in Physics (1-4) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Selected topics in classical and modern physics. May be repeated with consent of instructor. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit six units.
498A. Senior Research (1) Cr/NC I, II
One discussion period and two additional hours per week to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Senior standing in physics and an acceptable plan for
graduation within one year.
Selection and design of individual research project. Oral and written progress reports.
498B. Senior Research (2) I, II
Two discussion periods and four additional hours per week to be arranged.
Prerequisites: Physics 357 and 498A.
Laboratory work, progress reports, oral and written final reports.
499. Special Study (1-3) I, II
Individual study or laboratory work on a special problem in physics selected by the student. Each student will be assigned a member of the staff who will supervise his/her work. Credit, hours and topics to be arranged in each case. Maximum credit six units.
510. Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 350, 354B, and Mathematics 342B.
Mathematical and physical foundations of quantum theory in terms of wave and matrix mechanics. Applications to properties of atoms and solids.
513. Electronic Instrumentation (3)
One lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 311. Recommended: Credit or concurrent
registration in Physics 516.
Computer data acquisition and control, modern signal detection and enhancement techniques; transducer principles and applications; noise and the enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio.
516. Theory of Scientific Instrumentation (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 311 and Mathematics 342B.
Fourier analysis with applications to scientific instrumentation, spectroscopy, and image processing; Z transforms and digital filtering; detection systems and their optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio. (Formerly numbered Physics 516A.)
532. Solid State Physics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 350, 354B, and Mathematics 342B.
Elastic, thermal, electric, magnetic and optical properties of solids. Introduction to the energy band theory of solids, with applications to semiconductors and metals.
533. Experimental Techniques in Condensed Matter Physics (3)
One lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 357 and credit or concurrent registration in
Physics 532.
Experiments in various fields of condensed matter such as x-ray diffraction, Hall effect, superconductivity, and electron paramagnetic resonance.
534. Colloquium in Condensed Matter Physics (1) Cr/NC
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 532.
Student and faculty research project presentations. Maximum credit three units.
542. Acoustics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 350 and Mathematics 342B.
Wave motion, production, reception, transmission and analysis of sound. Special applications such as environmental noise, underwater and seismic waves.
552. Modern Optics and Lasers (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 406 with minimum grade of C; credit or concurrent registration in Physics 400B; Mathematics 342B.
Electromagnetic theory, matrix methods of optics, propagation of Gaussian beams, optical resonators, interaction of radiation and atomic systems, theory of laser oscillation, nonlinear optics, specific laser systems, optical detectors, applications of lasers in physics.
553. Modern Optics Laboratory (3)
One lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Physics 357 with minimum grade of C; Physics 406
with minimum grade of C; credit or concurrent registration in Physics
552.
Experiments in various fields of modern optics such as holography, physics of lasers, Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, light modulation techniques, fiber optics, spatial filtering, diffraction grating spectroscopy, radiometry, and nonlinear optics.
554. Colloquium in Optics Research (1) Cr/NC I, II
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration in Physics 498A or 498B or
797 and consent of instructor.
Student and faculty research project presentations. Maximum credit three units.
560. Radiological Physics and Dosimetry (3)
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 354A.
Ionizing radiation fields, interactions of radiation with matter, cavity theory, external radiation dosimetry.
561. Nuclear Instrumentation (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Credit or concurrent registration in Physics 311 and
560.
Electronics of nuclear instrumentation. Radiation detection and measurement using ionization chambers, GM and proportional counters, and scintillation dosimetry. Practices of current use in the radiation protection field.
564. Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics (3)
Prerequisite: Physics 354B.
Nuclear and elementary particle phenomena including nuclear structure of reactions, nuclear devices, elementary particle symmetry and structure, and experimental methods.
570. Relativity (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 354A, 400B, and Mathematics 342B.
Relative coordinates, Lorentz transformation, covariant formation of the laws of physics, applications of special relativity, introduction to curved space time, cosmology.
580. Computational Physics (3)
Prerequisites: Physics 354B, Computer Science 106, Mathematics
342B, credit or concurrent registration in Physics 400A.
Computer programming for numerical solution of problems in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics. Use of Unix operating system and Fortran programming language. Incorporation of standard subroutines for linear algebra and differential equations into student written programs
596. Special Topics in Physics (1-4) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Selected topics in classical and modern physics. May be repeated with the consent of the instructor. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
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