From the smallest subatomic particles to atoms, molecules, stars, and galaxies, the study of physics is the study of what makes the universe tick. Information learned from high-energy particle accelerators and nuclear reactors teaches us not only what holds the nucleus and the atom together but also why stars shine and how radiation therapy fights cancer.
The Program. The Department of Physics offers three degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Physics, and the Bachelor of Science in Physics and in Applied Physics. The A.B. degree provides a broad coverage of classical and modern physics while permitting a broader liberal arts education than is possible with the other two programs. The B.S. degree in either Physics or Applied Physics should be followed by the student who plans to enter physics as a profession. The B.S. in Applied Physics provides the student with a solid introduction to a particular applied physics specialty. For the student who plans to enter the job market on completing a B.S. degree, the applied physics orientation would be an asset. Either B.S. program provides a solid foundation in physics for the student interested in graduate work in either pure or applied physics.
Career Alternatives. Careers in physics and applied physics include research and development, either in universities, government laboratories, or industry; teaching in high schools, junior colleges, and universities; management and administration in industrial laboratories and in government agencies; and in production and sales in industry. A major in physics also provides a strong base for graduate-level work in such interdisciplinary areas as chemical physics, biophysics and medical physics, geophysics and environmental physics, astrophysics and astronomy, computer science, and materials science.
| UNITS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | 38 | |
| Physics 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D or 9HA, 9HB, 9HC, 9HD, 9HE | 16 | |
| Mathematics 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 22A, 22B | 22 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | 41 | |
| Physics 104A, 105A, 105B, 110A, 110B, 112, 115A, 122 | 32 | |
| At least one course from 127, 140A, 129A, or 130A | 4 | |
| At least one additional fixed-unit upper division physics course excluding 137 or 160 | 4 | |
| Physics 105AL (1 unit) or an upper division computation course (e.g., Mathematics 128A or Engineering: Applied Science 115) | 1-3 | |
| Total Units for the Major | 79 | |
| UNITS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | 46 | |
| Physics 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D or 9HA, 9HB, 9HC, 9HD, 9HE | 16 | |
| Mathematics 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 22A, 22B | 22 | |
| Engineering 5 (or equivalent programming course) | 3 | |
| Chemistry 2A or 2HA (2B-2C or 2HB-2HC highly recommended) | 5 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | 59 | |
| Physics 104A, 105A, 105B, 110A, 110B, 110C, 112, 115A, 115B, 122 | 40 | |
| At least two courses from Physics 127, 140A, and either 129A or 130A | 8 | |
| At least three additional upper division physics courses excluding 137 or 160. With prior departmental approval, one 3- or 4-unit course from mathematics, engineering, or natural science may be used to meet this requirement. May include only one course from 194H, 195, 198, 199 | 11-12 | |
| Physics 105AL (1 unit) or an upper division computation course (e.g., Mathematics 128A or Engineering: Applied Science 115) | 0-1 | |
| Total Units for the Major | 105 | |
B.S. Major Requirements:
| Preparatory Subject Matter | 46 | |
| Physics 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D or 9HA, 9HB, 9HC, 9HD, 9HE | 16 | |
| Mathematics 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 22A, 22B | 22 | |
| Engineering 5 (or equivalent programming course) | 3 | |
| Chemistry 2A or 2HA (2B-2C or 2HB-2HC highly recommended) | 5 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | 59 | |
| Physics 104A, 105A, 105B, 110A, 110B, 112, 115A, 116A, 116B, 122 | 40 | |
| At least five courses from approved lists within one of the following concentrations chosen in consultation with a major adviser | 19-20 | |
| Materials science, quantum optics, chemical physics, atmospheric physics, geophysics, physical oceanography. (Lists of approved courses in each concentration with representative programs are available from the Physics Department.) | ||
| Physics 105AL (1 unit) or an upper division computation course (e.g., Mathematics 128A or Engineering: Applied Science 115) | 0-1 | |
| Total Units for the Major | 105 |
Recommended Electives
Astronomy: Astronomy 2.
Computer and numerical analysis: Mathematics 128A or Applied Science Engineering 115.
Statistics: Statistics 131A.
Advanced mathematics: Mathematics 108, 118A-118B, 119A-119B, 121A-121B, 127A-127B-127C, 185A, 185B.
Program Variance. Courses from other departments may be submitted for courses in the depth subject matter requirements by obtaining written permission from the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee chairperson, as approved by the Department.
Major Advisers. Contact Departmental Undergraduate Majors Office, 231 Physics/Geology Building, for adviser assignment.
Three distinct minor emphases are offered, all requiring prerequisites equivalent to Mathematics 21A-21B-21C-21D and 22A-22B and Physics 9A-9B-9C-9D. Students considering the possibility of earning a Physics minor should consult with a Physics major adviser before beginning work in one of these minor programs.
| Physics | 18-24 | |
| Classical Physics emphasis | 23 | |
| Physics 104A-104B, 105A, 105AL, 105C, 108, 108L, 110A-110B. | 23 | |
| (If the fall quarter courses, 104A, 105A, 110A, 112, are taken in different years, 104A and 105A should be taken in the first year; course 105C does not require 105B.) | ||
| Quantum Physics emphasis | 22 | |
| Physics 104A-104B, 105A, 105AL, 105B, 112, 115A-115B | 22 | |
| (Physics 104A-104B and 105A-105B must precede 115A-115B. Physics 110A recommended.) | ||
| General Physics emphasis | 22 | |
| Physics 104A-104B, 105A, 105AL, 105B, 110A, 112, 115A | 22 | |
| (Physics 104A-104B and 105A-105B must precede 115A.) | ||
Graduate Study. The Department of Physics offers programs of study and research leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and the Ph.D. degree with an Applied Physics Research Specialty. Further information regarding requirements for these three degrees, graduate research, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships may be obtained by writing to the Chairperson, Department of Physics, University of California, Davis 95616.
Astronomy. There is no major program leading to a degree in Astronomy. Introductory courses are offered in general astronomy and astrophysics. Students who wish to use the observatory or the portable telescopes may do so through the Astronomy Club. The graduate program in physics provides research opportunities in observational astrophysics.
Scroll to courses in Physics.
*Course not offered this academic year.
General Education (GE) credit: ArtHum = Arts and Humanities; SciEng = Science and Engineering; SocSci = Social Sciences; Div = Social-Cultural Diversity; Wrt = Writing Experience. Select this link to information on the General Education requirement.
2. Introduction to Modern Astronomy and Astrophysics (4) I. Becker, Erickson
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory/discussion--2 hours. Prerequisite: good facility in high school physics and mathematics (algebra and trigonometry). Description and interpretation of astronomical phenomena using the laws of modern physics. Modern astronomical instrumentation. Gravitation, relativity, electromagnetic radiation, atomic and nuclear processes in relation to the structure and evolution of stars, the solar system, galaxies, and the Universe. Not open to students who have received credit for course 10.
10. General Astronomy (4) II, III. Albrecht, Becker, Erickson
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory/discussion--2 hours. A non-mathematical description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. The Sun and the solar system. Optional topics include pulsars, black holes, quasars, and extra-terrestrial communications. Not open to students who have received credit for course 2 or any physics course (except 10, 137, 160). GE credit: SciEng, Wrt.
Physics 10 is primarily a concept-oriented one-quarter lecture/discussion course requiring relatively little mathematical background.
Physics 1 is a two-quarter sequence requiring some mathematics (trigonometry). Either 1A alone or both quarters may be taken. The sequence is not intended to satisfy entrance requirements of a year of physics for professional schools, but will satisfy requirements of 3 or 6 units of physics.
Physics 7 is a one-year (three-quarter) introductory physics course with laboratory intended for students majoring in the biological sciences. It has a calculus prerequisite. If you don't need a full year of introductory physics, you should take one or two quarters of Physics 1 instead. Read the following information carefully, if you are using Physics 7 to complete an introductory course you have already begun.
The sequence of material in Physics 7 is different from that in most traditionally taught introductory physics courses. Physics 7B is most like the first quarter or semester of traditionally taught courses which treat classical mechanics. Physics 7C is most like the last quarter or semester which, in traditionally taught courses, treats optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. The content and sequence of Physics 7A is unlike that of most other traditionally taught courses.
If you have completed one introductory quarter or semester of a traditionally taught physics course and want to continue with Physics 7, you should first take (and will receive full credit for) Physics 7A. Then, either skip 7B, but self-study the last three weeks of material, or take 7B and receive reduced credit. Next, take 7C for full credit.
If you have taken two quarters of a year-long introductory physics course and have not had extensive work in optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics, you should take Physics 7C. In no case should you take Physics 7B without first taking Physics 7A. All other situations should be discussed directly with a Physics 7 instructor.
Students not intending to take the entire sequence should take Physics 1.
Physics 9 is a four-quarter sequence using calculus throughout and including laboratory work as an integral part. The course is primarily for students in the physical sciences and engineering.
Physics 9H is a five-quarter honors physics sequence, which may be taken instead of Physics 9. It is intended primarily for first-year students with a strong interest in physics and with advanced placement in mathematics. In course requirements and prerequisites, Physics 9HA-9HE can be substituted for Physics 9A-9D.
Note: Faculty listed for each course are well acquainted with the course, but may not teach it this year.
| Upper Division Courses | Graduate Courses | Professional Courses |
*Course not offered this academic year.
General Education (GE) credit: ArtHum = Arts and Humanities; SciEng = Science and Engineering; SocSci = Social Sciences; Div = Social-Cultural Diversity; Wrt = Writing Experience. Select this link to information on the General Education requirement.
1A. Principles of Physics (3) I. McColm
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: trigonometry or consent of instructor. Mechanics. Introduction to general principles and analytical methods used in physics with emphasis on applications in applied agricultural and biological sciences and in physical education. Not open to students who have received credit for course 5A, 7B, or 9A.
1B. Principles of Physics (3) II. McColm
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 1A or 9A. Continuation of course 1A. Heat, optics, electricity, modern physics. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for course 5B, 5C, 7A, 7B, 7C, 9B, 9C, or 9D.
7A. General Physics (4) I, II. Cebra, Potter, Webb
Lecture--1.5 hours; discussion/laboratory--5 hours. Prerequisite: Mathematics 16B (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to general principles and analytical methods used in physics for students majoring in a biological science. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 9B, 5B, or 1B.
7B. General Physics (4) II, III. Cebra, McColm, Potter
Lecture--1.5 hours; discussion/laboratory--5 hours. Prerequisite: course 7A. Continuation of course 7A. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 9A, 5A, or 1A.
7C. General Physics (4) III, I. Cebra, Potter, Webb
Lecture--1.5 hours; discussion/laboratory--5 hours. Prerequisite: course 7B. Continuation of course 7B. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 9C or 5C.
9A. Classical Physics (4) III. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory--2.5 hours; discussion--1 hour. Prerequisite: Mathematics 21B. Mechanics. Introduction to general principles and analytical methods used in physics for physical science and engineering majors. Only two units of credit allowed for students who have completed course 1A or 7B. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9HA.
9B. Classical Physics (4) I. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory--2.5 hours; discussion--1 hour. Prerequisite: course 9A, Mathematics 21C, Mathematics 21D (may be taken concurrently). Continuation of course 9A. Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, optics. Only two units of credit allowed for students who have completed course 7A. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9HB or 9HC or Engineering 105A.
9C. Classical Physics (4) II. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory--2.5 hours; discussion--1 hour. Prerequisite: course 9B, Mathematics 21D, Mathematics 22A (may be taken concurrently). Continuation of course 9B. Electricity and magnetism including circuits and Maxwell's equations. Only two units of credit allowed for students who have completed course 7C. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9HD.
9D. Modern Physics (4) III. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours; discussion--1.5 hours. Prerequisite: course 9C and Mathematics 22A; Mathematics 22B recommended (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to physics concepts developed since 1900. Special relativity, quantum mechanics, atoms, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9HB, 9HC, or 9HE.
9HA. Honors Physics (4) I. Cox
Lecture--3 hours; discussion/laboratory--4 hours. Prerequisite: Mathematics 21B (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor; high school physics highly recommended. Classical mechanics. Same material as course 9A in greater depth. For students in physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 7B. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9A.
9HB. Honors Physics (4) II. Kiskis
Lecture--3 hours; discussion/laboratory--4 hours. Prerequisite: course 9HA or 9A and Mathematics 21C (may be taken concurrently). Special relativity, thermal physics. Continuation of course 9HA. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 7A. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9B or 9D.
9HC. Honors Physics (4) III. Kiskis
Lecture--3 hours; discussion/laboratory--4 hours. Prerequisite: course 9HB and Mathematics 21D (may be taken concurrently). Waves, sound, optics, quantum physics. Continuation of course 9HB. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 7C. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9B or 9D.
9HD. Honors Physics (4) I. Zieve
Lecture--3 hours; discussion/laboratory--4 hours. Prerequisite: course 9HC and Mathematics 21D. Electricity and magnetism. Continuation of course 9HC. Same material as in course 9C but in greater depth. Only two units of credit allowed to students who have completed course 7C. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9C.
9HE. Honors Physics (4) II. Fadley
Lecture--3 hours; discussion/laboratory--4 hours. Prerequisite: course 9HD and Mathematics 22B (may be taken concurrently). Applications of quantum mechanics. Not open for credit to students who have completed course 9D.
10. Topics in Physics for Nonscientists (4) I, II. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours; discussion--1 hour. Prerequisite: high school algebra. Emphasis varies: survey of basic principles or a deeper exploration of some particular branch. Past topics included black holes, space time, and relativity; physics of music; history and philosophy; energy and the environment; and natural phenomena. Check with the department office for the current emphasis. No units of credit allowed if taken after any other physics course. GE credit: SciEng, Wrt.
90X. Lower Division Seminar (2) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--2 hours. Prerequisite: lower division standing and consent of instructor. Examination of a special topic in Physics through shared readings, discussions, written assignments, or special activities such as laboratory work. May be repeated for credit. Limited enrollment.
98. Directed Group Study (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor; primarily for lower division students. (P/NP grading only.)
99. Special Study for Undergraduates (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (P/NP grading only.)
104A-104B. Introduction to Methods of Mathematical Physics (3-3) I-II. Zieve
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 9B, 9C, 9D and Mathematics 21D, 22A, and 22B passed with grade C- or better; or consent of department; course 104A passed with a grade C- or better or consent of department required for 104B. Applications of linear equations and matrices, vector spaces (finite and infinite dimensional), ordinary and partial differential equations, infinite series, functions of one complex variable, integration methods, integral transforms, and variational methods.
105A-105B. Analytical Mechanics (3-3) I-II. Corruccini
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 9B, 9C, 9D and Mathematics 21D, 22A, and 22B passed with grade C- or better; or consent of department; course 104A and 105A passed with a grade C- or better or consent of department required for 105B. Principles and applications of Newtonian mechanics; introduction to Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations.
105AL. Computational Laboratory in Mechanics (1) I. Corruccini
Laboratory--3 hours. Prerequisite: Engineering 5 or the equivalent; course 105A concurrently. Introduction to the application of computers to solving physics problems. Introduction to numerical and graphical methods in mechanics. (P/NP grading only.)
105BL. Computational Laboratory in Mechanics (1) II. Corruccini
Laboratory--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 105AL; course 105B concurrently. Computer application of numerical and graphical methods in mechanics. (P/NP grading only.)
105C. Continuum Mechanics (3) III. Yager
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 104B and 105A passed with a grade of C- or better, or consent of department. The continuum hypothesis and limitations. Tensor methods develop stress-strain relations for linear isotropic solids/fluids and field equations to study wave propagation in solids/fluids, heat flow, potential flow and ocean waves.
108. Optics (3) III. Zhu
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 9 or 5 sequence and Mathematics 21 sequence or consent of instructor. The phenomena of diffraction, interference, and polarization of light, with applications to current problems in astrophysics, material science, and
atmospheric science. Study of modern optical instrumentation. Open to non-majors.
108L. Optics Laboratory (1) III. Zhu
Laboratory--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 108 concurrently. The laboratory will consist of one major project pursued throughout the quarter, based on modern applications of optical techniques.
110A-110B-110C. Electricity and Magnetism
(3-3-3) I-II-III. Ko, Reid
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 9B, 9C, 9D and Mathematics 21D, 22A, and 22B passed with grade C- or better, or consent of department; prerequisite for 110B is courses 110A and 104A passed with a grade of C- or better or consent of department; prerequisite for course 110C is courses 110B and 104B passed with a grade of C- or better, or consent of department. Theory of electrostatics, electromagnetism, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves.
112. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3) I. Webb
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 115A or the equivalent. Introduction to classical and quantum statistical mechanics and their connections with thermodynamics. The theory is developed for the ideal gas model and simple magnetic models and then extended to studies of solids, quantum fluids, and chemical equilibria.
115A. Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (3) III. Chiang
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 104B and 105B passed with grade C- or better, or consent of department. Failures of classical physics; particle wave duality, probability and quantum mechanical operators; the uncertainty principle; the Schrödinger equation; energy levels; tunneling.
115B. Applications of Quantum Mechanics (3) I. Chiang
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 115A passed with a grade of C- of better, or consent of department. Angular momentum and spin; hydrogen atom and atomic spectra; perturbation theory; scattering theory.
116A. Electronic Instrumentation (4) II. Pellet
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 9C, Mathematics 22B. An experimental and theoretical study of important electronic circuits commonly used in physics.
116B. Electronic Instrumentation (4) III. Pellett
Lecture--3 hours; laboratory--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 9D, 116A. Continuation of course 116A. Introduction to the use of digital electronics and microcomputers in experimental physics.
121. Atomic Physics (4) II. McColm
Lecture--3 hours; term paper. Prerequisite: course 9D. The phenomena of atomic physics including contemporary work: fine-and hyperfine-structure, quantum electrodynamics, laser spectroscopy, beam foil experiments and trapped atoms.
122. Advanced Physics Laboratory (3) I. The Staff
Laboratory--8 hours. Prerequisite: course 9D. Experimental techniques and measurements in atomic, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics; spectroscopy, optical pumping, magnetic resonance, superconductivity, semiconductors, ferroelectricity, gamma-ray coincidence, Mossbauer Effect, Rutherford scattering, muon lifetime. The student performs three to six experiments depending on difficulty. Individual work is stressed. May be repeated once for credit. GE credit: Wrt.
127. Introduction to Astrophysics (3) III. Becker
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 105A. Celestial mechanics, radiation, astrophysical measurements, electromagnetic processes, the sun, binary and variable stars, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies, cosmology. Offered in alternate years.
129A. Introduction to Nuclear Physics (3) II. Brady
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 115A. Survey of basic nuclear properties and concepts requiring introductory knowledge of quantum mechanics: nuclear models and forces, radioactive decay and detecting nuclear radiation and nuclear reaction products, alpha, beta and gamma decay.
129B. Nuclear Physics, Extensions and Applications (4) III. Brady
Lecture--3 hours; term paper. Prerequisite: course 129A. Continuation of course 129A. Nuclear reactions, neutrons, fission, fusion accelerators, introduction to meson and particle physics, nuclear astrophysics, and applications of nuclear physics and techniques to mass spectrometry, nuclear medicine, trace element analysis. Not offered every year.
130A-130B. Elementary Particle Physics (3-4) II-III. Lander
Lecture--3 hours; term paper required for 130B. Prerequisite: course 115A. Properties and classification of elementary particles and their interactions. Experimental techniques. Conservation laws and symmetries. Strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions. Introduction to Feynman calculus. Not offered every year.
137. Science and Technology of Nuclear Arms Effects and Control (3) II. Cox
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: upper division standing; one course from courses 1B, 5C, 9D, 10. Scientific and technical aspects of nuclear arms effects and nuclear arms control including nuclear physics of atomic and hydrogen bombs, blast and radiation effects, radioactivity, electromagnetic pulse, ICBM accuracy, laser weapons, verification safeguards, biological and ecological effects. Emphasis on order of magnitude calculations. (Same course as Applied Science Engineering 137.) GE credit: SciEng or SocSci.
140A-140B. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3-4) II-III. Pickett
Lecture--3 hours; term paper required for 140B. Prerequisite: course 115A or the equivalent. Survey of fundamental ideas in the physics of solids, with selected device applications. Crystal structure, x-ray and neutron diffraction, phonons, simple metals, energy bands and Fermi surfaces, semiconductors, optical properties, magnetism, superconductivity.
160. Environmental Physics and Society (3) III. Cox
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 9D or 5C; or course 10 or 1B and Mathematics 16B or the equivalent. Impact of humankind on the environment will be discussed from the point of view of the physical sciences. Calculations based on physical principles will be made, and the resulting policy implications will be considered. (Same course as Engineering 160.) GE credit: SciEng or SocSci.
190X. Upper Division Seminar (1-2) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--1-2 hours. Prerequisite: upper division standing and consent of instructor. In-depth examination at an upper division level of a special topic in Physics. Emphasis on student participation in learning. May not be repeated for credit. Limited enrollment.
194HA-194HB. Special Study for Honors Students (4-4) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Independent study--12 hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor required. Open only to Physics and Applied Physics majors who satisfy the College of Letters and Science requirements for entrance into the Honors Program. Independent research project at a level significantly beyond that defined by the normal physics curriculum. (Deferred grading only, pending completion of sequence).
195. Senior Thesis (5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Independent study--15 hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor required. Open only to Physics and Applied Physics majors with senior standing. Preparation of a senior thesis on a topic selected by the student with approval of the department. May be repeated for a total of 15 units.
197T. Tutoring in Physics and Astronomy (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and department chairperson. Tutoring of students in lower division course. Weekly meetings with instructor. (P/NP grading only.)
198. Directed Group Study (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (P/NP grading only.)
199. Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
(P/NP grading only.)
200A. Theory of Mechanics and Electromagnetics (4) I. Yager
Lecture--3 hours; independent study--1 hour. Prerequisite: courses 104B, 105B, and 110C or the equivalent; course 204A concurrently. Theoretical approaches in classical mechanics including the use of generalized coordinates and virtual work; variational calculus; Lagrange equations; symmetries, conservation laws, and Noether theorem; Lagrangian density; Hamilton formalism; canonical transformations; Poisson brackets; and Hamilton-Jacobi equations.
200B-200C. Theory of Mechanics and Electromagnetics (4-4) II-III. Chiang
Lecture--3 hours; independent study--1 hour. Prerequisite: course 200A, and course 204B concurrently. Theoretical approaches in electromagnetics including static electromagnetic fields; Maxwell's equations; plane waves in various media; magnetohydrodynamics; diffraction theory; radiating systems; and special relativity.
204A-204B. Methods of Mathematical Physics (4-4) I-II. Singh
Lecture--3 hours; independent study--1 hour. Prerequisite: courses 104A and 104B or the equivalent. Linear vector spaces, operators and their spectral analysis, complete sets of functions, complex variables, functional analysis, Green's functions, calculus of variations, introduction to numerical analysis.
210. Computational Physics (3) III. Singh
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: knowledge of Fortran or C. Analytic techniques to solve differential equations and eignevalue problems. Physics content of course will be self-contained, and adjusted according to background of students.
215A-215B-215C. Quantum Mechanics (4-4-4) I-II-III. Fong
Lecture--3 hours; independent study--1 hour. Prerequisite: course 115B or the equivalent. Formal development and interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics; its application to atomic, nuclear, molecular, and solid-state problems; brief introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and the Dirac equation.
219A-219B. Statistical Mechanics (4-4) I-II. Scalettar
Lecture--3 hours; independent study--1 hour. Prerequisite: course 215B or the equivalent. Foundations of thermodynamics and classical and quantum statistical mechanics with applications to properties of solids, real gases, nuclear matter, etc.; fluctuations about the equilibrium state; and phase transitions and critical phenomena.
223A. Group Theoretical Methods of Physics--Condensed Matter (3) III. Fong
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 215A, 215B (215C is corequisite) or consent of instructor. Theory of groups and their representations with applications in condensed matter. Not offered every year.
223B. Group Theoretical Methods of Physics--Elementary Particles (3) III. Kiskis
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 215A, 215B (215C is corequisite) or consent of instructor. Theory of groups and their representations with applications in elementary particle physics. Not offered every year.
224A. Nuclear Physics (3) II. Cebra
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 215B. Comprehensive study of the nucleon-nucleon interaction including the deuteron, nucleon-nucleon scattering, polarization, determination of real parameters of S-matrix, and related topics. Not offered every year.
224B. Nuclear Physics (3) III. Cebra
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 224A. Study of nuclear models, including shell model, collective model, unified model. Energy level spectra, static momenta, and electromagnetic transition rates. Not offered every year.
224C. Nuclear Physics (3) I. Brady
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 224B. Study of nuclear scattering and reactions including the optical model and direct interactions. Beta decay and an introduction to weak interactions. Not offered every year.
229A. Advanced Nuclear Theory (3) II. Brady
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 224C. Advanced topics in nuclear theory; theory of quantum-mechanical scattering processes. Exact formal theory and models for two-body scattering. Not offered every year.
229B. Advanced Nuclear Theory (3) III. Brady
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 229A. Advanced topics in nuclear theory; theory of quantum-mechanical scattering processes. Exact formal theory and models for three-body scattering. Not offered every year.
230A. Quantum Theory of Fields (3) I. Gunion
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 215C. Relativistic quantum mechanics of particles; techniques and applications of second quantization; Feynman diagrams; renormalization.
230B. Quantum Theory of Fields (3) II. Gunion
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 230A. Continuation of 230A, with selected advanced topics, such as S-matrix theory, dispersion relations, axiomatic formulations.
240A-240B. Solid State Physics (3-3) III-I. Pickett
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 215A-215B-215C; courses 140A-140B recommended. Introduction to the phenomena and theory of the solid state. Periodic structures, lattice structures, electron states, static properties, electron-electron interaction, electron dynamics, transport properties, optical properties, the Fermi surface, magnetism, superconductivity.
240C-240D. Solid State Physics (3-3) II-III. Zimanyi
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 240A-240B or the equivalent. General introduction to many-body techniques as applied in solid state physics.
241. Advanced Topics in Magnetism (3) II. Singh
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 240A-240B, 240C-240D, or consent of instructor. Topics chosen from areas of current research interest. Not offered every year.
242. Advanced Topics in Superconductivity (3) II. Scalettar
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 240A-240B, 240C-240D, or consent of instructor. Topics chosen from areas of current research interest. Not offered every year.
243A-243B. Surface Physics of Materials (3-3) II, III. Fadley, Chiang
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 140A-140B, 115A-115B or the equivalents; courses 215A, 240A, or the equivalents recommended. Experimental and theoretical fundamentals of surface and interface physics and chemistry, including electronic and magnetic structure, thermodynamics, adsorption kinetics, epitaxial growth, and a discussion of various spectroscopic and structural probes based on photons, electrons, ions, and scanning probes. Not offered every year.
245A. High-Energy Physics (3) II. Mani
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 230A. Phenomenology and systematics of strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions of hadrons and leptons; determination of quantum numbers; quarks and quarkonia; deep inelastic scattering; the quark parton model; experiments at hadron colliders and electron-positron colliders.
245B. High-Energy Physics (3) III. Mani
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 245A. Electroweak interactions; phenomenology of the Standard Model of SU(2)LxU(1); weak interaction experiments; properties of and experiments with W and Z vector bosons; Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model and the Higgs boson; introduction to supersymmetry and other speculations.
245C. High-Energy Physics (3) III. Gunion
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: course 245A. Strong interaction: quantum chromodynamics phenomenology; jets and other experimental tests; quark and gluon distribution functions; quark and gluon scattering; applications of the renormalization group. Not offered every year.
246. Supersymmetry: Theory and Phenomenology (3) III. Gunion
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 230A-230B, 245A-245B recommended, or consent of instructor. Construction of supersymmetric models of particle physics; superfields; supersymmetry breaking the minimal supersymmetric standard model; supergravity. Collider phenomenology of supersymmetry. Dark matter phenomenology. Not offered every year.
250. Special Topics in Physics (3) I, II, III. The Staff
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Topic varies. May be repeated for credit. Not offered every quarter.
252A. Techniques of Experimental Physics (3) III. Zhu
Lecture--3 hours. Introduction to techniques and methods of designing and executing experiments. Problems and examples from condensed matter research will be utilized. Not offered every year.
252B. Techniques of Experimental Physics (3) III. Pellett
Lecture--3 hours. Introduction to techniques and methods of designing and executing experiments. Problems and examples from nuclear and particle research will be utilized. Not offered every year.
260. Introduction to General Relativity (3) III. Carlip
Lecture--3 hours. Prerequisite: courses 200A, 200B. An introduction to general relativity. Differential geometry and curved spacetime; the Einstein field equations; gravitational fields of stars and black holes; weak fields and gravitational radiation; experimental tests; Big Bang cosmology. Offered in alternate years.
290. Seminar in Physics (1) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Presentation and discussion of topics of current research interest in physics. Topics will vary weekly and will cover a broad spectrum of the active fields of physics research at a level accessible to all physics graduate students. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
291. Seminar in Nuclear Physics (1) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Presentation and discussion of topics of current research interest in nuclear physics. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
292. Seminar in Elementary Particle Physics (1) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Presentation and discussion of topics of current research interest in elementary particle physics. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
293. Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics (1) I, II, III. The Staff
Seminar--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Presentation and discussion of topics of current research interest in condensed matter physics. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
294. Seminar in Cosmology (1) I, II, III. The Staff (chairperson in charge)
Seminar--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Presentation and discussion of topics of current research interest in Cosmology. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
295. Introduction to Departmental Research (1) III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Seminar--1 hour. Seminar to introduce first- and second-year physics graduate students to the fields of specialty and research of the Physics staff. (S/U grading only.)
297. Research on the Teaching and Learning of Physics (3) III. Potter
Seminar--3 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. Discussion and analysis of recent research in how students construct understanding of physics and other science concepts and the implications of this research for instruction.
298. Group Study (1-5) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (S/U grading only.)
299. Research (1-12) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
(S/U grading only.)
390. Methods of Teaching Physics (1) I, II, III. The Staff
Lecture/discussion--1 hour. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Physics; consent of instructor. Practical experience in methods and problems related to teaching physics laboratories at the university level, including discussion of teaching techniques, analysis of quizzes and laboratory reports and related topics. Required of all Physics Teaching Assistants. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
396. Teaching Assistant Training Practicum
(1-4) I, II, III. The Staff (Chairperson in charge)
Prerequisite: graduate standing. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.)
UC Davis 1999-2000 Online General Catalog. Posted July 30, 1999.
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Molly Theodossy, Keitha Hunter and Barbara Anderson, Editors
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