You are in the official 2005-2006 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Physics
COURSES
- Physics (PHYS)
- Physical Science (PSCI)
- Physics (PHYS) --- Graduate Courses
- Physical Science (PSCI) --- In-Service Courses
Physics (PHYS)
PHYS 2A. General Physics (4)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4. Topics and concepts in Newtonian
mechanics of point particles and rigid bodies, energy, properties
of fluids, heat and thermodynamics, waves and sound. G.E. Breadth
B1. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours) (CAN PHYS 2)
PHYS 2B. General Physics (4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2A. Topics and concepts in light, electricity,
magnetism, atomic structure, relativity, quantum nature of light
and matter, nuclear structure and radiation. (3 lecture, 3 lab
hours) (CAN PHYS 4)
PHYS 4A. Mechanics and Wave Motion (3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation B4; MATH 76 (may be taken concurrently).
Topics in classical Newtonian mechanics including linear and circular
motion, energy, linear and angular momentum, systems of particles;
rigid body motion; fluids; gravity; wave motion; and sound. G.E.
Breadth B1 when taken with PHYS 4AL.
PHYS 4AL. Laboratory in Mechanics and Wave
Motion (1)
Corequisite: PHYS 4A; prerequisite: G.E. Foundation B4. Introduction
to laboratory methods. Experiments in mechanics, waves, and sound.
G.E. Breadth B1 when taken with PHYS 4A. (3 lab hours)
PHYS 4B. Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat
(3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 4A; MATH 77 (may be taken concurrently).
Topics in classical physics including heat and thermodynamics,
electrostatics, electric fields and potential, currents and AC
and DC electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction.
PHYS 4BL. Laboratory in Electricity, Magnetism,
and Heat (1)
Corequisite: PHYS 4B. Experiments in electricity, magnetism, heat,
and thermodynamics. (3 lab hours)
PHYS 4C. Light and Modern Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 4B, MATH 77. Maxwell's Equations, geometrical
optics; electromagnetic radiation; physical optics; introduction
to special relativity; quantum physics; and the physics of atoms,
nuclei, and the solid state.
PHYS 10. Conceptual Physics (4)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4. Basic ideas of physics and
their relationship to the everyday environment. Physical phenomena,
misconceptions, terminology, scientific method, and metric system.
Memorable demonstrations in lectures; household-related experiments
in the lab. G.E. Breadth B1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours)
PHYS 90. Directed Study (1-2; max total 3)
Prerequisite: any university-level physics or physical science
course. Individually arranged course of study in some limited
area of physics, either to remove a deficiency or to investigate
in more depth. (1-2 hours to be arranged)
PHYS 100. Concepts of Quantum Physics (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Key discoveries
in Quantum physics and conceptual development of quantum theory.
Lecture demonstration of experiments, graphical visualization
of theory, hi-tech applications. G.E. Integration IB. (3 lecture
hours)
PHYS 102. Modern Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 4C; MATH 81 (may be taken concurrently). Fundamental
concepts of atomic and nuclear structure, transitions and radiation.
Includes discussions of relativistic mechanics, quantum mechanics,
solid state physics. Special topics as they pertain to modern
developments in physics, engineering, and chemistry.
PHYS 104. Experimental Techniques in Condensed
Matter Physics (4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 4C. Shop techniques and safety instructions.
Basic concepts in condensed matter physics. Measurements of conductivity,
energy gap in semiconductors, drift mobility, Hall coefficients,
photoconductivity, magnetic susceptibilities, exciton spectra,
dielectric loss. Experience in X-ray diffraction, vacuum technology,
thin-film deposition, and low temperature techniques. (1 lecture,
6 lab hours)
PHYS 105A-B. Analytical Mechanics (3-3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 4C; MATH 81 (may be taken concurrently). (A)
Analytical and vector treatment of the fundamental principles
of statics, kinematics, and dynamics. (B) Prerequisite: PHYS 105A.
Advanced dynamics; harmonic motion, central force fields, and
Lagrange's equations.
PHYS 107A-B. Intermediate Electricity and
Magnetism (3-3)
(A) Prerequisites: PHYS 105A, MATH 81. Mathematical analysis of
electrostatics and magnetostatics, Gauss' law, solutions of Laplace's
equation, images, theory of conduction, magnetic potentials. (B)
Prerequisite: PHYS 107A. Motion of ions in electric and magnetic
fields, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations and wave
propagation, electron theory, and magnetic properties.
PHYS 110. Physical Optics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 4C, MATH 81. Theory of optical phenomena;
wave theory of light with applications to optical instruments;
interference and diffraction phenomena, dispersion, polarization,
coherence, and laser phenomena. Practical experience in using
lasers and optical instruments. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
PHYS 115. Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 102, 105A, 170A (may be taken concurrently),
MATH 81. Historical background, postulates, meaning, and methods
of quantum mechanics; applications to atomic phenomena.
PHYS 130. Advanced Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: PHYS 102. Advanced experiments in atomic and nuclear
physics. Radiation safety. Gamma ray, X-ray, and particle detection
and spectroscopy. X-ray fluorescence analysis, Mossbauer, coincidence,
Compton scattering and radiation attenuation experiments. Statistics,
error analysis. Projects. (6 lab hours)
PHYS 136. Radiation Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 102. The interaction of radiation with matter:
photoelectric, Compton and pair production processes, neutron
and charged particle interactions, linear energy transfer, quality
factor, attenuation coefficients, shielding. Biological effects,
RBE, internal dose, permissible exposures, beneficial application.
Instrumentation.
PHYS 140. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
(3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 102, MATH 81. Fundamental concepts and laws
of classical thermodynamics. Rudiments of kinetic theory and statistical
thermodynamics with application to physical and chemical systems.
PHYS 145. Geophysics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 2A, 2B or 4A, MATH 75. Basic principles of
physics applied to the solution of geological problems, rotation
and figure of the earth, the gravity field, seismology and the
earth's interior, geomagnetism, and the thermal history of the
earth.
PHYS 150. Astrophysics (3)
Prerequisites: MATH 75 and PHYS 2A, 2B or PHYS 4A, 4B and 4C.
Introduction to celestial mechanics, spectral classification,
stellar atmospheres and interiors, star formation and evolution,
variable stars, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, the nature
of galaxies, and the expansion of the universe.
PHYS 162. Condensed Matter Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 102, or CHEM 110B and permission of instructor.
Classification of solids; crystalline state and lattice vibrations;
properties of metallic lattices and dielectrics; magnetic properties
of solids; free electron theory and band theory of metals; semiconductors;
imperfections.
PHYS 170A. Mathematical Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 4C, MATH 81. Application of mathematical methods
to the solution of problems in physics.
PHYS 175T. Topics in Contemporary Physics
(1-4; max total 12)
Designed to provide students with special work in such areas of
physics as biophysics, modern optics, plasmas, high energy physics,
solid state, chaos theory, nuclear structure, astrophysics, low
temperature phenomena. Some topics may have labs.
PHYS 180. Seminar in Physics (1; max total
3)
Prerequisite: senior or graduate physics major or permission of
department chair.
PHYS 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total
6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Physics (PHYS)
PHYS 203. Classical Mechanics (4)
Prerequisites: PHYS 105B, 170A. Advanced treatment of classical
analytical mechanics including Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulation
of the laws of motion, special relativity, small oscillation theory,
hydrodynamics.
PHYS 220A-B. Advanced Electricity and Magnetism
(3-3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 107B, 170A. Electromagnetic theory and its
applications; electrostatics, boundary-value problems in electrostatics,
dielectrics, multipoles, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations,
electromagnetic radiation, optical properties of materials, wave
guides and resonant cavities.
PHYS 222A. Quantum Mechanics I (3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 115, 170A. Quantum Dynamics: representations
and pictures, path integrals, evolution operator, propagators.
Angular Momentum: orbital and spin, addition. Perturbation Theory:
time-independent and time-dependent problems, sudden and adiabatic
approximations. Scattering: Lippman-Schwinger equations, scattering
matrix, Born approximation, partial waves.
PHYS 222B. Quantum Mechanics II (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 222A. Identical Particles: fermions and bosons,
second quantization. Electromagnetic Fields: radiation field,
photons, coherent states, vacuum state and Casimir effect, interactions
with charged particles. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Klein-Gordon
and Dirac equations, relativistic hydrogen atom, perturbation
theory and Feynman diagrams.
PHYS 262. Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
(3)
Prerequisites: PHYS 115, 162, 170A. Binding and crystal structure,
crystal electron theories, elementary excitations, transport theories,
crystal defects, superconductivity.
PHYS 270. Advanced Mathematical Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 170A. Group theory, including continuous (Lie)
groups, Lie algebras, and an introduction to the theory of representations,
Green's functions and their applications to physical problems,
and integral equations including diagrammatic methods of solution.
PHYS 272. General Relativity (3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 203. The principle of equivalence, tensor calculus
in curved space-times, the Einstein-Hilbert equations, the Schwarzschild
solution, tests of general relativity, gravitational radiation,
introduction to cosmology.
PHYS 275T. Topics in Contemporary Physics
(1-3; max total 6)
Advanced topics in such areas as modern optics, plasma physics,
high energy physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, biophysics.
Some topics may have labs.
PHYS 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total
6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
PHYS 298. Project (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Scholarly investigation
by the advanced graduate student as a culminating experience for
the master's degree, including a written project report and an
oral defense, and followed by a competency exam. Approved for
RP grading.
PHYS 299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: See Criteria
for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission
of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for
RP grading.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSES
Physical Science (PSCI)
ASTRONOMY
PSCI 21. Elementary Astronomy (4)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4. Recommended: second-year high
school algebra. Concepts, theories, important physical principles,
and history of astronomy. Stellar properties, distances, and evolution.
Three field trips for observing with telescopes. G.E. Breadth
B1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours)
OTHER
PSCI 106. History of Physical Science (3)
The development of our understanding of the physical world from
ancient times to the 20th century with an emphasis on astronomy,
mechanics, thermodynamics, and the nature of matter. An exploration
of the evolution of ideas.
PSCI 131. Concepts of Classical Physics
from Babylon to Maxwell (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Concepts,
theories, and laws of classical physics. Mathematics, astronomy,
mechanics, light, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, chemistry,
and the atom. G.E. Integration IB.
PSCI 168. Energy and the Environment (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Analysis of
energy crisis; introduction to various forms of energy, energy
conversion processes and environmental effects; present energy
supply and energy projections; future energy demands and ways
of evaluating alternatives. G.E. Integration IB. (3 lecture hours)
PSCI 180T. Topics in Physical Science (1-3;
max total 9)
Detailed discussion of special topics within the realm of physical
science.
IN-SERVICE COURSES
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Physical Science (PSCI)
PSCI 305. Physical Science for Secondary School Teachers
(3; max total 6 in any one field)
Prerequisites: secondary credential and two years of teaching
experience. Objectives, content, and instructional materials for
the physical sciences; fundamental principles and recent developments.
Emphasis may be on chemistry, geology, or physics.
PSCI 350. Physical Science for Elementary
School Teachers
(3-6; max total 6 in any one field)
Maximum total credit 12 units; not more than 6 units in one field.
Prerequisite: elementary credential. Selection of source materials
and aids available for illustration of fundamental concepts and
principles in physical science; laboratory work in construction,
operation, and use of demonstrations and experiments in the elementary
school.
Physics
Degrees