Physics (Phys)
1. Fundamentals of Physics (4)
Prerequisite; intermediate algebra or equivalent. The theory and application
of physical principles relative to the world around us, especially in relation
to the human body. Measurement, force and motion, energy, fluids, sound
and light, heat, electricity, the atom and the nucleus. (3 lecture, 3 lab
hours)
2A. General Physics (4)
Prerequisite: intermediate algebra. Topics and concepts in mechanics, properties
of matter, energy, heat, and sound. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
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)
5A. Principles of Physics I (5)
Prerequisite: Math 76 (or concurrently). Topics and concepts in classical
physics including statics, kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation laws,
rigid body motion, simple harmonic motion, mechanics of solids and fluids,
waves, sound, heat and thermodynamics. (4 lecture, 3 lab hours)
5B. Principles of Physics II (5)
Prerequisite: Phys 5A, Math 77 (or concurrently). Topics in classical physics
including electrostatics, electric fields, currents, magnetic fields, electromagnetic
induction, Maxwell's equations, radiation, geometrical and physics optics.
(4 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Note: Phys 5A and 5B have been replaced by Phys
4A, 4B, and 4C plus one or more of Phys 4AL, 4BL. Phys 5B will be taught
for the last time in fall 1993.) .
10. Conceptual Physics (4)
Prerequisite: intermediate algebra. Basic ideas of physics and their relationship
to the everyday environment. Observation and interpretation of physical
phenomena, identification and elimination of misconceptions, proper terminology
for physical quantities, scientific method, metric system. Memorable demonstrations
in the lectures and household-related experiments in the lab. (3 lecture,
2 lab hours)
99. Joy of Physics (1)
Great experiments of physics; amazing demonstrations; science vs. pseudo-science;
critical thinking. Required of all new and transfer physics majors, preferably
during the first semester at CSUF. CR/NC grading only.
102. Modern Physics (3)
Prerequisite: Phys 4C. 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.
104. Experimental Techniques in Solid State Physics (3)
Prerequisites: Phys 4C, 4CL. Corequisite: Phys 103. Basic concepts in solid
state 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)
105A-B. Analytical Mechanics (3-3)
Prerequisite: Phys 4C. (A) Analytical and vector treatment of the fundamental
principles of statics, kinematics, and dynamics. (B) Advanced dynamics;
harmonic motion, central force fields, and Lagrange's equations.
107A-B. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3-3)
Prerequisites: Phys 105A, Math 81. (A) Mathematical analysis of electrostatics
and magnetostatics, Gauss' law, solutions of Laplace's equation, images,
theory of conduction, magnetic potentials. (B) Motion of ions in electric
and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations and
wave propagation, electron theory, and magnetic properties.
110. Physical Optics (3)
Prerequisites: Phys 4C, 4CL, 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)
115. Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: Phys 102, 105A, 170A (or concurrently), Math 81. Historical
background, postulates, meaning, and meth- ods of quantum mechanics; applications
to atomic phenomena.
116. Quantum Physics of Atoms (3)
Prerequisites: Phys 115, or Chem 110B and permission of instructor, or Chem
215. Quantum mechanics applied to atomic and nuclear physics.
120A-B. Scientific Measurements and Instrumentation (3-3)
Prerequisite: Phys 2B or 4B. Electronic measurements and the physics of
modern analog and digital circuits used in general scientific instrumentation.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
125. Laboratory Instrumentation (3)
(Same as Chem 125.) Not open to chemistry majors. Prerequisite: Chem 8 or
128A, Chem 105. Basic electricity, electronics, light and optical systems
as applied to the design, use and limitations of instrumentation typical
to the analytical and bioscience laboratory. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)
130. Advanced Laboratory (2)
Prerequisites: 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)
135. Physics of Medical Instrumentation (3)
A course in diagnostic, emergency and laboratory instrumentation, designed
for students and personnel in the medical, paramedical and biological fields
with emphasis on electronic devices. The subject matter includes basic electronic
principles, biomedical recording, oscilloscopes, electrocardiography, encephalography,
fetal monitors, etc.
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.
140. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory (3)
Prerequisite: Math 81. Fundamental concepts and laws of classical thermodynamics.
Rudiments of kinetic theory and statistical thermodynamics with application
to physical and chemical systems.
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.
162. Solid State Physics (3)
Prerequisites: Phys 102, or Chem 110B and permission of instructor, or Chem
215. 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.
170A-B. Mathematical Physics (3-3)
Prerequisite: Math 81. Application of mathematical methods to the solution
of problems in physics.
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.
180. Seminar in Physics (1; max total 3)
Prerequisite: senior or graduate physics major or permission of department
chair.
190. Independent Study (1-3; max see reference)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study.
(See Course Numbering System.)
Physics (Phys)
203A-B. Theoretical Physics (3-3)
Advanced treatment of classical analytical mechanics including Lagrange's
and Hamilton's formulation of the laws of motion, special relativity, small
oscillation theory, hydrodynamics.
207. Radiotracer Methodology in the Natural Sciences (3)
(Same as Biol 207 and Chem 207.) See Biol
207 for description. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
220A-B. Advanced Electricity and Magnetism (3-3)
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.
221. Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3)
The nature of matter and radiation as deduced from the classical and quantum
mechanical theories; atomic and nuclear structure; the nature of the nucleus
as deduced from classical and quantum mechanical theories; models of nuclear
structure.
222. Quantum Mechanics (3)
Non-relativistic quantum theory; quantum mechanical pictures and representations,
angular momentum, perturbation theory, applications to central force problems,
scattering, solid state and atomic systems.
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.
290. Independent Study (1-3; max see reference)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study.
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.
Physical Science (P Sci)
ASTRONOMY
21. Elementary Astronomy (4)
Prerequisite: intermediate algebra. Basic concepts, theories, history, and
laws of astronomy. Solar system, stellar evolution, quasars, pulsars, black
holes, origin and development of the cosmos. Laboratory includes star and
planet observation, lunar observation, physical principles particularly
important for astronomy. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours)
22. Solar System Astronomy (3)
Prerequisite: Phys 2A. Astronomical coordinate systems; astronomical instrumentation;
planetary motion and Kepler's Laws; the planets; comets, meteors, and meteorites;
the sun; and the solar wind.
23. Stellar Astronomy (3)
Prerequisite: Phys 2A. Methods of measuring stellar distances, photometry,
stellar spectra, H-R diagram, stellar structure, stellar evolution, the
Milky Way Galaxy, exterior, galaxies, and cosmology.
103. Extraterrestrial Life (3)
Contemporary astronomical theories of the evolution of galaxies, stars,
and planetary systems with attention focused primarily on the question of
whether or not life exists beyond the earth.
OTHER
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.
168. Environmental Impact of Energy Demands by Society (3)
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.
180T. Topics in Physical Science (1-3; max total 9)
Detailed discussion of special topics within the realm of physical science.
(See Course Numbering System.)
Physical Science (P Sci)
305. Physical Science for Secondary School Teachers
(3, max total 6 in any one field)
350. Physical Science for Elementary School Teachers
(3-6; max total 6 in any one field)