Physics majors fall into two categories: (1) those who do not plan a career in physics but may be interested, for example, in the teaching of physics in secondary schools, or continuing their professional training in some area such as medicine or law; (2) those who intend that the bachelor's degree will be their terminal degree, or who plan to do graduate work in physics.

Prospective majors are advised to begin physics in their first or second year and to complete MA 231, 232, and 310 as soon as possible.

Major Requirements

Category 1 (9 units):

PH 121 and 122
PH 301 and 302
PH 303 or 304
PH 402
PH 404
PH 499
CH 121

Category 2 (11 units):

PH 121 and 122
PH 301 and 302
PH 303 and 304
PH 402
PH 404
PH 412
PH 499
CH 121

Recommended supporting work includes the following:

AS 301
MA 317 and 454
a reading knowledge of French or German
knowledge of a computer programming language

Courses required for a physics major may be used to meet minor requirements in mathematics.

Minor Requirements

PH 121 and 122
PH 301
PH 302, 303, or 402
PH 404

Courses in Physics

PH 101 Survey of the Physical Sciences (1)

A survey of the fields of physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and astronomy with emphasis on environmental and other practical applications. This course satisfies one of the natural science degree requirements for non-science majors. It may not be substituted for PH 121 in the physics major program. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: MA 115 or equivalent.

 

PH 102 The Physics of Music (1)

An introduction to the principles of physics through a broad study of musical instruments, musical scales, human hearing, and electronic sound reproduction and synthesis. Hands-on laboratory exercises allow students to play and study the operation of actual musical instruments and common stereo equipment. This course satisfies one of the natural science degree requirements for non-science majors. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: MA 115 or equivalent. Fall.

 

PH 121 General Physics I (1)

Mechanics of linear and rotational motion, oscillations, and waves, using vectors and calculus. The sequence PH 121 122 fulfills the requirements of students who are majoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. This sequence is a prerequisite for all physics courses of higher number. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Corequisite: MA 231. Fall.

 

PH 122 General Physics II (1)

Thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism, electrical circuits, electromagnetic wave motion, and geometrical optics of lenses and mirrors. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: PH 121. Spring.

 

PH 301 Modern Physics I (1)

Special relativity, quantum theory of light, and wave mechanics of material matter. Applications of wave mechanics to atomic and molecular physics. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: MA 232. Fall.

 

PH 302 Modern Physics II (1)

Quantum statistics of many particle systems. Applications of wave mechanics and quantum statistics to solid-state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: PH 301. Spring.

 

PH 303 Optical Physics (1)

Electromagnetic waves: reflection, refraction, dispersion, and absorption. Geometrical optics of lens and mirror systems. Physical optics of polarization, coherence, interference, and diffraction. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: MA 232. Fall.

 

PH 304 Thermal Physics (1)

Classical and quantum statistical mechanics of many particle systems. Statistical ensembles and probability distribution functions. Applications to thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, solid-state physics, and low temperature physics. Three lecture periods each week. Prerequisite: MA 232. Spring.

 

PH 402 Classical Mechanics (1)

Principles and applications of classical mechanics using vectors, tensors, and calculus. Kinematics and dynamics of a particle, harmonic motion, central forces, linear and angular momentum, and rigid-body mechanics. Three lecture periods each week. Corequisite: MA 310. Spring.

 

PH 404 Electricity and Magnetism (1)

Electric and magnetic fields and their interaction with material matter, direct and alternating current circuits, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic theory of radiation. Three lecture periods each week. Corequisite: MA 310. Spring.

 

PH 412 Quantum Mechanics (1)

The postulates of quantum mechanics, solutions of the Schrödinger equation for systems in one and three dimensions, matrix representations, angular momentum operators, approximation methods, and time dependence. Prerequisite: PH 402. Corequisite MA 311.

 

PH 451 Advanced Laboratory I (1)

Advanced guided inquiry in a subject (experimental or theoretical) selected by the student in consultation with a member of the physics faculty. Requirements include a paper written in the style of a scientific journal article and an oral presentation of approximately one hour to students and faculty. Prerequisite: PH 302.

 

PH 452 Advanced Laboratory II (1)

A continuation of PH 451. Prerequisite: PH 451.

 

PH 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Physics (1)

 

PH 499 Senior Project in Physics (1)

Independent research in a subject (experimental or theoretical) that brings to bear the student's accumulated knowledge and skills in the discipline. A project report, written in the style of a scientific journal article, is required. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent. Interim.