PHYX 099. Supplemental Instruction in Physics (1). Collaborative work for students enrolled in introductory physics.
PHYX 103. Introduction to Meteorology (3). Weather phenomena and processes underlying them. Mostly nonmathematical treatment. Demonstrations support lecture ideas. Lab: practical forecasting. Prereq: math code 30. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 104. Descriptive Astronomy (4). Understand and appreciate astronomy and planet Earth. Methods of obtaining facts and formulating principles. Labs: naked-eye star and planet observation, movement of moon and celestial sphere, constellations, galaxies, star clusters, light and spectroscopy, telescopes. For nonmajors. Prereq: math code 30. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab/field trips.
PHYX 104B. Descriptive Astronomy (3). Same as 104 without the lab. Prereq: math code 30.
PHYX 104L. Descriptive Astronomy Lab (1). Same as 104 without the lecture. Field trips.
PHYX 105. Conceptual Physics (4). Overview of principles. Techniques and attitudes which made their discovery possible. For nonmajors. Prereq: math code 30. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 106. College Physics: Mechanics & Heat (4). Noncalculus, for science majors. Mechanics, fluids, heat, and sound. Prereq: MATH 115 or math code 50 or MPT3 15. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab. CAN PHYS 2. GE.
PHYX 107. College Physics: Electromagnetism & Modern Physics (4). Noncalculus, for science majors. Geometric optics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, AC circuits, physical optics, relativity. Prereq: PHYX 106 with grade of C or better. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab. CAN PHYS 4. GE.
PHYX 109. General Physics I: Mechanics (4). Calculus-based, for science and engineering students. Prereq: MATH 109 and 110 (C) with grades of C or better, or math code 65. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ, 3 hrs lab. CAN PHYS 12. GE.
PHYX 110. General Physics II: Electricity, Heat (4). Calculus-based, for science and engineering students. Prereqs: MATH 210 (C), PHYX 109 (or ENGR 211 for engineering majors), both with grades of C or better. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ, 3 hrs lab. (CAN PHYS 12)
PHYX 111. General Physics III: Optics, Modern Physics (4). Calculus-based, for science/engi-neering students. Prereq: PHYX 110 with grade of C or better, or approved physics series. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ, 3 hrs lab. CAN or approved physics series.
PHYX 112 - 113. Mechanical Universe (.5 - .5). Physics in life settings to enrich and extend awareness of subject. Videotapes depict historical discoveries. Classroom demonstrations. Weekly: 1 hr activ.
PHYX 118. College Physics: Biological Applications (1). Geometrical optics, simple DC circuits. Prereq: PHYX 106 (C). Weekly: 2 hrs lect; half semester.
PHYX 232. Electronics for Computer Science (3). Internal computer elements: bus, central processing unit, memory, disk operation, and interface boards. Practical experience on personal computer: input/output, communication, speech synthesis, and control of stepper motors and a robot arm. Prereqs: MATH 253, PHYX 110. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 295. Selected Topics in Physics (1-5). Rep. Prereq: IA.
PHYX 299. Supplemental Work in Physics (1-3). Directed study.
PHYX 300. Frontiers of Modern Physical Science (3). Significant developments in the physical sciences since 1900. Recent advances in knowledge of atomic and nuclear structure. Applications to astronomy, electronics, energy sources, space exploration. Prereq: a lower division physics, chemistry, or physical science course.
PHYX 301. Science of Sound (3). Acoustics from a musical point of view. Explained in descriptive terms, with appeals to the musical intuition of the performer. Prereq: PHYX 105. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 302. Light & Color (3). Geometric, physical, physiological, and psychological aspects. For nonmajors. Prereq: high school physics or PHYX 105, 106, or 109, or IA. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 304. The Cosmos (4). Grand picture in astronomy. Galaxies; general and special relativity; quantum gravity; cosmology; birth, present structure, and death of stars. For nonmajors. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 2 hrs disc.
PHYX 310. Space-Time & Relativity (3). Einstein's ideas on space-time curvature, geometry of space-time, and physics of gravitational collapse. Offered alternate years. Prereq: MATH 115 or math code 50.
PHYX 315. Introduction to Electronics & Electronic Instrumentation (3). Devices and circuits, both analog and digital, in science instrumentation. Construct amplifiers and digital circuits. Prereq: PHYX 110 with grade of C or better. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 316. Electronic Instrumentation & Control Systems (4). Design/build electronic instruments. Direct interfacing of computers. Prereq: PHYX 315. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab.
PHYX 320. Modern Physics (3). Atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Prereq: PHYX 111. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 324. Analytical Mechanics (4). Principles and foundations of mechanics, from classical to modern ideas. Prereqs: PHYX 110, MATH 311; MATH 313 (C).
PHYX 325. Thermal Physics (4). Elements of classical and statistical thermodynamics. Offered alternate years. Prereqs: PHYX 320; PHYX 340 (C).
PHYX 340 / CHEM 340. Symbolic Computation in the Sciences (2). Macintosh techniques. Symbolic, graphic, programming, and simulation capabilities of the computer algebra system, Mathematica. Apply to problems in the sciences. Prereqs: CHEM 110, MATH 241, PHYX 110.
PHYX 360. Physics of Stars & Planets (4). Stellar structure and evolution, including black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. Formation of solar systems, celestial mechanics. Physics of planetary interiors and atmospheres. Phenomena and techniques of optical astronomy. Prereq: MATH 110, PHYX 106 (C) or PHYX 109 (C). Coreq: MATH 210 strongly recommended. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab. Offered alternate years.
PHYX 361. Galaxies & Cosmology (4). Structure and morphology of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and quasars; dynamics of galaxies; interstellar medium; techniques of radio astronomy; the cosmic distance ladder and the expanding universe; the Big Bang. Prereq: MATH 110 (C), PHYX 106 or PHYX 109, and PHYX 360. Coreq: MATH 210 strongly recommended.
PHYX 380. Micrometeorology (3). Movement of air, heat, and water vapor in the lower atmosphere. Effects of topography and radiation on conditions near ground. Prereq: PHYX 106 or IA. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ. Offered occasionally.
PHYX 399. Supplemental Work in Physics (1-3). Directed study. Rep. Prereq: IA.
PHYX 420. Optical Systems Design (4). Geometrical and physical theories. Gaussian optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, lasers, holography. Lab: design, set up, and test optical systems; make holograms. Offered alternate years. Prereq: PHYX 111, MATH 241. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
PHYX 430. Computerized Instrumentation (3). Experiment with computer interfacing, data acquisition, reduction. Assumes familiarity with some computer language. Use IBM PCs and Turbo Pascal. Prereq: PHYX 316. Weekly: 1 hr lect, 6 hrs lab. Offered occasionally.
PHYX 441. Electricity & Magnetism I (2). Vector Analysis, electrostatics & electric currents. Offered alternate years. Prereq: PHYX 324 (C); MATH 313 (C), MATH 314 recommended.
PHYX 442. Electricity & Magnetism II (2). Magnetostatics, electrodynamics & electromagnetic waves I.Offered alternate years. Prereq: PHYX 441.
PHYX 443. Electricity & Magnetism III (2). Electromagnetic waves II, radiation, and special relativity. Prereq: PHYX 442. (Offered alternate years).
PHYX 450. Quantum Physics I (4). Quantum mechanics and introductory atomic physics. Offered alternate years. Prereq: PHYX 320, 324, 340, MATH 314 (any of which may be concurrent); MATH 313.
PHYX 451. Quantum Physics II (2). Selected topics in atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Offered alternate years. Prereq: PHYX 450.
PHYX 462. Senior Lab (2). Experiments for senior physics majors. Bridge gap between carefully structured lower division lab experiences and truly independent research and development. Offered alternate years. Rep. Prereqs: PHYX 316 (C), PHYX 320.
PHYX 480. Selected Topics in Physics for Seniors (1-5). Offered as demand warrants. Rep with different topic. Prereq: IA.
PHYX 485. Physics Seminar (.5-1). Seminar presentations by physics majors, faculty, and guest speakers. Capstone course. All physics majors are encouraged to attend. Students need to enroll both fall and spring semesters. Prereq: PHYX 111 (C). CR/NC. Rep.
PHYX 490. Senior Thesis I (1-3). Based on theoretical or experimental investigation. Consult with department to choose subject. File approved proposal with department prior to semester(s) in which work will be done. Prereq: consent of faculty member. Rep.
PHYX 495. Undergraduate Research (1-3). Individual investigation of selected problem. Rep. For student showing outstanding ability. Prereq: IA.
PHYX 491. Senior Thesis II (2). Continue senior thesis project if more time required. Rep. Prereq: PHYX 490.
PHYX 499. Directed Study (1-3). Individual study on selected problems. Rep. Prereq: IA.
activ = activity section
(C) = may be concurrent
CAN = California articulation number (for a more complete explanation, see section 3 under Transfer Requirements).
coreq = corequisite(s)
CR/NC = credit/no credit grading
DA = department approval
DCG = diversity & common ground elective course
disc = discussion section
d = domestic
F, S, Su = fall, spring, summer. To help in long-range academic planning, these letters signify that a course is regularly offered in a fall, spring, or summer term.
GE = general education elective course
IA = instructor approval
lect = lecture section
n = non-domestic
prereq = prerequisite(s)
rec = recommended preparation
rep = may be repeated