PHYS 5A-B sequence is a two-semester course in introductory physics in which fundamental concepts are emphasized including some physiological applications. Lecture two hours; discussion one hour; laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry (MATH 9 recommended) for those having an inadequate mathematics background.

Lecture two hours; discussion one hour; laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: PHYS 5A or instructor permission.

Introductory course designed for non-science students completing general education requirements. Students will be introduced to basic concepts in Physics through the study of astronomy, atomic nature of matter, electromagnetic waves, energy, sound and earthquake waves, current electricity, magnetism, and nuclear processes. Development of reasoning and quantitative skills and applying them to scientific and technological topics of current importance will be emphasized.

PHYS 11 A, B, and C is a three semester course in introductory physics requiring elementary calculus. This course satisfies the lower division physics requirement for a major in physics, chemistry, geology, or engineering. PHYS 11A covers the basics of classical mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation laws and rotational dynamics. Lecture two hours; discussion one hour; laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: MATH 30, MATH 31; or equivalent certificated high school courses. MATH 31 may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 11 A, B, and C is a three semester course in introductory physics requiring elementary calculus. This course satisfies the lower division physics requirement for a major in physics, chemistry, geology, or engineering. PHYS 11B covers the basics of thermodynamics, light propagation, sound, and an introduction to modern physics. Lecture two hours; discussion one hour; laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: PHYS 11C.

PHYS 11 A, B, and C is a three semester course in introductory physics requiring elementary calculus. This course satisfies the lower division physics requirement for a major in physics, chemistry, geology, or engineering. PHYS 11C covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. Lecture two hours; discussion one hour; laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: MATH 31, PHYS 11A.

Examination of the methodology of science. Comparison of legitimate investigations with others that do not meet high scientific standards, including both science poorly done and nonsense posing as science. Examples will be drawn primarily from the physical sciences. Analyzes will require study of basic skills of reasoning, types of logical argument, structure and validity of arguments, common reasoning fallacies, critical evaluation of evidence, and understanding of the scientific thinking process.

Individual projects or directed reading.

Note: Open only to students who appear competent to assume individual work on the approval of the instructor. For students with lower division status. Up to 4 units may be taken for grade.

Basic concepts of special relativity and quantum theory of matter. Phenomenological study of atomic and molecular energy states and spectra. Elements of solid-state and nuclear physics.

Prerequisite: MATH 31; PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C or PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B.

Concepts include matter, waves and energy, force and motion, electricity and magnetism, and scientific inquiry. Emphasizes hands on cooperative learning engaging students in scientific inquiry by posing testable scientific questions, conducting experiments, and analyzing and presenting findings to their peers. Appropriate for Liberal Studies and Blended Multiple Subject Credential students. Weekly activity and discussion sessions.

Prerequisite: BIO 7, CHEM 106, GEOL 8, MATH 17.

Corequisite: CHEM 106

Fundamental principles of statics and dynamics, including Newton's equations and conservation laws, damped and forced oscillations, central force motion, accelerated coordinate systems, coupled oscillations, normal modes, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods, introduction to nonlinear systems and chaos theory.

Prerequisite: MATH 45, PHYS 11C, PHYS 105.

Noise reduction techniques, signal recovery, frequency analysis, computerized instrument control, and instrument development. Lecture one hour; laboratory six hours.

Prerequisite: PHYS 115.

Basic concepts and laws of thermodynamics and thermal properties of matter; kinetic theory of gases; use of distribution functions and ensembles in statistical mechanics; connection of probability and entropy; quantum statistics; applications to various systems.

Prerequisite: MATH 45, PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C.

Development of electromagnetic theory from basic experimental laws; electrostatics, electric currents, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic properties of matter, induction, Maxwell's equations, conservation laws, introduction to electromagnetic waves.

Prerequisite: MATH 45, PHYS 11C, PHYS 105.

Structure of matter including basic elements of atomics, molecular, solid state, nuclear and particle physics. Topics will also include photon and electron gases, lasers, superconductivity, Bose-Einstein condensation and superfluidity.

Prerequisite: PHYS 150.

Application of computer modeling, simulation, and visualization to the solution of scientific problems. Projects drawn from various scientific disciplines will be used to develop the necessary skills, including a capstone project. Examples include projectile motion with air drag, time development of a biological population, chemical reactions with several reactants, and random walk and Monte Carlo methods. Practical experience emphasized throughout.

Prerequisite: PHYS 162.

Advanced experiments chosen from several of the major areas of physics, performed usually on an individual basis. Laboratory six hours.

Prerequisite: 12 units of upper division physics, including PHYS 106 and either PHYS 115 or PHYS 145 and a satisfaction of the Advanced Writing requirement.

A conceptual course in the topics of modern physics including Quantum Mechanics, Special Relativity, and other contemporary topics for a general audience. This course meets General Education Area B5 (Further Studies in Physical Science, Life Forms, and Quantitative Reasoning) and satisfies the upper-division Area B requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B1 and B4.

Physical principles of vibration and wave motion, with illustrations involving musical instruments and concert hall acoustics; principles of electronic synthesis, recording, and reproduction of sound; operation of the human ear and brain in receiving and analyzing sound; relation of the harmonic series to sound quality, harmony and scales; proper roles for science in explaining music as an artistic activity.

Note: No technical background required; course cannot be used to meet Physics BS program requirements. It is recommended that student have already completed their B1 and B4 requirement prior to enrollment. Some experience with music is also helpful.

Special lecture series on announced topics by local and visiting speakers, emphasizing current research developments, with related reading assignments.

Note: May be taken for credit in sequential semesters for a maximum of two units total.

Research Project under faculty supervision. Project may consist of laboratory or theoretical research project, instrumentation/demonstration development, or literature research project. Projects require written and oral reports.

Note: May be taken for credit in sequential semesters for a maximum of four units total. Grade assigned upon completion of the project.

Prerequisite: Department chair permission.

Supervised teaching internship for high school physics class, or for one of the following courses: PHYS 2, 5A-B, 10, 11A-C, 107, or ASTR4. The students will meet weekly with the faculty teaching this class, and with their supervisor or mentor to help prepare and teach the class.

Note: May be taken for credit in sequential semesters for a maximum of six units total.

Prerequisite: Completion of all math and physics lower division courses for the B.A. in Physics. Approval from the Teacher Preparation Concentration Coordinator.

Individual projects or directed reading. Open only to students who appear competent to assume individual work on the approval of the instructor. Up to 4 units may be taken for grade.