Physics Curriculum

Here's an overview of the lower division and upper division requirement classes, as well as the electives offered in the department.

Lower Division Course Requirements

The physics major requires the completion of one of the introductory physics sequences, either the Physics 7 series or the Physics 5 series, as well as Physics 89.

The Physics 7 Series comprises Physics 7A, 7B, and 7C, and is the standard introductory physics sequence for science and engineering majors. Physics 7A presents a basic introduction to Newtonian mechanics, Physics 7B is split between classical thermodynamics and electromagnetism, and Physics 7C describes optics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. For homework assignments, the Physics 7 series utilizes MasteringPhysics, an online web application for physics problems. The Physics 7 series is focused more on computational details than the theory behind the subject. Each course contains a lab component within the course.

The Physics 5 Series comprises Physics 5A, 5B/5BL, and 5C/5CL, and is the honors introductory physics sequence specifically geared towards physics majors. 5 Series courses tend to be smaller in size and also mostly attended by intended physics majors. The curriculum for the 5 Series is somewhat different than that of the 7 Series. Physics 5A describes classical mechanics and special relativity. Physics 5B focuses on electromagnetism, waves, and optics. Physics 5C mostly involves quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, a more fundamental treatment of thermodynamics. The 5 Series tends to be more theoretical and rigorous, but provides a very strong foundation for upper division coursework. While Physics 5A has no lab component, Physics 5B and 5C are accompanied by separate, companion lab courses Physics 5BL and 5CL, which are more comprehensive introductions to experimental physics culminating in a capstone project in 5CL.

Physics 89 is the lower division introduction to mathematical physics, including linear algebra, complex numbers, tensors, and differential equations. Physics 89 cannot be substituted by any linear algebra class except for Math 54, and only then in cases where there is a double major with mathematics.

Upper Division Course Requirements

Physics 105

Physics 105 may sound like a rehashing of lower division classical mechanics but, at its heart, is a fundamentally groundbreaking course. Students explore the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics which apply the curiously named “principle of least action” to transform the messy vector equations of Newtonian vector mechanics into the elegant scalar relations of analytic mechanics. Students will see how the centrifugal and Coriolis forces fall beautifully out of the math of rotating frames, how central force potentials manifest as gravitational orbits, and how vibrations and rotations can be treated under this new analytical framework. Instructors also often introduce the basic concepts of chaos theory, a field which attempts to describe systems whose dynamics are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This course is a must-have for even the least classical-sounding physics fields out there.

Physics 110A

This course is essentially an extension of the lower division electrodynamics of Physics 5B/7B. In this class, students will make a significantly deeper dive into the apparently familiar theory of electromagnetism through a higher level of vector calculus. The class explores in depth the macroscopic formulation of Maxwell’s equations which describe the laws of electrodynamics in realistic materials that respond to electromagnetic fields. The familiar electric and magnetic fields can be thought to arise from scalar and vector potential functions which introduce the fancy-sounding concept of a “gauge theory.” On this note, the class segues into a more rigorous exploration of special relativity in a way that reveals the deeper geometrical interpretation of the theory.

Physics 111A

Physics 111A, previously 111BSC (basic semiconductor circuits), has a notorious reputation for the vast amount of time it requires. With (or without) a partner, students learn the basic theory behind increasingly complicated circuits while heading into the Donald A. Glaser laboratory on the second floor to put those theoretical ideas to practice. While in the class, students will learn to produce and readout signal parameters. It is impossible to come away from the course without a reasonable understanding of diodes (which “pump” current in one direction), JFET and BJT transistors (the basis of switches), op amps (which magnify voltages insanely), and analog/digital logic. The course also introduces students to the National Instruments software LabVIEW, which is used in countless physics labs across the world. The course culminates in a final project where students’ creativity and circuit-building prowess are put to the test. As a rite of passage of the physics major, one should heed the warning/advocacy: tread wisely.

Physics 111B

Physics 112

Physics 137A

As a first pass at introductory quantum mechanics for most students, Physics 137A is a truly mind-blowing course which reveals the fundamental weirdness governing the universe. One can expect to learn quantum mechanics through its various formulations to describe the ever elusive “wavefunction,” which governs the inherently probabilistic dynamics of quantum systems. Using the all-important Schrödinger equation, Physics 137A explores what happens to particles in free space, infinite wells, and quadratic “harmonic oscillator” potentials, among others. The class uses lessons from these toy models to derive the level scheme of the hydrogen atom from basic principles. In addition, the class explores the uncanny valley produced by the at-once intuitive and elusive concept of spin, a discussion which yields to an example of quantum entanglement.

Physics 137B

Whereas Physics 137A discusses fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics and simple toy models, Physics 137B equips the connoisseur of “real physics” with the ability to handle real systems with clever tools. After picking up inventive approximate methods such as perturbation theory (for small changes to a potential), the variational principle (for estimating energies of intractable systems), and WKB theory (for slowly varying potentials in certain regimes), students will be able to handle systems as diverse and practical as the helium atom, atomic level transitions, and nuclear decay. The class also addresses identical particles as well as scattering, increasing the class’ portfolio of useful lessons. Depending on the instructor, this class may also provide an introduction to quantum information or other special topics.

Upper Division Course Electives

Physics 110B

Physics 129

Physics 130

Physics 138

Physics 139

Physics 141A

Physics 141B

Physics 151

Physics C161

Physics 177

Physics 188

Physics C191