NOTE: The Department of Physics and Astronomy strictly enforces all course prerequisites. Courses with sequential designations (for example, 1A-B-C) indicate multiple-quarter courses; each course in a sequence is prerequisite to the one following.
1 Preparation for Physics (4) F. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Mathematical review, introduction to calculus and vectors, and the uses of these techniques in physics. Physical units. Corequisite: Mathematics 1B or 2A. Physics 1 and Physics 7A may not both be taken for credit. Not offered 2000-2001.
3A-B-C Basic Physics (4-4-4) F, W, S, Summer. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. 3A: Vectors; motion, force, and energy. 3B: Heat; electricity and magnetism. 3C: Fluids; waves and sound; optics; quantum ideas; atomic and nuclear physics; relativity. Prerequisite or corequisite: Mathematics 2A-B. (II)
3LB-LC Basic Physics Laboratory (1.5-1.5); 3LB (W, Summer), 3LC (S, Summer, F). Laboratory accompanying Physics 3B-C, three hours. 3LB: Practical applications of electronics and classical physics to biology. Goals include skill to use oscilloscope and other basic instrumentation. 3LC: Practical applications of physics to medical imaging. Topics include optics, radioactivity, and acoustics. (II)
5A-B-C-D-E Fundamental Physics (4-4-4-4-4) W, S, F, W, S; 5A-B-C (Summer). Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. 5A: Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics of motion. Facility in calculus is assumed. Prerequisites: Physics 1 or satisfactory score on Physics Placement Examination; Mathematics 2A. Corequisite: Mathematics 2B. 5B: equilibrium mechanics; fluids and elasticity; oscillations and waves. Corequisite: Mathematics 2C. 5C: electrostatics, magnetostatics, currents and fields, circuit elements, Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2A-B-C. 5D: electromagnetic radiation; interference, diffraction; quantum mechanics; atomic physics. 5E: thermodynamics and kinetic theory, relativity. Concurrent enrollment in Physics 5L is required each quarter with the exception of Physics 5A (laboratory requirement may be waived by consent of instructor). Students may not receive credit for more than one section within the following sets of courses: Physics 5A and 7A; Physics 5B and 7B-E; Physics 5C and 7D; Physics 5D and 51A; Physics 5E and 51B. (Physics 5A-B-C: II) Physics 5A-B not offered 2000-2001.
5LB-LC-LD-LE Fundamental Physics Laboratory (1.5-1.5-1.5-1.5) S, F, W, S; 5LB (Summer). Laboratory accompanying Physics 5B-C (or H6B-C) and 5D-E, three hours. 5LB: Introduction to mechanics and error analysis. Topics include momentum and energy conservation, rotational dynamics, and oscillations. 5LC: Introduction to electrical circuits, stressing the skilled use of the oscilloscope and other basic instrumentation. Topics include Ohm's Law resonant circuits, and Faraday's Law. 5LD: Introduction to optics. Topics include geometric optics, electromagnetic wave propagation, and spectroscopy. 5LE: Introduction to modern physics. Topics include energy quantization, radioactivity, thermal effects, and superconductivity. Students may not receive credit for both sections of the following pairs of courses: Physics 5LC and Physics 52B; Physics 5LD and Physics 52A; Physics 5LE and Physics 52C. (Physics 5LB-LC: II) Physics 5LB not offered 2000-2001.
7A-B-D-E Classical Physics (4-4-4-4) F, W, S, F. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. 7A: Units; vectors; motion; force. 7B: Energy; momentum; rotation; gravity. 7D: Electricity and magnetism. 7E: Fluids; oscillations; waves; optics. Corequisites for 7A-B-D: corresponding quarters of Physics 7LA-LB-LD; Mathematics 2A-B and 2C or 2D. Students may not receive credit for more than one section within each of the following sets of courses: Physics 7A and 1 and 5A; Physics 7B and 5B; Physics 7E and 5B; Physics 7D and 5C. (II)
7LA-LB-LD Classical Physics Laboratory (1-1-1) F, W, S. Laboratory, two hours. Experiments related to lecture topics in Physics 7A-B-D. Corequisite: corresponding quarter of Physics 7A-B-D.
COURSES FOR NON-MAJORS
Course numbers between 16 and 21 are assigned to courses especially designed for students majoring in programs other than the physical sciences.
16 Physics and Global Issues (4). Lecture, three hours. Introduction to the physics underlying the issues of war and peace, energy, and the environment. Topics include: nuclear and non-nuclear weapons, delivery systems, and arms control; energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear reactors) and related environmental problems (reactor safety, waste management, global warming, ozone depletion). Primarily for non-Physics majors. Prerequisites: Physics 17A-B or Physics 3A-B. (II)
17A-B Conceptual Physics (4-4) F, W. Lecture, three hours. Introduces the nonscience student to important ideas of physics with an emphasis on the human and historical developments. Topics include Newtonian mechanics and the revolutions of relativity and quantum mechanics. Experimental necessity for these and their philosophical implications. No mathematics background required, but high school algebra recommended. Not open to students majoring in the Schools of Physical Sciences or Engineering, or to students with credit for any portion of Physics 3A-B-C, 5A-B-C-D-E, 7A-B-D-E, or equivalent. (II)
18 How Things Work (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Survey of the physical basis of modern technology, with an emphasis on electronics and materials. Topics include power generation and distribution, communication (radio, TV, telephone, computers, tape recorders, CD players), imaging (optics, x-rays, MRI), and modern materials (alloys, semiconductors, superconductors, polymers, ceramics, liquid crystals). (II)
20 Physical Science of the Earth and Cosmos. Introduction to the physical environment. The formation, structure, and evolution of the Earth, planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. The natural sciences breadth requirement is satisfied by any three courses from Physics 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and Earth System Science 20E-F. Open to non-Physics majors only.
20A Introduction to Astronomy (4) F, S. History of astronomy. Underlying physics. Objects in the solar system and how they are studied. Properties of stars: their formation, structure, and evolution. Pulsars and black holes. Galaxies and quasars. (II)
20B Cosmology: Man's Place in the Universe (4) W. "Cook's Tour" of the universe. Ancient world models. Evidence for universal expansion; the size and age of the universe and how it all began. The long-range future and how to decide the right model. Anthropic principle. (II)
20C Observational Astronomy (4). Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Fundamental observational techniques used in astronomy, including the analysis and interpretation of images and spectra that allow students to determine orbits of planets and moon, time evolution of supernovae, ages of star clusters, Hubble's Law. Naked-eye observations of the night sky. Observations of stars and galaxies with the UCI 24-inch telescope. Current events in observational astronomy. Prerequisites: Physics 20A, 20B. (II)
20D Space Science (4) S. Motions of planets, satellites, and rockets. Propulsion mechanisms and space flight. The solar radiation field and its influence on planets. The interplanetary medium, solar wind, and solar-terrestrial relations. (II)
21 Special Topics in Physics (4). Lecture, three hours. Topics vary. Past topics have included physics and music, Newton, planetary science. Lectures on areas of special interest in physics are used to introduce students to scientific method, fundamental laws of science, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (II)
ADVANCED LOWER-DIVISION
51A-B Modern Physics (4-4) W, S. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. 51A: Wave-particle duality; quantum mechanics; special relativity; statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: Physics 7D and Mathematics 2C. 51B: Atoms; molecules; solids, nuclei; elementary particles. Students may not receive credit for both sections of the following pairs of courses: Physics 51A and Physics 5D; Physics 51B and Physics 5E.
52A-B-C Fundamentals of Experimental Physics (2-2-2) F, W, S. Laboratory, four hours. 52A: Optics: lenses, mirrors, polarization, lasers, optical fibers, interference, spectra. Corequisite: Physics 7E. 52B: Circuits: oscilloscope, meters, DC and AC circuits. Prerequisite: Physics 7D. 52C: Data analysis: random and systematic errors, curve fitting; nuclear counting; quantum experiments. Prerequisite: Physics 51A. Students may not receive credit for both sections of the following pairs of courses: Physics 52A and Physics 5LD; Physics 52B and Physics 5LC; Physics 52C and Physics 5LE.
53 Introduction to C and Numerical Analysis (4) S. Introduction to structured programming; in-depth training in C. Elementary numerical methods applied to physics problems. Prerequisites: Physical Sciences 50A-B-C, or Mathematics 3A and either Mathematics 3D or 2F.
H90 The Idiom and Practice of Science (4) W. Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. A series of fundamental and applied scientific problems of social relevance. Possible topics include Newton's Laws, calculus, earthquake physics, and radiation. Open only to members of the Campuswide Honors Program. Formerly Physics H90A. (II)
111A-B Classical Mechanics (4-4) F, W. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. One dimensional motion and oscillations; three-dimensional motion, non-inertial coordinates, conservation laws, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics; rigid body motion and relativity. Prerequisites: Physics 5D or 7E; Physical Sciences 50C.
112A-B Electromagnetic Theory (4-4) F, W. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields and potentials; electrodynamics; mechanical and electromagnetic waves and radiation. Prerequisites: Physics 5D or 7E; Physical Sciences 50C.
113A-B-C Quantum Physics (4-4-4) S, F, W. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Inadequacy of classical physics; time independent and time dependent Schrodinger equation; systems in one, two, and three dimensions; matrices; Hermitian operators; symmetries; angular momentum; perturbation theory; scattering theory; applications to atomic structure; emphasis on phenomenology. Prerequisites: Physics 111B and 112B.
115A Statistical Physics (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Microscopic theory of temperature, heat, and entropy; kinetic theory; multicomponent systems; quantum statistics. Prerequisites: Physics 5E or 51B, and 111A.
115B Thermodynamics (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Macroscopic theory of temperature, heat, and entropy; mathematical relationships of thermodynamics; heat engines; phase transitions. Prerequisite: Physics 115A. Formerly Physics 116.
120 Electronics for Scientists (4) F. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, four hours. Applications of modern semiconductor devices to physical instrumentation. Characteristics of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, analog and digital circuits. Prerequisite: Physics 52B or consent of instructor.
121 Advanced Laboratory (4) W, S. Lecture, one hour; laboratory, eight hours. Experiments in atomic, condensed matter, nuclear, particle, and plasma physics. Introduction to instrumentation and a first experience in the research laboratory. Prerequisite: Physics 113A. May be taken for credit three times.
125A Mathematical Physics (4) F. Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Complex functions, calculus of variations, integral equations. Prerequisite: Physics 113A.
129 Technical Writing and Communication Skills (4) F, W, S. Lecture, four hours. Workshop in writing technical reports, journal articles, proposals. Oral presentations. Communicating with the public. May not be used in satisfaction of any School or departmental requirement. Prerequisite: upper-division standing; satisfaction of the lower-division writing requirement. Open to Physics majors only. Same as Chemistry 139 and Mathematics 190.
131 Special Topics in Computational Physics (4). Lecture, three hours. Modern symbolic and numerical techniques on state-of-the-art computers for solving problems in classical and quantum mechanics, fluids, electromagnetism, and mathematical physics. Prerequisites: Physics 53, 113A, and 115A. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. Concurrent with Physics 231.
CAPSTONE SEMINARS
132 Introduction to Nuclear Physics (4). Lecture, three hours. Nucleons and nuclear structure, radioactivity, neutron-proton scattering, the deuteron, nuclear reactions. Prerequisite: Physics 113A.
133 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Phenomena of solids and their interpretation in terms of quantum theory. Prerequisites: Physics 113B and 115A.
134 Introduction to Modern Optics (4) W of odd years. Lecture, three hours. Interaction of radiation with matter; lasers; nonlinear optics; optical properties of solids; absorption and scattering of light; modern spectroscopic techniques. Corequisite: Physics 112B. Prerequisites: Physics 51B and 112A.
135 Introduction to Plasma Physics (4) F. Lecture, three hours. Ionization and discharge mechanisms; microscopic motions and kinetic equations; macroscopic fluid theories; electrodynamics of plasma; waves and instabilities; examples of laboratory and cosmic phenomena. Prerequisite: Physics 112B.
136 Introduction to Particle Physics (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Experimental techniques and theoretical concepts of high-energy phenomena: accelerators and detectors; classification of particles and interactions; particle properties; symmetries and mass multiplets; production and decay mechanisms. Prerequisite: Physics 113B.
137 Introduction to Cosmology (4) S. Lecture, three hours. Structure and evolution of galaxies, general relativistic models of the universe, observational tests of cosmological models, early phases of the universe, unconventional cosmologies. Prerequisite: Physics 111B.
144 Stellar Astrophysics (4) W of odd years. Lecture, three hours. Stars: their structure and evolution; physical state of the interior; the Hertzprung-Russell diagram, stellar classification, and physical principles responsible for the classification; star formation; nuclear burning; giant and dwarf stars; neutron stars and black holes. Prerequisites: Physics 5E or 51B, and 111A and 112A.
145 High-Energy Astrophysics (4) W of even years. Lecture, three hours. Production of radiation by high-energy particles, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Evolution of galactic nuclei, radio galaxies, quasars, and pulsars. Cosmic rays and the cosmic background radiation. Prerequisites: Physics 5E or 51B, and 111A and 112A.
147 Physics Principles in Biology and Medicine. Physical principles in biology and medicine with examples from physiology and medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Prerequisites: basic physics with calculus; Physics 5E or 51B or equivalent.
147A-B (4-4). A: Principles of imaging. B: Ionizing radiation, radiology and nuclear medicine, magnetism and MRI, acoustics and ultrasound. Prerequisite for 147B: Physics 147A.
147C (4). Biophysics of light, thermal and microwave radiations, hydrodynamics, bioelectricity, biomagnetism and electrophysiology.
EDUCATION
191 Field Experience in Physics Education (4) F, W, S. Students develop and perform physics assemblies at neighboring public schools. Prerequisites: Physics 7B-D-E or equivalent. Pass/Not Pass only. May be taken for credit twice.
192 Tutoring in Physics (1 to 2). Enrollment limited to students participating in the Society of Physics Students (SPS) tutoring program. This course satisfies no requirements other than contribution to the 180 units required for graduation. No more than 12 units may be counted toward the 180 units required. Prerequisite: Physics 7E or 5E or consent of instructor.
RESEARCH
195 Undergraduate Research (4). Open to seniors and occasionally to juniors with consent of the Department. Pass/Not Pass Only.
196A-B-C Thesis in Physics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Independent research conducted under the guidance of a faculty member. Students' research results are discussed in oral presentations, and a written proposal, progress report, and thesis are submitted. Prerequisites: Physics 113A and consent of instructor; prerequisite for 196C: satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Physics 196A-B-C and H196A-B-C may not both be taken for credit. Physics 196C and 197 may not both be taken for credit.
H196A-B-C Honors Thesis in Physics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Independent research conducted under the guidance of a faculty member. Students' research results are discussed in oral presentations, and a written proposal, progress report, and thesis are submitted. Prerequisite for H196C: satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Open only to participants in the Honors Program in Physics and to Physics majors participating in the Campuswide Honors Program. Physics H196A-B-C and 196A-B-C may not both be taken for credit. Physics H196C and 197 may not both be taken for credit. Formerly Physics H195, H196.
197 Research Writing for Physics Majors (4) S. Students perform a research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Written and oral proposals, a progress report, and written and oral final reports are completed. Prerequisites: Physics 111A-B, 112A-B, 113A, 115A, and satisfactory completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Only one course from Physics 197, 196C, and H196C may be taken for credit.
199 Readings on Special Topics (4). With consent of the Department. Pass/Not Pass Only.
206 Laboratory Skills (4 to 6). Lecture, three hours; laboratory, six to ten hours. Introduces students to a variety of practical laboratory techniques, including lock-in, boxcar, coincidence counting, noise filtering, PID control, properties of common transducers, computer interfacing to instruments, vacuum technology, laboratory safety, basic mechanical design, and shop skills. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as Chemistry 206.
207 Chemistry for Physicists (4). Lecture, three hours.; discussion, one hour. Introduction to fundamental concepts in molecular structure and reactivity: theory of bonding, valence and molecular orbitals; structure and reactivity in inorganic chemistry, elements in molecular group theory, nomenclature in organic chemistry; and survey of macromolecules. Same as Chemistry 207.
211 Classical Mechanics (4) F. Lecture, three hours. Variational principles, Lagrange's equations; applications to two body problems, small oscillation theory, and other phenomena. Hamilton's equations. Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Canonical transformations.
212A-B Mathematical Physics (4-4) S, F. Lecture, three hours. 212A: Complex variables and integration; ordinary and partial differential equations; the eigenvalue problem. 212B: Integral transforms; integral equations; probability and statistics; tensor analysis.
213A-B Electromagnetic Theory (4-4) W, S. Lecture, three hours. Electrostatics; magnetostatics; relativity; classical electron theory; fields in vacuum and matter; retardation; radiation and absorption; dispersion; propagation of light; diffraction; geometric optics; theories of the electric and magnetic properties of materials; scattering.
213C Modern Optics (4) F. Lecture, three hours. Modern optics, linear and non-linear. Waves in dispersive media, weak non-linearities, higher order interactions, light scattering, strong non-linearities, laser radiation. Prerequisites: Physics 213A-B.
214A-B Statistical Physics (4-4) S, F. Lecture, three hours. 214A: Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac statistics; ideal and imperfect gases; thermodynamic properties of solids; transport theory. 214B: Phase transitions; critical phenomena; cooperative phenomena; fluctuations.
214C Many Body Theory (4). Application of field theory methods, perturbative and non-perturbative to many particle systems; second quantization, Feynman diagrams, linear response theory, and functional integral methods applied to the ground state and at finite temperature. Prerequisites: Physics 214A-B.
215A-B-C Quantum Mechanics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. 215A: Foundations; Dirac notation; basic operators and their eigenstates; perturbation theory; spin. 215B: Atomic physics; scattering theory, formal collision theory; semi-classical radiation theory; many body systems. 215C: Quantization of the electromagnetic field; relativistic quantum mechanics; second quantization.
222 Hydrodynamics (4). Lecture, three hours. Hydrodynamics of a perfect fluid; two-dimensional problems, motion of an incompressible viscous fluid; Navier-Stokes equations; viscous fluids in rotation; motion in three dimensions; introduction to motion of a compressible fluid.
223 Numerical Methods (4). Lecture, three hours; laboratory, one hour. Introduction to theory and practice of modern numerical methods. Techniques are drawn from topics such as solution of differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, Fast Fourier transforms, and evaluation of special functions.
224 Discoveries and Inventions of Modern Physics (4). Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Introduction to physical phenomenology intended to complement the more formal traditional physics curriculum, with topics drawn from atomic and nuclear physics, condensed matter, particle physics, plasma physics, and astrophysics.
228 Electromagnetism (4). Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Maxwell's equations, electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves and radiation, wave propagation in media, interference and quantum optics, coherent and incoherent radiation, with practical applications in interferometry, lasers, waveguides, and optical instrumentation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as Chemistry 228.
229A-B Computational Methods (4). Lecture, three hours; laboratory, six hours. Mathematical and numerical analysis using Mathematica and C programming, as applied to problems in physical science. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as Chemistry 229A-B.
231 Special Topics in Computational Physics (4). Lecture, three hours. Modern symbolic and numerical techniques on state-of-the-art computers for solving problems in classical and quantum mechanics, fluids, electromagnetism, and mathematical physics. Concurrent with Physics 131. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. Formerly Physics 231A.
232A-B Applications of Group Theory (4-4). Lecture, three hours. The role of symmetry in physical problems. 232A: finite groups; 232B: continuous groups. 232B can be taken without 232A. Abstract group theory and theory of group representations. Perturbation theory, selection rules, crystal tensors, molecular vibrations, Jahn-Teller theorem, directed valence, time reversal symmetry, double groups, crystal field splittings of atomic levels. Continuous groups and particle physics. Full rotation group, Clebsch-Gordon coefficients, the Wigner-Eckart theorem, Racah coefficients, the Lorentz group, unitary groups.
233A-B Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging Systems (4-4) F, W. Lecture, three hours. Physical principles and methods of biomedical imaging systems. Linear systems, random processes, projection imaging, computed tomography, x-rays, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, optical imaging, NMR, EEG, MEG imaging and impedance tomography. Same as Engineering ECE237A-B and Radiological Sciences 201A-B.
235A-B Advanced Quantum Mechanics (4-4) F, W. Lecture, three hours. 235A: Lagrangian formalism, second quantization, interacting fields, perturbation theory. 235B: Feynman graph techniques, renormalization, symmetries, PCT theorem, connection between spin and statistics.
236A-B-C Astrophysics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Theoretical background and survey of astrophysical research. 236A: Fundamentals of astrophysics; overview, radiation mechanisms, plasma and magnetic effects. 236B: Stellar and related astrophysics; stellar structure and evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae, supernova remnants. 236C: Nonstellar astrophysics; quasars; black holes, cosmic rays, cosmology.
237A-B-C Elementary Particle Theory (4-4-4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Background and current topics in elementary particle theory including weak interactions, unified gauge theory of weak and electromagnetic interactions, quark-parton model of small distance structure, quark model of hadron spectroscopy, charmed particles, new quarks and leptons, and an introduction to quantum chromodynamics. May be repeated for credit.
238A-B-C Condensed Matter Physics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Bonding in solids; crystal symmetry and group theory, elastic properties of crystals; lattice vibrations, interaction of radiation with matter; cohesion of solids; the electron gas; electron energy bands in solids; ferromagnetism; transport theory; semiconductors and superconductors; many-body perturbation theory.
239A-B, C-D Plasma Physics (4-4, 4-4) F, W; F, W. Lecture, three hours. 239A: Descriptions of plasma parameter, Debye length, kinetic and fluid equations, Coulomb collisions. 239B: Magnetic confinement. Orbits, equilibrium, transport, radiation. 239C: Linear waves and instabilities. Vlasov waves in uniform magnetized and unmagnetized plasmas; Landau damping; nonuniform plasma. 239D: Nonlinear plasma physics. Quasilinear theory, finite-amplitude coherent waves, resonance broadening, strong turbulence. A-B sequence and C-D sequence offered alternate years; student may enter course any fall quarter.
246 Special Topics in Astrophysics (4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of astrophysics that is undergoing rapid development. Prerequisites: Physics 236A-B-C or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.
247 Special Topics in High-Energy Physics (4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Current topics in high-energy physics. Includes topics from accelerator and non-accelerator-based research fields. May be repeated for credit.
248 Special Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of condensed matter physics that is undergoing rapid development. May be repeated for credit.
249 Special Topics in Plasma Physics (4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of plasma physics that is undergoing rapid development. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Physics 239A-B-C or the equivalent. May be repeated for credit.
255 General Relativity (4). Lecture, three hours. An introduction to Einstein's theory of gravitation. Tensor analysis, Einstein's field equations, astronomical tests of Einstein's theory, gravitational waves.
260-299: SEMINARS AND RESEARCH
These courses are designed to acquaint students with the basic concepts and methods underlying current research activity in selected branches of physics.
260A-B-C Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics (1-1-1) F, W, S. Seminar designed to acquaint students with recent advances in solid state physics. Lecturers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy (both faculty and graduate students), other UCI departments, and other institutions. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.
261A-B-C Seminar in Plasma Physics (1-1-1) F, W, S. Advanced topics in plasma physics: wave propagation, nonlinear effects, kinetic theory and turbulence, stability problems, transport coefficients, containment, and diagnostics. Applications to controlled fusion and astrophysics. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Physics 239A-B-C-D or equivalent.
263A-B-C Seminar in High-Energy Physics (1-1-1) F, W, S. Discussion of advanced topics and reports of current research results in theoretical and experimental high-energy physics and cosmic rays. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.
264 Seminar in Conceptual Physics (1) S. Discussion of physics as an interrelated discipline. Practice in oral presentation of ideas and problems. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. May be taken twice for credit.
265A-B-C Seminar in Astrophysics (1-1-1) F, W, S. Acquaints students with current research in astrophysics. Lecturers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and from other institutions. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. May be repeated for credit.
266 Current Topics in Chemical and Materials Physics (4). Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. The subjects covered vary from year to year. Connection between fundamental principles and implementations in practice in science, industry, and technology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as Chemistry 266.
267A-B-C Current Problems in High-Energy Physics (4-4-4) F, W, S. Lecture, three hours. Presentation and discussion of current research and theory in high energy physics. Lectures given by staff and students. May be repeated for credit.
269 Seminar in Teaching Physics (1) F. Lecture techniques; teaching problem-solving skills; group learning; practicum. Required of all new Teaching Assistants.
273 Technical Communication Skills (2). Lecture, one hour; discussion, three hours. Development of effective communication skills, oral and written presentations, through examples and practice. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
295 Experimental Research (4 to 12). With the approval of a faculty member, a student may pursue a research program in experimental physics. Typical areas include astrophysics, condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, and plasma physics.
296 Theoretical Research (4 to 12). With approval of a faculty member, a student may pursue a research program in theoretical physics. Typical areas include astrophysics, condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, and plasma physics.
298 Physics Colloquium (1). Seminar held each week, in which a current research topic is explored. Frequently, off-campus researchers are invited to present the seminar, and on occasion a faculty member or researcher from the Department will speak. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. May be repeated for credit.
299 Reading of Special Topic (4 to 12). With special consent from a faculty member who will agree to supervise the program, a student may receive course credit for individual study of some area of physics.
399 University Teaching (1 to 4) F, W, S. Required of and limited to Teaching Assistants.
