Physics
143 courses · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PHYSICS 2 Introduction to Mathematical Methods for Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 2A or MATH 5A or AP Calculus AB with a minimum score of 3 or AP Calculus BC with a minimum score of 3
- Corequisite
- MATH 2A or MATH 5A
Provides the applied mathematics and problem solving/presentation skills necessary for success in an introductory physics sequence. Focuses on practical exercises in problem solving. Covers kinematics in one and two dimensions in detail. Additional topics include vectors, differentiation, and integration.
PHYSICS 3A Basic Physics I
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 2A or MATH 5A or AP Calculus AB with a minimum score of 3 or AP Calculus AB Subscore with a minimum score of 3
- Corequisite
- MATH 2A or MATH 5A
Introductory physics with applications to life sciences. Vectors; motion, force, and energy.
PHYSICS 3B Basic Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 3A or AP Physics C: Mechanics with a minimum score of 5
Introductory physics with applications to life sciences. Energy and thermodynamics; waves and sound; optics.
PHYSICS 3C Basic Physics III
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 3A or AP Physics C: Mechanics with a minimum score of 5. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Calculus BC exam
- Corequisite
- MATH 2B or MATH 5B
Introductory physics with applications to life sciences. Electricity and magnetism; electromagnetic waves; modern physics.
PHYSICS 3LB Basic Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1.5
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 3A or AP Physics C: Mechanics with a minimum score of 5
Practical applications of electronics and classical physics to biology. Goals include skill to use oscilloscope and other basic instrumentation. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 3LC Basic Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1.5
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 3A or AP80 with a minimum score of 5
Practical applications of physics to medical imaging. Topics include optics, radioactivity, and acoustics. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 7C Classical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Recommended: PHYS 2 or (MATH 2D and (CHEM 1C or CHEM H2C or CHEM M3C) or CHEM M2C) or AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or SAT Mathematics or ACT Mathematics or passing score on self-assessment test. PHYS 2 with a grade of C or better. AP Physics C: Mechanics with a minimum score of 4. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism with a minimum score of 4. SAT Mathematics with a minimum score of 650. ACT Mathematics with a minimum score of 27. Students are recommended to take a self-assessment test provided by the UCI Department of Physics and Astronomy. If the student can fairly easily answer at least 75 percent of the questions with a calculator, but no other help, then the student is ready to take Physics 7C and should enroll in it if they have completed one year of high school physics and are Math 2B ready (or have credit for Math 2B)
- Corequisite
- MATH 2B
Topics include force, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravity.
PHYSICS 7D Classical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7C and (MATH 2B or AP Calculus BC with a minimum score of 4)
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 7LD, MATH 2D
Electricity and magnetism.
PHYSICS 7E Classical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7C and MATH 2B
Fluids; oscillations; waves; and optics.
PHYSICS 7LC Classical Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 7C
Experiments related to lecture topics in Physics 7C. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 7LD Classical Physics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 7D
Electricity and magnetism.
PHYSICS 14 Energy and the Environment
- Units
- 4
The physics of society’s energy production and consumption, and of their influences on the environment. Topics include fossil and renewable energy resources; nuclear power; prospects for a hydrogen economy; efficient and environmentally benign transportation; efficient home and commercial energy usage.
PHYSICS 15 Physics of Music
- Units
- 4
Introduces basic physical principles underlying generation and properties of music, including basic properties of sound waves, musical scales and temperament, musical instruments, and acoustics of music halls. No mathematics background required, but high school algebra is recommended.
PHYSICS 18 How Things Work
- Units
- 4
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).
PHYSICS 19 Great Ideas of Physics
- Units
- 4
Introduces non-science majors to physics, examining important breakthroughs and controversies. Potential topics: Einstein's Relativity; Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle; black holes; extra-dimensions; antimatter. Case studies illustrate the essential nature of scientific review and independent confirmation of results. No mathematics background required.
PHYSICS 20A Introduction to Astronomy
- Units
- 4
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.
PHYSICS 20B Cosmology: Humanity's Place in the Universe
- Units
- 4
An overview of the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the Universe. Galaxies and dark matter. The Big Bang and dark energy. Ancient world models.
PHYSICS 20D Space Science
- Units
- 4
Space exploration. Human missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Space stations, observatories, and deep-space probes. Robots and drones on distant worlds. Propulsion mechanisms, rockets, space flight, and the dangers of solar radiation.
PHYSICS 20E Life in the Universe
- Units
- 4
An overview of the scientific quest to discover life elsewhere in the universe. Topics include the origin of life on Earth, Mars, extra-solar planets, interstellar travel, and extra-terrestrial intelligence.
PHYSICS 21 Special Topics in Physics
- Units
- 4
Topics addressed vary each quarter. Past topics have included physics and music, Newton, planetary science. Lectures on areas of special interest in physics used to introduce students to scientific method, fundamental laws of science, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data.
PHYSICS 50 Introductory Mathematical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 3A
- Corequisite
- MATH 2E
Introduction to math methods for upper-division physics. Taylor and Fourier series; complex algebra; ordinary differential equations; matrices, tensors and vector spaces; eigensystems; orthogonal coordinates; vector calculus and fields. Symbolic computation with Mathematica is incorporated through-out.
PHYSICS 51A Modern Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 7E or PHYSICS 3C) and MATH 2D
Wave-particle duality; quantum mechanics; special relativity; statistical mechanics.
PHYSICS 52A Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 7E or PHYSICS 3C
Optics: lenses, mirrors, polarization, lasers, optical fibers, interference, spectra. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 52B Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7D or PHYSICS 3B
Circuits: oscilloscope, meters, DC and AC circuits. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 52C Fundamentals of Experimental Physics
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A
Data analysis: random and systematic errors, curve fitting; nuclear counting; quantum experiments. Error analysis: random and systematic errors, curve fitting, nuclear counting, and quantum experiments. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 53 Introduction to Programming and Numerical Analysis
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 3A
Introduction to structured programming; in-depth training in python. Elementary numerical methods applied to physics problems.
PHYSICS 60 Thermal Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 7E or PHYSICS 3C) and MATH 2D
Introduction to thermodynamics and systems of many particles. Topics include first and second laws of thermodynamics, ideal gas laws, kinetic theory, heat engines and refrigerators, thermodynamic potentials, phase transitions, dilute solutions, chemical equilibrium, and basic statistical distributions.
PHYSICS 61A Modern Physics for Majors
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 7E or PHYSICS 3C) and MATH 2D
Special relativity; Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and wave-particle duality; the Schrödinger equation.
PHYSICS 61B Modern Physics for Majors
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 61A or PHYSICS 51A
Hydrogen atom; spin and angular momentum; multi-electron atoms and the periodic table; introductions to nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology.
PHYSICS 61C Introduction to Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 61A or PHYSICS 51A
Introduction to fundamental topics in astrophysics, including stellar structure and evolution; stellar remnants; detection and characterization of exoplanets; physics of interstellar gas and star-forming regions.
PHYSICS H80 Impact of World War I on Science
- Units
- 4
Introduction to science in 1914 and WWI. Participants in groups of two or three will pick a preferred science; find out what happened to it during and after the war; write reports and present what they learned.
PHYSICS H90 The Idiom and Practice of Science
- Units
- 4
A series of fundamental and applied scientific problems of social relevance. Possible topics include Newton's Law, calculus, earthquake physics, and radiation.
PHYSICS 99 Current Topics in Physics
- Units
- 2
Designed to introduce undergraduate students to current topics in physics. Focus is discussion of selected readings on current research issues.
PHYSICS 100 Computational Methods
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 3A
- Corequisite
- MATH 2E
Mathematical and numerical analysis using Mathematica and C programming, as applied to problems in physical science.
PHYSICS 106W Advanced Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Scientific Writing
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 52B and PHYSICS 194. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
Introduces modern practical laboratory techniques for developing data interface devices, acquiring and analyzing data, and writing up results in manuscript format. Experiments include interfacing with instruments through software and hardware development, PID controller, Fourier analysis, and lock-in amplifier.
PHYSICS 111A Classical Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 7E or PHYSICS 3C)
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 50
One-dimensional motion and oscillations; three-dimensional motion, non-inertial coordinates, conservation laws, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics; rigid body motion and relativity.
PHYSICS 111B Classical Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 111A
One-dimensional motion and oscillations; three-dimensional motion, non-inertial coordinates, conservation laws, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics; rigid body motion and relativity.
PHYSICS 112A Electromagnetic Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 7D or PHYSICS 3B) and PHYSICS 50
Electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields and potentials; electrodynamics; mechanical and electromagnetic waves and radiation.
PHYSICS 112B Electromagnetic Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7E and PHYSICS 112A
Electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields and potentials; electrodynamics; mechanical and electromagnetic waves and radiation.
PHYSICS 113A Quantum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A) and PHYSICS 50
The wave function and its interpretation; time independent and time dependent Schrödinger equation; Hilbert space and the uncertainty principle; systems in one to three dimensions; the hydrogen atom, angular momentum and spin.
PHYSICS 113B Quantum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 111B and PHYSICS 112B and PHYSICS 113A
Identical particles in quantum systems; atoms and the periodic table; theories of solids; time-independent perturbation theory; fine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman effect and hyperfine structure; the variational principle; the WKB approximation and tunneling.
PHYSICS 113C Quantum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 111B and PHYSICS 112B and PHYSICS 113B
Symmetries and conservation laws in quantum mechanics; degeneracy; quantum dynamics and selection rules; scattering theory; time-dependent perturbation theory; emission and absorption of radiation; Fermi's golden rule; selected contemporary topics.
PHYSICS 115A Statistical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 50 and (PHYSICS 60 or CHEM 1C or ENGRMAE 91)
Microscopic theory of temperature, heat, and entropy; kinetic theory; multicomponent systems; quantum statistics.
PHYSICS 116 Relativity and Black Holes
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 50 and PHYSICS 111A
Introduces students to both special and general relativity; includes the formalism of four-vectors, equivalence principle, curved space-time, and modern issues with black holes.
PHYSICS 120 Electronics for Scientists
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 52B
Applications of modern semiconductor devices to physical instrumentation. Characteristics of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, analog and digital circuits. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 121W Advanced Laboratory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 51B or PHYSICS 61B or PHYSICS 61C) and (PHYSICS 52C or PHYSICS 193) and (PHYSICS 194 or EDUC 143BW). Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
Experiments in atomic, condensed matter, quantum, nuclear, particle, and plasma physics. Introduction to instrumentation, computational methods for data analysis, and a first experience in the research laboratory.
PHYSICS 125A Mathematical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 50 and MATH 3D
Complex variables; Legendre and Bessel functions; complete sets of orthogonal functions; partial differential equations; integral equations; calculus of variations; coordinate transformations; special functions and series.
PHYSICS 125B Mathematical Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 125A and PHYSICS 113A
Complex variables; Legendre and Bessel functions; complete sets of orthogonal functions; partial differential equations; integral equations; calculus of variations; coordinate transformations; special functions and series.
PHYSICS 133 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 113B and PHYSICS 115A
Phenomena of solids and their interpretation in terms of quantum theory.
PHYSICS 134A Physical and Geometrical Optics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 52A
Focuses on the practical aspects of optics and optical engineering, starting at the fundamentals. Topics include geometrical optics, ray tracing, polarization optics, interferometers, and diffractive optics.
PHYSICS 135 Plasma Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 112B
Basic concepts, orbits, kinetic and fluid equations, Coulomb collisions, fluctuations, scattering, radiation.
PHYSICS 136 Introduction to Particle Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 113B
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.
PHYSICS 137 Introduction to Cosmology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 111A (may be taken concurrently)
Solution of the differential equations governing the expansion of the Universe. Observational determinations of the parameters governing the expansion. Big Bang inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, and cosmic microwave background. Dark matter, dark energy, and large-scale structure of the Universe.
PHYSICS 138 Astrophysics of Galaxies
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 111A and PHYSICS 61C
Introduction to the solar neighborhood, Milky Way, and other galaxies. Interstellar medium. Star formation. Stellar populations. Evolution of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies. Supermassive black holes, quasars, and active galaxies. Galaxies as probes of the expansion rate of the Universe.
PHYSICS 139 Observational Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 52C and (PHYSICS 53 or I&C SCI 45C or EECS 12) and PHYSICS 61C
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 194
Telescopes and astronomical observations, imaging with CCD detectors and image processing techniques. Photometry and spectroscopy of stars, galaxies, and quasars. Advanced imaging techniques such as deconvolution, adaptive optics, and interferometry.
PHYSICS 140 Discoveries and Inventions of Modern Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MATH 2E and PHYSICS 7C and PHYSICS 7D and PHYSICS 7E and PHYSICS 60 and (PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A) and PHYSICS 112A
Introduction to phenomenology and applications of modern physics intended to complement the traditional physics curriculum, with topics from atomic physics, condensed matter, particle physics, and astrophysics such as NMR, lasers, superconductivity, semiconducting devices, quantum computing, Big Bang, etc.
PHYSICS 143A Lasers 1 - Oscillators and Amplifiers
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 61B and PHYSICS 112A and PHYSICS 112B
Semiclassical and quantum-mechanical development of electro-magnetic interactions with matter. Atomic rate equations and amplification of light via stimulated emission in gases, solids, liquids, and plasmas. Optical components and resonators that enable production of coherent radiation from laser oscillators.
PHYSICS 143B Lasers 2 - Beams and Pulses
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 61A and PHYSICS 112A and PHYSICS 112B
Hermite-gaussian and Laguerre-gaussian laser beam solutions of the paraxial wave equation, characterization of laser beams, laser resonator design, ABCD matrix formalism for laser beam and laser pulse propagation, methods for ultra-short duration laser pulse formation, manipulation, amplification, and measurement.
PHYSICS 144 Stellar Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A) and PHYSICS 111A and PHYSICS 112A
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.
PHYSICS 145 High-Energy Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 51A or PHYSICS 61A) and PHYSICS 111A and PHYSICS 112A
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.
PHYSICS 146A Biophysics of Molecules and Molecular Machines
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 115A
Physical concepts and experimental and computational techniques used to study the structure and function of biological molecules and molecular machines with examples from enzyme action, protein folding, molecular motors, photobiology, chemotaxis, and vision.
PHYSICS 146B Biophysics of Molecules and Molecular Machines
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 115A
Physical concepts and experimental and computational techniques used to study the structure and function of biological molecules and molecular machines with examples from enzyme action, protein folding, molecular motors, photobiology, chemotaxis, and vision.
PHYSICS 150 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy
- Units
- 4
Current topics in physics. Includes topics from nano-science, biological sciences, astrophysics, and the common use of estimation across subdisciplines within physics.
PHYSICS 191 Field Experience in Physics Education
- Units
- 1-4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7C and PHYSICS 7D and PHYSICS 7E
Students develop and perform physics assemblies at neighboring public schools.
PHYSICS 192 Tutoring in Physics
- Units
- 1-2
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 7E
Formalizes the already existing free tutoring for the lower-division physics courses that is provided by the Society of Physics Students (SPS). Includes instructions on tutoring techniques.
PHYSICS 193 Research Methods
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 14 or PHY SCI 5
Explores tools of inquiry for developing and implementing science research projects. Students undertake independent projects requiring data collection, analysis, and modeling, and the organization and presentation of results. Additional topics include ethical issues and role of scientific literature.
PHYSICS 194 Research Communication for Physics Majors
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 61A or PHYSICS 51A. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
Students learn the fundamentals of communicating about research. Topics include preparing abstracts, proposals, and literature reviews. Provides preparation for presentation of independent research projects in PHYSICS 121 and PHYSICS 196.
PHYSICS 195 Undergraduate Research
- Units
- 4
Independent research under the guidance of a Physics faculty member.
PHYSICS 196A Thesis in Physics I
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 194
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS 196B Thesis in Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 196A
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS 196C Thesis in Physics III
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 196B
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS H196A Honors Thesis in Physics I
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 194
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS H196B Honors Thesis in Physics II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS H196A
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS H196C Honors Thesis in Physics III
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS H196B
Independent research for seniors 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.
PHYSICS 199 Readings on Special Topics
- Units
- 1-4
Readings in selected areas of Physics. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
PHYSICS 206 Advanced Data Acquisition and Analysis
- Units
- 4-6
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. Materials Fee
PHYSICS 207 Applied Physical Chemistry
- Units
- 4
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.
PHYSICS 208 Math Methods
- Units
- 4
Applications of mathematics to physical and chemical problems. Calculus of special functions, complex variables and vectors; linear vector spaces and eigenvalue problems. Differential equations.
PHYSICS 211 Classical Mechanics
- Units
- 4
Variational principles, Lagrange's equations; applications to two body problems, small oscillation theory, and other phenomena. Hamilton's equations. Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Canonical transformations.
PHYSICS 212A Mathematical Physics
- Units
- 4
Complex variables and integration; ordinary and partial differential equations; the eigenvalue problem.
PHYSICS 213A Electromagnetic Theory
- Units
- 4
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.
PHYSICS 213B Electromagnetic Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 213A with a minimum grade of B-
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.
PHYSICS 214A Statistical Physics
- Units
- 4
Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac statistics; ideal and imperfect gases; thermodynamic properties of solids; transport theory.
PHYSICS 214C Many Body Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 214A with a minimum grade of B- and PHYSICS 215A with a minimum grade of B- and PHYSICS 215B with a minimum grade of B-
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.
PHYSICS 215A Quantum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
Foundations; Dirac notation; basic operators and their eigenstates; perturbation theory; spin.
PHYSICS 215B Quantum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 215A with a minimum grade of B-
Atomic physics; scattering theory, formal collision theory; semi-classical radiation theory; many body systems.
PHYSICS 220 Electronics for Scientists
- Units
- 4
Applications of modern semiconductor devices to physical instrumentation. Characteristics of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, analog and digital circuits.
PHYSICS 222 Continuum Mechanics
- Units
- 4
Introduction to the continuum limit and stress and strain tensors. Hydrodynamics of perfect fluids; two-dimensional problems, motion of incompressible viscous fluids, Navier Stokes equations. Basic elasticity theory. Description of viscoelastic materials. Introduction to nonlinear behavior instabilities.
PHYSICS 223 Machine Learning and Statistics
- Units
- 4
Theory and practice of machine learning and statistics for physics and astronomy. Topics include: clustering, dimensionality reduction, Bayesian statistics, Markovchains, variational inference, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks and modern deep learning architectures. Familiarity with python numerical programing assumed.
PHYSICS 228 Electromagnetism
- Units
- 4
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.
PHYSICS 229A Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences
- Units
- 4
Mathematical and numerical analysis using Mathematica and C programming, as applied to problems in physical science.
PHYSICS 230A Biophysics of Molecules and Molecular Machines
- Units
- 4
Physical concepts and experimental and computational techniques used to study the structure and function of biological molecules and molecular machines with examples from enzyme action, protein folding, molecular motors, photobiology, chemotaxis, and vision.
PHYSICS 230B Biophysics of Molecules and Molecular Machines
- Units
- 4
Physical concepts and experimental and computational techniques used to study the structure and function of biological molecules and molecular machines with examples from enzyme action, protein folding, molecular motors, photobiology, chemotaxis, and vision.
PHYSICS 234A Elementary Particle Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 215B with a minimum grade of B-
Overview of Standard Model theory and phenomenology. Electromagnetic, strong and weak forces, quark model, interactions with matter, particle detectors and accelerators.
PHYSICS 234B Advanced Elementary Particle Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 234A with a minimum grade of B- and PHYSICS 235A with a minimum grade of B-
SU(3)xSU(2)xU(1) model of strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions. K-meson system and CP violation, neutrino masses and mixing, grand-unified theories, supersymmetry, introduction to cosmology and its connection to particle physics.
PHYSICS 235A Quantum Field Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 215B with a minimum grade of B-
Canonical quantization, scalar field theory, Feynman diagrams, tree-level quantum electrodynamics.
PHYSICS 235B Advanced Quantum Field Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 235A with a minimum grade of B-
Pathintegral techniques, loop diagrams, regularization and renormalization, anomalies.
PHYSICS 235C Modern Topics in Advanced Quantum Field Theory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 235B with a minimum grade of B-
Quantum field theory: spinor-helicity techniques, topological objects, and symmetry breakdown.
PHYSICS 238A Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 214A with a minimum grade of B- or CHEM 232A with a minimum grade of B-) and (PHYSICS 215B with a minimum grade of B- or CHEM 231B with a minimum grade of B-)
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.
PHYSICS 238B Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 238A with a minimum grade of B-
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.
PHYSICS 238C Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 238B with a minimum grade of B-
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.
PHYSICS 239A Plasma Physics
- Units
- 4
Basic concepts, orbits, kinetic and fluid equations, Coulomb collisions, fluctuations, scattering, radiation.
PHYSICS 239B Plasma Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 239A with a minimum grade of B-
Magnetic confinement, MHD equilibrium and stability, collisional transport.
PHYSICS 239C Plasma Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 239B with a minimum grade of B-
Linear waves and instabilities, uniform un-magnetized and magnetized plasmas, non-uniform plasmas.
PHYSICS 240A Galactic Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
The morphology, kinematics, and evolution of our Milky Way and other galaxies. Topics include stellar formation and stellar evolution, end states of stars (supernovae, neutron stars), the distribution of stars, interstellar gas and mass in galaxies. The Local Group.
PHYSICS 240B Cosmology
- Units
- 4
An introduction to modern cosmology set within the context of general relativity. Topics include the expansion history of the Universe, inflation, the cosmic microwave background, density fluctuations, structure formation, dark matter, dark energy, and gravitational lensing.
PHYSICS 240C Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
Exploration of radiation mechanisms (electron scattering, synchrotron emission, collisional excitation, and more) and radiative transfer through matter including absorption and emission. Includes such observational astrophysics topics as spectroscopic study of atoms and nuclei, X-rays, and cosmic rays.
PHYSICS 241A Solar System and Extrasolar Planets
- Units
- 4
- Corequisite
- PHYSICS 242
Formation, evolution, and habitability of planetary systems. Observational and theoretical study of the origin and evolution of the Solar System, present day dynamical state of the Solar System (asteroids, Kuiper Belt Objects, Oort cloud), planetary atmospheres, processes governing planetary climate.
PHYSICS 241B Stellar Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 242 with a minimum grade of B-
Physics of stellar interiors and equations of stellar structure. Stellar atmospheres and absorption processes. Introduction to stellar winds. Thermonuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, and solar neutrinos. Binary stars and mass accretion. White dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes.
PHYSICS 241C Extragalactic Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 242 with a minimum grade of B-
The physics and phenomenology of galaxies; star formation, interstellar medium, and intergalactic medium. Galaxy structure and dynamics. Galaxy evolution, stellar populations, and scaling relations; the relationship between galaxy properties and environment. Galaxy clusters and active galactic nuclei.
PHYSICS 241D Early Universe Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 240B with a minimum grade of B-
Includes a thorough quantum treatment of the generation of perturbations during inflation and various topics related to kinetic theory in an expanding Universe. Other topics include the astrophysics and cosmology of weakly interacting particles.
PHYSICS 242 Astro Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
Introduction to topics in astrophysics including measurement of stellar properties, stellar structure and evolution, stellar remnants and supernovae, the interstellar medium, exoplanets, gravitational lensing, galactic structure, extragalactic distance measurements, and the expanding universe.
PHYSICS 243A Lasers 1 - Oscillators and Amplifiers
- Units
- 4
Semiclassical and quantum-mechanical development of electro-magnetic interactions with matter. Atomic rate equations and amplification of light via stimulated emission in gases, solids, liquids, and plasmas. Optical components and resonators that enable production of coherent radiation from laser oscillators.
PHYSICS 243B Lasers 2 - Beams and Pulses
- Units
- 4
Hermite-gaussian and Laguerre-gaussian laser beam solutions of the paraxial wave equation, characterization of laser beams, laser resonator design, ABCD matrix formalism for laser beam and laser pulse propagation, methods for ultra-short duration laser pulse formation, manipulation, amplification, and measurement.
PHYSICS 246 Special Topics in Astrophysics
- Units
- 4
Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of astrophysics that is undergoing rapid development.
PHYSICS 247 Special Topics in Particle Physics
- Units
- 4
Current topics in particle non-accelerator-based research fields.
PHYSICS 248 Special Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 4
Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of condensed matter physics that is undergoing rapid development.
PHYSICS 249 Special Topics in Plasma Physics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHYSICS 239A with a minimum grade of B- and PHYSICS 239B with a minimum grade of B-
Outlines and emphasizes a subarea of plasma physics that is undergoing rapid development.
PHYSICS 250 Physics and Astronomy Communications Skills
- Units
- 4
Fundamentals of effectively communicating research through written and oral platforms. Topics include writing compelling proposals and journal articles for peer review, and the development of engaging oral presentations of science results and significance to a wide range of audiences.
PHYSICS 255 General Relativity
- Units
- 4
An introduction to Einstein’s theory of gravitation. Tensor analysis, Einstein’s field equations, astronomical tests of Einstein’s theory, gravitational waves.
PHYSICS 260A Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 260B Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 260C Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 261A Topics in Plasma Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 261B Topics in Plasma Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 261C Topics in Plasma Physics
- Units
- 1
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.
PHYSICS 263A Seminar in Particle Physics
- Units
- 1
Discussion of advanced topics and reports of current research results in theoretical and experimental particle physics and cosmic rays.
PHYSICS 263B Seminar in Particle Physics
- Units
- 1
Discussion of advanced topics and reports of current research results in theoretical and experimental particle physics and cosmic rays.
PHYSICS 263C Seminar in Particle Physics
- Units
- 1
Discussion of advanced topics and reports of current research results in theoretical and experimental particle physics and cosmic rays.
PHYSICS 265A Seminar in Astrophysics
- Units
- 1
Acquaints students with current research in astrophysics. Lecturers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and from other institutions.
PHYSICS 265B Seminar in Astrophysics
- Units
- 1
Acquaints students with current research in astrophysics. Lecturers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and from other institutions.
PHYSICS 265C Seminar in Astrophysics
- Units
- 1
Acquaints students with current research in astrophysics. Lecturers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and from other institutions.
PHYSICS 266 Current Topics in Chemical, Applied, and Materials Physics
- Units
- 1
The subjects covered vary from year to year. Connection between fundamental principles and implementations in practice in science, industry, and technology.
PHYSICS 268 Seminar in Systems Microbiology Research
- Units
- 1
A research and journal club seminar that covers topics on bacteria and phage using approaches and principles from biology, engineering, and physics.
PHYSICS 269 Seminar in Teaching Physics
- Units
- 2
Techniques for effective teaching. Covers active listening and student engagement, problem-solving skills, peer instruction and collaborative learning, and evaluation. Required of all new Teaching Assistants.
PHYSICS 273 Technical Communication Skills
- Units
- 2
Development of effective communication skills, oral and written presentations, through examples and practice.
PHYSICS 291 Research Seminar
- Units
- 1-4
Detailed discussion of research problems of current interest in the Department. Format, content, and frequency of the course are variable.
PHYSICS 295 Experimental Research
- Units
- 4-12
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.
PHYSICS 296 Theoretical Research
- Units
- 4-12
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.
PHYSICS 298 Physics Colloquium
- Units
- 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.
PHYSICS 299 Topics in Reading
- Units
- 4-12
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.
PHYSICS 395 Laboratory Teaching
- Units
- 1
Required of and limited to teaching assistants of undergraduate laboratory courses. Designed to teach the necessary skills required of teaching assistants for these courses.
PHYSICS 399 University Teaching
- Units
- 1-4
Required of and limited to Teaching Assistants.