|
Physics
Program Description | Faculty
| Course Descriptions
1. Conceptual Physics. W
Addressed to majors in non-science disciplines. Topics in classical
and modern physics and the relation to physical phenomena in the
world around us. Concepts are stressed, but some calculational techniques
are developed. Knowledge of high school algebra is desirable. (General
Education Code(s): IN, Q.) T. Schalk
2. The Quantum Enigma. *
Addressed to non-science majors but may be of interest to science
majors as well, since material is largely not covered in the regular
physics program. Focus is the bizarre view of physical reality and
connectedness demanded by quantum mechanics, the basis of modern
physics. A brief overview of classical physics and relativity is
included. Concepts are stressed, but some calculational techniques
are developed. (General Education Code(s): IN, Q.) F. Kuttner
5A. Introduction to Physics I. F
Elementary mechanics. Vectors, Newton’s laws, inverse square force
laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, and
oscillations. Corequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in course 5L
and Mathematics 19A or 20A is required. (General Education Code(s):
IN, Q.) D. Smith
5B. Introduction to Physics II. W
A continuation of 5A. Wave motion in matter, including sound waves.
Geometrical optics, interference and polarization, statics and dynamics
of fluids. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L and Mathematics 19A or
20A; concurrent enrollment in course 5M is required. Corequisite:
Mathematics 19B or 20B. (General Education Code(s): IN, Q.) W.
Atwood
5C. Introduction to Physics III.
S
Introduction to electricity and magnetism. Electromagnetic radiation,
Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L and Mathematics
19B or 20B. Concurrent enrollment in 5N is required. Corequisite:
Mathematics 22 or 23A. Courses 5B/M recommended. (General Education
Code(s): IN, Q.) A. Aguirre
5D. Heat, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics
(2 credits). F
Introduction to temperature, heat, and thermal conductivity, ideal
gases, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and an introduction
to kinetic theory. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L and Mathematics
19B or 20B. C. Heusch
5L. Introduction to Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). F
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 5A-5B-5C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisite(s): concurrent
enrollment in course 5A is required. The Staff
5M. Introduction to Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). W
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 5A-5B-5C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisite(s): courses
5A/L; concurrent enrollment in course 5B is required. The Staff
5N. Introduction to Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). S
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 5A-5B-5C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisite(s): courses
5A/L. Concurrent enrollment in 5C is required. Courses 5B/M recommended.
The Staff
6A. Introductory Physics I. F,W
Elementary mechanics. Vectors, Newton’s laws, inverse square force
laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, and
oscillations. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in course 6L
required. Corequisite: Mathematics 11A or 19A or 20A. (General Education
Code(s): IN, Q.) F. Kuttner, D. Dorfan, Z. Schlesinger
6B. Introductory Physics II. W,S
A continuation of 6A. Wave motion in matter, including sound waves.
Geometrical optics, interference and polarization, statics and dynamics
of fluids. Introduction to thermodynamics, including temperature,
heat, thermal conductivity, and kinetic energy. Prerequisite(s):
courses 5A/L or 6A/L and Mathematics 11A or 19A or 20A; concurrent
enrollment in course 6M required. Corequisite: Mathematics 11B or
19B or 20B. (General Education Code(s): IN, Q.) D. Williams,
D. Belanger
6C. Introductory Physics III. F,S
Introduction to electricity and magnetism. Electromagnetic radiation,
Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite(s): courses 6A/L or 5A/L and Mathematics
11B or 19B or 20B; concurrent enrollment in course 6N required.
Corequisite: Mathematics 22 or 23A. Courses 6B/M are suggested.
(General Education Code(s): IN, Q.) F. Bridges, B. Schumm
6L. Introductory Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). F,W
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 6A-6B-6C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. 6L is offered in fall
and winter; 6M is offered in winter and spring; 6N is offered in
spring and fall. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in course
6A required. The Staff
6M. Introductory Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). W,S
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 6A-6B-6C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. 6L is offered in fall
and winter; 6M is offered in winter and spring; 6N is offered in
spring and fall. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L or 6A/L; concurrent
enrollment in course 6B required. The Staff
6N. Introductory Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). F,S
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in 6A-6B-6C, respectively.
One three-hour laboratory session per week. 6L is offered in fall
and winter; 6M is offered in winter and spring; 6N is offered in
spring and fall. Prerequisite(s): courses 6A/L or 5A/L; concurrent
enrollment in course 6C required; courses 6B/M are suggested.
The Staff
7A. Elementary Physics I. W
The physics of mechanics, wave motion, temperature, pressure, and
fluids. A lecture and discussion course that provides a basic foundation
of physics for students whose major interest is in biology, a premedical
program, or another science. Concurrent enrollment in course 7L
is required. High school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry are
recommended. (General Education Code(s): IN, Q.) S. Carter
7B. Elementary Physics II. S
A continuation of course 7A. The physics of electricity and magnetism,
optics, special relativity, quantum theory and the atom. Concurrent
enrollment in course 7M is required. Prerequisite(s): course 7A.
Concurrent enrollment in course 7M is required. (General Education
Code(s): IN, Q.) F. Kuttner
7L. Elementary Physics Laboratory
(1 credit). W,S
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 7A-B,
respectively. One three-hour laboratory session per week. Concurrent
enrollment in 7A is required. The Staff
7M. Elementary Physics Laboratory
(1 credit).
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 7A-B,
respectively. One three-hour laboratory session per week. Concurrent
enrollment in 7B is required. The Staff
10. Overview of Physics (2 credits).
F
One lecture per week providing a descriptive overview of major areas
in the discipline. These include fundamental particles, solid state,
fluids, nonlinear dynamics, biophysics, and cosmology. Lectures
by various faculty with research interests in these fields. The
course is suggested for prospective physics majors, or others, before
they enroll in the Physics 5 sequence. J. Primack
11. The Physicist in Industry (2
credits). S
One two-hour meeting per week. Subjects include roles of the physicist
in industry, the business environment in a technical company, economic
considerations, job hunting, and discussions with physicists with
industrial experience. Strongly recommended for applied physics
majors, but open to all. Enrollment limited to 15. F. Kuttner,
B. Rosenblum
14. Introduction to Vector Calculus
with Applications (2 credits). *
Partial differentiation, the chain rule, multiple integrals, Jacobians,
surface integrals and the divergence, line integrals and the curl,
Stokes theorem, gradients and directional derivatives. Prerequisite(s):
Mathematics 22 or 23A. The Staff
42. Student-Directed Seminar.
Seminars taught by upper-division students under faculty supervision.
(See course 192.) The Staff
80A. Physics and Psychophysics of
Music. *
Fundamental theory of vibration, sound waves, sound propagation,
diffraction, and interference. Free, coupled, and driven oscillations.
Resonance phenomena and modes of oscillation. Fourier’s theorem.
Anatomy and psychophysics of the ear. Musical scales and intervals.
Nature of plucked and bowed strings; guitar, violin, piano. Woodwind
and brass instruments. Architectural acoustics. High school algebra
and basic knowledge of musical notation recommended. (General Education
Code(s): T2-Natural Sciences, Q.) W. Mathews
80C. Cosmology and Culture. *
Introduction to scientific cosmology. Examination of cultural roles
of creation myths and cosmologies; examples include Zunian, Mayan,
and ancient, medieval, and modern Judeo-Christian cosmologies. Possible
cultural and religious repercussions of Big Bang, Gaia, and other
modern origin stories. (General Education Code(s): T7-Natural Sciences
or Social Sciences.) J. Primack
80D. The Quantum Century. *
Historical survey of twentieth-century physics, emphasizing quantum
theory and its impact upon science and culture, relativity, atomic
structure and applications in the laser, transistor, and nuclear
weapons. Impact of World War II, cold war, and the growth of Big
Science. (General Education Code(s): T6-Natural Sciences or Humanities
and Arts.) M. Riordan
99. Tutorial. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
101A. Introduction to Modern Physics
I. F
Special theory of relativity. Early experiments and models in quantum
physics. Introduction to concepts and calculations in quantum mechanics.
Single-electron atoms. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L, 5B/M, and
5C/N or 6A/L, 6B/M, and 6C/N. Z. Schlesinger
101B. Introduction to Modern Physics
II. W
Topics in quantum physics, including angular momentum and spin,
the Pauli exclusion principle, and quantum statistics. Applications
in multi-electron atoms, molecules, solid state physics, and nuclear
and particle physics. Prerequisite(s): course 14 or Mathematics
23B; course 101A; 14 or Math 23B; 5A/L, 5B/M, and 5C/N or 6A/L,
6B/M, and 6C/N. M. Dine
105. Mechanics. F
Particle dynamics in one, two, and three dimensions. Conservation
laws. Small oscillations, Fourier series and Fourier integral solutions.
Phase diagrams and nonlinear motions, Lagrange’s equations, and
Hamiltonian dynamics. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N,
and 116A-B. M. Dine
107. Fluid Dynamics. *
The convective derivative, the equation of continuity, and the Euler
equation are introduced. Additional terms in the equations are provided
as applications are introduced from Earth sciences, oceanography,
meteorology, and astrophysics. Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L, 5B/M,
and 116A-B-C. The Staff
110A. Electricity, Magnetism, and
Optics. W
Maxwell’s equations, electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction,
electromagnetic waves, physical optics, and circuit theory. Prerequisite(s):
116A-B-C. R. Johnson
110B. Electricity, Magnetism, and
Optics. S
Maxwell’s equations, electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction,
electromagnetic waves, physical optics, and circuit theory. Prerequisite(s):
course 110A, 114A, and 116A-B-C. M. Dine
112. Thermodynamics and Statistical
Mechanics. W
Consequences of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, elementary
statistical mechanics, thermodynamics of irreversible processes.
Prerequisite(s): courses 5B/M, 5C/N, 5D, 101A, 101B, 105, and 116A-B.
D. Belanger
115. Computational Physics. S
This course will apply efficient numerical methods to the solutions
of problems in the physical sciences which are otherwise intractable.
Examples will be drawn from classical mechanics, quantum mechanics,
statistical mechanics, and electrodynamics. Students will apply
a high-level programming language, such as Mathematica, to the solution
of physical problems and develop appropriate error and stability
estimates. Prerequisite(s): courses 101B, 105, 116A-B-C, or equivalent.
Basic programming experience in C or Fortran. No previous experience
with Mathematica is required. Offered in alternate academic years.
A. Young
116A. Mathematical Methods in Physics.
W
Probability, infinite series and power series, complex numbers,
systems of differential equations, linear algebra, and matrix operations.
Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N; Mathematics 23A, 23B.
A. Young
116B. Mathematical Methods in Physics.
S
Linear vector spaces and coordinate transformations, tensor analysis,
ordinary differential equations and boundary value problems, calculus
of variations, special functions and asymptotic series, and Fourier
series. (Formerly course 114A.). Prerequisite(s): courses 5A/L,
5B/M, 5C/N, 116A; and Mathematics 23A and 23B or equivalent.
D. Dorfan, A. Young
116C. Mathematical Methods in Physics.
F
Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions, partial differential
equations and boundary value problems, functions of a complex variable
including the residue theorem, integral transforms, Green function
techniques and the delta function. (Formerly course 114B.). Prerequisite(s):
courses 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, 116A-B. D. Dorfan, A. Young
120. Polymer Physics. *
Statistical properties polymers; scaling behavior, fractal dimensions;
random walks, self avoidance; single chains and concentrated solutions;
dynamics and topological effects in melts; polymer networks; sol-gel
transitions; polymer blends; application to biological systems;
computer simulations will demonstrate much of the above. Students
cannot receive credit for this course and course 240. Prerequisite(s):
courses 112, 116A-B-C. Offered in alternate academic years. J.
Deutsch
129. Nuclear and Particle Physics.
S
Properties and classification of the elementary particles, their
weak and strong interactions, nuclear physics, high energy phenomena
analyzed by quantum mechanical methods, experimental methodology.
Prerequisite(s): courses 116A-B-C and 139A; students with equivalent
course work may contact instructor for permission to enroll.
C. Heusch
133. Intermediate Laboratory. W,S
Demonstration of phenomena of classical and modern physics. Development
of a familiarity with experimental methods. Special experimental
projects may be undertaken by students in this laboratory. Prerequisite(s):
course 101A. D. Smith
134. Physics Advanced Laboratory.
F,W
Individual experimental investigations of basic phenomena in atomic,
nuclear, and solid state physics. Prerequisite(s): courses 133 and
101B. May be repeated for credit. S. Carter, F. Kuttner
135. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory.
*
Introduction to the techniques of modern observational astrophysics
at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Offered
in some academic years as a multiple-term course: 135A in fall and
135B in winter, depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered
as Astronomy and Astrophysics 135. Students cannot receive credit
for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 133 and at least one
astronomy course. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring
or minoring in astrophysics. R. Dewey
135A. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory
(3 credits). F
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics
at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended
primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics.
Offered in some academic years as single-term course 135 in fall,
depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered as Astronomy
and Astrophysics 135A. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.)
Prerequisite(s): course 133 and at least one astronomy course.
R. Dewey
135B. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory
(2 credits). W
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics
at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended
primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics.
Offered in some academic years as single-term course 135 in fall,
depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered as Astronomy
and Astrophysics 135B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.)
Prerequisite(s): course 133 and at least one astronomy course.
R. Dewey
139A. Quantum Mechanics. F,S
The principles and mathematical techniques of nonrelativistic quantum
mechanics: the Schrödinger equation, Dirac notation, angular momentum,
approximation methods, and scattering theory. Offered in spring.
Prerequisite(s): courses 101A, 101B, 116A-B-C. T. Banks
139B. Quantum Mechanics. F
The principles and mathematical techniques of nonrelativistic quantum
mechanics: the Schrödinger equation, Dirac notation, angular momentum,
approximation methods, and scattering theory. Offered in fall. Prerequisite(s):
courses 101A, 101B, 116A-B-C, and 139A. Z. Schlesinger
143. Supervised Teaching (2 credits).
F,W,S
Supervised tutoring in selected introductory courses. Students should
have completed course 101A and 101B as preparation. Students submit
petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
152. Optoelectronics. *
The first half of the course covers the theory of optoelectronics
including wave, electromagnetic, and photon optics, modulation of
light by matter, and photons in semiconductors. The second half
covers applications including displays, lasers, photodetectors,
optical switches, fiber optics, and communication systems. Prerequisite(s):
courses 101A, 101B, and 110A. S. Carter
155. Solid State Physics. W
Interatomic forces and crystal structure, diffraction, lattice vibrations,
free electron model, energy bands, semiconductor theory and devices,
optical properties, magnetism, magnetic resonance, superconductivity.
Prerequisite(s): courses 112 and 139A; students with equivalent
course work may contact instructor for permission to enroll.
Z. Schlesinger
156. Applications of Solid State
Physics. S
Emphasizes the application of condensed matter physics to a variety
of situations. Examples chosen from subfields such as semiconductor
physics, lasers, superconductivity, low temperature physics, magnetism,
and defects in crystals. Prerequisite(s): courses 101A and 101B.
The Staff
160. Practical Electronics. *
Provides a practical knowledge of electronics that experimentalists
generally need in research. The course assumes no previous knowledge
of electronics and progresses according to the interest and ability
of the class. Based on weekly lectures. However, with the aid of
the instructor, the students are expected to learn mainly through
the design, construction, and debugging of electronics projects.
Prerequisite(s): courses 5C and 5N or 6C and 6N. Offered in alternate
academic years. D. Dorfan
171. General Relativity, Black Holes,
and Cosmology. F
Special relativity is reviewed. Curved space-time, including the
metric and geodesics, are illustrated with simple examples. The
Einstein equations are solved for cases of high symmetry. Black
hole physics and cosmology are discussed, including recent developments.
(Also offered as Astronomy and Astrophysics 171. Students cannot
receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): courses 105,
110A, 110B, and 116A-B-C. A. Aguirre
191. Teaching Practicum. F,W,S
Designed to provide upper-divsion undergraduates with an opportunity
to work with students in lower division courses, leading discussions,
reading and marking submissions, and assisting in the planning and
teaching of a course. Prerequisite(s): excellent performance in
major courses; instructor approval required; enrollment restricted
to senior physics majors. The Staff
192. Directed Student Teaching. F,W,S
Teaching of a lower-division seminar under faculty supervision.
(See course 42.) Prerequisite(s): upper-division standing; submission
of a proposal supported by a faculty member willing to supervise.
The Staff
195A. Senior Thesis Research (3 credits).
F
A seminar course to help students explore their theses topics and
plan, organize, and develop their theses. Choosing a thesis topic,
preparing a work plan for the research, assembling an annotated
bibliography, and writing a draft outline of the thesis. Students
must complete 5 credits in the 195 series to satisfy the writing
intensive (W) general education requirement. C. Heusch
195B. Senior Thesis Research (2 credits).
W
Seminars to help students explore their theses topics and plan,
organize, and develop their theses. Refining the thesis outline;
preparing draft sections, preparing a written progress report; delivering
an oral progress report. Students must complete 5 credits in the
195 series to satisfy the writing intensive (W) general education
requirement. (General Education Code(s): W.) C. Heusch
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
199F. Tutorial (2 credits).
The Staff
205. Introduction to Research in Physics (2 credits). W
Lectures by UCSC faculty on current areas of physics research being
carried out locally. Topics of the presentations include elementary
particle physics, condensed matter and solid state physics, fluids,
waves in random media, non-linear dynamics, biophysics, and cosmology.
Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except by permission
of instructor. D. Dorfan
210. Classical Mechanics. F
Generalized coordinates, calculus of variations, Lagrange’s equations
with constraints, Hamilton’s equations, applications to particle
dynamics including charged particles in an electromagnetic field,
applications to continuum mechanics including fluids and electromagnetic
fields, introduction to nonlinear dynamics. Enrollment restricted
to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
D. Belanger
212. Electromagnetism I. F
Electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems with
spherical and cylindrical symmetry, multipole expansion, dielectric
media, magnetic materials, electromagnetic properties of materials,
time-varying electromagnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations, conservation
laws, plane electromagnetic waves and propagation, waveguides and
resonant cavities. Enrollment restricted to graduate students only,
except by permission of instructor. G. Brown
213. Electromagnetism and Plasma
Physics. W
Topics in classical radiation: multipole radiation, synchrotron
and Cerenkov radiation, Compton scattering, bremsstrahlung, stimulated
and coherent emission, diffraction and scattering. Topics in plasma
physics: plasma waves, Debye length, adiabatic invariants, wave
propagation in plasmas, Landau damping, two-stream instability.
(Also offered as Astronomy and Astrophysics 202. Students cannot
receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate
students only, except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate
academic years. H. Haber
214. Electromagnetism II. *
Lorentz covariant formulation of Maxwell’s equations, dynamics of
relativistic charged particles and electromagnetic fields, scattering
and diffraction. Topics in classical radiation theory: simple radiating
systems radiation by moving charges, multipole radiation, synchrotron
radiation, Cerenkov radiation, bremsstrahlung and radiation damping.
Prerequisite(s): course 212. Enrollment restricted to graduate students
only, except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate academic
years. B. Shastry
215. Introduction to Non-Relativistic
Quantum Mechanics. W
Mathematic introduction; fundamental postulates; time evolution
operator, including the Heisenberg and Schrodinger pictures; simple
harmonic oscillator and coherent states; one-dimensional scattering
theory, including S-matrix resonant phenomena; two-state systems,
including magnetic resonance; symmetries, including rotation group,
spin, and the Wigner-Eckart theorem; rotationally invariant problems,
including the hydrogen atom; gauge invariance, including Landau
levels; introduction to path integral. Enrollment restricted to
graduate students only, except by permission of instructor. B.
Shastry
216. Advanced Topics in Non-Relativistic
Quantum Mechanics. S
Approximate methods: time-independent perturbation theory, variational
principle, time-dependent perturbation theory; three-dimensional
scattering theory; identical particles; permutation symmetry and
exchange degeneracy, anti-symmetric and symmetric states; many-body
systems and self-consistent fields: variational calculations; second
quantized formalism, including Fock spaces/number representation,
field operators and Green functions; applications: electron gas;
quantization of the electromagnetic field and interaction of radiation
with matter: absorption, emission, scattering, photoelectric effect,
and lifetimes. Prerequisite(s): course 215. Enrollment restricted
to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
B. Shastry
217. Quantum Field Theory I. F
Lorentz invariance in quantum theory, Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations,
the relativistic hydrogen atom, Green functions and canonical approach
to field theory, quantum electrodynamics, Feynman diagrams for scattering
processes, symmetries and Ward identities. Students learn to perform
calculations of scattering and decay of particles in field theory.
Prerequisite(s): course 216. Enrollment restricted to graduate students
only, except by permission of instructor. H. Haber
218. Quantum Field Theory II. W
Path integral approach to quantum field theory. Theory of renormalization
and the renormalization group, introduction to gauge theories and
spontaneously broken field theories. Applications to the standard
model of strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions. Prerequisite(s):
course 217. Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except
by permission of instructor. T. Banks
219. Statistical Physics. S
The basic laws of thermodynamics, entropy, thermodynamic potentials,
kinetic theory of gases, quantum and classical statistical mechanics,
virial expansion, linear response theory. Applications in condensed
matter physics. Enrollment restricted to graduate students only,
except by permission of instructor. J. Deutsch
220. Theory of Many-Body Physics.
*
Finite temperature Green functions, Feynman diagrams, Dyson equation,
linked cluster theorem, Kubo formula for electrical conductivity,
electron gas, random phase approximation, Fermi surfaces, Landau
fermi liquid theory, electron phonon coupling, Migdal’s theorem,
superconductivity. Prerequisite(s): courses 216 and 219. Enrollment
restricted to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
Offered in alternate academic years. B. Shastry
221A. Introduction to Particle Physics
I. F
First quarter of a two-quarter graduate level introduction to particle
physics, including the following topics: discrete symmetries, quark
model, particle classification, masses and magnetic moments, passage
of radiation through matter, detector technology, accelerator physics,
Feynman calculus, and electron-positron annihilation. Prerequisite(s):
course 217 or concurrent enrollment. Enrollment restricted to graduate
students only, except by permission of instructor. B. Schumm
221B. Introduction to Particle Physics
II. W
Second quarter of a two-quarter graduate level introduction to particle
physics, including the following topics: nucleon structure, weak
interactions and the Standard Model, neutrino oscillation, quantum
chromodynamics, CP violation, and a tour of the Stanford Linear
Accelerator Center. Prerequisite(s): course 221A; course 217 or
concurrent enrollment. Enrollment restricted to graduate students
only, except by permission of instructor. A. Seiden
222. Quantum Field Theory III. S
Focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of the standard model,
including the spontaneous symmetry breaking, the renormalization
group, the operator product expansion, and precision tests of the
Standard Model. Prerequisite(s): courses 218 and 221B. Enrollment
restricted to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
Offered in alternate academic years. H. Haber
224. Origin and Evolution of the
Universe. *
Introduction to the particle physics and cosmology of the very early
universe: relativistic cosmology, initial conditions, inflation
and grand unified theories, baryosynthesis, nucleosynthesis, gravitational
collapse, hypotheses regarding the dark matter and consequences
for formation of galaxies and large scale structure. (Also offered
as Astronomy and Astrophysics 224. Students cannot receive credit
for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students only,
except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate academic
years. J. Primack
226. General Relativity. *
Develops the formalism of Einstein’s general relativity, including
solar system tests, gravitational waves, cosmology, and black holes.
(Also offered as Astronomy and Astrophysics 226. Students cannot
receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate
students only, except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate
academic years. A. Aguirre
231. Introduction to Condensed Matter
Physics. F
Crystal structures, reciprocal lattice, crystal bonding, phonons
(including specific heat), band theory of electrons, free electron
model, electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, transport
theory. Prerequisite(s): course 216. Enrollment restricted to graduate
students only, except by permission of instructor. B. Shastry
232. Condensed Matter Physics. W
Magnetism (para, ferro, anti-ferro, ferri), spin waves, superconductivity,
introduction to semiconductors. Prerequisite(s): course 231. Enrollment
restricted to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
Offered in alternate academic years. J. Deutsch
233. Advanced Condensed Matter Physics.
*
A special topics course which includes areas of current interest
in condensed matter physics. Possible topics include superconductivity,
phase transitions, renormalization group, disordered systems, surface
phenomena, magnetic resonance, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite(s):
course 231. Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except
by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate academic years.
The Staff
240. Polymer Physics. *
Statistical properties polymers. Scaling behavior, fractal dimensions.
Random walks, self avoidance. Single chains and concentrated solutions.
Dynamics and topological effects in melts. Polymer networks. Sol-gel
transitions. Polymer blends. Application to biological systems.
Computer simulations demonstrating much of the above. Students cannot
receive credit for this course and course 120. Enrollment restricted
to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor. Offered
in alternate academic years. J. Deutsch
242. Computational Physics. S
This course will apply efficient numerical methods to the solution
of problems in the physical sciences which are otherwise intractable.
Examples will be drawn from classical mechanics, quantum mechanics,
statistical mechanics, and electrodynamics. Students will apply
a high-level programming language such as Mathematica to the solution
of physical problems and will develop appropriate error and stability
estimates. Prerequisite(s): basic programming experience in C or
Fortran. No previous experience with Mathematica is required. Enrollment
restricted to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
Offered in alternate academic years. A. Young
251. Group Theory and Modern Physics.
S
Finite and continuous groups, group representation theory, the symmetric
group and Young tableaux, Lie groups and Lie algebras, irreducible
representations of Lie algebras by tensor methods, unitary groups
in particle physics, Dynkin diagrams, Lorentz and Poincaré groups.
Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except by permission
of instructor. Offered in alternate academic years. J. Primack
290. Special Topics. *
A series of lectures on various topics of current interest in physics
at UC Santa Cruz. Enrollment restricted to graduate students only,
except by permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.
T. Banks
291A. Cosmology (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive research seminar on cosmology and related topics in astrophysics:
nature of dark matter; origin of cosmological inhomogeneties and
other initial conditions of the big bang; origin and evolution of
galaxies and large scale structure in the universe. Enrollment restricted
to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor.
J. Primack
291C. Developments in Theoretical
Particle Physics (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar on the current literature of elementary particle physics,
ranging from strong and weak interaction phenomenology to Higgs
physics, supersymmetry, and superstring theory. Students may present
their own research results. Enrollment restricted to graduate students
only, except by permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.
H. Haber, M. Dine
292. Seminar (no credit). F,W,S
Weekly seminar attended by faculty and graduate students. Directed
at all physics graduate students who have not taken and passed the
qualifying examination for the Ph.D. program. Enrollment restricted
to graduate students only, except by permission of instructor. May
be repeated for credit. D. Dorfan
292F. Seminar (2 credits).
The Staff
297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except by permission
of instructor. The Staff
298. Theoretical and Experimental
Research Project. F,W,S
Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except by permission
of instructor. The Staff
299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Enrollment restricted to graduate students only, except by permission
of instructor. The Staff
*Not
offered in 2004-05
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