Spring 2025

The fundamentals of physics are presented, exploring the structure and beauty of physical laws and their manifestations, ranging from events observed in everyday life to subatomic and cosmic phenomena.

Fundamental laws and principles of physics with emphasis on theapplication of physical principles to the problems ofarchitecture. Lecture, 4 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.

Fundamental laws and principles of physics emphasizing areasrelated to life sciences. Prerequisite for Biological Sciences,Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy. Lecture, 4 hrs.; Lab, 3 hrs.

Fundamental laws and principles of physics emphasizing areas related to life sciences. Prerequisite for Biological Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. Lecture, 4 hrs.; Lab, 3 hrs. (Duplicates credit in 105abLg and 125L).

Laboratory component for PHYS 151Lg for transfer students with equivalent lecture credit from another institution. For transfer students immediately after matriculation. Graded CR/NC.

Laboratory component for PHYS 152L for transfer students with equivalent lecture credit from another institution. For transfer students immediately after matriculation. Graded CR/NC.

Laboratory component for PHYS 153L for transfer students with equivalent lecture credit from another institution. For transfer students immediately after matriculation. Graded CR/NC.

Gateway to the majors and minors in Physics and Astronomy. Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, conservation principles, gravitation, simple harmonic oscillators, thermodynamics, heat engines, entropy.

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrical circuits, wave motion, sound waves, electromagnetic waves.

Geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, solid state physics.

Gateway to the majors and minors in Physics and Astronomy. Introductory treatment intended for well-qualified students. Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, conservation laws, wave motion, thermodynamics, heat engines, entropy.

Interference and diffraction of waves, special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, elementary particles.

Mechanics, mechanical vibrations and waves, special relativity. Emphasizes applications in the areas of applied physics and engineering.

Quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, solid-state physics. Emphasizes applications in the areas of applied physics and engineering.

First, second, and third laws; thermodynamic potentials, applications; distribution laws, kinetic theory, transport phenomena, specific heats.

b: Electromagnetic induction; AC circuits; Maxwell's equations.

Concepts and techniques of quantum mechanics; free and bound states, the hydrogen atom.

Crystal structures, x-ray diffraction, thermal properties of solids, diamagnetism and paramagnetism, free-electron model of metals, semiconductors, ferromagnetism, super-conductivity, imperfections in crystals.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Development of modern experimental techniques, including computer interface with data acquisition hardware and data analysis by software, applied specifically to experiments in modern physics. Emphasis on laboratory work with discussion of theoretical background.

An original project will be constructed applying computer technology (in either hardware or software) to produce a result useful in the physics classroom or laboratory.

Topics of current research interest in physics and astronomy. Lectures directed to physics graduate students by faculty of the department and by outside speakers. Graded CR/NC.

a: Electrostatics, boundary value problems, multiple expansions, microscopic models of matter, magnetostatics. b: Maxwell's equations, potentials and gauge transformations; electromagnetic waves; wave guides; electromagnetic radiation; special relativity.

Training on available quantum computing hardware and the respective functional principles, available software, and algorithms; the opportunity to program quantum computers and run sample problems; hands-on tutorials.

Introduction to algorithm development. Integration of ordinary differential equations; chaotic systems; molecular dynamics; Monte Carlo integration and simulations; cellular automata and other complex systems. Recommended preparation: ability to program in C or C++

The theory of open quantum systems (i.e., systems coupled to an environment) with applications to chemistry, physics and quantum information processing.

a: General formulation of quantum mechanics with applications; theory of measurement; exactly solvable problems; angular momentum formalism.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Practical principles for the long-term development of effective teaching within the physical sciences. Intended for teaching assistants in Dornsife College. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Part-time or full-time, practical work experience in the students field of study. The internship must be located at an off-campus facility. Students are individually supervised by faculty. May not be taken until the student has completed at least one semester of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Course content will vary each year. It will include topics of current interest in research conducted in academica and industry.

Computational methods in relativistic quantum field theory: Feynman path integral, covariant perturbation theory, regularization, renormalization group, and non-perturbative techniques. Recommended preparation: PHYS-668. Recommended preparation: PHYS-668.

Coursework taken on campus at Caltech as part of the Caltech-USC cross-registration program. Graded CR/NC.

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation.