Undergraduate courses in Physics

There are four series of beginning courses. One course from the teen series (15, 16, 17, 19) is recommended for the humanities or social science student who wishes to become familiar with the methodology and content of modern physics. The 20 series (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is recommended for general students and for students preparing for medicine or biology. The 40 series (41, 43, 44, 45, 46) is for students of engineering, chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, or physics. The advanced freshman series (61, 63, 64, 65, 67) is for students who have had strong preparation in physics and calculus in high school. Students who have had appropriate background and wish to major in physics should take this introductory series. The 20, 40, and 60 series consist of demonstration lectures on the fundamental principles of physics, problem work on application of these principles to actual cases, and lab experiments correlated with the lectures. Their objectives are not only to give information on particular subjects, but also to provide training in the use of the scientific method. The primary difference between the series of courses is that topics are discussed more thoroughly and treated with greater mathematical rigor in the 40 and 60 series.

PHYSICS 11N. The Basic Rules of Nature

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen. The development by physicists of descriptions of the behavior of matter on microscopic scales and scales characteristic of the Universe as a whole, including quantum mechanics, particle physics, and general relativity. Promising approaches that physicists are using to shed light on remaining mysteries, including string theory and M theory. Discussions are semiquantitative. Prerequisite: high school physics or equivalent. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Win (Susskind, L)

PHYSICS 15. The Nature of the Universe

The structure, origin, and evolution of the major components of the Universe: planets, stars, and galaxies. Emphasis is on the formation of the Sun and planets, the evolution of stars, and the structure and content of the Milky Way galaxy. Topics: cosmic enigmas (dark matter, black holes, pulsars, x-ray sources), star birth and death, and the origins of and search for life in the solar system and beyond. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Aut (Romani, R), Sum (Staff)

PHYSICS 16. Cosmic Horizons

The origin and evolution of the universe and its contents: stars, galaxies, quasars. The overall structure of the cosmos and the physical laws that govern matter, space, and time. Topics include the evolution of the cosmos from the origin of the elements and the formation of stars and galaxies, exotic astronomical objects (black holes, quasars, supernovae, and gamma ray bursts), dark matter, inflationary cosmology, and the fate of the cosmos. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Win (Linde, A)

PHYSICS 17. Black Holes

Newton's and Einstein's theories of gravitation and their relationship to the predicted properties of black holes. Their formation and detection, and role in galaxies and high-energy jets. Hawking radiation and aspects of quantum gravity. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Spr (Abel, T)

PHYSICS 18. Revolution in Concepts of the Cosmos

The evolution of concepts of the cosmos and its origin, from the Copernican heliocentric model to the current view based on Hubble's discovery of expansion of the Universe. Recent cosmological observations and the relevance of laboratory experiments in particle physics. One night of observations at the Stanford Observatory. Enrollment limited to 20.

1 unit, not given this year

PHYSICS 18N. Revolutions in Concepts of the Cosmos

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen. The evolution of the concept of the cosmos and its origin from the Copernican heliocentric model to the current view based on Hubble's discovery of expansion of the Universe. Recent cosmological observations and the relevance of laboratory experiments in particle physics. Enrollment limited to 20 in one section. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Win (Roodman, A)

PHYSICS 19. How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics

The principles of physics through familiar objects and phenomena, including airplanes, engines, refrigerators, lightning, radio, TV, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lights. Estimates of real quantities from simple calculations. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Aut (Manoharan, H)

PHYSICS 21. Mechanics and Heat

For biology, social science, and premedical students. Introduction to Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, theory of heat. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry; calculus not required. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Aut (Linde, A)

PHYSICS 21S. Mechanics and Heat w/ laboratory

Equivalent to 21 and 22. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Sum (Fisher, G)

PHYSICS 22. Mechanics and Heat Laboratory

Pre- or corequisite: 21.

1 unit, Aut (Linde, A)

PHYSICS 23. Electricity and Optics

Electric charges and currents, magnetism, induced currents; wave motion, interference, diffraction, geometrical optics. Prerequisite: 21. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Win (Wojcicki, S)

PHYSICS 24. Electricity and Optics Laboratory

Focus is on electrodynamics circuits. Pre- or corequisite: 23.

1 unit, Win (Wojcicki, S)

PHYSICS 25. Modern Physics

Introduction to modern physics. Relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic theory, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear structure, high energy physics, elementary particles, astrophysics, stellar evolution, and the big bang. Prerequisite: 23 or consent of instructor. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Spr (Burchat, P)

PHYSICS 25S. Modern Physics with Laboratory

Equivalent to 25 and 26. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Sum (Fisher, G)

PHYSICS 26. Modern Physics Laboratory

Pre- or corequisite: 25.

1 unit, Spr (Burchat, P)

PHYSICS 28. Mechanics, Heat, and Electricity

For biology, social science, and premedical students. The sequence 28 and 29 fulfills, in ten weeks, the one-year college physics requirement with lab of most medical schools. Topics: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, theory of heat, electric charges, and currents. Calculus is used as a language and developed as needed. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry. GER: DB-NatSci

6 units, Sum (Fisher, G)

PHYSICS 29. Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics

Magnetism, induced currents; wave motion, optics; relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic theory, radioactivity, nuclear structure and reactions, elementary particles, astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisite: 28. GER: DB-NatSci

6 units, Sum (Fisher, G)

PHYSICS 41. Mechanics

Vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, work, energy, momentum, angular momentum; conservation laws; rigid bodies; mechanical oscillations and waves. Discussions based on use of calculus. Corequisite: MATH 19 or 41, or consent of instructor. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Win (Church, S)

PHYSICS 41N. Mechanics: Insights, Applications, and Advances

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshman. Additional topics for students in PHYSICS 41 such as tidal forces, gyroscopic effects, fractal dimensions, and chaos. Corequisite: 41.

1 unit, Win (Abel, T)

PHYSICS 43. Electricity and Magnetism

Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, electric fields and fluxes, electric potential, properties of conductors, Gauss's law, capacitors and resistors, DC circuits; magnetic forces and fields, Biot-Savart law, Faraday's law, Ampere's law, inductors, transformers, AC circuits, motors and generators, electric power, Galilean transformation of electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations; limited coverage of electromagnetic fields and special relativity. Prerequisites: 41 or equivialent, and MATH 19 or 41. Corequisite: MATH 20 or 42, or consent of instructor. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Spr (Fisher, I)

PHYSICS 43N. Understanding Electromagnetic Phenomena

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen. Expands on the material presented in 43; applications of concepts in electricity and magnetism to everyday phenomena and to topics in current physics research. Corequisite: 43 or advanced placement.

1 unit, Spr (Laughlin, R)

PHYSICS 44. Electricity and Magnetism Lab

(Formerly 56.) Pre- or corequisite: 43.

1 unit, Spr (Fisher, I)

PHYSICS 45. Light and Heat

Reflection and refraction, lenses and lens systems; polarization, interference, and diffraction; temperature, properties of matter and thermodynamics, introduction to kinetic theory of matter. Prerequisites: 41 or equivalent, and MATH 19 or 41, or consent of instructor. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Aut (Gratta, G), Sum (Staff)

PHYSICS 45N. Advanced Topics in Light and Heat

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen. Expands on the subject matter presented in 45 to include optics and thermodynamics in everyday life, and applications from modern physics and astrophysics. Corequisite: 45 or consent of instructor.

1 unit, Aut (Susskind, L)

PHYSICS 46. Light and Heat Laboratory

Pre- or corequisite: 45.

1 unit, Aut (Gratta, G), Sum (Staff)

PHYSICS 50. Astronomy Laboratory and Observational Astronomy

Introduction to observational astronomy emphasizing the use of optical telescopes. Observations of stars, nebulae, and galaxies in laboratory sessions with 16- and 24-inch telescopes at the Stanford Observatory. No previous physics required. Limited enrollment. Lab. GER: DB-NatSci, DB-NatSci

3 units, Aut (Funk, S), Sum (Staff)

PHYSICS 59. Current Research Topics

Recommended for prospective Physics majors. Presentations of current research topics by faculty with research interests related to physics, often including tours of experimental laboratories where the research is conducted.

1 unit, Aut (Michelson, P)

PHYSICS 61. Mechanics and Special Relativity

For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. The fundamental structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics. Foundations of modern physics including special relativity, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves and the Schodinger equation. Diagnostic quiz in calculus and conceptual Newtonian mechanics at first meeting to decide if course is appropriate; some students may benefit more from the 40 series. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable); pre- or corequisite MATH 42. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Aut (Blandford, R)

PHYSICS 63. Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves

Recommended for prospective Physics majors or those interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. The fundamental structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian mechanics, special relativity, and electricity and magnetism. Diagnostic quiz in calculus and conceptual Newtonian mechanics at first meeting of 61 to help students decide if course is appropriate; some students may benefit more from the 40 series. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable); pre- or corequsite: MATH 42. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Win (Allen, S)

PHYSICS 63N. Applications of Electromagnetism

Preference to freshmen. Material related to PHYSICS 63 at a more advanced level. Students participate in selecting topics. Corequisite: 63. (Kapitulnik)

1 unit, not given this year

PHYSICS 64. Advanced Electromagnetism Laboratory

Experimental work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Corequisite 63.

1 unit, Win (Allen, S)

PHYSICS 65. Thermodynamics and Foundations of Modern Physics

Recommended for students contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a more rigorous treatment of physics. The structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian mechanics, special relativity, and electricity and magnetism; topics in heat and light and an introduction to modern physics. Diagnostic quiz in calculus and conceptual Newtonian mechanics at first meeting of 61 to help students decide if course is appropriate; some students may benefit more from the 40 series. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable); pre- or corequsite: MATH 42. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Spr (Fetter, A)

PHYSICS 67. Introduction to Laboratory Physics

Methods of experimental design, data collection and analysis, statistics, and curve fitting in a laboratory setting. Experiments drawn from electronics, optics, heat, and particle physics. Intended as preparation for PHYSICS 105, 107, 108. Lecture plus laboratory format. Required for 60 series Physics majors; recommended for 40 series students who intend to major in Physics. Corequisite: 65 or 43. (Fisher)

2 units, Spr (Pam, R)

PHYSICS 70. Foundations of Modern Physics

Required for Physics majors who completed the 40 series, or the PHYSICS 60 series prior to 2005-06. Special relativity, the experimental basis of quantum theory, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves, Schrödinger equation. Prerequisites: 41, 43. Corequisite: 45. Recommended: prior or concurrent registration in MATH 53. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Aut (Kasevich, M)

PHYSICS 80N. The Technical Aspects of Photography

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen and sophomores with some background in photography. How cameras record photographic images on film and electronically. Technical photographic processes to use cameras effectively. Camera types and their advantages, how lenses work and their limitations, camera shutters, light meters and the proper exposure of film, film types, depth of focus, control of the focal plane and perspective, and special strategies for macro and night photography. View cameras and range finder technical cameras. Students take photographs around campus. Prerequisite: high school physics.

3 units, Spr (Osheroff, D)

PHYSICS 83N. Physics in the 21st Century

Preference to freshmen. Current topics at the frontier of modern physics. Topics include subatomic particles and the standard model, symmetries in nature, extra dimensions of space, string theory, supersymmetry, the big bang theory of the origin of the universe, black holes, dark matter, and dark energy of the universe. Why the sun shines. Cosmology and inflation. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, not given this year

PHYSICS 84Q. The Rise of the Machines

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Key experiments in the history of particle physics and astrophysics. Evolution and innovation in detector and accelerator technologies that enabled these experiments. The fundamental structure and interactions of matter. Recommended: some high school or introductory college physics.

3 units, Spr (Schindler, R)

PHYSICS 87N. The Physics of One: Nanoscale Science and Technology

(F,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to freshmen. Contemporary interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology; the manipulation of nature's fundamental building blocks. Accomplishments and questions engendered by knowledge at the discrete limit of matter. Prerequisite: high school physics. GER: DB-NatSci

3 units, Win (Manoharan, H)

PHYSICS 100. Introduction to Observational and Laboratory Astronomy

For physical science or engineering students. Emphasis is on the quantitative measurement of astronomical parameters such as distance, temperature, mass, composition of stars, galaxies, and quasars. Observation using the 0.4m and 0.6m telescopes at the Stanford Observatory. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: one year of college physics; prior or concurrent registration in 25, 65, or 70; and consent of instructor. GER: DB-NatSci

4 units, Spr (Church, S)

PHYSICS 105. Intermediate Physics Laboratory I: Analog Electronics

Analog electronics including Ohm's law, passive circuits and transistor and op amp circuits, emphasizing practical circuit design skills to prepare undergraduates for laboratory research. Short design project. Minimal use of math and physics, no electronics experience assumed beyond introductory physics. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 43 or 63.

3 units, Aut (Pam, R)

PHYSICS 107. Intermediate Physics Laboratory II: Experimental Techniques and Data Analysis

Experiments on lasers, Gaussian optics, and atom-light interaction, with emphasis on data and error analysis techniques. Students describe a subset of experiments in scientific paper format. Prerequisites: completion of 40 or 60 series, and 70 and 105. Recommended: 130, prior or concurrent enrollment in 120. WIM

4 units, Win (Kasevich, M)

PHYSICS 108. Intermediate Physics Laboratory III: Project

Small student groups plan, design, build, and carry out a single experimental project in low-temperature physics. Prerequisites 105, 107.

3 units, Win (Kapitulnik, A), Spr (Goldhaber-Gordon, D)

PHYSICS 110. Intermediate Mechanics

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Principle of least action, Galilean relativity, Lagrangian mechanical systems, Euler-Lagrange equations. Central potential, Kepler's problem, planetary motion. Scattering problems, disintegration, Rutherford scattering cross section. Harmonic motion in the presence of rapidly oscillating field. Poisson's brackets, canonical transformations, Liouville's theorem, Hamilton-Jacoby equation. Prerequisites: 41 or 61, and MATH 53

4 units, Spr (Kuo, C)

PHYSICS 112. Mathematical Methods of Physics

Theory of complex variables, complex functions, and complex analysis. Fourier series and Fourier transforms. Special functions such as Laguerre, Legendre, and Hermite polynomials, and Bessel functions. The uses of Green's functions. Covers material of MATH 106 and 132 most pertinent to Physics majors. Prerequisites: MATH 50 or 50H series, MATH 131.

4 units, Win (Kachru, S)

PHYSICS 113. Computational Physics

Numerical methods for solving problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Methods include numerical integration; solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations; solutions of the diffusion equation, Laplace's equation and Poisson's equation with relaxation methods; statistical methods including Monte Carlo techniques; matrix methods and eigenvalue problems. Short introduction to MatLab, used for class examples; class projects may be programmed in any language such as C. Prerequisites: MATH 53, prior or concurrent registration in 110, 121. Previous programming experience not required.

4 units, Spr (Cabrera, B)

PHYSICS 120. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism

Vector analysis, electrostatic fields, including multipole expansion; dielectrics. Special relativity and transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell's equations. Static magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Electromagnetic radiation, plane wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadrupole radiation. Wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: 43 or 63; concurrent or prior registration in MATH 52 and 53. Recommended: concurrent or prior registration in 112.

4 units, Win (Cabrera, B)

PHYSICS 121. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism

Vector analysis, electrostatic fields, including multipole expansion. Dielectrics, static magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Maxwell's equation. Electromagnetic radiation. Special relativity and transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Plane wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadrupole radiation and their frequency and angular distributions. Scattering synchrotron and bremsstrahlung processes. Energy loss in water. Wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: 120; concurrent or prior registration in MATH 131. Recommended: 112.

4 units, Spr (Petrosian, V)

PHYSICS 130. Quantum Mechanics

The origins of quantum mechanics, wave mechanics, and the Schrödinger equation. Heisenberg's matrix formulation of quantum mechanics, solutions to one-dimensional systems, separation of variables and the solution to three-dimensional systems, the central field problem and angular momentum eigenstates, spin and the coupling of angular momentum, Fermi and Bose statistics, time-independent perturbation theory. Prerequisites: 70, 110; pre- or corequisites: 120, 121, and MATH 131.

4 units, Aut (Kivelson, S)

PHYSICS 131. Quantum Mechanics

4 units, Win (Wacker, J)

PHYSICS 134. Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics

Variational principle, time-dependent perturbation theory, WKB approximation. Scattering theory: partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Nature of quantum measurement: EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and Schrödinger's cat paradox. Additional topics may include relativistic quantum mechanics or quantum information science. Prerequisites: 130, 131.

4 units, Spr (Moler, K)

PHYSICS 152A. Introduction to Particle Physics I

(Same as PHYSICS 252A.) Elementary particles and the fundamental forces. Quarks and leptons. The mediators of the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Interaction of particles with matter, particle acceleration, and detection techniques. Symmetries and conservation laws. Bound states. Decay rates. Cross sections. Feynman diagrams. Introduction to Feynman integrals. The Dirac equation. Feynman rules for quantum electrodynamics and for chromodynamics. Prerequisite: 130. Pre- or corequisite: 131.

4 units, Win (Dixon, L)

PHYSICS 153B. Introduction to String Theory II: Open Strings and D-branes

Emergence of gauge theory and connections to particle physics. String thermodynamics and black holes. T-duality, string compactification, and stringy modifications of geometry. Prerequisites: 130, 131, and 153A.

4 units, given once only

PHYSICS 160. Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics

Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, binary stars, x-ray stars, and black holes. Galactic structure, interstellar medium, molecular clouds, HI and HII regions, star formation, and element abundances. Prerequisites: 40 or 60 series, and 70.

3 units, Win (Petrosian, V)

PHYSICS 161. Introduction to Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology

Observations of the distances and compositions of objects on cosmic scales: galaxies, galaxy clusters, quasars, and diffuse matter at high red shift. Big bang cosmology, physical processes in the early universe, the origin of matter and the elements, inflation, and creation of structure in the Universe. Observational evidence for dark matter and dark energy. Future of the Universe. Prerequisites: calculus and college physics at the level of the 40 or 60 series, and 70.

3 units, Spr (Wechsler, R)

PHYSICS 169A. Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Selection of the Problem

Description of the problem, its background, work planned in the subsequent two quarters, and development of the theoretical apparatus or initial interpretation of the problem.

1-9 units, Aut (Staff)

PHYSICS 169B. Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Continuation of Project

Substantial completion of the required computations or data analysis for the research project selected.

1-9 units, Win (Staff)

PHYSICS 169C. Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Completion of Project

Completion of research and writing of a paper presenting methods used and results.

1-9 units, Spr (Staff)

PHYSICS 170. Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics

4 units, Aut (Goldhaber-Gordon, D)

PHYSICS 171. Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics

The derivation of laws of thermodynamics from basic postulates; the determination of the relationship between atomic substructure and macroscopic behavior of matter. Temperature; equations of state, heat, internal energy; entropy; reversibility; applications to various properties of matter; absolute zero and low-temperature phenomena. Distribution functions, transport phenomena, fluctuations, equilibrium between phases, phase changes, the partition function for classical and quantum systems, Bose-Einstein condensation, and the electron gas. Cooperative phenomena including ferromagnetism, the Ising model, and lattice gas. Irreversible processes. Corequisite: 131.

4 units, Win (Zhang, S)

PHYSICS 172. Solid State Physics

Crystal structures and bonding in solids. X-ray diffraction. Lattice dynamics and thermal properties. Electronic structure of solids; transport properties of metals; quantum oscillations; charge density waves. Properties and applications of semiconductors. Phenomenology and microscopic theory of superconductivity. Prerequisites: 170, 171.

3 units, Spr (Manoharan, H)

PHYSICS 173B. Concepts in Condensed Matter Physics

Focus is on simple, archetypical examples. Topics include interaction and correlation, emergent order and symmetry breaking, new states of matter, pattern formation, and nonlinear dynamics in material systems. Prerequisite: introductory solid state or condensed matter physics.

1 unit, not given this year

PHYSICS 190. Independent Study

1-9 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

PHYSICS 204A. Seminar in Theoretical Physics

Topics of recent interest may include cosmology, black hole physics, and strong-weak coupling duality transformations.

3 units, Aut (Laughlin, R)

PHYSICS 204B. Seminar in Theoretical Physics

Topics including quantum computing, Berry phase, and quantum Hall effect.

3 units, Win (Doniach, S)

PHYSICS 205. Undergraduate Honors Research

Experimental or theoretical project and thesis in Physics under supervision of a faculty member. Planning of the thesis project should begin no later than middle of the junior year. Successful completion of an honors thesis leads to graduation with departmental honors. Prerequisites: superior work in Physics as an undergraduate major and approval of the honors adviser.

1-12 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

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Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

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Undergraduate courses in Physics