Physics and Astronomy

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www.cpp.edu/~sci/physics-astronomy/

Hector C. Mireles, Chair

Medical-breakthrough laser treatments, extrasolar planets and severe climate changes make front-page news every day. Understanding these complex problems with scientific reasoning and problem solving skills are needed in today’s job market.

Cal Poly Pomona’s Physics and Astronomy department explores the fundamental properties of matter and energy, and teaches concepts to understand and appreciate any observed phenomenon. Our curriculum explores the interactions of matter and energy at the deepest levels, from the subatomic to the cosmic.

Our majors learn principles of physics through a curriculum that builds strong quantitative and analytical skills and offers many opportunities for undergraduate research. Students may explore interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics, astrophysics, optics, computational physics and materials science. Physics majors enjoy relatively small upper division classes spanning experimental and theoretical aspects of classical and modern physics. Students engage in cutting-edge research, working closely with faculty in such fields as biophysics, optics, plasma physics, physics education research, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy prepares students for a variety of career paths, including graduate programs in physics, astronomy, engineering and related fields; teacher certification; and research jobs in industry, government, and at national laboratories.

According to the American Institute of Physics (AIP), our department is ranked in the top 1% nationally for number of B.S. degrees in physics, and we are ranked third nationally for number of physics graduates from underrepresented minority groups.

Physics majors who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement have the opportunity to join the honorary society, Sigma Pi Sigma. Additional information concerning membership can be obtained from the Physics and Astronomy Department.

For those planning a career as a secondary science teacher (either middle school or high school), a Single Subject Credential in science is required. Before entering into a single subject credential program, students must demonstrate subject matter competency by either passing the appropriate state-approved examination (CSET) or completing a state-approved subject matter preparation program in Physics. Prospective teachers are encouraged to contact the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (CEMaST) early in their academic programs at cemast@cpp.edu or 909-869-4063.

Programs

• Physics, B.S.: 180 units

• Astronomy Minor
• Biophysics Minor
• Physics Minor

Courses

The quarters in which particular courses are offered are indicated by the F, W, Sp, Su notations. If a course is not given each year, an indication of its offering in odd or even years is given.

• PHY 102 - Fundamentals of Physics (4)
• PHY 105/105L - Physics of Musical Sound (3/1)
• PHY 121 - College Physics (3)
• PHY 121L - College Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 122 - College Physics (3)
• PHY 122L - College Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 123 - College Physics (3)
• PHY 123L - College Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 131 - General Physics (3)
• PHY 131A - General Physics Recitation (1)
• PHY 131L - General Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 132 - General Physics (3)
• PHY 132A - General Physics Recitation (1)
• PHY 132L - General Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 133 - General Physics (3)
• PHY 133A - General Physics Recitation (1)
• PHY 133L - General Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 200 - Special Study for Lower Division Students (1-2)
• PHY 234 - Introduction to Electromagnetic Radiation and Special Relativity (3)
• PHY 234A - Electromagnetism and Special Relativity Recitation (1)
• PHY 234L - Introductory Laboratory on Electromagnetic Radiation and Special Relativity (1)
• PHY 235 - Introduction to Quantum Physics (3)
• PHY 235A - Quantum Physics Recitation (1)
• PHY 235L - Introductory Laboratory on Quantum Physics (1)
• PHY 299/299A/299L - Special Topics for Lower Division Students (1-4/1-4/1-4)
• PHY 301 - Energy and Society (4)
• PHY 302 - Physics of Everyday Experience (4)
• PHY 303 - The Universe in Ten Weeks (4)
• PHY 304/304L - Electronics for Scientists (3/1)
• PHY 306 - History of Physics (4)
• PHY 307/307L - Introduction to Global Geophysics (3/1)
• PHY 308 - Fundamentals of Mathematical Physics (4)
• PHY 309 - Fundamentals of Mathematical Physics (4)
• PHY 310 - Fundamentals of Mathematical Physics (4)
• PHY 314 - Physics of Electric and Magnetic Phenomena (4)
• PHY 315 - Physics of Electric and Magnetic Phenomena (4)
• PHY 321 - Mechanics (4)
• PHY 322 - Mechanics (4)
• PHY 333 - Thermal Physics (4)
• PHY 344 - Applied Optics (4)
• PHY 400 - Special Study for Upper Division Students (1-2)
• PHY 401 - Quantum Mechanics (4)
• PHY 402 - Quantum Mechanics (4)
• PHY 403 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (4)
• PHY 404 - Introduction to High Energy Physics (4)
• PHY 406 - Solid State Physics (4)
• PHY 407 - Statistical Physics (4)
• PHY 409 - Computational Physics (4)
• PHY 410 - Biophysics (4)
• PHY 417 - Optics (3)
• PHY 417L - Optics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 420 - Acoustics (4)
• PHY 422 - Plasma Physics (4)
• PHY 424 - Astrophysics (4)
• PHY 425 - Space Physics (4)
• PHY 426 - Relativity, Gravity and Black Holes (4)
• PHY 430L - Advanced Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 431L - Solid State Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 432L - Nuclear Physics Laboratory (1)
• PHY 441 - Internship in Physics (2)
• PHY 461 - Senior Project (2)
• PHY 462 - Senior Project (2)
• PHY 463 - Undergraduate Seminar (2)
• PHY 499/499A/499L - Special Topics for Upper Division Students (1-4/1-4/1-4)
• PHY 550 - Seminar in Physics (1-3)

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