Welcome to the Department of Physics at California State University Hayward. This page is your link to current information about the CSUH Physics Department's courses of study and faculty and student research opportunities.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S.DEGREE IN PHYSICS
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN PHYSICS
SINGLE SUBJECT PREPARATION PROGRAM IN PHYSICS
GENERAL EDUCATION PHYSICS COURSES
LOWER-DIVISION PHYSICS COURSES FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
UPPER-DIVISION PHYSICS COURSES
ABOUT THE FACULTY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MODELS
California State University, Hayward occupies 342 acres in the Hayward hills, affording a panoramic view of nearly the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Cal State Hayward's proximity to the major Bay Area cities provides unique cultural opportunities including museums, art galleries, aquariums, planetariums, plays, musicals, sports events, and concerts. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Sierra Nevada Mountains offers recreational diversion as well as excellent natural laboratories for educational studies. The nine major buildings contain 150 classrooms and teaching laboratories, 177 specialized instructional rooms, numerous student oriented computer labs and a library which contains a collection of over one million items accessible through HAYSTAC, its on-line catalog.
The university has an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students with 600 faculty. CSUH is organized into four schools: Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences; Business and Economics; Education and Allied Studies; and Science. The University offers bachelor's degrees in 41 fields and master's degrees in 25 (in addition to Special Majors). Other programs lead to teaching, specialist, pupil personnel services, and administrative services credentials. CSUH also operates the Contra Costa Campus, a branch center in Concord, which provides full instructional support for over 2,500 upper division and graduate students.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree program that is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamentals of physics in concepts of classical mechanics, wave motion and sound, heat and thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and elementary particles and their interactions. The B.S. degree major in physics provides excellent preparation for graduate study, employment involving applied and/or basic research, high school teaching, and jobs that demand skill in analysis and problem-solving. Ideas of physics are presented in an exciting way, and needed skills in analysis and problem-solving are developed gradually with increasing depth. The department is committed to providing an appropriate physical science background, consistent with the National and State physical science guide lines, for prospective physics and physical science teachers.
With our relatively small classes and emphasis on teaching, students obtain a considerable amount of individualized instruction. Students get to know their professors and each other in a pleasant and supportive environment. In addition, teaching is the major emphasis for the faculty, and research conducted by faculty members often involves student participation. Hands-on experience is a central theme of our program; a full range of equipment including microcomputers exists in the department for use in laboratory experiments and classroom demonstrations. Upper division students use modern equipment to conduct exercises in such areas as fiber optics, atomic and molecular spectra, the Zeeman effect, Compton scattering, the Hall effect, the Franck-Hertz experiment, laser and gamma-ray spectra, and laser cooling and trapping of atoms.
In physics, one attempts to discover, formulate, explain, and apply the basic laws of nature. The landscape is wide and the view is exciting. One could be a physicist and work in areas as diverse as special and general relativity, astrophysics and cosmology, properties of materials, or the standard model of fundamental particles and their interactions.
Principles of physics provide the foundation for other sciences as well as engineering. Modern technology has developed from the application of physical principles. Some examples are radio and television, computers, communication by fiber optics, the development of new materials, laser scanners, and high temperature superconductors. Also, physicists explore problems in theories for the origin and evolution of the universe.
Physicists work on basic and applied research problems; as teachers in secondary schools, community colleges, and in colleges and universities; and in management and administration. Physics majors can apply their skills in problem-solving in a wide range of fields.
The B.S. degree in physics is the minimum requirement for entering physics and physics related career fields, secondary school teaching, and graduate schools in physics. The M.S. degree in physics is normally needed for many research jobs and for community college instructors. The Ph.D. degree in physics is normally required for college and university teaching, a principal investigator in research facilities and for program administration.
Lower Division Requirements - 42 units
PHYS 1001,2,3 General Physics (5,5,5)
CHEM 1101,2,3 General Chemistry (5,5,5)
MATH 1304,1305,2304 Calculus I,II,III (4,4,4)
Upper Division Requirements - 55 units
MATH 3331 Differential Equations (4)
PHYS 3101,2 Analytic Mechanics I,II (4,4)
PHYS 3180 Computational Physics (4)
PHYS 3250 Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 3280 Electronics (4)
PHYS 3281,2 Experimental Physics I,II (4,4)
PHYS 3301,2 Quantum Mechanics I,II (4,4)
PHYS 4001,2 Electromagnetism I,II (4,4)
PHYS 4150 Statistical Mechanics (4)
PHYS 4250 Selected Topics (1,1,1)
FALL WINTER SPRING
FIRST YEAR
| ENGL 1001 (4) | SPCH 1000 (4) | PHIL 1001 (4) |
| Frosh Skills Activity (1) | Frosh Skills Activity (1) | Frosh Skills Activity (1) |
| Information Literacy (1) | Biol 1001 (4) | |
| MATH 1304 (4) | MATH 1305 (4) | MATH 2304 (4) |
| PHYS 1001 (5) ) | PHYS 1002 (5 | PHYS 1003 (5) |
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Humanities Cluster (4) | Humanities Cluster (4) | Humanities Cluster (4) |
| Social Science Cluster (4) | Social Science Cluster (4) | Social Science Cluster (4) |
| CHEM 1101 (5) | CHEM 1102 (5) | CHEM 1103 (5) |
| MATH 3331 (4) | PHYS 3101 (4) | PHYS 3102 (4) |
| THIRD YEAR | ||
| Upper-Div Humanities (4) | ENGL 1002 (4) | Upper-Div Social Sci (4) |
| HIST 1101 (4) | HIST 1102 (4) | Performing Arts & Ac (4) |
| PHYS 3250 (4) | PHYS 3301 (4) | PHYS 3302 (4) |
| PHYS 3280 (4) | PHYS 3281 (4) | PHYS 3282 (4) |
| FOURTH YEAR | ||
| Capstone Course (4) | ||
| PHYS 3180 (4) | ||
| PHYS 4001 (4) | PHYS 4002 (4) | PHYS 4150 (4) |
| PHYS 4250 (1) | PHYS 4250 (1) | PHYS 4250 (1) |
| Free Elective (5) | Free Elective (8) | Free Elective (4) |
The minor in physics is designed to provide a general background in physics for students majoring in other areas. It is of particular value to students majoring in such sciences as biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, and mathematics. Also, a minor in physics will broaden students' understanding of physical science and will expand employment opportunities, including teaching at the secondary school level.
Lower Division Requirements - 27 units
MATH 1304,1305,2304 Calculus I,II,III (4,4,4)
PHYS 1001,2,3 General Physics (5,5,5)
(With departmental approval, PHYS 2701,2,3 may be substituted for PHYS 1001,2,3)
Upper Division Requirements - 20 units
MATH 3331 Differential Equations (4)
PHYS 3101 Analytic Mechanics I (4)
PHYS 3180 Computational Physics (4)
PHYS 3250 Modern Physics (4)
At least one upper-division physics course (4)
The single subject credential with a concentration in physics authorizes one to teach physical science and physics. This credential is required for high school teaching positions as well as some middle school positions and a few elementary positions. The breath and concentration requirements for this option are as follows.
Breath Requirements - 60 units
BIOL 1301,2,3 Foundations of Biological Sciences (5,5,5)
CHEM 1101,2,3 General Chemistry (5,5,5)
GEOL 1001 Introduction to the Earth Sciences (4)
GEOL 1002 Environmental Geology Laboratory (2)
MATH 1304 Calculus I (4)
PHYS 1001,2,3 General Physics (5,5,5)
PHYS 3800 Achievements of Women in Science
PHIL 3335 Science, Technology and Values (4)
Concentration Requirements - 44 units
MATH 1305,2304 Calculus II,III (4,4)
MATH 3331 Differential Equations (4)
PHYS 3101 Analytic Mechanics I (4)
PHYS 3180 Computational Physics (4)
PHYS 3250 Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 3280 Electronics (4)
PHYS 3281 Experimental Physics I (4)
PHYS 3301 Quantum Mechanics I (4)
PHYS 4001 Electromagnetism I (4)
PHYS 4150 Statistical Mechanics (4)
Courses in this Section are designed to satisfy General Education requirements for non-science majors. BIOL 1005 (How the Human Body Works), GEOL 1001 (Introduction to Earth Science), and PHYS 1500 (How Things Work) form a science cluster. Also, BIOL 1003 (Evolution of Life), GEOL 1001 (Introduction to Earth Science), and PHYS 1600 (Evolution of the Universe) form a science cluster.
1500 How Things Work (4)
1600 Evolution of the Universe (4)
A descriptive course covering how the universe evolved from the Big Bang to the present.
Models of events for the formation of the universe, our solar system, and earth are
discussed. Not for major credit. (F)
1700 Elementary Physics (4)
A descriptive survey of the basic physical laws of nature with emphasis on the origin,
meaning, significance, and limitations of these laws. Topical areas include mechanics,
wave motion, electricity and magnetism, heat and thermodynamics, relativity, quantum
theory, and elementary particle theory. Not for major credit. (A)
1780 Elementary Physics Laboratory (1)
A lab designed to accompany PHYS 1700 and to introduce students to some equipment used in
physics. The experiments are hands-on activities in mechanics, wave motion and sound,
temperature and heat, electricity, light, and radioactivity. Not for major credit. Three
hrs. lab. (A)
1800 Astronomy (4)
A descriptive survey of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Emphasis is on the
physical nature and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets. Not for major credit. (A)
1880 Astronomy Laboratory (1)
A lab designed to accompany PHYS 1800 and PHYS 3700. Experiments are hands-on activities
involving positions and motions of the moon, planets, and stars. Some night observations
are included. Not for major credit. Three hrs. lab. (A)
3700 The Big Bang & Other Cosmologies (4)
A descriptive course on the origin and evolution of the universe, cosmological models, and
current theories of the universe. Discussions of stellar and galactic origin and
evolution, the early universe, stellar energy, open and closed universes, and the search
for extraterrestrial life are included. Not for major credit. (A)
3800 Achievements of Women in Science (4)
Historical and contemporary analysis of the achievements, lives, influences, experiences,
attitudes, and status of women in science and mathematics with special emphasis on the
role of education, mentoring, family, and the media. Not for major credit. Cross-listed
with BIOL, CHEM, and GEOL.
1001, 1002, 1003 General Physics (5 each)
[CAN PHYS SEQ B = 1001, 1002, 1003]
All major fields of physics are covered in this sequence. This sequence is designed for
chemistry (B.S.), engineering, geology (B.S.), physics, and physical science majors. MATH
1304,1305,2304 are prerequisites or corequisites. Each course is a prerequisite of the one
following. Four hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab, each (1001: F; 1002: W; 1003: Sp)
1001 Newtonian Mechanics and Oscillations
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1304.
1002 Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
Prerequisites: PHYS 1001. Prerequisite or corequisite MATH 1305.
1003 Optics and Modern Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS 1002. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2304.
2701, 2702, 2703 Introductory Physics (4 each)
[CAN PHYS SEQ A = 2701, 2702, 2703]
A three-quarter sequence covering all the major fields of physics, designed primarily for
students taking the B.S. in biological sciences (including pre-professional students),
B.A. in chemistry, and B.S. or B.A. in geology or for students desiring a good foundation
in physics. A knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. Three hrs. lect., 3 hrs.
lab., each. (2701: F,W; 2702: W, Sp; 2703: Sp, Su)
2701 Force, Mass and Motion
Prerequisite: Trigonometry or MATH 1300.
2702 Heat, Sound, Electricity and Magnetism
Prerequisite: PHYS 2701.
2703 Light and Modern Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS 2702.
3101 Analytic Mechanics I (4)
An intermediate introduction to Newtonian and advanced mechanics with applications to
conservation laws, conservative and non-conservative systems, the central force problem,
Kepler's laws of planetary motion, and two-particle collisions. Prerequisite: PHYS 1003;
Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 3331. Four hrs. lect. (F)
3102 Analytic Mechanics II (4)
Further study in mechanics with applications to small oscillations, the linear harmonic
oscillator, anharmonic oscillators, coupled oscillators and normal modes, mechanical wave
motion, and fluids. Prerequisites: PHYS 3101 and MATH 3331. Four hrs. lect. (W)
3180 Computational Physics (4)
Computer simulation methods applied to the physics of particles, fields, and waves.
Computer interfacing and data acquisition techniques are introduced. Prerequisite: PHYS
1003; Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 3331. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (Sp)
3250 Modern Physics (4)
An introduction to relativity, quantum nature of radiation, wave properties of particles,
atomic and nuclear physics, and elementary particles. Prerequisites: PHYS 1003;
Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 3331. Four hrs. lect. (F)
3280 Electronics (4)
Discussions and exercises involving analog and digital devices and circuits with emphasis
on developing familiarity with instrumentation circuits are included. Diodes, transistors,
linear amplifiers and logic devices are included. Circuits include optical, thermal, and
acoustic transducers as detectors in sensor circuits. Prerequisite: PHYS 1003 or consent
of instructor. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (F)
3281 Experimental Physics I (4)
Laboratory safety, research literature, written and oral reports, experimental design, and
statistical treatment of experimental data are included. Microcomputer interfacing and
data acquisition are introduced and used. Experiments involving transmission lines and
electromagnetism, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter, and nuclear physics with
emphasis on spectroscopy are included. Prerequisites: PHYS 3250 and 3280. Two hrs. lect.,
6 hrs. lab. (W)
3282 Experimental Physics II (4)
Further study in experimental physics. Experiments involving transmission lines and
electromagnetism, atomic physics, molecular physics, condensed matter, and nuclear physics
with emphasis on spectroscopy are included. Prerequisites: PHYS 3180, 3250, and 3280; PHYS
3281 is recommended. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (Sp)
3301 Quantum Mechanics I (4)
An introduction to quantum mechanics including a treatment of the Schro..dinger wave
equation, constant potential problems in one-and three-dimensions, and the linear harmonic
oscillator. Prerequisite: PHYS 3250; Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 3331. Four hrs.
lect. (W)
3302 Quantum Mechanics II (4)
Further study in quantum mechanics including a treatment of angular momentum, hydrogen
atom, and approximation methods. Prerequisites: PHYS 3102, 3180 and, 3301; MATH 3331. Four
hrs. lect. (Sp)
3898 Cooperative Education (1-4)
Supervised work experience in which student completes academic assignments integrated with
off-campus paid or volunteer activities. May be repeated for up to 8 units. A maximum of 4
units will be accepted toward the physics major; a maximum of 2 units will be accepted
toward the minor. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: at least a 2.0 GPA; departmental approval of
activity.
4001 Electromagnetism I (4)
An intermediate treatment of electricity and magnetism including electrostatics, currents,
magnetism and electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 1003;
Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 3331. Four hrs. lect. (F)
4002 Electromagnetism II (4)
Further development of electromagnetism based on Maxwell's equations; topics include ac
circuity, special relativity in electromagnetism, electromagnetic waves and wave guides,
and radiation from charges and antennae. Prerequisites: PHYS 3180, and 4001; MATH 3331.
Four hrs. lect. (W)
4150 Statistical Mechanics (4)
Applications of the laws of thermodynamics and distribution laws using a unified approach
to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are treated. Topics include an introduction to
the methods of classical and quantum statistical mechanics with applications to ideal and
real gases, solids, photon gas, Boson gas, Fermion gas, and critical phenomena.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3301. Four hrs. lect. (Sp)
4250 Selected Topics (1)
The study of an area of physics that is not normally available in other courses and/or an
extension of topics covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit with different
topics. Prerequisite: senior standing in physics. One hr. lect. (F,W,Sp)
4900 Independent Study (1-4)
Physics faculty members are well versed (a) in content (the big picture and recognize when a student's conceptual knowledge is incomplete or inconsistent with scientific concepts), (b) in learning mechanisms and student thinking, and (c) in instructional strategies (approaches for encouraging and monitoring the conceptual understanding students possess and approaches for integrating conceptual knowledge into instruction about problem solving).
The transmission and constructive models are the two prevailing modes of instruction discussed in the literature. Transmission model of instruction involves students being exposed to content through lectures, presentations, readings, and problem solving. Students are them tested to determine how much they absorb.
The constructive model of instruction involves recognizing that a student's prior or existing knowledge affects how they interpret new knowledge. This prior or initial knowledge is a set of beliefs and intuitions about physical phenomena that is derived from personal experiences (often called common sense). This common sense theory about Nature is often incompatible with physics instruction. In this connection, hands-on and applied type activities with the teacher serving as the facilitator is ideal for this mode of instruction.
Problem solving promotes higher-order thinking about the subject and is the heart of the work of a physicist. Information Processing and Constructive Solution are two important approaches to problem solving are discussed in the literature.
A. Information Processing ( summarized by F. Reif, et al; AJP 1976) - The basic idea here is that a problem-solving strategy needs to be taught explicitly. The following four steps are highly recommended.
1. Description: List explicitly the given and
desired information; draw a diagram of the situation
(formulation of the problem).
2. Planning: Select the basic relations pertinent
to solving the problem and outline how they are to be
used (classification of the problem).
3. Implementation: Execute the preceding plan by
doing all necessary calculations
(produces a solution of the problem).
4. Checking: Check that each of the proceeding
steps was valid and that the final answer makes sense
(verification of solution).
B. Constructing Solutions (Jean Piaget) - The basic idea here is to focus on internal mental processes by which strategies of problem solving are constructed and how these strategies are changed as one grows and learns. This model asserts that the time when we are most likely to develop new understanding and new strategies is when our present experiences do not fit our mental preconceptions. The main idea is that physics teachers need to provide concrete experiences for students to analyze. Students need to be puzzled by their own experiences and not by verbal explanations given by a teacher to develop reasoning. Classroom activities and laboratory exercises need to be designed to be puzzling to students.
At CSUH, physics faculty members use a variable instructional and problem solving mode that combines the best features of the two models discussed. This variable mode is designed to fit the needs of students in the classroom.
Bensky, Thomas J., Ph.D. (University of Virginia)
Office: South Science Building, Room S251
Phone: 510-885-3488 Fax: 510-885-4803
e-mail:
Good, Robert H., Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley)
Office: South Science Building, Room S251
Phone: 510-885-3488 Fax: 510-885-4803
e-mail: rgood@csuhayward.edu
Author of scholarly papers in high-energy physics and a short book in relativity. Author of a recently published textbook, Classical Electromagnetism (Saunders College Publishing). Expert on computer simulation of problems in physics and on computer-assisted experimentation. Winner of National AAPT awards in computer simulations and films. Current focus is on electromagnetism and computer simulations of problems in physics.
Harper, Charlie, Ph.D. (Howard University)
Office: North Science Building, Room N231
Phone: 510-885-3401 Fax: 510-885-4803
e-mail: charper@csuhayward.edu
Author of scholarly works in statistical mechanics; author of a textbook on mathematical physics; author of recent papers on Analytic Methods and Special Functions in the Encyclopedia of Applied Physics (VCH Publishers, Inc.). Grants funded by NSF, DOE, and local school districts for outreach programs to improve the teaching and learning of math and science. Current focus is on problems in quantum statistics and analytic methods in physics.
Preston, Daryl W., Ph.D. (University of Kansas)
Phone: 510-885-3451 Fax: 510-885-4803
Office: North Science Building, Room N232
e-mail: dpreston@csuhayward.edu
Winner of the Pi Kappa Delta Best Faculty Lecturer Award. Research in electron spin resonance. Author of two laboratory manuals for general physics. Author of an upper-division textbook on experimental physics, Art of Experimental Physics (John Wiley & Sons Publishing Company, Inc.). APS Fellow. Grants funded by NSF for workshop in upper-division experimental physics for faculty from around the Nation. Current focus is on upper-division experimental physics including laser cooling and trapping of atoms.
Weston, Gary S., Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles)
Office: North Science Building, Room N252
Phone: 510-885-3448 Fax: 510-885-4803
e-mail: gweston@csuhayward.edu
Author of scholarly papers in experimental nuclear physics and Hadamard transform spectroscopy; author of a departmental astronomy laboratory manual. Grant funded by WestEd, an In-service science enrichment for local Area elementary school teachers. Current interest in gamma ray astrophysics and science education.