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PHIL 204 - Philosophy of Science
Unit(s): 4
A critical examination of conflicting interpretations of scientific practice. Major issues include the nature of scientific explanation, the development of instrumentation and experimental techniques, how scientific knowledge is validated, whether theories are to be interpreted as literally true or as instrumentally adequate, scientific revolutions, and the rationality of science. Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 205 - Philosophy of Biology
Unit(s): 4
This course engages in a philosophical reflection of evolutionary theory and the theory of the gene. Among questions we will address are: Why is intelligent design not as good of a theory of species origin as evolution? Is it possible to hold a rational belief in Christianity and in evolutionary theory? Do genes determine human behavior? Does biology just reduce to chemistry and physics? Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 209 - Aesthetics
Unit(s): 4
Traditional and contemporary theories of art and aesthetic experience; a study of selected problems in philosophy of art. Offered every semester to students in the Art & Architecture and Performing Arts & Social Justice majors.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 211 - Ancient Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course studies texts in ancient philosophy, from the Presocratics to Hellenistic philosophy, and has a special focus on the writings of Plato and Aristotle. Offered intermittently.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 220 - Asian Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course examines the historical development and contemporary debates of some of the main philosophical traditions of Asia. The topics include metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions raised in Hindu, Buddhist, Daoist and Confucianist philosophies. References will also be made to the larger cultural and political issues that are relevant in these traditions today. Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 230 - Philosophy of Human Person
Unit(s): 4
This course is oriented around the questions “What am I?” and “How should I live?” and explores the answers that both historical and contemporary philosophers have given. Topics include the immortality and nature of the soul, death, the distinction between body and mind, the relational and social aspects of the self, free will, the nature of emotion, and the goals of human life. Offered every seme
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 231 - African Amer Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course surveys classic and contemporary African American philosophy, and includes such figures as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Angela Davis, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Frantz Fanon. It considers the relation of this work to major topics of Western philosophy, from the social contract theory to existentialism to cosmopolitanism. Starting from the lived experiences of blacks in the New and Old World, this course takes up key issues and problems in the history of the modern world: theories of nationalism, identity, solidarity, and responses to injustice and domination.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 240 - Ethics
Unit(s): 4
This course critically analyzes ethical arguments and various positions on contemporary ethical issues. The course will be composed of three focus areas: Ethical Theory, Social Issues, and Ethics of Everyday life. Approximately one-third of the course will be devoted to each area. Some sections focus on more specific ethical issues, such as Business Issues, Environmental Issues, Bio-medical Issues, and Legal Issues, and are so designated in the Course Schedule. Offered every semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 241 - Ethics: Service Learning
Unit(s): 4
This course critically analyzes ethical arguments and various positions on contemporary ethical issues. The Service Learning component provides concrete experience as students work with organizations dedicated to ameliorating the causes and effects of poverty, racism, gender inequality, and other social ills. Offered every semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 242 - Latin American Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course introduces students to the major figures and movements in the five hundred year history of philosophical production in Latin America. Along the way, we will examine many of the major themes in Latin American philosophy: human nature, race and personal identity, knowledge, freedom, liberation, colonialism, and perhaps most significantly, what it means to do philosophy. Offered intermittently.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 244 - Environmental Ethics
Unit(s): 4
This course critically analyzes ethical arguments and various positions on contemporary environmental issues. Offered every semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 251 - Mind, Freedom & Knowledge
Unit(s): 4
An examination of three central questions in philosophy: What is the nature of the mind? Do we have free will? How can we know anything at all? Texts by current and historical philosophers. Offered every semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 252 - Plato
Unit(s): 4
Alfred North Whitehead famously said that all Western Philosophy was ‘a footnote to Plato.’ He introduces most of its important questions, and many of his answers to them are still being debated. What is courage, friendship, virtue? Can the latter be taught? What is justice and the most just state? Can it realistically be achieved, and, if so, how? Is the truth of all values and statements relative to the ones who holds them or is there an objective standard by which these should be judged? If so, what is it? We will examine these and other questions through an investigation and discussion of Plato’s dialogues. Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 253 - Problems in Democracy
Unit(s): 4
This course is a critical inquiry into the nature of democracy. In reading classical, modern, and contemporary theorists of democracy, students formulate and examine problems in governments that are considered democratic. Issues addressed include the relationship between the people and the government, individual and minority rights, multiculturalism, representation, and citizenship.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 256 - Existentialism
Unit(s): 4
This course is an inquiry into the meaning of human existence with particular emphasis on the self. The course encourages inquiry into the meaning of our experience with absurdity, alienation, anxiety, freedom, God, and being. Direction for thinking about these issues is provided by philosophers such as Nietzsche, Sartre, Kierkegaard, Camus, Dostoevsky, and Heidegger. Through reading, discussion, and reflection students come to understand where they believe the meaning of human existence is located. Offered every semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 266 - The Human Animal
Unit(s): 4
By comparing and contrasting animal and human existence, this course seeks to question the boundaries between animal and human existence as well as to discuss the responsibility we might have towards non-human animals. Historically the course covers the philosophers from Ancient Greece (Aristotle), Medieval Philosophy (Aquinas), Modern Philosophy (Descartes and Kant) to contemporary philosophy (Merleau-Ponty, Singer and Nagel). The course includes major philosophical issues such as questions of selfhood, being, rationality, language, as well as moral questions. Offered intermittently.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 275 - Asian Amer Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course examines the nature of self and society within the context of Asian American experience broadly conceived. Western and Asian philosophies will be used to consider such topics as the nature of the examined life, happiness, justice, and social transformation. In addition, various 20th century Asian American issues will be considered, such as race, gender, class, modernity, U.S. imperialism, Asian anti-colonialism, immigration, and citizenship. Offered every year. Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 295 - TYS: Transfer Year Seminars
Unit(s): 4
Transfer Year Seminars (TYS) are designed and taught by faculty who have a special passion for the topic. All TYSeminars are small classes (16 students) that count toward the university Core. Many TYSeminars include enrichment activities such as excursions into the city or guest speakers. TYSeminars are only open to transfer students who are in their first or second semester at USF, and students may only take one TYSeminar, in either Fall or Spring. For a detailed description of this course, and other TYSeminars offered this semester, go to this webpage by cutting and pasting the link: https://myusf.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/first-year-seminars
Prerequisite: TRNS 1XX
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PHIL 310 - Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
This course follows the development of Greek philosophical thought from the Pre-Socratics through the Hellenistic thinkers and then tracks these lines of thought to medieval times. Because of the central importance of their ideas, the writings of Plato and Aristotle will be given special attention. Offered every Fall.
Restriction: Field of Study restricted to Philosophy Major, Philosophy Minor
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PHIL 312 - Modern Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
Revolutionary changes in science and politics from the 16th century onwards reconstituted central issues in what is now called Modern Philosophy. This course focuses on knowledge and political community in the works of Descartes, Hobbes, Hume and Kant, among others. Offered every Spring.
Restriction: Field of Study restricted to Philosophy Major, Philosophy Minor
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PHIL 315 - Ethics for Majors
Unit(s): 4
This is an ethics course for majors and minors in philosophy. It provides a foundation and orientation for their other electives in this area and a common set of reference terms. It addresses central ethical issues through consideration of historical and contemporary philosophers. Offered every Spring.
Restriction: Field of Study restricted to Philosophy Major, Philosophy Minor
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PHIL 316 - Philosophy of Knowledge
Unit(s): 4
A seminar study of classical and contemporary theories of knowledge. Topics include the nature of knowledge, skepticism, perception, theories of justification, a priori knowledge, theories of truth, with close attention given to moderate realism and its relation to contemporary epistemology. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 317 - Philosophy of Emotion
Unit(s): 4
This course examines the nature, value, and complexity of emotion. Topics may include: the relation between emotion and reason, the justifiability of negative emotions, the relation between emotion and social practices, and the roles of philosophy and science in the study of emotion. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 319 - Logic
Unit(s): 4
This course emphasizes contemporary symbolic logic. We will study deductive logical systems and learn how to evaluate arguments with both truth-tables and proofs in propositional and predicate logic. We will also learn how to translate ordinary language arguments into a formal symbolic language and back again. Offered every year.
Restriction: Field of Study restricted to Philosophy Major, Philosophy Minor
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PHIL 322 - Modal Logic and Metaphysics
Unit(s): 4
This course is an exploration of the major systems of modal logic for the purpose of studying contemporary topics in analytic metaphysics, such as, but not limited to, ontological arguments for the existence of God, the nature of time, the possibility of time travel, fictional objects, and identity. Offered every other year. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 325 - Metaphysics
Unit(s): 4
A study of metaphysical systems and theories from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. Topics include metaphysical inquiry and method, the nature of metaphysical discourse, representative schools and metaphysical issues, such as being, essence and existence, personhood, knowledge, freedom, and God. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 330 - Philosophy Symposium
Unit(s): 1 or 2
A variable topic course, based on the study of a figure or topic in the history of Philosophy. May be offered in conjunction with SII 330 - St Ignatius Institute Symposium; may be taken repeated times for credit. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 335 - Feminist Thought
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to a variety of feminist theories and approaches with emphasis on the arts, philosophy, politics, and media. Offered every Spring. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
Restriction: Class restricted to Junior and Senior
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PHIL 339 - Moral Psychology
Unit(s): 4
This course focuses on the psychological states and social conditions involved in moral judgment, practices, and attitudes. Topics may include moral motivation, praise and blame, the nature of moral reasons, the nature of the virtues (and whether we have them), and forms of agency (such as childhood, psychopathy, and autism) that cast light on the cognitive and affective structure of moral judgments, reactions, and practices. Readings may be historical or contemporary. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 362 - Philosophy of Mind
Unit(s): 4
This course is a survey of philosophical accounts of the nature of the mind, including both historical and contemporary analyses. Special topics will be explored as well, and they may include: artificial intelligence, consciousness, intentionality, emotion, and the role of philosophy in the science of the mind. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 372 - Philosophy of Law
Unit(s): 4
A study of classic and contemporary texts dealing with different theories of the nature of law and the meaning of related concepts such as justice, authority, and legal obligation. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 373 - Cont. Ethical Problems
Unit(s): 4
An in-depth study of a selection of contemporary normative and meta-ethical issues. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 377 - Philosophy and Literature
Unit(s): 4
This variable topics course is a study of the philosophical significance of one or more writers of fiction. It may focus on a genre, period, or specific figure. Readings will be juxtaposed with relevant texts from the traditionof philosophy. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 380 - Special Topics in Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
A variable topics course based on the research or teaching interests of individual faculty. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 381 - Adv Social & Political Phil
Unit(s): 4
This course is a philosophical exploration of four interrelated concepts: equality, justice, rights, and authority. It will examine their various meanings and the reasons given to support the values they represent. It will also demonstrate the prominent roles they play in a number of contemporary ethical and political debates. These concepts are usually understood and applied in national contexts, but debates about their role in international contexts may also be explored. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 398 - Senior Thesis
Unit(s): 1 to 2
The senior thesis is an elective for students wishing to work in depth on a research paper of significant. Approval by a faculty member, who will serve as the senior thesis advisor, is required. With permission, students may also work with alternative media. Students will work on the thesis during their final year at USF.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 399 - Dir Reading & Research
Unit(s): 1 to 6
Written permission of the instructor, department chair, and dean is required. Offered as needed. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 402 - Phenomenology
Unit(s): 4
This course focuses on the challenge to Enlightenment rationality mounted by contemporary phenomenologists such as Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty. Through close readings and discussions of primary texts, students will learn to both understand phenomenological texts as well as conduct phenomenological analyses. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 403 - Pragmatism
Unit(s): 4
A study of the classic American Pragmatist philosophies of Charles Sanders Pierce, William James, and John Dewey. Pragmatic strains in earlier and later American philosophy will also be examined. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 405 - Analytic Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
An historical introduction to the analytic tradition in philosophy, with emphasis on its neo-Kantian roots, the critique of traditional philosophy, the influence of science on philosophy and on the relation of philosophy to avant-garde art, and other cultural movements in the 20th century. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 480 - Topics in Contemporary Phil
Unit(s): 4
An intensive study of selected problems in philosophy. Subject matter will vary with instructor. May be repeated for credit each time a different topic is covered. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
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PHIL 482 - Topics in the History of Phil
Unit(s): 4
An intensive study of selected historical philosophers. Subject matter will vary with instructor. May be repeated for credit each time a different topic is covered. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 483 - Topics in Political Philosophy
Unit(s): 4
An intensive study of selected problems in social and political philosophy. Subject matter will vary with instructor. May be repeated for credit each time a different topic is covered. Offered intermittently. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHIL 484 - Topics in Ethics
Unit(s): 4
An intensive study of selected problems in ethics. Subject matter will vary with instructor. May be repeated for credit each time a different topic is covered. Open to non-majors; but does not count as D1 or D3 Core.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 100 - Introductory Physics I
Unit(s): 4
First course of the two-semester introductory sequence of algebra-based physics. Main topics include mechanics of particles and systems of particles, properties of matter, fluids, heat, waves, and sound. Primarily for students majoring in the life sciences. Concurrent lab enrollment required.
Corequisite: PHYS-100L
Restriction: College restrictions exclude School of Management
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PHYS 100L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 100
Corequisite: PHYS-100
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PHYS 101 - Introductory Physics II
Unit(s): 4
Second course of the two-semester introductory sequence of algebra-based physics. Main topics include electricity and magnetism, light, and an overview of modern atomic and subatomic physics. Primarily for students majoring in the life sciences. Concurrent lab enrollment required.
Prerequisite: PHYS 100 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisite: PHYS-101L
Restriction: College restrictions exclude School of Management
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PHYS 101L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 101
Corequisite: PHYS-101
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PHYS 110 - General Physics I
Unit(s): 4
First course of the two-semester introductory sequence of calculus-based physics. Main topics include Newtonian mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid bodies, gravitation, oscillations, and waves. Primarily for students majoring in the physical sciences and mathematics. Concurrent lab enrollment required. • Corequisite: MATH 109
Prerequisite: concurrent MATH 109 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisite: PHYS-110L
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PHYS 110L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 110
Corequisite: PHYS-110
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PHYS 120 - Astronomy: Earth/Cosmos
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to the universe, from the Earth to the most distant galaxies. Main topics include stars, galaxies, and cosmology, in addition to foundational topics such as gravitation, light, and matter. Primarily for non-science majors. Concurrent lab enrollment and observation nights required.
Corequisite: PHYS-120L
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PHYS 120L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 120
Corequisite: PHYS-120
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PHYS 121 - Planetary Astronomy
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to the Solar System and extrasolar planetary systems. Main topics include the Sun; the planets and their moons; comets and asteroids; extrasolar planetary systems; and foundational topics such as gravitation, light, and matter. Primarily for non-science majors. Concurrent lab enrollment and observation nights required.
Corequisite: PHYS-121L
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PHYS 121L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 121
Corequisite: PHYS-121
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PHYS 122 - Geometry of the Cosmos
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to the geometry of the cosmos, centered on black holes and the Big Bang, as described by Einstein’s Universe: general relativity. Problems related to gravitation, space, time, and contemporary astronomy and cosmology are considered. Primarily for non-science majors.
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PHYS 130 - Concepts in Physics
Unit(s): 4
A mostly conceptual introduction to the principles and applications of physics. Main topics include the laws of motion, conservation principles, gravitation, and the properties of matter, light, and sound. Primarily for students majoring in Architecture and Community Design. Concurrent lab enrollment required.
Prerequisite: MATH 107
Corequisite: PHYS-130L
Restriction: Field of study restricted to Architecture & Community Dsgn Major
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PHYS 130L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 130
Corequisite: PHYS-130
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PHYS 135 - Masterpiece Physics
Unit(s): 4
Within a background of artistic masterpieces, this course explores sound, light, color, and how the brain perceives them. Special topics include musical instruments, photographic cameras, and paintings; and the mathematical structures within pieces of artistic expression. Concurrent lab enrollment required.
Corequisite: PHYS-135L
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PHYS 135L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 135
Corequisite: PHYS-135
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PHYS 195 - FYS: First-Year Seminar
Unit(s): 4
First Year Seminars are designed and taught by faculty who have a special passion for the topic. All FYSeminars are small classes (16 students) that count toward the university Core. Many FYSeminars include enrichment activities such as excursions into the city or guest speakers. FYSeminars are only open to students in their first or second semester at USF, and students may only take one FYS, in either Fall or Spring. For a detailed description of this course, and other FYSeminars this semester, go to this webpage by cutting and pasting the link: https://myusf.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/first-year-seminars
Restriction: Class restricted to Freshman
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PHYS 201 - Physics by Inquiry
Unit(s): 4
A step-by-step introduction to physics and the physical sciences. Starting from their own observations, students develop basic physical concepts, use and interpret different forms of scientific representations, and construct explanatory models with predictive capability.
Corequisite: PHYS-201L
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PHYS 201L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 201
Corequisite: PHYS-201
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PHYS 210 - General Physics II
Unit(s): 4
Second course of the two-semester introductory sequence of calculus-based physics. Main topics include electromagnetism (electric fields, electric currents, circuits, magnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations, and electromagnetic waves) and thermodynamics (heat and the laws of thermodynamics). Primarily for students majoring in the physical sciences and mathematics. Concurrent lab enrollment required.
Prerequisite: MATH 109 with a minimum grade of C and PHYS 110 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C
Corequisite: PHYS-210L
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PHYS 210L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 210
Corequisite: PHYS-210
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PHYS 221 - Ancient Astronomy
Unit(s): 4
Course topics will focus on the historical development of astronomy, including the astronomy and cosmology of ancient cultures and peoples, the role and contributions of Jesuit astronomers and the Jesuit scientific tradition, and, the development of modern cosmology through the scientific revolution. Material will include the discoveries and cosmologies of various Native American, Hawaiian and indigenous peoples, central/south American and Middle Eastern cultures, as well as the Indian and Chinese cultures. This class is designed to be an introductory astronomy course open to any student at USF.
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PHYS 240 - Modern Physics
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to relativistic and quantum physics. Topics include special and general relativity, and the experimental and theoretical basis of quantum physics (with emphasis on Schrodinger quantum mechanics). Applications are drawn from atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear, and particle physics. Primarily for students majoring in the physical sciences and mathematics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 210 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 261 - Electronics
Unit(s): 4
This course provides an introduction to methods of electronics measurements, particularly the application of oscilloscopes and computer-based data acquisition. Topics covered include diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, filters, transducers, and integrated circuits. Emphasis is placed on practical knowledge, including prototyping, troubleshooting, and laboratory notebook style.
Prerequisite: PHYS 210
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PHYS 262 - Intro to Digital Electronics
Unit(s): 4
PHYS 262 - Introduction to Digital Electronics (4) This course provides an introduction to analysis, simulation, and design of basic digital circuits, advanced electronic measurements, and the field programmable gate array (FPGA). Topics covered include logic gates, programmable logic devices, Boolean algebra, flip-flops and registers, counter circuits, arithmetic operations and circuits, digital displays, code converters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, multivibrators, timers, and digital to analog and analog to digital conversion. Emphasis is placed on practical knowledge, including the use of modern test equipment, prototyping, troubleshooting, circuit simulation, and FPGA programming.
Prerequisite: PHYS 210
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PHYS 286 - Special Topics in Physics
Unit(s): 4
Topics not covered by other Physics curriculum offerings. Offered intermittently.
Corequisite: PHYS-286L
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PHYS 286L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 286
Corequisite: PHYS-286
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PHYS 301 - Computational Physics
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to the use of computer simulations in physics, with emphasis on computer models and numerical techniques. In addition, special topics (such as chaos, fractals, neural networks, and statistical physics) may be introduced. No previous familiarity with programming languages is assumed.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 302 - Computational Physics II
Unit(s): 4
This class introduces to the students a selected set of state-of-the-art scientific computing tools, applicable to nearly all scientific/engineering disciplines, such as data fitting, visualization and animation tools, numerical solutions to partial differential equations, Gaussian Process, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Neural Networks, parallel computing, and symbolic computation.
Prerequisite: CS 110 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C or PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 310 - Analytical Mechanics
Unit(s): 4
General theory of three formulations of classical mechanics: Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian; and introduction to the calculus of variations. Applications include linear and nonlinear oscillations, gravitation and central-force motion, noninertial frames, systems of particles, and rigid-body motion. Emphasis is placed on those concepts that provide a transition to quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 210 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 312 - Statistical & Thermal Physics
Unit(s): 4
Survey of classical thermodynamics and introduction to the theory of equilibrium statistical mechanics in three different ensembles: microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical. Applications include ideal and real gases, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics, blackbody radiation, specific heats, magnetic systems, and phase transitions.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent PHYS 371 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 320 - Electromagnetism
Unit(s): 4
General theory of electromagnetism, centered on Maxwell’s equations. Topics include electrostatics, Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations and boundary value problems, multipole expansions, magnetostatics, dielectric and magnetic media, and Maxwell’s equations (including potential formulations of electrodynamics and electromagnetic waves).
Prerequisite: PHYS 210 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent PHYS 371 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 330 - Quantum Mechanics
Unit(s): 4
General theory of quantum mechanics, including its abstract formulation using the Dirac notation. Topics include the quantum postulates, the position and momentum representations, the generalized uncertainty principle, quantum dynamics and the Hamiltonian, the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, spin, central potentials, and select approximation methods.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C and PHYS 371 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 333 - Solid State Physics
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to the physics of the solid state and condensed matter. Topics include crystal lattices, thermal properties, the free-electron gas, the dielectric constant, band theory, diamagnetism and paramagnetism, and transport theory. Applications are centered on metals, semiconductors, and superconductors, with emphasis on the underlying quantum principles.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent PHYS 371 with a minimum grade of C
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PHYS 340 - Optics
Unit(s): 4
An in-depth study of geometric and physical optics. Applications include matrix formulation of geometrical optics in a form suitable for computer calculations, multiple-layer dielectric films, polarization, interference, diffraction, and holography. Offered in the Fall of even-numbered years.
Prerequisite: PHYS 210 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 341 - Upper Division Lab I
Unit(s): 4
A group of advanced physics experiments at the upper-division level. Laboratories emphasize optics, in addition to atomic physics, fundamental constants, nuclear physics, and chaos.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 343 - Astrophysics
Unit(s): 4
An overview of astrophysics themes that includes techniques of Earth-bound observation and a selection from topics on the Solar System, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. The evolution and internal workings of astrophysical systems is discussed, along with spectroscopy, abundances of the elements, nucleosynthesis, and final stages of stellar evolution. Emphasis is on the way that physics is applied to astronomy.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 350 - Physics Colloquium
Unit(s): 1
Weekly physics colloquium given by invited speakers on miscellaneous topics of current interest. Topics are selected from the frontiers of current physics research, as well as from exceptional historical or philosophical perspectives of the discipline. The course also includes the presentation of seminars by the students. Students may register for this course in more than one semester.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 361L - Laboratory
Unit(s): 0
A laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 361
Corequisite: PHYS-361
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 371 - Methods of Math Physics
Unit(s): 4
A study of selected mathematical techniques of universal applicability across the different branches of physics. A typical selection includes advanced linear algebra, Fourier series, integral transforms, ordinary and partial differential equations, Green’s functions and Sturm-Liouville theory, and complex analysis.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 386 - Special Topics in Physics
Unit(s): 4
Topics not covered by other Physics curriculum offerings. Offered intermittently.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 398 - Directed Study/Adv UG
Unit(s): 1 to 4
With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, a special study (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical or mathematical physics.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 399 - Directed Research/Adv UG
Unit(s): 1 to 4
With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, a special study (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical or mathematical physics.
College of Arts and Sciences
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PHYS 422 - General Relativity
Unit(s): 4
An introduction to Einstein’s general theory of relativity as the classical field theory of gravitation. Topics include special relativity, four-dimensional spacetime, the principle of equivalence, the geometry of curved spacetime (with Riemannian geometry and tensor analysis), and the Einstein field equation. Applications are centered on astrophysical systems, black holes, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: PHYS 240 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 211 with a minimum grade of C
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 92 - LSAT Prep Course
Unit(s): 2
This skills enrichment course is designed to help students prepare for the LSAT, the standardized examination required by most U.S. law schools as part of the application process. Students will learn the core content as well as the tricks standard to the LSAT. NOTE: This course does NOT count toward major credit in the Politics Department.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 100 - Ideas and Institutions
Unit(s): 4
This course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the study and practice of politics. We will investigate individual and collective political beliefs in conjunction with political practices, noting that frequently the two do not cohere to one another. Collective political beliefs are frequently known as ideology; where does ideology come from and how does it function in different locations? The course will also provide an introduction to international and domestic political institutions. Institutions become the framework for solving political dilemmas, yet invariably these institutional frameworks are good at dealing with some issues and dynamics, but less capable at dealing with others. How do political institutions in various places assist and hinder the political process? Besides examining the US system, students will be introduced to the varied ideas about and practices of democracy in other countries. Students will use the methods of comparative political analysis to develop expertise in one country. Throughout the semester, students will engage in debates representing the complexities of world politics, as well as engage in deeper study of pressing contemporary issues.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 110 - Change and Conflict
Unit(s): 4
This course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the study and practice of politics. This semester will focus on political change, and the sources of conflict within political systems. We will begin by examining theories of political economy, followed by a study of income inequality in a globalized economy. We will then move on to consider systems of justice and the ways that they embed social relations and power. Justice systems can provide a space for grievances and restitution, at other times they reinscribe inequalities. The third section of the course will investigate social movements: their dynamics, failures and successes. When are social movements likely to arise, what ideas drive their formation, and what impact do they have on society? Finally, we will look at different kinds of violence in political systems. In many ways, political orders are supposed to eliminate interpersonal violence, but these same orders create other kinds of violence. How can we understand the relationship between the violence of the state, its agents, and those who oppose the state?
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 195 - FYS: First-Year Seminar
Unit(s): 4
First Year Seminars are designed and taught by faculty who have a special passion for the topic. All FYSeminars are small classes (16 students) that count toward the university Core. Many FYSeminars include enrichment activities such as excursions into the city or guest speakers. FYSeminars are only open to students in their first or second semester at USF, and students may only take one FYS, in either Fall or Spring. For a detailed description of this course, and other FYSeminars this semester, go to this webpage by cutting and pasting the link: https://myusf.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/first-year-seminars
Restriction: Class restricted to Freshman
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 210 - Immigration and Citizenship
Unit(s): 4
This seminar focuses on the history and critical analysis of the politics of immigration and citizenship in the U.S. Rooted in political science with its attention of legal traditions and government institutions, we will also study citizenship as a broader field that includes feelings and practices of belonging and entitlement, particularly amongst immigrant groups in this country. Notions of citizenship and immigration have changed over time - they are historically geopolitically contingent. This course pays particular attention to ways different groups of migrants and their descendants have had to struggle (or not) for full inclusion in the body politic and how that experience varies across different regions and national traditions. Guest speakers and engaged research opportunities link course content with contemporary immigrant community life and politics in San Francisco.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 218 - Public Policy & Administration
Unit(s): 4
A case study approach is used to examine major themes such as the role of the administrator, intergovernmental relations, personnel motivation, the concept of administrative ecology, and ethics in public service. Class discussion is emphasized as students are introduced to the complex world of public administration. Offered every year.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 220 - Urban Politics
Unit(s): 4
Cities are condensed sites of economic and cultural diversity where municipal authorities, business, and community members struggle over whose priorities and values should drive local policy and political life. Housing, education, labor, law enforcement, transportation, community development and the arts are just a few key sites in which urban politics take place. Taking advantage of our location in San Francisco, we will pay particular attention to local manifestations of broader dynamics such as the impact of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, immigration and disability on local political dynamics, and how San Francisco compares to other cities.
Prerequisite: (POLS 100 or POLS 110)
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 222 - Approaches/Political Research
Unit(s): 4
This course exposes students to the fundamentals of applied political research and critical social analysis, from developing a research problem to making recommendations for policy reform and social justice changes at the local, national, and international levels of governance.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 230 - Political Behavior
Unit(s): 4
This class exposes students to the major approaches used by political scientists to understand individual political action, what is often called ‘political behavior.’ This class will teach students how to better understand the fundamental factors that influence attitude formation, voting, and participation at the micro-level and how these individual actions translate at the macro level in terms of election results and public opinion. Much of focus will be on the United States. That said, looking at the causes and consequences of political behavior and how they may or may not apply to other countries elucidates the US case and sheds more light on the core theoretical arguments. And, it will provide students with substantive knowledge about a variety of other countries.
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 250 - Politics of Social Movements
Unit(s): 4
Explores major theoretical and empirical approaches along with case studies to understand the emergence, endurance, and outcomes of social movements in the United States and abroad, highlighting political opportunity and internal mobilizing structures, cultural approaches, strategies, and tactics.
Prerequisite: POLS 100 or POLS 110
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 260 - Cities, Slums and Democracy
Unit(s): 4
Course Description
Prerequisite: (POLS 100 or POLS 110)
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 280 - Security & Terrorism
Unit(s): 4
As “terrorism” and “security” continues to be invoked to mobilize resources, explain phenomena, and win elections - what do you really know about them? We explore the meaning and power of these key political concepts through historical and contemporary case studies, also introducing students to the fields of (Critical) Security & Terrorism Studies.
Prerequisite: POLS 100 or POLS 110
Restriction: Field of Study restricted to Politics Major, Politics Minor
College of Arts and Sciences
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POLS 292 - Special Topics in Politics
Unit(s): 1 to 4
Exploration of one or more selected topics in the field.
College of Arts and Sciences
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