California State University, San Marcos
The Minor in Physics
Description
The minor in Physics offers students majoring in another discipline the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of digital electronic circuits, particularly as applied to the design and construction of computer hardware. In the high technology industry, it is important to understand the function of electronic sensors and controllers, and how such devices are used in data capture, transmission and storage. At the lower division, the Minor in Applied Physics builds a broad foundation of physical concepts that are needed to understand the operation of electronic circuits, semiconductor devices, and data transmission networks. At the upper division, the program emphasizes digital electronic hardware design, with significant hands-on experience in building and testing computer-related circuits, while at the same time providing opportunity for specialization and deeper understanding of some aspects of the physics.
Course Requirements
Completion of twenty-three (23) units, eleven (11) of which must be at the upper division.
Recommended Course of Study:
a. Required lower division courses:
PHYS 201 - Mechanics and Sound (4 units)
PHYS 202 - Electromagnetism and Optics (4 units)
PHYS 203 - Modern Physics (4 units)
b. Required upper division courses:
PHYS 301 - Digital Electronics (4 units)
PHYS 302 - Computer Interfacing & Control (4 units)
c. One of the following courses:
PHYS 303 - Digital Signal Processing (3 units)
PHYS 321 - Electromagnetism (3 units)
PHYS 322 - Solid State Physics (3 units)
PHYS 323 - Quantum Mechanics (3 units)
CS 433 - Operating Systems (3 units)
CS 436 - Networking Essentials (3 units)
Total number of units for the minor 23 units
Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each class in the minor.
For more information please send email or call (760) 750-8034.