Physics (PHYS)

Physics and Astronomy

101 Light and Sound in Our World (3:3:0). Nature of light, color and sound, electromagnetic spectrum, optical instruments, mechanisms of vision and hearing, color addition and subtraction, synthesis of musical sounds, interference of waves, polarization, the Doppler effect, lasers, and holography.

102 Sports Physics (3:3:0). Introduction to the laws of physics in the context of sports. Physics topics to be studied include two-dimensional motion, forces, conservation of energy, and momentum in the application to sports. Sports include football, basketball, baseball, swimming, and tennis.

103, 104 Principles and Development of Modern Physics (4:3:3). PHYS 103 is a prerequisite to PHYS 104. For nonscience majors. Topics include mechanics, relativity, cosmology, atomic physics, electricity and magnetism, nuclear physics, and elementary particles. Emphasis on historical, philosophical, and social aspects of modern physics.

121 Uses of Physics (1:1:0). Introductory course intended for both majors and nonmajors. Describes the uses of physics to a number of disciplines and professions, including medicine, information technology, energy, and environmental technology.

122 Inside Relativity (1:1:0). Introductory course describing Einstein's theories of special and general relativity intended for majors and nonmajors.

123 Inside the Quantum World (1:1:0). Introductory course describing quantum theory intended for majors and nonmajors.

124 Experimental Explorations in Physics (1:0:2). Introductory nonmathematical course intended primarily for physics majors. Experimental studies of phenomena in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Stresses development of familiarity with methods and techniques of measurement and with data evaluation.

160 University Physics I (4:3:1). Corequisite: MATH 114. First semester of three-semester, calculus-based introductory physics sequence, designed primarily for science and engineering majors. Mechanics.

225 Problems in Physics I (1-3:0:0). Prerequisites: 24 credits and 3.000 GPA in physics and mathematics. Individual study of physics problems of current interest. May be taken three times.

243, 245 College Physics (3:3:0), (3:3:0). (One-hour recitation.) Two-semester basic physics course with emphasis on topics of classical and modern physics of particular importance to science majors. Principles of mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics are discussed.

244, 246 College Physics Lab (1:0:3), (1:0:3). Corequisites: PHYS 243 (for 244) and 245 (for 246). Laboratory portion of two-semester basic physics course.

251 Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics (2:2:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 160. Introduction to the use of computers in physics based on examples from mechanics and astronomy.

260 University Physics II (3:3:0). (One-hour recitation.) Prerequisite: PHYS 160; corequisite: MATH 213. Waves, electricity, and magnetism.

261 University Physics II Laboratory (1:0:3). Corequisites: MATH 213 and PHYS 260. Experiments in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.

262 University Physics III (3:3:0). (One hour recitation) Prerequisite: PHYS 260; corequisite MATH 214. Thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics.

263 University Physics III Laboratory (1:0:3). Corequisites: MATH 214 and PHYS 262. Experiments in optics and modern physics.

265 Advanced University Physics II Laboratory (2:0:3). Corequisites: MATH 213 and PHYS 260. Credit may be received for PHYS 261 or 265. Experiments in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism with emphasis on data analysis using spreadsheets and Matlab.

266 Introduction to Thermodynamics (1:1:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 260. Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, heat engines, and entropy. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 262 and 266.

303 Classical Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 160; corequisite: MATH 213. Motion of a particle in one, two, and three dimensions; systems of particles; noninertial coordinate systems; and equations of Lagrange and Hamilton.

305/ECE 305 Electromagnetic Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 262, 263 and MATH 214. Interaction of static charges, interaction of stationary currents, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations.

306 Wave Motion and Electromagnetic Radiation (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 262 and MATH 213. Vibrating string, plane waves, interference, diffraction, polarization, electromagnetic waves, dispersion, and relativity.

307 Thermal Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 262. Classical concepts of energy and temperature, basic definitions, first and second laws of thermodynamics, properties of pure substances, and equations of state. Introduction to classical and quantum statistics and their application to physical systems.

308 Modern Physics with Applications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 262. Study of modern physics with emphasis on applications. Topics include introductory quantum physics; modern optics; lasers; binding and energy bands in solids; electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties of solids; semiconductors; radioactivity; nuclear reactions; radiation detectors; and applications of nuclear physics to other sciences.

310 Physics of Semiconductor Materials and Processing (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 160, 260, 262 or permission of instructor. Survey of the electronic and structural properties of semiconductors and the physics of semiconductor processing. Topics to be discussed include crystal growth, crystal defects, thin films, thermal properties, lithography, and characterization.

326 Problems in Physics II (1:0:0). Prerequisites: 60 credits and 2.500 GPA in physics and mathematical sciences. Individual study of physics problems of current interest. May be taken three times.

328/ASTR 328 Introduction to Astrophysics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 303, 305, 308, and MATH 214. Topics include physical concepts; magnitudes of stars; Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; stellar radiation; stellar structure and stellar evolution; white dwarfs, red giants, supernovas, neutron stars, black holes; interstellar matter, dust, and molecules; cosmic rays and magnetic fields; galactic structure, galaxies, quasars, and intergalactic matter; high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, and general relativity; and models of the universe.

390 Topics in Physics (1-4:0:0). Selected topics in physics not covered in fixed content courses.

402/PHYS 502 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 308 or permission of instructor. Experimental basis of quantum mechanics; the wave function; systems in one, two, and three dimensions.

405, 406 Honors Thesis in Physics (3:0:0). Prerequisites: 21 credits of physics courses, PHYS 262, 305, 308, and admission to the Physics Department Honors Program. PHYS 405 is a prerequisite for PHYS 406. Project chosen and completed under the guidance of a faculty member, which results in a thesis. An oral progress report is required for PHYS 405. Oral and written presentations are required for PHYS 406. A student may receive no more than six credits of PHYS 405, 406, 408, and 409.

407 Senior Laboratory in Modern Physics (3:0:9). Prerequisite: 21 credits of physics courses. Experiments in modern physics involving advanced techniques in electronics, optics, nuclear physics, and solid state. Typical experiments include the Frank Hertz Experiment, Hall Effect, electron paramagnetic resonance, and Mossbauer Effect.

408 Senior Research (2-3:0:0). Prerequisite: 21 credits of physics courses. Student works under the guidance of a faculty member on a research project in experimental or theoretical physics. May be taken twice with permission of the Physics Department. A student may receive no more than six credits of PHYS 405, 406, 408, and 409.

409 Physics Internship (3:0:0). Prerequisites: 75 credits, 21 credits of physics courses, and permission of department. See department for other requirements and application procedures prior to enrollment. On-the-job experience for physics majors in industry or government laboratories including summer programs. A student may receive no more than six credits of PHYS 405, 406, 408, and 409.

416 Special Topics in Modern Physics (1:2:0). Prerequisite: 21 credits of physics courses. Topics of current interest in modern physics with emphasis on the breadth of physical understanding needed to approach many of today's problems.

417/GEOL 417 Geophysics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102, 201, 301; MATH 113, 114; and PHYS 160. Corequisites: MATH 213 and PHYS 260, 261. Seismological and gravitational theory and application to an understanding of the Earth's interior. Geology requirement may be waived for physics and engineering students with sufficient background.

428/ASTR 428 Relativity and Cosmology (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 262, MATH 214 or 216; and PHYS 303, 305 or permission of instructor. Special relativity, four-dimensional space-time, general relativity, non-Euclidian geometries, geodesic and field equations, tests of general theory of relativity, black holes, cosmology, models of the universe, remnant blackbody radiation, big bang cosmology, thermodynamics, and the universe.

502/PHYS 402 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 308 or permission of instructor. Experimental basis of quantum mechanics, the wave function, and systems in one, two, and three dimensions.

510 Computational Physics I (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 303, 305 and FORTRAN or C++ programming. Study and development leading to computer simulations of various physical systems. Requires the study and development of computational techniques and numerical algorithms to obtain both numerical results and visualization of these results. Application to individual physical processes taking place in a variety of physical systems. In computational physics research, individual physical processes are only components of a larger simulation.

512/CSI 687 Solid State Physics and Applications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 402 or 502. Crystal structures, binding, lattice vibrations, the free electron model, metals, semiconductors and semiconductor devices, superconductivity, and magnetism.

513 Applied Electromagnetic Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 305, 306 and MATH 313, 314 or equivalent. Classical electromagnetic theory with applications. Topics include electrostatics, magnetic fields and materials, electromagnetic wave propagation, waveguides, transmission lines, radiation, and antennas.

533/CHEM 620 Modern Instrumentation (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 513 and an electronics course. Topics include sensors for radiation, particles, electric and magnetic fields, pressure, and motion; electronic instruments, computer data collection, instrumentation noise and noise reduction methods, and specialized instrumentation systems for various areas of applied physics.

540 Nuclear and Particle Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 402 or 502. Accelerators, detectors and related electronics; nuclear and elementary particle structure; symmetries and conservation laws; the electromagnetic, weak, and hadronic interactions; nuclear models; the quark model; and nuclear science and technology.

575/CSI 655 Atmospheric Physics I (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 305, 262, and 260 or equivalent. Introduction to basic physical and chemical processes that operate in the Earth's atmosphere. Emphasis on those concepts that provide a global description of the current atmospheric state and those processes that relate to global change and atmospheric evolution. Topics include equilibrium structure, radiative transfer models, thermodynamics of various atmospheric layers, and the various processes defining these layers.

590 Selected Topics in Physics (1-6:0-6:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Selected topics from recent theoretical developments and applications. Satisfies the needs of the professional community to keep abreast of current developments.

600 Special Topics in Physics (1-6:0:0). In-service course to strengthen and update teachers' knowledge of physics and astronomy.

611 Electro-optics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 502 and 513. Optical modulators, display devices, types and operation of lasers, mode locking, Q-switching, photodetectors, and optical fibers.

612 Physics of Modern Imaging (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 513. Study of imaging methods using acoustic and electromagnetic waves to probe extended objects, and mathematical transformations to produce images from the scattered waves. Topics include classical imaging, physical optics, Fourier transform, holography, tomography, seismic mapping, underwater acoustic imaging and mapping, side-looking radar, antenna arrays, and applicable computer methods.

613/CSI 780 Computational Physics II (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 303, 305, and 510; PHYS 502 or equivalent recommended. Study of diverse physical systems with emphasis on modeling and simulation. Study and development of numerical algorithms and techniques to obtain both numerical results and visualization of these results. Projects undertaken will draw from such areas as many-body orbital dynamics, molecular interactions, quantum systems, radiative transfer in high-temperature plasmas, stellar interiors, hydrodynamics, and cosmology.

620 Continuum Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 510. Study of continuum mechanics; topics include physical concepts, mathematical formulation and solution, elasticmaterials, ideal fluids, viscous fluids, waves in continuous media, turbulence, thermal convection, stability considerations, high-temperature gas flows, radiative processes for momentum and energy transport, shocks, and computational fluid dynamics.

676 Atmospheric Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 303, 305, and 308, MATH 314. Covers the basic conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy, and a scaling analysis of the equations of motion and thermodynamics. Balanced flows in the atmosphere (e.g., the geostrophic wind and the thermal wind relationships) are discussed. Concepts of circulation and vorticity; the role of the atmospheric boundary layer in mass, momentum, and energy transfer; synoptic scale motions; and the role of gravity and Rossby waves in controlling the general circulation of the atmosphere are covered.

701 Theoretical Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 502, 510, 513, or permission of instructor. Study of the physical basis for selection of particular mathematical tools in physics; topics include curvilinear coordinates, tensors, matrices, differential equations, special functions, complex variables, and group theory.

705 Classical Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 502, 510, 513, or permission of instructor. Study of classical mechanics; topics include Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, nonintegral systems, rigid body dynamics, and normal modes of vibration.

711/CHEM 730/CSI 782 Statistical Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 502 and 510, or permission of instructor. Statistical methods, systems of particles, thermodynamics, macroscopic parameters, the ideal gas, kinetic theory, quantum statistics, and transport processes.

722/CSI 785 Electromagnetic Theory (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 513 and 510, or permission of instructor. Advanced study of electric and magnetic fields; topics include electrostatic fields, magnetostatic fields, boundary-value problems in field theory, multipoles, simple radiating systems, relativistic electrodynamics, and radiation by moving charges.

728/CSI 788 Simulation of Large-Scale Physical Systems (3:3:0). Prerequisites: PHYS 613 or equivalent, and FORTRAN or other high-level language programming. Study of diverse large-scale physical systems with empha sis on the modeling and simulation of these multifaceted systems. Study and development of numerical algorithms and techniques to obtain both numerical results and visualization of these results. Projects will be drawn from such areas as many-body dynamics, molecular dynamics and interactions, atmospheric structure and dynamics, high-temperature plasmas, stellar structure, hydrodynamics systems, galactic structure and interactions, and cosmology.

732/CSI 784 Quantum Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 502 or permission of instructor. Study of the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, time evolution, Schroedinger and Heisenberg formalism, harmonic oscillators, propagators, Feynman path integrals, rotations and angular momentum, angular momentum eigenvalues and eigenstates, Bell's inequality, symmetries, conservation laws, degeneracy, perturbation theory, WKB methods, and scattering theory.

736/CHEM 736/CSI 783 Computational Quantum Mechanics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: PHYS 502, 510, or permission of instructor. Study of the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics from a computational point of view, review of systems with spherically symmetric potentials, many-electron-atom solutions to Schroedinger's equation, electron spin in many-electron systems, atomic structure calculations, algebra of many-electron calculations, Hartree-Fock self-consistent field method, molecular structure calculations, scattering theory computations, and solid-state computations.

780/CSI 789 Topics in Computational Physics (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Selected topics in computational physics not covered in fixed-content computational physics courses. May be repeated for credit as needed.

796 Directed Reading and Research (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: Admission to master's program and permission of instructor. Reading and research on a specific topic in physics or related field under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated as needed.

798 Research Project (3:0:0). Prerequisites: Nine graduate credits and permission of instructor. Project chosen and completed under the guidance of a graduate faculty member, which results in an acceptable technical report. Graded S/NC.

799 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:0). Prerequisites: Nine graduate credits and permission of instructor. Project chosen and completed under the guidance of a graduate faculty member, which results in an acceptable technical report and oral defense. Graded S/NC.