PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
EUGENE E. CLARK, Ph.D., Professor
DAVID H. HOUGH, Ph.D., Professor; Chair
GORDON M. MacALPINE, Ph.D., Charles A. Zilker Distinguished Professor of Physics
DANIEL R. SPIEGEL, Ph.D., Professor
JENNIFER M. STEELE, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
DENNIS W. UGOLINI, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
THE MAJOR
The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics are as follows:
I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:
A. The major: 30 semester hours in Physics, including the following or equivalent courses: PHYS 1111, 1112, 1311 (or 1309), 1312 (or 1310), 2094 (4 semesters), 2131, 2132, 3131, 3321, 3322, 3323, 3335, and at least two of the following four courses: 3325, 3333, 4131, 4395.
B. Additional requirements: MATH 1311, 1312, 2321, 3336, CSCI 1320.
C. Completion of the Senior Experience: PHYS 4395 (Senior Project) as a Senior Capstone Course, or an approved Senior Experience in a second major.
III. Electives sufficient to total 124 hours.
The above are minimal requirements allowing students to supplement their programs with those courses best suited to fulfill their particular needs and to further their professional growth.
The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics are as follows:
I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:
A. At least 38 semester hours in Physics, including the following or equivalent courses: PHYS 1111, 1112, 1311 (or 1309), 1312 (or 1310), 2094 (4 semesters), 2131, 2132, 3131, 3132, 3321, 3322, 3323, 3325, 3333, 3335, 3336, 4131, 4132, 4395. (Honors students will take 3398, 4398, 4399 in place of 4395; these students are required to take 44 hours of Physics.)
B. MATH 1311, 1312, 2321, 3336, 3357, CSCI 1320.
C. Completion of the Senior Experience: PHYS 4395 (Senior Project) or PHYS 4398 (Honors Project) as a Senior Capstone Course.
III. Electives sufficient to total 124 hours.
The Bachelor of Science Program is designed to prepare students for graduate work in Physics. The above are minimal requirements allowing students to supplement their programs with those courses best suited to fulfill their particular needs and to further their professional growth.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS
Full acceptance in the major is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:
1. Completion of PHYS 1111, 1112, 1311 (or 1309), 1312 (or 1310), 3323 with grades of C or better;
2. Completion of MATH 1311, 1312 with grades of C or better; and
3. A grade point average of at least 2.0 on all university work.
Provisional acceptance in the major is granted if it is apparent that the applicant can meet the requirements for full acceptance by the end of the semester in which the application is made.
Transfer students will be accepted provisionally pending completion at Trinity of at least one upper division course with a grade of C or better.
HONORS IN PHYSICS
A student in Physics may work toward Honors in Physics under the Bachelor of Science Degree program. The requirement for Honors in Physics is the successful completion of the Bachelor of Science program except that an honors student will take PHYS 3398, 4398, 4399 in place of 4395 and will be required to take a total of 44 hours of physics. During the junior year, a student who is eligible for honors will, after consultation with the chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department, enroll in 3398; part of the requirement of this course will be to prepare a thesis proposal. In the second semester of the junior year, an honors student will present a thesis proposal and credentials to the department faculty. Upon approval of the proposal, a student may enroll in PHYS 4398, 4399 during the senior year. By the end of the senior year, the thesis must be presented and defended before the Physics and Astronomy Department Faculty.
THE MINOR IN PHYSICS
A minor in Physics will consist of 18 semester hours of Physics. At least 9 semester hours must be at the upper division level. The minor will normally include the following or equivalent courses: PHYS 1111, 1112, 1311 (or 1309), 1312 (or 1310), 2094 (1 semester), 3323, plus seven additional upper division hours of physics.
THE MINOR IN ASTRONOMY
The minor in astronomy will consist of 19 semester hours of the following Physics courses:
1305 (Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy)
1103 (Observational Astronomy)
1311 (Introduction to Mechanics) or 1309 (General Physics I)
1312 (Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism and Waves) or 1310 (General Physics II)
3323 (Introduction to Modern Physics)
3350 (Astrophysics)
Plus three hours selected from the following:
3321 (Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics)
3322 (Classical Mechanics and Nonlinear Dynamics)
3325 (Optical Physics)
3348 (Atmospheric Physics)
3129 (Research Participation II)
3-90 (Directed Studies – Junior Level)
3-92 (Directed Studies for Secondary School Science Teachers – Junior Level)
The three additional hours can be any combination of 3129, 3-90 or 3-92 and 3129 and 3-9- may be repeated for additional credit with different content. The Chairperson of the Department of Physics and Astronomy must approve the selected content of 3129, 3-90 or
3-92 as relevant to the minor in astronomy.
COURSES
PHYS 1103 Observational Astronomy
A laboratory course to accompany either PHYS 1304 or 1305. Basic use of a telescope, including celestial coordinates and time systems. Visual observations of the Sun, Moon, planets and their satellites, stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies. Further possible topics include photometry, spectroscopy, electronic imaging. One field trip to a dark observing site may be required. May be taken only once for credit. Either PHYS 1304 or 1305 is a prerequisite or a corequisite.
PHYS 1106 Reproduction of Sound Laboratory
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1306. Simple DC and AC electrical circuits and the principles and methods used in the electrical reproduction of sound. PHYS 1306 must be taken concurrently.
PHYS 1111 Introductory Physics Laboratory
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1309 and 1311. Topics include: electrical circuits, computer assisted data-acquisition and data analysis, experiments in classical mechanics and thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1311 or 1309 must be taken concurrently.
PHYS 1112 Intermediate Physics Laboratory
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1310, 1312. Topics include: transient circuits, AC circuits, instrumentation, geometrical optics, physical optics, spectra, radioactivity.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1111. PHYS 1310 or 1312 must be taken concurrently.
PHYS 1194 Physics and Society Seminar
Discussion of the historical, sociological, philosophical, and cultural context in which physics research is done and the implications of that research.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3323.
PHYS 1302 Frontiers of Physics
An introduction to the methods and results and philosophical implications of modern physics. Topics include: special and general relativity; the wave-particle theory of light and matter; atomic, nuclear, and particle physics; future explorations.
PHYS 1303 The Earth’s Changing Environment
An introduction to the application of physics to understanding environmental processes. Topics include: force, energy, power, thermodynamics, energy transfer, environmental biophysics, the Greenhouse effect, the ozone layer, energy conservation, nuclear processes, and solar energy.
PHYS 1304 Solar System Astronomy
A survey of the nature of the solar system. Topics include: gravity, orbital motion of planets and moons, time and calendars, lunar and solar eclipses, the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres, planetary atmospheres and comparative planetary climatology, evolution of planetary surfaces, asteroids, comets, and meteors. May be taken without enrolling in PHYS 1103.
PHYS 1305 Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy
A survey of the properties of stars and galaxies and of modern theories of cosmology. Topics include: distances, masses, sizes, motions, magnitudes and spectra of stars; stellar structure and evolution; pulsars and black holes; star clusters, nebulae, interstellar gas and dust; galactic structure; quasars, active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, large-scale structure in the universe; extragalactic distance scale, big bang theory, inflationary model, convergence of particle physics, and cosmology; the nature of light and astronomical instruments. PHYS 1304 is not a prerequisite for 1305. May be taken without enrolling in PHYS 1103.
PHYS 1306 Sound Waves and Light Waves
Wave phenomena with particular emphasis on sound waves and human hearing and on light waves and human vision. Topics include the nature of musical sounds, musical instruments, and musical scales; various optical phenomena such as reflection, refraction, color, interference, polarization, optical instruments, lasers, and holography. Appropriate for the student not majoring in science.
PHYS 1307 Introduction to Nanotechnology
An introduction to current nanotechnology fabrication methods and applications aimed at nonscience majors. This course will explore how material properties change at the nanoscale and how these properties can be utilized in technological applications and consumer products. Topics include scientific concepts behind nanotechnology, microscopy at the nanoscale, medical applications, consumer applications, ethical concerns, and the environmental impact of nanotechnology.
PHYS 1309 General Physics I
A calculus-level introduction to classical mechanics and its applications. Topics include: particle kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, kinetic and potential energy, work, linear and angular momentum, torque, statics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, fluids, thermal physics, and applications in biology, medicine, and geology. This course is appropriate for biology, chemistry, and geosciences majors.
Prerequisite: MATH 1311 or 1307 (either may be taken concurrently); PHYS 1111 is normally taken concurrently but is not required.
PHYS 1310 General Physics II
A calculus-level introduction to electric fields, magnetic fields, light waves, and modern physics. Topics include: electric fields, electric current, electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, physical optics, quantum physics, atomic physics, lasers, nuclear physics and applications in biology, medicine, and geology. This course is appropriate for biology, chemistry, and geosciences majors.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1309 or 1311; PHYS 1112 is normally taken concurrently but is not required.
PHYS 1311 Introduction to Mechanics
A calculus-level introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include: particle kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, kinetic and potential energy, linear and angular momentum, torque, statics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, and sound. This course is appropriate for physics and engineering science majors.
Prerequisite: MATH 1311 or 1307 (either may be taken concurrently). PHYS 1111 is normally taken concurrently but is not required.
PHYS 1312 Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
A calculus-level introduction to electric fields, magnetic fields, and light waves. Topics include: electric fields, Gauss’s Law, electric potential, magnetism, Ampere’s Law, electromagnetic induction, Lenz’s Law, Maxwell’s Equations, geometrical and physical optics. This course is appropriate for physics and engineering science majors.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1311 (or 1309) and MATH 1312 (may be taken concurrently). PHYS 1112 is normally taken concurrently but is not required.
PHYS 2-90 Directed Studies - Sophomore Level
Individual research under faculty supervision or independent study under faculty supervision in fields not covered by other courses. Credit may vary from 1 to 3 hours. This course may be repeated for additional credit; however, no more than 3 total hours may be counted toward a major in physics.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 2094 Physics Seminar
Attendance at departmental seminars. Grade is based on attendance.
PHYS 2128 Research Participation I
Individual research participation under faculty supervision.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 2131 Sophomore Experimental Physics I
Rigorous experimental work, including data handling and scientific writing. Experiments drawn from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and nuclear physics. Meets 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1111, 1112, 1312 (or 1310).
PHYS 2132 Sophomore Experimental Physics II
Continued instruction in experimentation, data analysis, and scientific writing. Experiments drawn from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and nuclear physics. Meets 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2131.
PHYS 2311 An Introduction to Biophysics
A basic introduction to the application of physical principles to biological systems on nanometer-to-micrometer length scales. Questions addressed include: What are the forces that hold a cell together? How can a cell exert forces resulting in cell motion? What are the forces and energies involved in DNA functioning, protein folding, and nerve-signal transmission? How do the forces and energies at the molecular level ultimately generate the forces and energies required for macroscopic motion?
Prerequisites: (1) MATH 1307 or 1311; (2) ANY ONE of the following four courses: BIOL 1311, CHEM 1318, PHYS 1309, or PHYS 1311.
PHYS 3129 Research Participation II
Individual research participation under faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2128 and consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 3131 Photonics and Electronics Laboratory I
An introduction to the use of lasers, fiber optics, and semiconductor-based electronics in modern technology and physics research. Laboratory projects include digital and analog integrated circuits, electronic and optical-based signal processing and communication devices. Meets 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: PHYS 3323, 2132, or consent of instructor.
PHYS 3132 Photonics and Electronics Laboratory II
Continued hands-on instruction in the use of lasers, fiber optics, and semiconductor-based electronics in modern technology and physics research. Laboratory projects include fiber-optic sensors and Michelson interferometry. Meets 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3131.
PHYS 3312 Geophysics
Introduction to the use of physical principles and measurements in the study of the Earth. Topics include Fourier transforms, seismic waves in elastic media, exploration and earthquake seismology, gravity, magnetics, and heat flow. Computer modeling of geophysical processes and field work with geophysical instruments. Same as GEOS 3312. Field trips are required; field trip expenses must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310 or 1312 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 3321 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
An introduction to the subjects of statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, and heat.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1310 or 1312, MATH 2321 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 3322 Classical Mechanics and Nonlinear Dynamics
Newtonian dynamics and kinematics utilizing the vector calculus. Topics include momentum, work and potential energy, angular momentum, rigid body dynamics, harmonic oscillators, central force motion, non-inertial systems, chaotic kinematics, and non-linear systems.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1312 (or 1310), MATH 2321 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 3323 Introduction to Modern Physics
A quantitative survey of modern physics. Topics include: special relativity, wave-particle duality, the Schroedinger equation, identical particles, solid state, and high energy physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1312 (or 1310), MATH 2321 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 3325 Optical Physics
The nature and propagation of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter. Topics from geometrical optics include reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses. Topics from physical optics include polarization, interference, and Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1312 (or 1310) and MATH 1312.
PHYS 3333 Quantum Physics I
Introduction to the theory of quantum mechanics. Stationary states and time evolution of solutions to the Schroedinger equation. Observables, operators, and eigenvalues. The harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, central potentials, and perturbation theory.
Prerequisites: MATH 2321, PHYS 3323.
PHYS 3335 Electromagnetic Fields
An intermediate course on electromagnetic theory. Electrostatic field and potential, Gauss’s law, conductors, electric dipoles and multipoles, solutions to Laplace’s equation, method of images, dielectric media, electrostatic energy, electric current. Magnetic field of steady currents, including the law of Biot and Savart, Ampere’s law, magnetic vector potential. Electromagnetic induction. Introduction to Maxwell’s equations.
Prerequisites: PHYS 3322, MATH 3336 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 3336 Advanced Theoretical Physics
An advanced course on electromagnetic theory and classical mechanics. Magnetic materials, inductance, magnetic energy, transient and steady-state behavior in circuits with time-variable currents, full development of Maxwell’s equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves, waves in bounded regions, radiation emission. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, rigid body motion. Further possible topics include special relativity, plasma physics, fluid mechanics, and coupled oscillations.
Prerequisites: PHYS 3335, MATH 3336.
PHYS 3348 Atmospheric Physics
The physics of planetary atmospheres and the role of the atmosphere in determining climate. Topics include: global radiative equilibrium, radiative transfer, thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere, the general circulation, cloud formation, the ozone layer, instrumentation, and data bases.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310 or 1312.
PHYS 3350 Astrophysics
The application of physics to understanding stars and systems of stars. Topics include: cosmic distance scale, gravitational dynamics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetic processes, quantum effects, stars, cosmic gas and dust, quasars, cosmology.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310 or 1312.
PHYS 3-90 Directed Studies - Junior Level
Individual research under faculty supervision or independent study under faculty supervision in fields not covered by other courses. Credit may vary from 1 to 3 hours. This course may be repeated for additional credit; however, no more than 3 total hours may be counted toward a major in physics.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 3-92 Directed Studies for Secondary School Science Teachers -
Junior Level
Students work under supervision of a faculty member on a project that will be applicable to their future careers in teaching secondary school science. Oral and written communication of results are required. May be taken for 1 or 2 hours per semester with no more than 4 cumulative credit hours possible.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and completion of at least six science and mathematics courses and consent of instructor.
PHYS 3398 Honors Reading
Individual research and study under faculty supervision in preparation for Honors Thesis work.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 4131 Advanced Experimental Physics I
Experimental methods of modern physics. Topics include: atomic physics, radioactivity, interference, diffraction, and electronics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2132.
PHYS 4132 Advanced Experimental Physics II
Advanced experimental techniques in modern physics. Rigorous analysis of experimental data and competent scientific writing form an integral part of the course. Topics include: atomic physics, advanced optics, laser physics, transport phenomena, and reduced temperature measurements.
Prerequisite: PHYS 4131.
PHYS 4343 Quantum Physics II
A formal treatment of quantum mechanics emphasizing Dirac notation and matrix methods. Topics include: three dimensional systems, angular momentum, multi-particle systems, identical particles, spin perturbation theory, scattering, and an introduction to high-energy and particle physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 3333, 3335.
PHYS 4346 Advanced Modern Physics
An advanced treatment of quantum theories of atoms and solids. Physics of solids and solutions, reciprocal lattices and crystallography, thermodynamic properties of condensed systems. Properties of atoms and photons. Laser cooling, coherent excitation, and atom optics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3333.
PHYS 4-90 Directed Studies - Senior Level
Individual research under faculty supervision or independent study under faculty supervision in fields not covered by other courses. Credit may vary from 1 to 3 hours. This course may be repeated for additional credit; however, no more than 3 total hours may be counted toward a major in physics.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
PHYS 4395 Senior Project
Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision. Presentation of results at a department seminar is required. This course satisfies the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum. Required of all B.S. Physics majors.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
PHYS 4396 Senior Thesis
Continuation of PHYS 4395 including written preparation of a thesis and oral presentation of results at a department seminar. Not required of but highly recommended for B.S. Physics majors.
Prerequisite: PHYS 4395.
PHYS 4398 Honors Project
Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision. Presentation of results at a department seminar is required. Required for honors in physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3398.
PHYS 4399 Honors Thesis
Continuation of PHYS 4398 including written preparation of a thesis and oral presentation of results at a department seminar. Required for honors in physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 4398.