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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 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 1309 or 1311 must be taken concurrently.
PHYS 1112 Intermediate Physics Laboratory
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1310 and 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 1302 Frontiers of Physics
An introduction to the methods and results and philosophical implications of modern physics. Topics variable, e.g., nanotechonology.
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 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 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.
Prerequisites: MATH 1311 or 1307 (either may be taken concurrently); PHYS 1111 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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1309 (or 1311); PHYS 1112 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 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. This is the second course in the introductory physics sequence for students majoring in physics, engineering, chemistry, or mathematics. 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 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.
Prerequisite: 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 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.
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 interfereometry.
Prerequisites: 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 1312 (or 1310), 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 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 1312 (or 1310).
PHYS 3398 Honors Reading
Individual research and study under faculty supervision in preparation for Honors Thesis work.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
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 the instructor.
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.