Course Descriptions
Undergraduate Classes | Graduate
Classes
Undergraduate Classes:
130 DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY 4 credits
Qualitative introduction to astronomy, intended primarily as a first
science course for non-science majors. Includes laboratory and observational
activities.
133 MUSIC, SOUND AND PHYSICS 4 credits
Qualitative introduction to the physics of sound, its properties, perception
and reproduction, including acoustical principles of musical instruments.
Laboratory and observational activities included.
137 LIGHT 4 credits
Introductory, qualitative course dealing with the nature of light and
the interaction of light with various materials to produce common visual
effects. Laboratory activities included that provide experience in scientific
investigation.
160 PHYSICS IN SPORTS 3 credits
An introduction to physics, particularly mechanics. Athletic activities
utilized to illustrate principles.
261 PHYSICS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES I 4 credits
Prerequisites: high school algebra, trigonometry or 3450:149
as co requisite or permission.
Introductory course for professional work in biology and health professions
and services. Emphasizes life science applications. Mechanics: laws of
motion, force, torque, work, energy, power; properties of matter: gases,
liquids, solids, fluid mechanics.
262 PHYSICS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES II 4 credits
Prerequisite: 261.
Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory. Wave phenomena: sound, light,
optics; electricity and magnetism; atomic and nuclear physics; radioactivity.
267,8 LIFE SCIENCE PHYSICS COMPUTATIONS I AND II 1 credit
each
co requisites: 261 (with 267); 262 (with 268).
Optional companion courses to 261,2 provides additional computational
experience in applications of physics to life sciences, emphasizing use
of algebra and trigonometry. Particularly recommended for student with
modest mathematical preparation.
291 ELEMENTARY CLASSICAL PHYSICS I 4 credits
co requisite: 3450:221.
Introductory physics for student of science and engineering. Classical
statics, kinematics and dynamics, as related to contemporary physics. Oscillations,
waves; fluid mechanics. Vectors and some calculus introduced as needed.
292 ELEMENTARY CLASSICAL PHYSICS II 4 credits
Prerequisite: 291.
Thermodynamics from atomic point of view; basic laws of electromagnetism;
mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Interference and diffraction; coherence;
geometrical and physical optics.
293,4 PHYSICS COMPUTATIONS I AND II 1 credit each
co requisite: 291 (with 293); 292 (with 294).
Optional companion courses to 291,2 provides experience in problem
solving, and elaborates application of calculus to simple physical phenomena.
Particularly recommended for a freshman and for student with modest preparation
in mathematics or physical sciences.
301 ELEMENTARY MODERN PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 292 or permission of instructor.
Special relativity, introduction to quantum physics, hydrogen atom
and complex atoms, atomic spectra, topics in nuclear and solid-state physics.
310 ELECTRONICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
AC and DC circuit theory, digital integrated logic circuits, counters,
digital wave shaping, A to D and D to A conversion and applications.
320 WAVES 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Analysis of phenomena common to all waves, including free oscillations,
forced oscillations, traveling waves, reflection, polarization, interference
and diffraction. Water, sound, electromagnetic, seismic and de Broglie
waves examined.
322,23 INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY I AND II 3 credits each
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Laboratory course stressing measurement techniques with contemporary
laboratory apparatus. Experiment design, instrument calibration and reporting
emphasized. Modern physics experiments and measurement of fundamental natural
constants.
331,2 ASTROPHYSICS I AND II 3 credits each
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
One-year comprehensive, qualitative course recommended for student
majoring in physics or natural science, and for secondary school teachers
and others desiring comprehensive survey of astronomy and astrophysics
at intermediate level.
340 THERMAL PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Basic principles of thermal and statistical physics. Ensembles, laws
of thermodynamics, equilibrium, irreversibility, equipartition theorem,
canonical distribution, Maxwell distribution, phase changes, cyclic processes,
transport processes.
350 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisites: 292, or 262 and 3450:221; and 3460:201, 3460:210,
or 4100:206.
Numerical techniques for computer solutions to physics problems, including
mechanics, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
399 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH 1-6 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Participation in current research project in department under supervision
of faculty member.
400 HISTORY OF PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Study of origin and evolution of major principles and concepts characterizing
contemporary physics.
406 PHYSICAL OPTICS 3 credits
Prerequisites:320 and 3450:223.
Propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves, superposition,
polarization, interference and interferometry, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction,
Fourier optics, coherence theory, and quantum optics.
431 MECHANICS I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 292 and 3450:235.
Mechanics at intermediate level. Newtonian mechanics, motion of a particle
in one dimension, central field problem, system of particles, conservation
laws, rigid bodies, gravitation.
432 MECHANICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 431/531.
Advanced mechanics at the senior or beginning graduate level, moving
coordinate systems, mechanics of continuous media, Lagrange's equations,
tensor algebra and stress analysis, rotation or rigid bodies, vibration
theory.
436 ELECTROMAGNETISM I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 292, 3450:235 or permission of instructor.
Electricity and magnetism at intermediate level. Electrostatics and
magnetostatics, electric field, scalar potential, dielectrics, Laplace's
and Poisson's equations, currents, magnetic field, vector potential, magnetic
materials, inductance.
437 ELECTROMAGNETISM II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 436/536.
Special relativity, four vectors, Maxwell's equations in covariant
form; propagation, reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves;
multi pole radiation.
441 QUANTUM PHYSICS I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 301 and 3450:235.
Introduction to quantum theory, Schroedinger equation, physical observables,
one-dimensional systems, angular momentum, perturbation theory, the variational
principle, scattering theory, emission and absorption, identical particles,
and the Paul Principle.
442 QUANTUM PHYSICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 441/541.
Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, nuclear and solid state
physics. Tunneling and alpha decay, periodic potential, Hydrogen and Helium
atoms, inter atomic forces, quantum statistics.
451,2 ADVANCED LABORATORY I AND II 3 credits each
Prerequisite: 323 or permission of instructor.
Applications of electronic, solid-state devices, techniques to research-type
projects in contemporary physics. Introduction to resonance techniques;
nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, nuclear quadrupole
resonance. Scintillation spectroscopy. Alpha- and beta-ray spectroscopy.
468 DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Designed to introduce science and mathematics students to use of digital
techniques of interfacing instruments to microcomputers. Physical measurements
and device control are emphasized.
470 INTRODUCTION TO SOLID-STATE PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 441 or permission of instructor.
Account of basic physical processes occurring in solids, with emphasis
on fundamental relation between these processes and periodicity of crystalline
lattice.
471,2 NMR SPECTROSCOPY I AND II 2 credits each
Prerequisite: 292 or permission of instructor.
Theoretical basis and experimental techniques of NMR spectroscopy.
Classical concepts and quantum mechanical treatments of NMR. Bloch equations;
spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times. Steady state and transient
phenomena. General features of broad line and high-resolution NMR spectra.
NMR instrumentation and operating principles. Theory and analysis of high
resolution NMR spectra. Quantitative applications of broad line and high
resolution NMR spectra and determination of physical and chemical structures.
481,2 METHODS OF MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I AND II 3 credits each
Prerequisites: 292, 3450:235 and senior or graduate standing
in a physical science or engineering.
Vectors, generalized coordinates, tensors, calculus of variations,
vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, eigenvalues, Hilbert space,
boundary value problems, transcendental functions, complex variables, analytic
functions, Green's functions, integral equations.
488 SELECTED TOPICS: PHYSICS 1-4 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Consideration of selected topics, procedures, techniques, materials
or apparatus of current interest in physics.
490 WORKSHOP 1-4 credits
(May be repeated)
Group studies of special topics in physics. May not be used to meet
undergraduate or graduate major requirements in physics. May be used for
elective credit only.
497 INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Further investigations of various selected topics in physics, under
guidance of faculty member.
498 PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM 1 credit
Lectures on current research topics in physics by invited speakers.
May be repeated but only one credit counts toward the M.S. Degree. Offered
on a credit/noncredit basis only.
Top
Graduate Classes:
500 HISTORY OF PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Study of origin and evolution of major principles and concepts characterizing
contemporary physics.
506 PHYSICAL OPTICS 3 credits
Prerequisites:320 and 3450:223.
Propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves, superposition,
polarization, interference and interferometry, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction,
Fourier optics, coherence theory, and quantum optics.
531 MECHANICS I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 292 and 3450:235.
Mechanics at intermediate level. Newtonian mechanics, motion of a particle
in one dimension, central field problem, system of particles, conservation
laws, rigid bodies, gravitation.
532 MECHANICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 431/531.
Advanced mechanics at the senior or beginning graduate level, moving
coordinate systems, mechanics of continuous media, Lagrange's equations,
tensor algebra and stress analysis, rotation or rigid bodies, vibration
theory.
536 ELECTROMAGNETISM I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 292, 3450:235 or permission of instructor.
Electricity and magnetism at intermediate level. Electrostatics and
magnetostatics, electric field, scalar potential, dielectrics, Laplace's
and Poisson's equations, currents, magnetic field, vector potential, magnetic
materials, inductance.
537 ELECTROMAGNETISM II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 436/536.
Special relativity, four vectors, Maxwell's equations in covariant
form; propagation, reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves;
multi pole radiation.
541 QUANTUM PHYSICS I 3 credits
Prerequisites: 301 and 3450:235.
Introduction to quantum theory, Schroedinger equation, physical observables,
one-dimensional systems, angular momentum, perturbation theory, the variational
principle, scattering theory, emission and absorption, identical particles,
and the Paul Principle.
542 QUANTUM PHYSICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 441/541.
Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, nuclear and solid state
physics. Tunneling and alpha decay, periodic potential, Hydrogen and Helium
atoms, inter atomic forces, quantum statistics.
551 ADVANCED LABORATORY I 3 credits
Prerequisite: 323 or permission of instructor.
Experimental techniques applicable to research-type projects in contemporary
physics. FT-IR spectroscopy, lasers, SPM, and thin-film growth and characterization.
552 ADVANCED LABORATORY II 3 credits each
Prerequisite: 323 or permission of instructor.
Experimental techniques applicable to research-type projects in contemporary
physics. Diode and dye lasers, laser feedback, chaos, NMR, electron tunneling,
and fiber optics.
556 TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICS INSTRUCTION 1 credit
Teaching assistants are introduced to current research in learning
physics, shown applications for their lab room, and trained in skills needed
as a laboratory teaching assistant.
568 DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION 3 credits
Prerequisite: 262 or 292.
Designed to introduce science and mathematics students to use of digital
techniques of interfacing instruments to microcomputers. Physical measurements
and device control are emphasized.
570 INTRODUCTION TO SOLID-STATE PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 441 or permission of instructor.
Account of basic physical processes occurring in solids, with emphasis
on fundamental relation between these processes and periodicity of crystalline
lattice.
581,2 METHODS OF MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I AND II 3 credits each
Prerequisites: 292, 3450:235 and senior or graduate standing
in a physical science or engineering.
Vectors, generalized coordinates, tensors, calculus of variations,
vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, eigenvalues, Hilbert space,
boundary value problems, transcendental functions, complex variables, analytic
functions, Green's functions, integral equations.
588 SELECTED TOPICS: PHYSICS 1-4 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Consideration of selected topics, procedures, techniques, materials
or apparatus of current interest in physics.
590 WORKSHOP 1-4 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Group studies of special topics in physics. May not be used to meet
undergraduate or graduate major requirements in physics. May be used for
elective credit only.
597 INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Further investigations of various selected topics in physics, under
guidance of faculty member.
598 PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM 1 credit
Lectures on current research topics in physics by invited speakers.
May be repeated but only one credit counts toward the M.S. Degree. Offered
on a credit/noncredit basis only.
605 COMPUTER PHYSICS: NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS TO PHYSICS PROBLEMS I
3 credits
Prerequisite: permission.
Review of FORTRAN and basic topics in computer science. Numerical solutions
to physics problems, including Newton's and Schroedinger's equation's.
Treatment and reduction of experimental data, plotting, simulation.
606 COMPUTER PHYSICS: NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS TO PHYSICS PROBLEMS II
3 credits
Prerequisite: 605 or permission.
Data reduction, Calcomp plotting, comparison of theoretical models
with data, linear and non-linear least squares curve-fitting. May accommodate
scientific problems of individual interest.
615 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I 3 credits
Prerequisite: 437/537 or permission of instructor.
Electrostatics and magnetostatics at advanced level for graduate students,
boundary value problems, dielectrics, multi pole expansions, time-varying
fields, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, reflection, refraction,
wave guides and cavities.
616 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 615.
Scattering and diffraction, plasma physics, special theory of relativity,
dynamics of relativistic particles in fields, collisions of charged particles,
radiation from moving charges, bremsstrahlung, multi pole fields.
625 QUANTUM MECHANICS I 3 credits
Prerequisite: 441/541, 481/581 or permission of instructor.
Basic concepts of quantum mechanics, representation theory, particle
in a central field, addition of angular momenta and spins, Clebsch-Gordon
coefficients, pertuberation theory, scattering, transition probabilities.
626 QUANTUM MECHANICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 625.
Foundations of relativistic quantum mechanics. Klein-Gordon and Dirac
equations, spin-zero particles and spin-1/2 particles in electromagnetic
fields, second quantization of bosons and fermions, superfluidity and super
conductivity.
641 LAGRANGIAN MECHANICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 432/532 or permission of instructor.
Principal of least action and Lagrangian equation of motion, conservation
laws, integration or equation of motion, collisions, small oscillations,
Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations.
661 STATISTICAL MECHANICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 442/542 or permission of instructor.
Fundamental principals of statistical mechanics, Gibbs, Fermi and Bose
statistics, liquids, gases, phase equilibrium, chemical reactions.
685 SOLID STATE PHYSICS I 3 credits
Prerequisite: 470, 625 or permission of instructor.
Theory of physics of crystalline solids. Properties of reciprocal lattice
and Bloch's theorem. Lattice dynamics and specific heat. Electron states;
cellular method, tight-binding method, Green's function method.
686 SOLID STATE PHYSICS II 3 credits
Prerequisite: 685.
Orthogonalized plane and pseudo potentials. Electron-electron interaction;
screening by impurities. Friedel sum rule and plasma oscillations. Dynamics
of electrons, transport properties and Fermi surface.
689 PROBLEMS IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS 1-3 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
Intended to facilitate expansion of particular areas of interest in
theoretical physics, by consultation with faculty member and independent
study beyond available course work.
691 SEMINAR IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS 1-3 credits
(May be repeated) Prerequisite: permission.
697 GRADUATE RESEARCH 1-5 credits
Prerequisite: permission.
Candidates for M.S. degree may obtain up to five credits for faculty
supervised research projects. Grades and credit received at completion
of such projects.
698 SPECIAL TOPICS: PHYSICS 1-4 credits
Prerequisite: permission.
Enables student who needs information in special areas, in which no
formal course is offered, to acquire knowledge in these areas.
699 MASTER'S THESIS 1 credits
Prerequisite: permission.
With approval of department, one credit may be earned by candidates
for M.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of a master's thesis.
710 SURFACE PHYSICS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 470.
An interdisciplinary course stressing the fundamentals and applications
of physics at surfaces, including corrosion, catalysis, adhesion, and tribology.
769 CRITICAL PHENOMENA AND PHASE TRANSITIONS 3 credits
Prerequisite: 625, 641, 661; or permission of instructor.
Modern theory of critical phenomena. Landau theory. Spin systems, binary
mixtures, polymers and liquid crystals. Multicomponent systems. Multicritical
points. Renormalization. Epsilon-expansions of critical exponents. |
