Course List

Undergraduate

Astr 101: Descriptive Astronomy
This course is a one-semester introduction to astronomy and does not include a lab. Topics include the motion of objects in the night sky, orbital motion, observational techniques, light, the solar system, stars, and galaxies. The course is primarily lecture-based, with some observations through the telescope. A student may not receive credit for both Astr 101 and Astr 103, nor for both Astr 101 and Astr 104, nor for both Astr 101 and Astr 204. (3)

Astr 103: Intro Astronomy of the Solar System
This course is a one-semester introduction to solar system astronomy and includes a lab. Topics include the motion of objects in the night sky, orbital motion, light, the planets and small bodies of the solar system, and extrasolar planets. The course consists of two lectures and one laboratory meeting per week. The lab component of the course consists of indoor experiments, naked-eye observing, and observations through an optical telescope. Students may not receive credit for both Astr 101 and 103, nor for both Astr 103 and 104 if taken simultaneously. (3)

Astr 104: Intro Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies
This course is a one-semester introduction to stellar and galactic astronomy and includes a lab. Topics include the motion of objects in the night sky, observational techniques, spectroscopy, the Sun, stars, galaxies, and the universe. The course consists of two lectures and one laboratory meeting per week. The lab component of the course consists of indoor experiments, naked-eye observing, and observations through an optical telescope. Students may not receive credit for both Astr 101 and 104; nor for both Astr 104 and Astr 204; nor for both Astr 103 and Astr 104 if taken simultaneously. (3)

Astr 325: Astrophysics
This course introduces the physics of celestial objects. Topics will include formation, structure and evolution of stars, the physics of the interstellar medium, stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes), galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe. Prerequisites: 24 Earned Hours. Phys 212 or Phys 303.
Math 262. (3)

Phys 101: Introduction to Physics I
An overview of topics of current interest in classical physics. (3)

Phys 102: Introduction to Physics II
Overview of topics of current interest in physics with emphasis on research activities in the field. (1)

Phys 107: Conceptual Physics I
Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory exercises on topics relating to a study of the physical universe. Included is a survey of physics, astronomy and chemistry in an integrated lecture-laboratory sequence. (3)

Phys 108: Conceptual Physics II Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory exercises on topics relating to a study of the physical universe. Included is a survey of physics, astronomy and chemistry in an integrated lecture-laboratory sequence. (3)

Phys 111: Physics of Sound & Music
Wave properties and sound; the manner in which sounds are produced and heard; the physical basis for musical scales; and the effect of noise in our environment. (1)

Phys 112: Physics of Light, Color, & Art
Topics relating to sources, characteristics and nature of light, optical instruments, and the relation of light, color and visual perception in art. (1)

Phys 123: Physics of the Atmosphere
Physical principles of atmospheric phenomena presented in an integrated lecture-laboratory format (2 lecture hours and 2 laboratory hours per week); composition and structure of the atmosphere, energy flows, and the resulting air motions and weather from small to planetary scales. (3)

Phys 211: Physics for Science & Engineering I
General physics taught with the aid of calculus. (211, 212, with 221, 222 satisfies the engineering and science major requirements for physics). Corequisites: Phys 221, Math 262. (3)

Phys 212: Physics for Science & Engineering II
General physics taught with the aid of calculus. Prerequisite: Phys 211 Corequisites: Phys 222 and Math 262. (3)

Phys 213: General Physics I
Mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism and electricity. (Phys 213, 214 with 223, 224 satisfies the physics requirement for pre-pharmacy and pre-medical students). Prerequisite: Math 121 and 123 or 261. Corequisite: Phys 223. (3)

Phys 214: General Physics II
Mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism and electricity. Prerequisite: Phys 213 Corequisite: Phys 224. (3)

Phys 215: Physics for Pharmaceutical Sciences
A study of physics topics relevant to a program of study in pharmaceutical sciences. Lectures and coordinated laboratory exercises in classical and modern physics. Prerequisites: Math 261 and consent of Pharmacy Dean. (4)

Phys 221: Lab Physics for Science & Engineering I
Laboratory experiments coordinated with lecture topics in Phys 211. Corequisite: Phys 211. (1)

Phys 222: Lab Physics for Science & Engineering II
Laboratory experiments coordinated with lecture topics in Phys 212. Prerequisite: Phys 221 Corequisite: Phys 212. (1)

Phys 223: Laboratory Physics I
Laboratory experiments coordinated with lecture topics in Phys 213. Corequisite: Phys 213. (1)

Phys 224: Laboratory Physics II
Laboratory experiments coordinated with lecture topics in Phys 214. Prerequisite: Phys 223 Corequisite: Phys 214. (1)

Phys 303: Physical Theory and Techniques
Physical principles of both classical and modern physics formulated as mathematical problems in differential and integral calculus. Intended for those who have taken Phys 213and 214. Prerequisites: Phys 214 and Math 262. (3)

Phys 308: Mathematical Physics
Application of differential equations, vectors, and other techniques to physical problems. (3)

Phys 309: Thermodynamics
General theory and applications of thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. (3)

Phys 310: Mechanics
Static and dynamic aspects of particle and rigid body mechanics, including Lagrange’s equations and generalized coordinates. (3)

Phys 313: Physics & Biophysics of Air & Water
The basic physical properties of air and water are describes as well as the effect of these properties on various biological processes and organisms. Prerequisites: Phys 212 or 214. (3)

Phys 315: Radiation Science
Introductory lectures and demonstrations on the interaction of radiation with matter with application to physical and biological systems. Prerequisites: Math 262 and either Phys 212 or Phys 214. (3)

Phys 317: Introduction to Modern Physics I
Introduction to relativity; atomic, molecular and solid state physics. Prerequisite: Phys 212 Corequisite: Math 263. (3)

Phys 318: Introduction to Modern Physics II
Introduction to quantum mechanics, nuclear and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: Phys 317 Corequisite: Math 264. (3)

Phys 319: Optics
Intermediate description of electromagnetic wave propagation; topics in geometrical and physical optics including interference diffraction, polarization, and laser physics; lab exercises in physical and geometrical optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 212 or 214 and Math 262. (4)

Phys 321: Electronics
Introduction to applications in electronics for scientists. Passive components, AC circuit theory, transistors and amplifiers, operational amplifiers and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 212 or 214 and Math 262. (4)

Phys 401: Electromagnetic Theory I
Electrostatics, electric and magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations and their solutions, propagation and radiation of electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: Phys 212 and Math 264 Corequisite: Math 353. (3)

Phys 402: Electromagnetic Theory II Electrostatics, electric and magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations and their solutions, propagation and radiation of electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: Phys 401 and Math 353. (3)

Phys 413: Introduction to Biophysics Selected topics in biomechanics, bioelectricity, ionic and molecular transport, biophysical kinetics, radiation biophysics, body temperature regulation and biophysical measurements and techniques. Prerequisites: Phys 212 or 214 and Math 262. (3)

Phys 415: Radiation Physics Laboratory
Selected experiments in radiation physics including scintillation and solid state detectors, interaction of radiation with matter and nuclear instrumentation. (3)

Phys 417: Modern Physics Laboratory Basic application of theories of measurement, instrumentation and error to laboratory research. Experiments in classical and modern physics including measurements of fundamental constants, vacuum technology, Mossbauer effect, EST and Hall effect and advanced experiments in nuclear and particle physics. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Phys 317 or consent of instructor. (4)

Phys 422: Digital Electronics & Microprocessors
Introduction to digital techniques, logic circuits, registers and microcomputer basics; microprocessor interfacing to scientific, instrumentation. Lecture-laboratory course. (3)

Phys 425: Nuclear & Particle Physics Laboratory
Experiments in radioactive decay, nuclear detectors, and instrumentation, including ionization, scintillation, and solid state detectors, electronic logic and timing circuits, and microprocessor controlled systems. (3)

Phys 436: Introduction to Cosmology
This is an introductory course in modern cosmology, covering the observational evidence for the current standard model of cosmology and its modeling in terms of the theory of gravity and spacetime. Topics covered include the current status of observational cosmology, homogeneous and isotropic spacetime models and their evolution starting from the Big Bang, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter and dark energy, and structure formation in the universe. Prerequisites: 24 Earned Hours. Phys 317. Math 262.
Cross-listed Courses: Astr 436: Introduction to Cosmology. (3)

Phys 451: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
An introduction to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics; the Schrodinger equation and its application to simple systems. Prerequisites: Phys 308, Phys 318 and Math 353. (3)

Phys 461: Senior Seminar
A discussion of current topics in physics. Intended primarily for undergraduates. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1)

Phys 463: Senior Research Project
An individual research project involving an experimental or theoretical investigation for which a written report is required. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1-3)

Phys 464: Senior Research Project
An individual research project involving an experimental or theoretical investigation for which a written report is required. (1-3)

Phys 498: Senior Review
A capstone course in which students review their overall knowledge of physics, solve problems involving all major areas of the undergraduate physics curriculum and develop their oral communication skills. Required for graduation as a physics major. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (2)

Graduate

Phys 501: Intermediate Electromagnetic Theory I
Electrostatics, electric and magnetic properties of matter. Maxwell’s equations and their solution, propagation and radiation of electromagnetic waves. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 402 and PHYS 502. Prerequisite: Graduate student status only.

Phys 502: Intermediate Electromagnetic Theory II

Phys 503: Selected Topics in Physics I
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor; may be repeated for credit up to 9 hours.

Phys 507: Directed Research
Guided experimental work for the development of research laboratory skills. (Departmental approval required; cannot be used for degree credit; may be repeated for credit.)

Phys 510: Research Seminar
Philosophy and principles of modern physics research. May be repeated for credit. (1)

Phys 521: Acoustics
Mathematical description of sound propagation with various boundary conditions. Prerequisite: Phys 402 or graduate status.

Phys 522: Acoustics Laboratory
A laboratory course to complement an acoustics lecture course; emphasis of a study of wave phenomena and acoustical measurements. Corequisite: Phys 521 or graduate status. (1)

Phys 532: Advanced Acoustics Laboratory
Advanced laboratory projects in acoustics involving experiments in sound measurement and analysis, vibration, transducers, architectural and underwater acoustics. Prerequisite: Phys 521.

Phys 533: Survey of Topics in Physics I
Topics of special interest to teachers of life and physical sciences. Not applicable to a professional degree in physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Phys 534: Survey of Topics in Physics II
Topics of special interest to teachers of life and physical sciences. Not applicable to a professional degree in physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Phys 629: Selected Topics in Physics I
This course covers topics of current interest, both experimental and theoretical.

Phys 630: Selected Topics in Physics II
This course covers topics of current interest, both experimental and theoretical.

Phys 634: Electronics in Research

Phys 636: Advanced Physical Optics

Phys 651: Mathematical Methods of Physics I
Mathematical aspects of the theoretical formulation of classical and modern physics.

Phys 652: Mathematical Methods of Physics II
Mathematical aspects of the theoretical formulation of classical and modern physics. Prerequisite: Phys 651.

Phys 697: Thesis Research in Physics

Phys 705: Advanced Acoustics
Advanced course in theoretical acoustics. The course will treat the acoustic wave equations for a variety of actual physical situations. Prerequisite: Phys 521 or consent of instructor.

Phys 707: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
This course is devoted to the main experimental and theoretical results in atomic and subatomic physics. These include atomic configurations and spectroscopy; properties of atoms in magnetic and electric fields including fine and hyperfine structure in atomic spectra; X-ray spectroscopy; main concepts of nuclear physics for understanding influence of the nucleus on atomic spectra.

Phys 709: Advanced Mechanics I
This course covers Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian dynamics, small oscillations, rigid body motion. Hamiltonian dynamics, waves, continuum mechanics, classical field theory. (3)

Phys 710: Advanced Mechanics II
Continuation of advanced mechanics I. Prerequisite: Phys 709. (3)

Phys 711: Quantum Mechanics I
Schrodinger’s equation and Hilbert spaces. Symmetry and conversation laws. Path integral quantization. Quantum theory of angular momentum. Systems of identical particles and many-electron atoms. Perturbation theory. Nonrelativistic scattering. Corequisite: Phys 709. (3)

Phys 712: Quantum Mechanics II
Continuation of Quantum Mechanics I. Prerequisite: Phys 711. (3)

Phys 717: Modern Physics I
Special relativity and quantum mechanics; applications to atomic and nuclear physics, particle physics, and solid state physics.

Phys 718: Modern Physics II
Continuation of Modern Physics I. Prerequisite: Phys 717.

Phys 721: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I
Electromagnetic waves, scattering and dispersion, and advanced boundary value problems. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Phys 722: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory II
Continuation of Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I. Prerequisite: Phys 721.

Phys 723: Nuclear Physics I
This two-course sequence covers nucleus and nucleons, mass, binding energy, nuclear force, nuclear models, nucleon structure, quarks; nuclear reactions, conservation laws, nuclear decay; radioactivity, nuclear fission and thermonuclear energy; nuclear fusion, solar fusion, controlled fusion reactors; experimental methods and applications of nuclear physics.

Phys 724: Nuclear Physics II
Continuation on Nuclear Physics I. Prerequisite: Phys 723.

Phys 725: Solid State Physics I Properties of solids and solid state theory, lattices, lattice imperfections and vibrations, cohesive energy, band structure, magnetism, transport and optical properties.

Phys 726: Solid State Physics II
Continuation of Solid State Physics I. Prerequisite: Phys 725.

Phys 727: Adv Thermodynamics/Statistical Mech I
Theory and applications of the laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics from the classical and quantum viewpoints.

Phys 728: Adv Thermodynamics/Statistical Mech II
Continuation of Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics I. Prerequisite: Phys 727.

Phys 731: Quantum Field Theory I
Quantized relativistic fields. QED. Renormalization. Gauge fields. Spontaneous symmetry breaking. Electroweak interactions. QCD.

Phys 732: Quantum Field Theory II
Continuation of Quantum Field Theory I. Prerequisite: Phys 731.

Phys 733: Elementary Particle Physics
Phenomenology. Symmetries and conservation laws. Quarks, leptons, gauge bosons. Standard model. Experimental techniques of particle physics. Prerequisite: Phys 712.

Phys 749: Advanced Topics in Physics I
This course covers topics of current interest, both experimental and theoretical.

Phys 750: Advanced Topics in Physics II
This course covers topics of current interest, both experimental and theoretical.

Phys 797: Dissertation