PHYS - 1300 PHYSICS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
[3 hours] Not for major credit. Selected subjects of current interest, with their
relation to the principles and concepts of physics. Content may vary from year to year. No special science or mathematics background needed.
PHYS - 1310 PHYSICS OF MUSIC AND SOUND
[3 hours] Not for major credit. Physics of waves and vibration. Human sound
perception. Physics principles of wind, string, and percussion instruments. Analog and digital reproduction of sound.
PHYS - 1320 JURASSIC PHYSICS
[3 hours] Not for major credit. Mechanics, energy, sound, and thermodynamics of
dinosaurs. The physics of vision and hearing. Fluids and flight. Radioactivity. Climate and the effects of an asteroid collision with
the Earth.
PHYS - 1330 PHYSICS OF LIGHT AND COLOR
[3 hours] Not for major credit. Physics of light and human vision.
Atmospheric phenomena, images, depth perception, color analysis, pigments and dyes, color perception, the physics of art, the reproduction of
color, thin film interference, and holography.
PHYS - 1340 THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
[3 hours] An interdisciplinary course that discusses major scientific discoveries, the role of
hypothesis testing in science, the use of mathematics in science; data presentation; and moral and ethical issues that stem from science.
PHYS - 1750 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
[4 hours] Not for major credit. High school mathematics including plane geometry,
trigonometry and two years of algebra is strongly recommended. Fundamental laws of nature pertaining to mechanics, thermodynamics, waves,
electricity, magnetism, optics, atoms, and particles.
PHYS - 1910 FRONTIERS OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
[3 hours] An examination of our current understanding of the physical world at the
conceptual level. Topics may include the ultimate structure of matter, quantum theory, relativity, astrophysics, cosmology, and
contemporary applications.
PHYS - 2070 GENERAL PHYSICS I
[5 hours] Calculus not required. Mechanics of energy and motion, gravitation, harmonic motion,
fluids, heat, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics. Four hours lecture and discussion, two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite:
Minimum of three years high school mathematics including plane geometry, trigonometry and two years of algebra.
PHYS - 2080 GENERAL PHYSICS II
[5 hours] Calculus not required. Electricity and magnetism, capacitors and inductors,
electromagnetic waves, optics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particles. Four hours lecture and discussion, two hours laboratory
per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2070
PHYS - 2100 PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS
[2 hours] A bridge course for students wishing to continue in physics after taking PHYS
2070-2080. The application of calculus and elementary differential equations in various physical contexts. No credit for students who take PHYS
2130-2140. Prerequisite: PHYS 2080, MATH 1860
PHYS - 2130 PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING MAJORS I
[5 hours] Calculus based general physics. Mechanics of motion and
energy, rotation, gravitation, harmonic motion, waves, fluids, and the laws of thermodynamics. Five hours lecture and discussion, two hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH 1850 (with C or better) Corequisite: MATH 1860
PHYS - 2140 PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING MAJORS II
[5 hours] Calculus based general physics. Electricity and
magnetism, capacitors and inductors, electromagnetic oscillations, Maxwell�s equations and electromagnetic radiation, optics, images,
interference, and diffraction. Five hours lecture and discussion, two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2130
PHYS - 2330 BLACK HOLES, GENERAL RELATIVITY, AND THE BIG BANG THEORY
[3 hours] Course is crosslisted as ASTR 3830.
Descriptive discussion of the theory of general relativity, the final states of stellar evolution, black holes, and history of the universe from
the big bang through the formation of the solar system. May be offered as writing intensive. Prerequisite: ASTR 1010 or 2020
PHYS - 3070 QUANTUM PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
[3 hours] The physics of electrons, photons, atoms, and nuclei, with emphasis on
topics of importance for engineering. Prerequisite: PHYS 2140
PHYS - 3180 INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY
[2 hours] Physical measurements laboratory related to the development of modern physics,
emphasizing techniques such as electronics, computer-aided experimental control and data acquisition, and data analyses. Prerequisite: PHYS
2140
PHYS - 3310 QUANTUM PHYSICS I
[3 hours] Quantum mechanics: atomic and molecular structure and spectra.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1910, 2140; MATH 1890 Corequisite: MATH 3860
PHYS - 3320 QUANTUM PHYSICS II
[3 hours] Quantum statistics, applications of quantum mechanics and quantum statistics in
laser physics and solid state physics, nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3310
PHYS - 3410 THERMAL PHYSICS
[3 hours] Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics from a unified microscopic
point of view, with applications to a variety of topics from different areas of physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3310
PHYS - 3610 OPTICS AND LASERS
[3 hours] Electromagnetic theory, ray and wave optics including matrix methods, polarization,
interference, diffraction, basic laser physics and survey of current laser systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 2140
PHYS - 4130 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
[3 hours] Working knowledge of computer operations and programming required. Numerical
accuracy, advanced programming, graphics and spreadsheet packages, numerical techniques for differentiation, integration, matrices, solving
differential equations, and eigenvalue problems. Corequisite: PHYS 4210 or 4230
PHYS - 4210 THEORETICAL MECHANICS
[3 hours] Statics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, Lagrange equations of motion,
small oscillations, dynamics of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: PHYS 2140; MATH 1890, 3860
PHYS - 4230 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
[3 hours] Mathematical formulation of electrostatic and magnetostatic fields,
potential theory solution of boundary value problems, method of images, dielectric and magnetic materials. Prerequisite: PHYS 2140; MATH
1890, 3860
PHYS - 4240 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
[3 hours] Maxwell�s field equations, production and propagation of electromagnetic
waves, solution of boundary value problems with application to the laws of optics and guided waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 4230
PHYS - 4310 QUANTUM MECHANICS
[3 hours] Formalism and applications of quantum mechanics: Hilbert space, time-independent and
time-dependent perturbation theories, atomic and molecular structure and spectra, and scattering theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 3320; Math
3860, 1890
PHYS - 4510 PHYSICS OF CONDENSED MATTER
[3 hours] Crystal lattices and structures, reciprocal lattice and kinematical
diffraction theory, binding in crystals, lattice dynamics and phonons, thermodynamic, electronic, and optical properties of insulators,
semiconductors, metals, and alloys. Prerequisite: PHYS 3320, 3410
PHYS - 4580 MOLECULAR AND CONDENSED MATTER LABORATORY
[3 hours] Experiments in molecular and condensed matter physics such
as Raman scattering and photoluminescence X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer effect, Hall effect, NMR, and scanning tunneling microscopy. One 4 hour
lab and 1 hour lecture per week. May be offered as writing intensive. Prerequisite: PHYS 3320
PHYS - 4620 THE PHYSICS OF LASERS
[3 hours] Longitudinal and transverse coherence, stimulated emission, optical pumping,
resonator structures, Q-switching, mode-locking, and laser systems (gas, dye, diode, doped insulator, and free electron lasers).
Prerequisite: PHYS 3320
PHYS - 4780 ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS LABORATORY
[3 hours] Detectors and electronics, beta, gamma, and X-ray spectroscopy,
grating and interferometric spectroscopy, laser applications, solar spectroscopy. One 4 hour lab and 1 hour lecture per week. May be offered as
writing intensive. Prerequisite: PHYS 3320
PHYS - 4910 RESEARCH PROBLEMS-PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
[1 - 3 hours] Individual experimental or theoretical projects selected
with the approval of the department. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair
PHYS - 4980 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS
[1 - 4 hours] Individual or small group study of selected topics not covered in
regular undergraduate courses. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5130 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
[3 hours] Numerical accuracy, advanced programming, graphics and spreadsheet packages,
numerical techniques for differentiation, integration, matrices, solving differential equations and eigenvalue problems. Prerequisite:
Consent of department
PHYS - 5210 THEORETICAL MECHANICS
[3 hours] Kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian equations of motion. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5230 CLASSICAL ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
[3 hours] Electrostatics: the equations of Laplace and Poisson-Maxwell�s
equations and their solutions. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5240 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
[3 hours] Maxwell�s equations and their solutions; electromagnetic radiation.
Prerequisite: PHYS 5230
PHYS - 5310 QUANTUM MECHANICS
[3 hours] Formalism and applications of quantum mechanics: Hilbert space, time independent and
time-dependent perturbation theories, atomic and molecular structure and spectra, and scattering theory. Prerequisite: Consent of
department
PHYS - 5510 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
[3 hours] Crystal lattices and structures, reciprocal lattice and kinematical
diffraction theory. Survey of binding in crystals. Lattice dynamics and phonons. Thermodynamic, electronic, and optical properties of insulators,
semiconductors, metals, and alloys. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5620 THE PHYSICS OF LASERS
[3 hours] Longitudinal and transverse coherence, stimulated emission, optical pumping,
resonator structures, Q-switching, mode-locking, and laser systems (gas, dye, diode, doped insulator, and free electron lasers).
Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5800 ASTRONOMY IN THE PLANETARIUM
[3 hours] Course is crosslisted as ASTR 4800. Theory and practice of astronomical
outreach programming. Sky and calendar, mythology, constellations, astrophysics, buying and using small telescopes, operating and maintaining
planetarium projectors, sky simulation software, projects, and program production. Prerequisite: Consent of Department
PHYS - 5810 ASTROPHYSICS I
[3 hours] Course is crosslisted as ASTR 4810. Spherical coordinate systems, astronomical time,
celestial mechanics, the solar system and planetary physics, photometry, radiative transfer, stellar spectra and classification, binary stars and
stellar masses. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 5820 ASTROPHYSICS II
[3 hours] Course is crosslisted as ASTR 4820. Stellar structure and evolution, close binaries,
origin of the elements, the sun, variable stars, star clusters, the interstellar medium, the Milky Way Galaxy, stellar statistics, galaxy
structure and evolution, cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 5810
PHYS - 5880 ASTROPHYSICS LABORATORY
[3 hours] Course is crosslisted as ASTR 4880. Astronomical, optical, and electronic
principles of operation of a modern astronomical observatory. Observing with the 1-meter telescope of Ritter Observatory, reduction, analysis,
and interpretation of astronomical spectra. Six hours laboratory per week. Corequisite: PHYS 5810
PHYS - 5900 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
[1 - 6 hours] Research work under the guidance of a member of the
graduate faculty. Designed to prepare the student to propose and carry out the thesis research required for the M.S. degree.
Prerequisite: Consent of Department
PHYS - 5950 EDUCATION WORKSHOP IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
[1 - 4 hours] For teachers in grades K-12. Introduction to modern
physical science concepts suitable for classroom use; lecture and laboratory. Not acceptable for physics degree program.
PHYS - 6010/8010 PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM
[2 hours] Topical lectures by visiting and local professionals.
Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6020/8020 PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY JOURNAL SEMINAR
[1 hour] Literature review seminar. Prerequisite: Consent of
department
PHYS - 6030/7030 TEACHING THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS
[3 hours] Review of key concepts of physics and teaching strategies
useful in introductory courses and laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6130/7130 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS FOR RESEARCH
[3 hours] Software packages for display and analytic manipulation,
numerical methods for linear and non-linear systems of differential equations, matrix algebra, and the Schrodinger equation. Vector and parallel
processing. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6140/7140 FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN PHYSICS
[3 hours] An intensive course which reviews the fundamentals of atomic,
statistical and condensed matter physics. Provides a common foundation for entering graduate students for succeeding courses in physics and
astronomy. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6180/7180 MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY
[3 hours] Experiments in atomic, condensed matter, and nuclear physics, such as
Zeeman, Raman, Mossbauer, and Hall Effects, Doppler shifts, X-ray diffraction, NMR, STM, and alpha, beta, and gamma ray spectroscopies.
Prerequisite: PHYS 6140/7140
PHYS - 6220/7220 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
[3 hours] Advanced classical mechanics, including the variational principles, Lagrange
and Hamilton mechanics, and linear and nonlinear systems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS - 6250/7250 CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS I
[3 hours] Solutions to Poisson�s equation in Cartesian, spherical and
cylindrical coordinates with Dirichlet, Neuman and mixed boundary conditions. Maxwell�s equations and their solutions applied to waveguides and
nonlinear materials. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6260/7260 CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS II
[3 hours] Solutions to the wave equation with time dependent source terms,
energy loss from high energy charged particles in dense materials, special relativity, classical field theory, invariant Lagrangians, and
conserved quantities. Prerequisite: PHYS 6250 or 7250
PHYS - 6290/8290 CURRENT ISSUES IN PLASMA PHYSICS
[3 hours] Content may vary, covering topics such as fusion, plasmas in
astrophysics, microdischarges, plasma display devices. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6320/7320 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
[3 hours] Quantum theory and its application to physical problems. Topics include dynamics in
the Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures, invariance principles and angular momentum theory, perturbation theory, the variational method.
Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6330/7330 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
[3 hours] The quantum theory of scattering, electromagnetic interactions, quantization
of the electromagnetic field, and introduction to the Dirac equation. Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6390/8390 CURRENT ISSUES IN BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL PHYSICS
[3 hours] Physical principles of living processes,
structural and dynamical properties of nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, intermolecular interactions of biomolecules,
statistical mechanics of macromolecules, interactions of ionizing radiation with tissue. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6450/7450 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
[3 hours] A fundamental quantum-mechanical development of statistical thermodynamics.
Non-interacting and weakly interacting many-particle systems in the classical and quantum regimes, with applications to various fields of
physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5310 or equivalent
PHYS - 6490/8490 CURRENT ISSUES IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS
[3 hours] Problems in theory relative to the research programs
pursued at the University. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6520/7520 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I
[3 hours] A study of the electromagnetic, thermal and elastic properties of
condensed matter through the quantum-mechanical treatment of the electrons and elementary excitations. Prerequisite: PHYS 6330 or consent
of instructor
PHYS - 6530/7530 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II
[3 hours] A survey of condensed matter phenomena of interest to
experimentalists, as elucidated by theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 6330 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 6540/8540 STRUCTURE, DEFECTS AND DIFFUSION
[4 hours] A generic materials science approach to the study of crystalline
structure, defects (point, line and planar) in crystalline materials, and the mechanisms and kinetics of diffusion in the condensed state.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6550/8550 THERMODYNAMICS AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN CONDENSED SYSTEMS
[4 hours] A materials science approach to the
thermodynamics of condensed state equilibria and phase transformation kinetics. Prerequisite: PHYS 6540/8540 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 6590/8590 CURRENT ISSUES IN CONDENSED MATTER AND MATERIAL SCIENCE
[3 hours] A survey of various areas in the physics
of condensed matter and materials. Content will vary with instructor and from year to year. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6690/8690 CURRENT ISSUES IN OPTICS
[3 hours] Current research in optics and the optical excitation of material modes.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6710/7710 ATOMIC PHYSICS
[3 hours] A study of the fundamental properties of atoms, their theoretical description and
experimental measurement. Topics include atomic structure, radiative transitions, external field interactions and atomic collisions.
Prerequisite: PHYS 5310 or equivalent
PHYS - 6720/7720 ATOMIC & MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
[3 hours] Theory and experimental methods of atomic and molecular
spectroscopy. Topics include the theory of interpretation of atomic and molecular spectra and the experimental means to measure the
spectra. Prerequisite: PHYS 6710
PHYS - 6730/7730 PARTICLE PHYSICS
[3 hours] The study of particles and their interactions: conserved quantum numbers,
symmetries and invariance principles, the standard model and beyond, accelerator/non-accelerator experiments, detectors, and particle
astrophysics. Prerequisite: PHYS 6330 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 6740/7740 NUCLEAR PHYSICS
[3 hours] Properties of the atomic nucleus and the nucleon-nucleon interaction, models for
the structure of the nucleus, analysis of nuclear decay and nuclear reactions with applications to interdisciplinary areas. Prerequisite:
PHYS 6330 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 6790/8790 CURRENT ISSUES IN ATOMIC, MOLECULAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
[3 hours] Current research in atomic and molecular
physics theory and experiment. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6810/7810 STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS I
[3 hours] Stellar atmospheres and their emergent spectra. Physics of
radiation, matter, and their interaction. Radiative transfer, hydrostatic and radiative equilibrium, convection, line formation, and
spectral signatures of atmospheric physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5820 or equivalent
PHYS - 6820/7820 STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS II
[3 hours] Stellar structure and evolution. Equation of state, nuclear reactions and
nucleosynthesis, stellar formation, evolution and death, enrichment of the interstellar medium, formation of planetary systems, solar physics and
helioseismology. Prerequisite: PHYS 5820 or equivalent
PHYS - 6830/7830 GALACTIC ASTRONOMY I
[3 hours] Stellar spectra, colors, compositions, and ages; star clusters; pulsating
stars; calibration of distance indicators. Interstellar dust, interstellar extinction, interstellar gas, nebulae; structure of the
interstellar medium. Prerequisite: PHYS 5820 or equivalent
PHYS - 6840/7840 GALACTIC ASTRONOMY II
[3 hours] Structure and dynamics of the Galaxy, shocks and explosions, stellar
kinematics, galactic rotation, and dynamical and chemical evolution. Prerequisite: PHYS 5820 or equivalent
PHYS - 6890/8890 CURRENT ISSUES IN ASTROPHYSICS
[3 hours] Current research in solar, solar system, stellar, interstellar
matter, galactic, and/or cosmological physics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
PHYS - 6960 M.S. THESIS RESEARCH
[1 - 15 hours] Thesis research required for the M.S. degree. Prerequisite: Consent of
department
PHYS - 6980/8980 SPECIAL TOPICS
[1 - 4 hours] Course reserved for visiting lecturers and topics not covered otherwise.
Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 6990/8990 INDEPENDENT STUDY
[1 - 4 hours] Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 7910 ADVANCED RESEARCH IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
[1 - 15 hours] Research work under the guidance of a member of the
graduate faculty. Designed to prepare the student to propose and carry out the thesis research required for the Ph.D. degree.
Prerequisite: Consent of department
PHYS - 7950 EDUCATION WORKSHOP IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
[1 - 4 hours] For teachers in grades K-12. Introduction to
modern physical science concepts suitable for classroom use; lecture and laboratory. Not acceptable for physics degree program.
PHYS - 8340 RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM MECHANICS
[3 hours] A general approach to relativistic quantum mechanics. Detailed study of
Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Bilinear covariants and trace theorems. Prerequisite: PHYS 7330
PHYS - 8350 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
[3 hours] Quantum mechanics of multiparticle systems. Essentials of quantum field theory
and quantum scattering theory. Interactions, scattering matrix and Feynman approach to perturbation theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 8340
PHYS - 8860 GENERAL RELATIVITY
[3 hours] Differential geometry, exterior calculus of tensors, the stress-energy tensor and
Einstein field equation, stellar evolution and black holes, gravitational lensing, tests of the theory, and gravitational wave detection.
Prerequisite: PHYS 7260 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 8870 COSMOLOGY
[3 hours] Cosmological solutions for Einstein�s field equation, the standard cosmological model,
particle physics, nucleosynthesis, and the cosmic background radiation. Inflation, dark matter and mass distribution, gravitational
evolution, and formation of galaxies. Prerequisite: PHYS 8860 or consent of instructor
PHYS - 8960 PH. D. THESIS RESEARCH
[1 - 15 hours] Thesis research required for the Ph.D. degree. Prerequisite: Consent
of department
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