Physics

PHY 100. Freshman Seminar. 0 Hours

SEMINAR - Opportunity to become acquainted with the broad spectrum of modern science through periodic meetings with the entire department. Invited speakers, films, student presentations, book reviews, and informal discussions. For all physics, physical science, and physics-computer science majors.

PHY 105. Phy Sci Energy & Env. 3 Hours

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT - General introduction to principles of physics including motion, energy, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. Applications of these principles to non-renewable and renewable energy systems and the climate. Intended for business students.

PHY 108. Phy Sci-Light&Color. 3 Hours

PHYSICAL SCIENCE OF LIGHT AND COLOR - Treatment of physical science with emphasis on light, color, and the interaction of light with materials. For nonscience students.

PHY 108L. Light & Color Lab. 1 Hour

LIGHT AND COLOR LABORATORY - Laboratory experiences to accompany PHY 108. Corequisite(s): PHY 108.

PHY 201. General Physics. 3 Hours

GENERAL PHYSICS - Topics from mechanics, thermal and mechanical properties of matter, wave motion and sound, and electricity without the formalism of calculus. First term, each year.

PHY 201L. General Physics Lab. 1 Hour

GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY - Introductory laboratory appropriate for students of the health sciences. Experimental scientific techniques and the use of standard laboratory equipment. One two-hour period each week. First term, each year. Corequisite(s): PHY 201 or PHY 206.

PHY 202. General Physics. 3 Hours

GENERAL PHYSICS - Continuation of PHY 201 with a treatment of electricity and magnetism, wave motion and properties of light, atomic and nuclear physics. Second term, each year. Prerequisite(s): PHY 201.

PHY 202L. General Physics Lab. 1 Hour

GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY - Experimental scientific techniques and the use of standard laboratory equipment. One two-hour period per week. Second term, each year. Prerequisite(s): PHY 201L.

PHY 203. Mod Techncl Physics. 3 Hours

MODERN TECHNICAL PHYSICS - Introduction to selected topics in modern physics without the formalism of calculus. For engineering technology students. Prerequisite(s): College algebra, trigonometry, and introductory statics and dynamics.

PHY 203L. Techncl Physics Lab. 1 Hour

TECHNICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY - Laboratory experiences to accompany PHY 203.

PHY 206. Gen Physics I Mech. 3 Hours

GENERAL PHYSICS I - MECHANICS - Introductory course in mechanics for students with a strong background in physics. Three lectures, one recitation each week. Corequisite(s): MTH 148 or MTH 168.

PHY 207. Gen Phy II Ele & Mag. 3 Hours

GENERAL PHYSICS II - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM - The basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Three lectures, one recitation each week. Prerequisite(s): PHY 201 or PHY 206. Corequisite(s): MTH 149 or MTH 169.

PHY 208. Gen Phy III Mec Wavs. 3 Hours

GENERAL PHYSICS III - MECHANICS OF WAVES - Introduction to wave phenomena (including sound, light, and matter waves) leading to basic concepts in modern physics. Prerequisite(s): (MTH 149; PHY 202) or (MTH 169; PHY 207).

PHY 210L. Gen Physics Lab I. 1 Hour

GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY I - Introduction to laboratory methods, handling of data, and analysis of results. Experiments appropriate to the background of students with an interest in mathematical and physical sciences. Two hours laboratory, one hour recitation each week. Corequisite(s): PHY 206.

PHY 211L. Gen Physics Lab II. 1 Hour

GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II - Laboratory methods, data handling, and analysis of results. Experiments appropriate to the background of students with an interest in mathematical and physical sciences. Two hours laboratory, one hour recitation each week. Prerequisite(s): PHY 210L. Corequisite(s): PHY 207.

PHY 220. Energy & Env Physics. 3 Hours

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS - Introduction to the physical basis of energy systems and the climate. Topics covered will include thermodynamics, planetary radiation balance, heat transfer, basic atmospheric and ocean physics, nuclear energy, renewable energy, modeling of carbon emissions from fossil fuels, simple climate models, monitoring climate change, and mitigation strategies. Prerequisite(s): PHY 206.

PHY 232. Physics of Waves. 3 Hours

THE PHYSICS OF WAVES - Physical concept and mathematical relations describing wave phenomena in a variety of physical systems. Topics include oscillation in mechanical and electrical systems, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, geometrical and physical optics and matter waves. Designed for electrical and computer engineering students, but open to all meeting the prerequisites. Prerequisite(s): PHY 206; MTH 169 (may be taken as a corequisite).

PHY 250. Descriptve Astronomy. 3-4 Hours

DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY - Descriptive survey for students who have had little or no previous exposure to astronomy; material from ancient times to present, including pulsars and quasi-stellar objects.

PHY 295. Research Particip I. 1 Hour

RESEARCH PARTICIPATION I - Research Participation.

PHY 301. Thermal Physics. 3 Hours

THERMAL PHYSICS - Thermodynamical descriptions of many particle systems obtained from microscopic statistical considerations; laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of dilute gases, and Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 208 or PHY 232. Corequisite(s): MTH 219.

PHY 303. Intermediate Mech I. 3 Hours

INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS I - The fundamental concepts of mechanics: virtual work, kinematics, special theory of relativity, Lagrange's equation-and central forces, particle dynamics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 208 or PHY 232. Corequisite(s): MTH 219.

PHY 321. Atom & Nuclear Phy. 3 Hours

ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS - Concepts and models of the structure of matter; atoms, ions, electrons and nuclei, radioactivity, interactions of radiation with matter, particle detection, accelerators, nuclear models, nuclear reactions and processes, and fundamental particles. Prerequisite(s): (PHY 208 or PHY 232) or permission of instructor.

PHY 323. Computatnl Physics. 3 Hours

COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS - The course will explore how computers are used in physics. Topics will include simulations of physical systems, numerical analysis, and the use of mathematical analysis packages (MATHCAD, for example.) Programming will be done in True BASIC and MATHCAD. Prerequisite(s): MTH 218; (PHY 208 or PHY 232).

PHY 333. Dig&Alog Electrncs. 3 Hours

DIGITAL AND ANALOG ELECTRONICS FOR SCIENTISTS - Basic concepts of digital and analog integrated circuit electronics are developed as a way to understand modern microcomputer based instrumentation. A microcomputer based data collection and analysis system is used to study binary data input and output, analog to digital conversion (ADC) devices, digital to analog conversion (DAC) devices, and other digital integrated circuits and concepts. The analog electronics part of the course begins with a study of discrete analog devices and ends with operational amplifiers and their application. Two hours lecture and two hour laboratories each week. Prerequisite(s): (PHY 202L or PHY 211L) or equivalent.

PHY 390. Intro Quantum Mech. 3 Hours

INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS - Basic postulates of quantum mechanics with applications made to atomic physics. Prerequisite(s): MTH 219; (PHY 208 or PHY 232). Corequisite(s): MTH 310.

PHY 395. Research Particip I. 1-6 Hours

RESEARCH PARTICIPATION I - Individual projects conducted as part of the physics Undergraduate Research Participation program to encourage involvement of students with faculty researchers. Projects must be arranged in advance with faculty research directors.

PHY 399. Special Problems. 1-4 Hours

SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS - Special topical courses, laboratory, tutorial, or library work in areas of current interest. Students should consult the composite.

PHY 403. Interm Mechanics II. 3 Hours

INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS II - Emphasis on solving physical problems; noninertial coordinate systems, rigid body motion, rotating systems, coupled systems, introductory fluid statics and dynamics, normal coordinates, and the descriptions of mechanics appropriate for the transition to wave mechanics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 303.

PHY 404. Physical Optics. 3 Hours

PHYSICAL OPTICS - The electromagnetic wave theory of light, propagation of waves, reflection, refraction, dispersion, polarization, dichroism, birefringence, superposition of waves, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics. Prerequisite(s): MTH 219; (PHY 208 or PHY 232).

PHY 408. Int Elect & Magn I. 3 Hours

INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I - Electrostatics, Coulumb's law, Gauss's law, potential, dielectric materials, electrostatic energy, solutions to Laplace's and Poisson's equations, Biot-Savart law, Faraday induction law, magnetization, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite(s): MTH 219; (PHY 208 or PHY 232).

PHY 409. Int Elect & Magn II. 3 Hours

INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II - Further study of electric and magnetic fields with emphasis on solving problems; Maxwell's equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisite(s): PHY 408.

PHY 411. Topics-Mod Physics. 3 Hours

TOPICS IN MODERN PHYSICS - Elements of modern optics, solid state and other selected subjects. Consult chairperson for details. Prerequisite(s): PHY 390 or equivalent.

PHY 420. Intro to Solid State. 3 Hours

INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE - Classification of solids, crystals and crystal structures, survey of lattice properties, free electron theory, band theory of solids, semi-conductors, and crystal imperfections. Prerequisite(s): MTH 219; (PHY 208 or 232); PHY 390.

PHY 430. Advanced Lab I. 2 Hours

ADVANCED LAB I - Advanced Lab.

PHY 431. Advanced Lab II. 2 Hours

ADVANCED LAB II - Advanced Lab.

PHY 440. Quantum Mechanics II. 3 Hours

QUANTUM MECHANICS II - Study of selected principles in quantum mechanics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 390.

PHY 450. Senior Project. 3 Hours

SENIOR PROJECT - The senior project is a capstone experience for senior physics majors. It will consist of a research project of the student's choosing and will require both an oral and written report. The nature and scope of the project will be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. Permission of the department chairperson is required. Senior physics majors only.

PHY 460. Seminar. 1 Hour

SEMINAR - Presentation of papers by undergraduate students, faculty, and a guest lecturers on topics of concern to the modern physicist. Reviews of books and films appropriate to the group.

PHY 477. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours

HONORS THESIS PROJECT - First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

PHY 478. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours

HONORS THESIS PROJECT - Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.

PHY 495. Research Particip II. 1-6 Hours

RESEARCH PARTICIPATION II - Individual projects conducted as part of the physics Undergraduate Research Participation program to encourage involvement of students with faculty researchers. Projects must be arranged in advance with faculty research directors.

PHY 499. Special Problems. 1-6 Hours

SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS - Laboratory, tutorial, or library work in one of such selected topics as solid state physics, polymers, atomic and nuclear physics, modern optics, theoretical physics, surface physics, or general physics. Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chairperson.