Course Descriptions
PHYS110 $ CS (4)
Astronomy
Exploring the cosmic environment—the solar system, stars and their development, star clusters, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and
large-scale features of the Universe. Meets the General Education
Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor.
Weekly: 3 lectures, one recitation, and a 2-hour lab.
Prerequisite: MATH145 or 166 or STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS110 V $ (3)
Astronomy
AU/GU course—see content above.
PHYS115 $ CS (4)
Concepts of Physics
A conceptual approach to physics—forces, matter, and energy with
21st century applications. Meets the General Education Physical
Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly:
3 lectures, 1 recitation, and a 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: MATH145
or 166 or STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS141, 142 $ (4, 4)
General Physics
Algebra based introduction to mechanics, relativity, heat, electricity,
magnetism, wave motion, physical and geometric optics, and
modern physics. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, and one 3-hour
lab. Prerequisite: A minimum of MATH167 or MATH168 or MPE
P4.
PHYS225 $ CS (4)
Sound and Waves
The production, transmission, synthesis, and perception of sound
as understood through the physical principles, properties, and
nature of waves. Includes a survey of applications—music,
speech, locomotion, and imaging—and comparisons with light
and other kinds of waves. Meets the General Education Physical
Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly:
3 lectures and a 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: MATH145 or 166 or
STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS241, 242; PHYS241H, 242H (4, 4)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
An introduction to mechanics, relativity, heat, electricity,
magnetism, wave motion, physical and geometrical optics, and
modern physics emphasizing the mathematical formulation and
the physical significance of the fundamental principles. Honors
credit is available as PHYS241H, 242H. Weekly: 4 lectures and
1 recitation. Prerequisite for PHYS241: MATH141. Corequisite
for PHYS241: PHYS271. Prerequisite for PHYS242: MATH142.
Corequisite for PHYS242: PHYS272.
PHYS271, 272; PHYS271H, 272H $ (1,1)
Physics for Scientists Laboratory
Weekly: one 3-hour lab. Honors credit is available as PHYS271H,
272H. Corequisites: PHYS241, 242.
PHYS277 (0)
Physics Colloquium
Current topics and issues of interest to the physics community.
Required each semester of all students with a physics major or
minor, Weekly: 1 lecture or activity. Repeatable.
PHYS280 (0.5–3)
Topics in_________
Introductory-level topics in astrophysics, other current physics area or
associated scientific programming. Repeatable to 4 credits. Minimum
of 4 hours per week is required for each credit earned. Prerequisite:
Approval of the instructor.
PHYS295 (1–2)
Independent Study / Research
Individually directed reading and lab projects (e.g., holography
and astrophotography). A minimum of 4 hours per week
is required for each credit earned. Repeatable to 4 credits.
Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.
PHYS350 Alt (2.5)
Optics
Geometrical and physical optics; interference and diffraction,
polarization, Fourier optics, lasers, and holography. Prerequisites:
PHYS242 (recommended) or 142; MATH142.
PHYS377 $ (1)
Advanced Physics Laboratory I
Development of advanced lab skills in the study of basic physical
phenomena. Emphasis includes scientific instrumentation, lab
procedure, data reduction, interpretation, and technical
communication. Repeatable to 2 credits.
PHYS400 (1–2)
Demonstrations in Physics
Identifying topics suitable for demonstration, surveying the
literature, preparing demonstrations,
finding suppliers of materials
and equipment. A critical evaluation of demonstrations—their
design, preparation, and execution—with student participation.
Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.
PHYS411, 412 Alt-412 (2.5, 2.5)
Theoretical Mechanics
Statics, kinematics, and dynamics of systems of particles.
Application of vector calculus to mechanics;
Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian formulations.
Prerequisite:
PHYS242 (recommended)
or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS416 Alt (2.5)
Biophysics
Modeling and describing physical phenomena of living systems,
including transport and diffusion across membranes and electrical
processes in muscle and nerve tissue. Prerequisite: PHYS242
(recommended) or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS420 (2–3)
Advanced Topics in_________
Astrophysics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, relativity or other
current physics area. Prerequisite: PHYS242 or 411. Repeatable to
6 credits.
PHYS430 Alt (2.5)
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Systematic introduction to thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and
statistical mechanics (classical and quantum). Prerequisites:
PHYS242 (recommended)
or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS431, 432 Alt (3, 3)
Electricity and Magnetism
A treatment of electromagnetic phenomena in terms of potentials
and vector fields. PHYS431 develops Maxwell’s equations with
descriptions of electrostatics and magnetostatics as solutions
to Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations. PHYS432 addresses
electromagnetic radiation in media, reflection and refraction,
and the fields of waveguides
and antennae. Prerequisite or
corequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS445 Alt (2.5)
Particle Physics
A study of particle properties, forces, structure, decay and reaction
mechanism in the context of the Standard Model. Prerequisite:
PHYS481.
PHYS460 t Alt (2.5)
Solid State Physics
A study of crystallography, x-ray diffraction, properties of
190 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
crystalline and amorphous solids, band theory of solids, and lattice
dynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS475 (2.5)
Physics Review
A review and synthesis of physics concepts and analytical and
experimental techniques in preparation for entry into a graduate
program. Topics include classical, statistical and quantum
mechanics,
waves and classical fields. Prerequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS477 t $ (1)
Advanced Physics Laboratory II
Important phenomena, equipment, and techniques in modern
experimental physics. Repeatable to 2 credits.
PHYS481, 482 t Alt (3, 3)
Quantum Mechanics
The mechanics of small-scale physical phenomena as developed
by Heisenberg, Schroedinger, and Dirac. Treatment of square well,
step, and harmonic oscillator potentials; uncertainty relations;
and symmetries to include angular momenta. Prerequisite or
corequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS495 (1–3)
Independent Study/Research
Individually directed study, problem-solving, or research in
selected fields of physics. A minimum of 4 hours work per week
is required for each credit earned and a written paper is required.
Repeatable to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.
PHYS530 (1–3)
Topics in Teaching Physics
Discussions on 1) the principles of physics and effective
approaches for teaching them, or 2) the physics lab, its purposes,
administrative and safety procedures, essential equipment, seminal
experiments, data analysis, lab journal, and reports. Repeatable to 9 credits.
PHYS540 (2–3)
Topics in Physics
Study in one of the traditional areas of graduate physics such
as electromagnetic theory, analytical or quantum mechanics,
solid state, atomic, nuclear or high energy physics, astrophysics,
relativity, or mathematical physics. Students must complete
assigned readings and problems. Satisfactory performance on a
written or oral comprehensive exam required. Repeatable to 9
credits.
PHYS648 (1–3)
Workshop
An intensive program for middle school and secondary teachers
and teachers-in-training who seek certification or endorsement
in physics and who wish to update and expand their skills in the
physics laboratory.
PHYS690 (1–3)
Independent Study/Research
Individually directed study, problem-solving, or research in
selected fields of physics. Open to qualified students who
show ability and initiative. A minimum of 4 hours work per
week expected for each credit earned. Repeatable to 6 credits.
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.
Astronomy
Exploring the cosmic environment—the solar system, stars and their development, star clusters, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and
large-scale features of the Universe. Meets the General Education
Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor.
Weekly: 3 lectures, one recitation, and a 2-hour lab.
Prerequisite: MATH145 or 166 or STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS110 V $ (3)
Astronomy
AU/GU course—see content above.
PHYS115 $ CS (4)
Concepts of Physics
A conceptual approach to physics—forces, matter, and energy with
21st century applications. Meets the General Education Physical
Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly:
3 lectures, 1 recitation, and a 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: MATH145
or 166 or STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS141, 142 $ (4, 4)
General Physics
Algebra based introduction to mechanics, relativity, heat, electricity,
magnetism, wave motion, physical and geometric optics, and
modern physics. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, and one 3-hour
lab. Prerequisite: A minimum of MATH167 or MATH168 or MPE
P4.
PHYS225 $ CS (4)
Sound and Waves
The production, transmission, synthesis, and perception of sound
as understood through the physical principles, properties, and
nature of waves. Includes a survey of applications—music,
speech, locomotion, and imaging—and comparisons with light
and other kinds of waves. Meets the General Education Physical
Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly:
3 lectures and a 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: MATH145 or 166 or
STAT285 or MPE P2.
PHYS241, 242; PHYS241H, 242H (4, 4)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
An introduction to mechanics, relativity, heat, electricity,
magnetism, wave motion, physical and geometrical optics, and
modern physics emphasizing the mathematical formulation and
the physical significance of the fundamental principles. Honors
credit is available as PHYS241H, 242H. Weekly: 4 lectures and
1 recitation. Prerequisite for PHYS241: MATH141. Corequisite
for PHYS241: PHYS271. Prerequisite for PHYS242: MATH142.
Corequisite for PHYS242: PHYS272.
PHYS271, 272; PHYS271H, 272H $ (1,1)
Physics for Scientists Laboratory
Weekly: one 3-hour lab. Honors credit is available as PHYS271H,
272H. Corequisites: PHYS241, 242.
PHYS277 (0)
Physics Colloquium
Current topics and issues of interest to the physics community.
Required each semester of all students with a physics major or
minor, Weekly: 1 lecture or activity. Repeatable.
PHYS280 (0.5–3)
Topics in_________
Introductory-level topics in astrophysics, other current physics area or
associated scientific programming. Repeatable to 4 credits. Minimum
of 4 hours per week is required for each credit earned. Prerequisite:
Approval of the instructor.
PHYS295 (1–2)
Independent Study / Research
Individually directed reading and lab projects (e.g., holography
and astrophotography). A minimum of 4 hours per week
is required for each credit earned. Repeatable to 4 credits.
Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.
PHYS350 Alt (2.5)
Optics
Geometrical and physical optics; interference and diffraction,
polarization, Fourier optics, lasers, and holography. Prerequisites:
PHYS242 (recommended) or 142; MATH142.
PHYS377 $ (1)
Advanced Physics Laboratory I
Development of advanced lab skills in the study of basic physical
phenomena. Emphasis includes scientific instrumentation, lab
procedure, data reduction, interpretation, and technical
communication. Repeatable to 2 credits.
PHYS400 (1–2)
Demonstrations in Physics
Identifying topics suitable for demonstration, surveying the
literature, preparing demonstrations,
finding suppliers of materials
and equipment. A critical evaluation of demonstrations—their
design, preparation, and execution—with student participation.
Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.
PHYS411, 412 Alt-412 (2.5, 2.5)
Theoretical Mechanics
Statics, kinematics, and dynamics of systems of particles.
Application of vector calculus to mechanics;
Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian formulations.
Prerequisite:
PHYS242 (recommended)
or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS416 Alt (2.5)
Biophysics
Modeling and describing physical phenomena of living systems,
including transport and diffusion across membranes and electrical
processes in muscle and nerve tissue. Prerequisite: PHYS242
(recommended) or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS420 (2–3)
Advanced Topics in_________
Astrophysics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, relativity or other
current physics area. Prerequisite: PHYS242 or 411. Repeatable to
6 credits.
PHYS430 Alt (2.5)
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Systematic introduction to thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and
statistical mechanics (classical and quantum). Prerequisites:
PHYS242 (recommended)
or PHYS142; MATH142.
PHYS431, 432 Alt (3, 3)
Electricity and Magnetism
A treatment of electromagnetic phenomena in terms of potentials
and vector fields. PHYS431 develops Maxwell’s equations with
descriptions of electrostatics and magnetostatics as solutions
to Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations. PHYS432 addresses
electromagnetic radiation in media, reflection and refraction,
and the fields of waveguides
and antennae. Prerequisite or
corequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS445 Alt (2.5)
Particle Physics
A study of particle properties, forces, structure, decay and reaction
mechanism in the context of the Standard Model. Prerequisite:
PHYS481.
PHYS460 t Alt (2.5)
Solid State Physics
A study of crystallography, x-ray diffraction, properties of
190 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
crystalline and amorphous solids, band theory of solids, and lattice
dynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS475 (2.5)
Physics Review
A review and synthesis of physics concepts and analytical and
experimental techniques in preparation for entry into a graduate
program. Topics include classical, statistical and quantum
mechanics,
waves and classical fields. Prerequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS477 t $ (1)
Advanced Physics Laboratory II
Important phenomena, equipment, and techniques in modern
experimental physics. Repeatable to 2 credits.
PHYS481, 482 t Alt (3, 3)
Quantum Mechanics
The mechanics of small-scale physical phenomena as developed
by Heisenberg, Schroedinger, and Dirac. Treatment of square well,
step, and harmonic oscillator potentials; uncertainty relations;
and symmetries to include angular momenta. Prerequisite or
corequisite: PHYS411.
PHYS495 (1–3)
Independent Study/Research
Individually directed study, problem-solving, or research in
selected fields of physics. A minimum of 4 hours work per week
is required for each credit earned and a written paper is required.
Repeatable to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.
PHYS530 (1–3)
Topics in Teaching Physics
Discussions on 1) the principles of physics and effective
approaches for teaching them, or 2) the physics lab, its purposes,
administrative and safety procedures, essential equipment, seminal
experiments, data analysis, lab journal, and reports. Repeatable to 9 credits.
PHYS540 (2–3)
Topics in Physics
Study in one of the traditional areas of graduate physics such
as electromagnetic theory, analytical or quantum mechanics,
solid state, atomic, nuclear or high energy physics, astrophysics,
relativity, or mathematical physics. Students must complete
assigned readings and problems. Satisfactory performance on a
written or oral comprehensive exam required. Repeatable to 9
credits.
PHYS648 (1–3)
Workshop
An intensive program for middle school and secondary teachers
and teachers-in-training who seek certification or endorsement
in physics and who wish to update and expand their skills in the
physics laboratory.
PHYS690 (1–3)
Independent Study/Research
Individually directed study, problem-solving, or research in
selected fields of physics. Open to qualified students who
show ability and initiative. A minimum of 4 hours work per
week expected for each credit earned. Repeatable to 6 credits.
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.