Department of Physics

PHYS 1115. General Physics I Laboratory.

First of two laboratory courses in General Physics for science-related majors. The course introduces students to the basics of measurement. Topics cover mechanics and heat. Corequisite: PHYS 1315 or PHYS 1335 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 1125. General Physics II Laboratory.

This is the second of two laboratory courses in general Physics. The course introduces the students to experimental measurements and demonstration of principles of electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, electromagnetic waves. Corequisite: PHYS 1325 or PHYS 1345 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 1310. Elementary Physics I.

This course is a non-mathematical survey of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, and sound. These topics are described conceptually with applications relating to the world around us. PHYS 1310 and PHYS 1320 are designed for the liberal arts student. The order in which they are taken is not important. They are not recommended for pre-engineering students or majors and minors in science.

PHYS 1315. General Physics I.

This is the first course in a two semester sequence which is a survey of the basic laws and principles of physics and includes the topics of mechanics and heat. The course is designed for students whose program requires technical physics, but who are not pre-engineering students or majors or minors in physics. Prerequisite: [MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 with a grade of "C" or better] or [ACT Mathematics score of 24 or better] or [New ACT Mathematics score of 25 or better] or [SAT Mathematics score of 520 or better] or [SAT Math section score of 550 or better] or [Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions Test score of 263 or better]. Corequisite: PHYS 1115 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 1320. Elementary Physics II.

This course is a non-mathematical survey of electricity, magnetism, light, relativity, and atomic and nuclear physics. These topics are described conceptually with applications relating to the world around us. PHYS 1310 and PHYS 1320 are designed for the liberal arts student. The order in which they are taken is not important. They are not recommended for pre-engineering students or majors and minors in science.

PHYS 1325. General Physics II.

This is the second course in a two semester sequence which is a survey of the basic laws and principles of physics and includes the topics of waves, light, electricity and magnetism. This course is designed for students whose program requires technical physics, but who are not pre-engineering students or majors or minors in physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 1315 or PHYS 1335 with a grade of "C" or better.

PHYS 1335. General Physics I for Life Sciences Majors.

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence which surveys the fundamental principles of physics. This focus of this first course is on the topics of mechanics, fluids, and heat. The course is designed for biology, pre-health, and life-science majors whose program requires technical physics. Credit for both PHYS 1335 and PHYS 1315 cannot be given. Prerequisite: [MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 with a grade of "C" or better] or [ACT Mathematics score of 24 or better] or [New ACT Mathematics score of 25 or better] or [SAT Mathematics score of 520 or better] or [SAT Math section score of 550 or better] or [AAF score of 263 - 300]. Corequisite: PHYS 1115 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 1340. Astronomy: Solar System.

A study of the solar system. Topics included are a study of the sun, the planets and their satellites, the comets, and other components of the solar system. Some aspects of telescopes and ancient astronomy will be included also.

PHYS 1345. General Physics II for Life Science Majors.

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence which surveys the fundamental principles of physics. The focus of this second course is on the topics of oscillations, light, and electrical phenomena. This course is deigned for biology, pre-health, and life-science majors whose program requires technical physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1315 or PHYS 1335 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: PHYS 1125 with a grade of “D” or better.

PHYS 1350. Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies.

A study of the universe beyond the solar system. Topics included are a study of the stars and star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and an introduction to some aspects of cosmology.

PHYS 1365. Physics for Educators.

This studio-style course introduces physics concepts through active exploration and discussion of physical phenomena. Course content includes developing concepts of force and motion, light, sound, waves, electricity, magnetism, energy, and conservation laws. Focus is on how physics helps make sense of everyday experience, and on the learning and teaching of children in grades K-8.

PHYS 2125. Mechanics Laboratory.

This course introduces students to experimental methods in the study of motion, forces, energy, momentum, and other topics in mechanics. This laboratory course is designed to accompany PHYS 2325. Corequisite: PHYS 2325 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 2126. Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory.

This course introduces students to experimental methods in the study of electric charges and fields, electric circuits, magnetic materials, and electromagnetic induction. This laboratory course is designed to accompany PHYS 2326. Corequisite: PHYS 2326 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 2135. Waves and Heat Laboratory.

This course introduces students to experimental methods in the study of geometrical and physical optics and of thermodynamics. This laboratory course is designed to accompany PHYS 2335. Corequisite: PHYS 2335 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 2150. Professional Development for Beginning Physicists.

This course introduces to physics majors career options and opportunities for internships, scholarships, and research internal and external to the university. The course also develops essential practical skills for job seekers. Prerequisite: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 and PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 all with grades of "D" or better.

PHYS 2230. Introduction to Computational Modeling for Physics.

This course is an introduction to computational concepts and tools that physicists use for data analysis, simulation and modeling, and visualization in research and dissemination. Python and its various libraries are emphasized. Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 and PHYS 2125 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: [PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126] or [PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135] with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 2325. Mechanics.

This course covers the principles of introductory classical mechanics through problem-solving and research-validated interactive instruction. Corequisite: MATH 2471 with a grade of "C" or better and PHYS 2125 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 2326. Electricity and Magnetism.

This course covers the principles of classical electricity and magnetism through problem-solving and research-validated interactive instruction. Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 and [MATH 2472 or MATH 2473] with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: PHYS 2126 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 2335. Waves and Heat.

This course covers the principles of thermodynamics, geometric optics, and physical optics through problem solving and research-validated interactive instruction. Prerequisite: MATH 2471 and PHYS 2325 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: [MATH 2472 or MATH 2473] with a grade of "C" or better and PHYS 2135 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 3210. Physics Cognition and Pedagogy.

This course is an introduction to physics-specific pedagogy and the methods and results of physics education research (PER). Students will investigate relevant literature in PER and cognitive science, engage in discussions about physics teaching and learning, and reflect on their own teaching practice in the role of Physics Learning Assistants. (WI).

PHYS 3301. Musical Acoustics.

A survey of the physics of sound and acoustic measurement. Special emphasis will be placed on sound production, propagation, and perception as applied to music.

PHYS 3311. Classical Mechanics.

This course discusses the fundamentals of classical mechanics focusing on the physical description of the behavior of single and multiple particle systems. Topics include advanced problem-solving strategies for systems with position and velocity dependent forces, simple harmonic oscillators, and non-inertial reference frames. Prerequisite: PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: PHYS 3320 with a grade of "C" or better.

PHYS 3312. Modern Physics.

This course is an introduction to the foundations of modern physics, including the following topics: relativistic mechanics, foundational experiments in the development of quantum mechanics, light and energy, wave nature of particles, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 3313. Astrophysics.

This course surveys a variety of issues in astrophysics through problem solving, quantitative measurements, and theoretical reasoning. Topics include celestial mechanics, stellar dynamics and evolution, galaxy evolution, and cosmology. Corequisite: PHYS 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 3315. Thermodynamics.

This course is a fundamental study of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 3323 and [(PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135) or (ENGR 2300 and PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126)] all with grades of "D" or better.

PHYS 3318. Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics.

A survey of the physical properties, dynamics, and distribution of galaxies. Topics include the contents, origin, and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies; the large-scale distribution of galaxies in groups, clusters and superclusters; interactions between galaxies; dark matter; active galaxies and supermassive black holes; high redshift Universe. Prerequisite: PHYS 3313 with a grade of "D" or better.

PHYS 3320. Introduction to Mathematical Physics.

This course is an introduction to the mathematical methods of theoretical physics with emphasis on development of mathematical tools used in upper division core physics courses. Students will also develop their ability to communicate mathematical ideas in the context of physics. Prerequisite: MATH 2393 and PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 all with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: MATH 3323 with a grade of "C" or better.

PHYS 3411. Advanced Physics Laboratory.

This course is an introduction to experimental modern physics, with emphasis on the design and assembly of physics apparatus and the development of practical skills for controlling and automating data collection. (WI) Prerequisites: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisites: PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 3416. Applied Electronics.

This Laboratory/lecture course is an introduction to electronic test bench methods for the construction, operation and analysis of important DC/AC circuits utilizing resistors, capacitors, diodes, BJTs, FETs, and OpAmps. The behavior of the circuits will be modeled in SPICE. Elementary semiconductor device physics and microfabrication methods will be discussed. (WI) Prerequisites: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 and PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 3417. Optics.

This course is a one-semester survey of geometrical and physical optics accompanied by laboratory experience. Topics covered include electromagnetic waves and their propagation, geometrical optics, polarization, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, and holography. (WI) Prerequisites: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 and PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 3418. Methods in Observational Astrophysics.

This course is an introduction to methods and instrumentation used in observational astrophysics. Topics include image processing, data acquisition and analysis, and detectors for data across the electromagnetic spectrum. Prerequisite: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 and PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 all with grades "C" or better.

PHYS 4121. Undergraduate Research.

This course represents a student’s research project in physics to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. The student must contact a faculty member in advance to arrange the topic and specific course objectives. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PHYS 4221. Undergraduate Research.

This course represents a student’s research project in physics to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. The student must contact a faculty member in advance to arrange the topic and specific course objectives. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PHYS 4305. Statistical Physics.

Statistical physics is the study of energy flow and energy distributions within systems in equilibrium. Students will explore a range of phenomena including black-body radiation, diffusion, phase transitions, and magnetism. Emphasis will be placed on topics of entropy, probability, free energy, Boltzmann distributions, and the atomic behavior of these systems. Prerequisite: MATH 3323 and PHYS 3312 and PHYS 3320 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4310. Electromagnetic Field Theory I.

An introduction to the electromagnetic field theory of classical physics for static fields. Topics included will be the electrostatic field, polarization and dielectrics, electrostatic energy, magnetic field of steady currents, magneto static energy, and magnetic properties of matter. Prerequisite: [MATH 2393 or MATH 3373] and MATH 3323 and PHYS 3320 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4311. Condensed Matter Physics.

Application of physics principles to solid materials. Topics include crystal structure and the reciprocal lattice, including x-ray diffraction, crystal binding and elastic properties, lattice vibrations, energy bands, semiconductors and metals. Prerequisite: PHYS 3312 and PHYS 3320 both with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4312. Quantum Mechanics I.

This course introduces students to quantum mechanics. Topics include mathematical foundations, fundamental postulates, time development, and one dimensional problems. Prerequisite: PHYS 3312 PHYS 3320 both with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4315. Electromagnetic Field Theory II.

An introduction to the electromagnetic field theory of classical physics for time varying fields. Topics included will be electromagnetic induction, time varying electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic energy, electromagnetic waves and radiation, and a brief introduction to some specialized topics. Prerequisite: PHYS 4310 with a grade of "C" or better.

PHYS 4320. Selected Study in Physics.

Topics are chosen in theoretical and experimental areas of current interest in physics with specific topic to be discussed agreed upon prior to registration. May be repeated once with different emphasis and professor for additional credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PHYS 4321. Undergraduate Research.

A research project in physics to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member by upper division physics majors. Student must contact a faculty member in advance to arrange topic and specific course objective. Course may be repeated only as an elective towards the BS or BA in physics. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PHYS 4330. Relativity.

This course includes a review of special relativity, an introduction to the mathematics of tensor calculus and differential geometry, and covers such topics from general relativity as the Schwarzschild solution, black holes, tests of general relativity, cosmological models, gravitational waves, and the Einstein equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 3312 and PHYS 3320 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: PHYS 3311 with a grade of "C" or better.

PHYS 4345. Biophysics.

This course applies the principles of physics to the study of living organisms. An emphasis will be placed on the topics of structure, fluids, diffusion, entropy, probabilities, and stochastic processes, as well as on scientific modes of thinking, including modeling, estimation, and data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 3320 and PHYS 2230 and PHYS 2335 and PHYS 2135 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4350F. Astronomical Spectroscopy.

A lecture course introducing students to spectroscopy in astronomy, with particular emphasis on molecular spectroscopy. The course will cover a broad range of aspects including the development of spectroscopy in astronomy, the theory of atomic and molecular spectra, spectra in different astrophysical environments, instrumentation and data reduction.

PHYS 4350G. Nuclear and Particle Physics.

This course covers the theoretical, phenomenological, and experimental foundations of nuclear and particle physics including the fundamental forces, particles, and composites. An emphasis will be on the fundamental structure of nucleus (nuclear masses and nuclear sizes), nuclear interactions (alpha, beta, and gamma radiation), Fission, Fusion, beyond nuclear physics (quarks and leptons as basic constituents of matter), brief introduction to the Standard model: electroweak interactions, Higgs boson, QCD and basic nuclear Astrophysics (nucleosynthesis of stellar particles). Prerequisite: PHYS 2326 and PHYS 2126 and PHYS 3312 all with grades of "C" or better.

PHYS 4350H. Optical Materials and Characterization Methods.

This course is an introduction to optical properties of solids including electronic and vibrational transitions in inorganic and organic thin films and multilayers. Various optical characterization methods and techniques will be reviewed including Raman, FTIR, Photoluminescence, and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. Students will learn to work with those characterization methods and learn how to interpret the various spectra.

PHYS 4360. Physics Cognition and Pedagogy II.

This course addresses historical, philosophical, and cognitive perspectives on the learning, teaching, and discovery of physics, including results from contemporary research on learning. It is recommended for students pursuing teacher certification. Prerequisite: PHYS 3210 with a grade of "C" or better.