PHSX
Physics
PHSX 101 FRESHMAN PHYSICS EXPERIENCE PHSX 103IN THE PHYSICS OF HOW THINGS WORK PHSX 200 RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN PHYSICS PHSX 201IN PHYSICS BY INQUIRY PHSX 205 COLLEGE PHYSICS I PHSX 207 COLLEGE PHYSICS II PHSX 220 PHYSICS I PHSX 222 PHYSICS II PHSX 224 PHYSICS III PHSX 240 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I PHSX 242 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS II PHSX 253 PHYSICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY PHSX 261 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS I PHSX 262 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS II PHSX 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PHSX 291 SPECIAL TOPICS PHSX 292 INDEPENDENT STUDY PHSX 301 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL PHYSICS PHSX 305RN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HOLOGRAPHY PHSX 320 CLASSICAL MECHANICS PHSX 327 OPTICS PHSX 331 METHODS OF COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS PHSX 337 LASER APPLICATIONS PHSX 341 SPECIAL RELATIVITY PHSX 343 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS PHSX 401 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY I PHSX 402 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY II PHSX 403 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY III PHSX 405 SPECIAL RELATIVITY ONLINE PHSX 423 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I PHSX 425 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II PHSX 435 ASTROPHYSICS PHSX 441 SOLID STATE PHYSICS PHSX 442 NOVEL MATERIALS FOR PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING PHSX 444 ADVANCED PHYSICAL LAB PHSX 446 THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS PHSX 451 ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS PHSX 461 QUANTUM MECHANICS I PHSX 462 QUANTUM MECHANICS II PHSX 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PHSX 491 SPECIAL TOPICS PHSX 492 INDEPENDENT STUDY PHSX 494 SEMINAR PHSX 499 SENIOR CAPSTONE SEMINAR PHSX 501 ADVANCED CLASSICAL MECHANICS PHSX 506 QUANTUM MECHANICS I PHSX 507 QUANTUM MECHANICS II PHSX 511 ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS PHSX 512 GENERAL RELATIVITY ONLINE PHSX 513 QUANTUM MECHANICS ONLINE PHSX 514 COMPARATIVE PLANETOLOGY: ESTABLISING A VIRTUAL PRESENCE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM PHSX 515 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS PHSX 516 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS PHSX 519 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I PHSX 520 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II PHSX 523 GENERAL RELATIVITY I PHSX 524 GENERAL RELATIVITY II PHSX 531 NONLINEAR OPTICS & LASER SPECTROSCOPY PHSX 535 STATISTICAL MECHANICS PHSX 544 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I PHSX 545 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II PHSX 555 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY PHSX 560 ASTROPHYSICS PHSX 561 MODERN PHYSICS FOR TEACHERS: PARTICLES AND WAVES PHSX 565 ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA PHYSICS PHSX 566 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I PHSX 567 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II PHSX 582 ASTROBIOLOGY FOR TEACHERS PHSX 583 THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE ONLINE: THE SEARCH FOR ASTRONOMICAL ORIGINS PHSX 589 GRADUATE CONSULTATION PHSX 590 MASTER'S THESIS PHSX 591 SPECIAL TOPICS PHSX 592 INDEPENDENT STUDY PHSX 594 SEMINAR PHSX 689 DOCTORAL READING & RESEARCH PHSX 690 DOCTORAL THESIS
PHSX
101 FRESHMAN PHYSICS EXPERIENCE
F 1 cr. LEC 1
-- An introduction to frontier
areas of physics, including
the "Standard Model" of elementary
particle physics, quantum
mechanics, and big-bang cosmology.
Students explore these topics
using order-of-magnitude estimates,
dimensional analysis, and
simple observations. Intended
for physics majors or those
considering a major or minor
in physics.
PHSX 103IN THE PHYSICS OF HOW THINGS WORK
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: High School Algebra.
-- A practical approach to a broad array of fundamental topics in physics
for non-science majors taught by analyzing things that are used and
observed in everyday life. Classroom demonstrations will provide the
opportunity for in-class analysis, discussions, and hand-on activities.
Physics principals will be used to scrutinize issues such as energy
and recycling from economic and environmental perspectives. The latest
technology in transportation, electronics, and energy production will
be analyzed. The connection between basic research in physics and modern
technology will be examined. Students will not receive credit if they
have passed PHSX 205, PHSX 220, or PHSX 240.
PHSX 200 RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN PHYSICS
F 1 cr. LEC 1
-- An introduction to some of the exciting ideas, developments, problems,
and experiments of modern day physics.
PHSX 201IN PHYSICS BY INQUIRY
F,S 3 cr. LAB 3
-- An in depth exploration
of basic physics principles.
Scientific model building
and proportional reasoning
skills will be developed in
the context of properties
of matter, observational astronomy,
and DC electric circuits.
For pre-service elementary
teachers.
PHSX 205 COLLEGE PHYSICS I
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: High school trigonometry or M 151.
-- First semester of sequence. Topics include kinematics and dynamics
of linear and rotational motion; work and energy; impulse and momentum;
and fluids. Students will not receive credit if they have passed PHSX
220 or PHSX 221.
PHSX 207 COLLEGE PHYSICS II
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 205 or PHSX 220.
-- Second semester of sequence. Topics include simple harmonic motion;
electric forces and fields; dc electric circuits; magnetic forces and
fields; and magnetic induction and motors. Students will not receive
credit if they have passed PHSX 222 or PHSX 242.
PHSX 220 PHYSICS I
F,S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
COREQUISITE: M 171 or M 181
-- First semester of a three-semester sequence primarily for engineering
and physical science students. Covers topics in mechanics (such as motion,
Newton's laws, conservation laws, work, energy, systems of particles,
and rotational motion) and in mechanical waves (such as oscillations,
wave motion, sound, and superposition).
PHSX 222 PHYSICS II
F,S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 220 or PHSX 224; M 171 or M 181
COREQUISITE: M 172 or M 182
-- Covers topics in electricity and magnetism (such as Coulomb's law,
Gauss' law, electric fields, electric potential, dc circuits, magnetic
fields, Faraday's law, ac circuits, and Maxwell's equations) and optics
(such as light, geometrical optics, and physical optics).
PHSX 224 PHYSICS III
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1 (*Will be offered in Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 and
Fall terms thereafter)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 222 or PHSX 242; M 172 or M 182
-- Covers topics in thermodynamics (such as temperature, heat, laws
of thermodynamics, and the kinetic theory of gases) and modern physics
(such as relativity; models of the atom; quantum mechanics; and atomic,
molecular, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics).
PHSX 240 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS
I
S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
COREQUISITE: M 171 or M 181.
-- The honors section of PHSX 220. The concepts are discussed in more
depth and the range of applications is greater.
PHSX 242 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS
II
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1 (also offered Fall 2010)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 220 or PHSX 224; M 171 or M 181.
COREQUISITE: M 172 or M 182.
-- The honors section of PHSX 222. The concepts are discussed in more
depth and the range of applications is greater.
PHSX 253 PHYSICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
F 2 cr. LEC 2
PREREQUISITE: High school algebra.
-- Improvement of photographic skills through an understanding of the
basic principles of photography. The nature of light and color and the
physical principles involved in the operation of a camera will be presented.
Unusual effects and recent developments will be discussed. Numerous
demonstrations, photographs, and slides will be used to illustrate the
principles.
PHSX 261 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS I
F 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
COREQUISITES: PHSX 222 or PHSX 242.
-- Laboratory electronic measurements and analysis, and design of basic
linear circuits.
PHSX 262 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS II
S 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 261.
-- Analysis and design of basic digital circuits and advanced laboratory
electronic measurements.
PHSX 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
F,S,Su 1 - 6 cr. RCT
PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of department head.
-- Directed undergraduate research. Course will address responsible
conduct of research.
PHSX 291 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by
each offering department.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand before requesting a regular course number.
PHSX 292 INDEPENDENT STUDY
On Demand 1-3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of department head.
-- Directed study on an individual basis.
PHSX 301 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL
PHYSICS
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: M 273 or M283; PHSX 222 or PHSX 242.
COREQUISITE: M 274 or M 284.
-- Mathematical methods essential to the practice of theoretical physics,
such as matrices, vector calculus, differential equations, complex variables,
and Fourier series, with applications to examples from mechanics and
electromagnetism.
PHSX 305RN ART AND SCIENCE OF HOLOGRAPHY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing. M 151 or equivalent M Placement Test.
-- Beginner's course on creating holograms. Pictorial and geometric
interpretations of lasers, interference, coherence, film, and holography
enable students with limited science and M backgrounds to create their
own holographic masterpieces. Lab techniques and documenting the creative
process are emphasized.
PHSX 320 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
F 4 cr. LEC 4
COREQUISITE: PHSX 224, PHSX 301.
-- Principles of Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics including
single particle motion, systems of particles, rigid body motion, moving
coordinate systems, and small oscillations.
PHSX 327 OPTICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 224 and M 274 or M 284.
-- Emphasis is on new developments in optics triggered by the laser.
Provides a good foundation in wave optics, nonlinear optics, integrated
optics, and spectroscopy.
PHSX 331 METHODS OF COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
F 1 cr. LEC 1
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 301.
-- Introduction to the use of computational methods in physics. Emphasis
will be placed on common methods of casting problems into forms amenable
to numerical solution and for displaying numerical results.
PHSX 337 LASER APPLICATIONS
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 222.
-- A survey of laser types and properties and applications for scientists
and engineers who wish to use lasers in research or technology. Many
demonstrations will be used to illustrate the principles.
PHSX 341 SPECIAL RELATIVITY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 1 cr. LEC 1 (to be offered
Spring 2011 for last time)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 220 or PHSX 224.
-- Einstein's theory of special relativity is presented from the modern
viewpoint, with emphasis on the geometry of space time.
PHSX 343 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3 (Not offered until Fall 2012)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 224, PHSX 301, and M 284 or M 274.
-- Waves in classical physics and quantum mechanics: complex representation,
amplitude mechanics, and interference; Special relativity: postulates,
Lorentz transformations, applications in nuclear and particle physics;
Quantum mechanics: interpretation of key experiments, Schrodinger equation,
particles in potentials, spin, the atom; Introduction to nuclear and
particle physics.
PHSX 401 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY I
Su 3 cr. LAB 3.
PREREQUISITE: Teacher Certification.
-- An in-depth and hands-on exploration of basic physics principles.
Scientific model building and proportional reasoning skills will be
developed in the context of dc electrics, one and two dimensional kinematics,
and dynamics. For middle school and high school science teachers.
PHSX 402 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY II
Su 3 cr. LAB 3.
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 401.
-- An in-depth and hands-on exploration of basic physics principles.
Scientific model building and proportional reasoning skills will be
developed in the context of light, color, geometrical optics, heat,
and temperature. For middle school and high school teachers.
PHSX 403 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY III
Su 3 cr. LAB 3
PREREQUISITE: Science Teacher Certification.
COREQUISITE: PHSX 401.
--PHSX 403 is a continuation of the PHSX 401 experience, but it may
also be taken concurrently with PHSX 401. The course will begin with
a careful investigation of geometrical optics, leading to an understanding
of pinhole cameras, lenses, and prisms. This will be followed by an
exploration of magnetic interactions and magnetic materials.
PHSX 405 SPECIAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 222, M 172 or M 182, Bachelor's degree, and one year
teaching experience.
-- This online course addresses the question: In what ways does nature
behave differently at high relative speeds than at low speeds? Designed
for practicing high school physics teachers. Assignments and discussions
use electronic computer conferencing and interactive visual software.
PHSX 423 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
F 3 cr. LEC 3 (Will be offered Spring terms only starting Spring 2013
with PHYS 322 as prerequisite. Not offered Fall 2012.)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 301 or M 348.
-- Electrostatic fields, dielectric materials, magnetic fields, magnetic
materials, and Maxwell's equations.
PHSX 425 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
S 3 cr. LEC 3 (Will be offered Fall terms only starting Fall 2013. Not
offered Spring 2013)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 423.
-- Propagation of electromagnetic waves, radiation, and general wave
phenomena.
PHSX 435 ASTROPHYSICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 320 and PHSX 423.
-- A survey covering basic problems in modern astrophysics such as stellar
structure and evolution, solar physics, compact objects, quasars, and
cosmology.
PHSX 441 SOLID STATE PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 224.
-- A treatment of the classification and electronic structure of solids.
Properties of conductors, superconductors, insulators, and semiconductors
will be discussed. This course is strongly recommended for students
intending to study physics in graduate school.
PHSX 442 NOVEL MATERIALS FOR PHYSICS
& ENGINEERING
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of introductory solid state physics; PHSX 441
or consent of instructor.
-- Provides basic physical knowledge of advanced natural/artificial
materials; ferroelectrics, superconductors, nanotubes, superlattices,
photonics materials, materials with giant magnetoresistance and negative
susceptibilities, molecular magnets, and biomaterials.
PHSX 444 ADVANCED PHYSICS LAB
F,S 4 cr. LAB 4 Maximum 8 cr
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 262.
COREQUISITE: PHSX 461.
-- Introduction to methods, instrumentation, and data acquisition techniques
used in modern physics research. Different experiments are offered in
the two semesters. For students desiring a strong experimental exposure,
taking both courses is recommended. Experiments in the fall semester
are typically in the optical area and include interferometers, fiber
optics, spectral measurement, polarization, and laser optics. Experiments
in spring semester are typically in solid state physics and particle
spectroscopy.
PHSX 446 THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL
MECHANICS
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3 (Will be offered
every year starting Spring 2014)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 301.
-- Statistical physics and thermodynamics and their applications to
physical phenomena. This course is strongly recommended for students
intending to study physics in graduate school.
PHSX 451 ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3 (Will be taught
alternate spring terms starting Spring 2013. Not taught Fall 2012.)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 301 (Will have PHYS 322 as prerequisite starting
Fall 2013).
-- A survey of elementary particle physics, beginning with an historical
viewpoint and leading up to today's remarkably successful "Standard
Model" of quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons.
PHSX 461 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
S 4 cr. LEC 4 (Will be offered Fall terms only starting Fall 2013 as
3 credit course with PHYS 322 as prerequisite. Not offered Spring 2013)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 320.
-- Operators, eigenvalues, and correspondence with observables. Solutions
to the Schrodinger equation: one dimensional problems, bound and unbound
states, harmonic oscillator, and angular momentum.
PHSX 462 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
F 3 cr. LEC 3 (Will be offered Spring terms only starting Spring 2014.
Not offered Fall 2013)
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 461.
-- Three-dimensional problems, hydrogen atom, matrix mechanics, spin,
perturbation theory, and applications to atomic, molecular, nuclear,
and particle physics.
PHSX 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
F,S,Su 1 - 3 cr. IND May be repeated. Max 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Junior
standing and signed consent
of instructor/ research advisor
and academic advisor.
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity, which may culminate
in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course
will address responsible conduct of research.
PHSX 491 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand before requesting a regular course number.
PHSX 492 INDEPENDENT STUDY
On Demand 1 - 3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of
department head.
-- Directed study on an individual basis.
PHSX 494 SEMINAR/WORKSHOP
On Demand 1 cr. SEM 1 Maximum 4 cr
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and as determined for each offering.
-- Topics offered at the upper division level which are not covered
in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting
discussion material.
PHSX 499 SENIOR CAPSTONE SEMINAR
S 1 cr SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing, completion of a senior project, and 2
credits of PHSX 490R.
-- Senior capstone course. Participation in this course requires the
completion of a senior project that integrates the student's knowledge
and skills acquired during the undergraduate curriculum. Students will
be required to complete: i) an APS-style abstract, ii) an APS-style
10-minute oral presentation, iii) a poster session, and iv) a written
research report, based on their research/creative activity.
PHSX 501 ADVANCED CLASSICAL MECHANICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 320.
-- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. Small oscillations. Rigid-body
motion. An introduction to continuum mechanics.
PHSX 506 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 462.
-- Ket space and matrix representations. Quantum dynamics and invariance.
Path integral methods. Rotations and angular momentum theory. Translation,
reflection, and inversion symmetries. Conservation principles and degeneracy.
PHSX 507 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 506.
-- Time-independent and time-dependent perturbations. Identical particles
and permutation symmetry. Scattering theory. Applications of quantum
mechanics.
PHSX 511 ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
F,S 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 207 or PHSX 222 or PHSX 242, and secondary certification
in teaching and two years of teaching experience.
-- This is an online, distance education course primarily intended for
science educators. Topics include: the laws of gravity and orbital dynamics,
a survey of the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies,
and Big Bang cosmology.
PHSX 512 GENERAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 222 or PHSX 242; M 182, PHSX 405 and Bachelor's degree
and one year teaching experience.
-- This online course addresses the theory of general relativity, which
underlies our understanding of gravity and the large-scale structure
of the cosmos. Designed for practicing high school physics teachers.
Assignments and discussions use electronic computer conferencing and
simulation software.
PHSX 513 QUANTUM MECHANICS ONLINE
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 222 or PHSX 242; M 182, EDSD 366 and Bachelor's degree
and one year teaching experience.
-- This online course addresses the key ideas behind quantum mechanical
observations and devices, including the fundamental behavior of electrons
and photons. Designed for practicing high school physics teachers. Assignments
and discussions use electronic computer conferencing and simulation
software.
PHSX 514 COMPARATIVE PLANETOLOGY: ESTABLISING
A VIRTUAL PRESENCE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: EDSD 366 or EDCI 325, professional teaching certification,
Bachelor's degree and at least one year K-12 teaching experience, and
a background knowledge of astronomy at the level of ASTR 110 (or its
equivalent).
-- Establishing a Virtual Presence in the Solar System has been developed
and tested as an Internet-delivered course for off-campus students.
Its audience consists of practicing elementary and secondary teachers
who have experience in teaching general science but have little, if
any, formal course work in astronomy. Its goal is to help graduate-level
teachers learn solar system astronomy concepts to integrate the new
National Science Education Standards and NASA resources into existing
instructional strategies. Course participants learn advanced solar system
concepts, utilize WWW-resources, communicate with research scientists
using the Internet, analyze digital images using image processing software,
and organize materials for use in K-12 classroom environments.
PHSX 515 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3 Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing.
-- Topics in astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, mathematical
physics, or particle physics are presented as needed to supplement the
curriculum.
PHSX 516 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
F,S 3 cr. LAB 3 Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 261, PHSX 423, and PHSX 461.
-- Experiments chosen from laser optics and atomic, solid-state, and
nuclear physics are carried out in depth to introduce the graduate student
to methods, instrumentation, and data acquisition techniques useful
for experimental thesis projects.
PHSX 519 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 425.
-- Electro- and magnetostatics, conservation laws and covariance of
Maxwell's equations, and dynamics of relativistic particles and fields.
PHSX 520 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 519.
-- Radiation by moving charges. Electromagnetic waves in condensed matter
and plasma.
PHSX 523 GENERAL RELATIVITY I
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 519.
-- Tensor calculus, differential geometry, and an introduction to Einstein's
theory of gravity. The Schwarzschild solution and black hole physics.
PHSX 524 GENERAL RELATIVITY II
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 523.
-- Advanced topics in gravitation theory such as singularities, cosmological
models, and gravitational waves.
PHSX 531 NONLINEAR OPTICS & LASER
SPECTROSCOPY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 507.
-- Two-level atoms in laser fields and applications to nonlinear optics
such as photon echoes, second harmonic generation, and stimulated Raman
scattering. Atomic and molecular energy level structure, linear and
nonlinear spectroscopy, and applications to gaseous and solid state
laser materials.
PHSX 535 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 446.
-- Basic concepts of equilibrium statistical mechanics, with application
to classical and quantum systems, will be presented as well as theories
of phase transitions in fluid, magnetic, and other systems.
PHSX 544 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 446, PHSX 507.
-- Crystal structure and the reciprocal lattice. Quantum theory of electrons
and phonons.
PHSX 545 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 544.
-- Applications to the transport, optical, dielectric, and magnetic
properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
PHSX 555 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 507.
-- Techniques of canonical and path integral quantization of fields;
renormalization theory. Quantum electrodynamics; gauge theories of the
fundamental interactions.
PHSX 560 ASTROPHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 425, PHSX 462, PHSX 446, and PHYS 435.
-- The purpose of this course is to prepare graduate students for thesis-level
research in astrophysics, solar physics or related fields. Topics covered
include: fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, plasma physics, radiation processes
and stability of equilibrium states.
PHSX 561 MODERN PHYSICS FOR TEACHERS:
PARTICLES AND WAVES
Su 3 cr. LAB 3
PREREQUISITE: Secondary teaching certificate; 2 years teaching experience.
PHSX 224, PHSX 401, and PHSX 580 (Advanced Physics by Inquiry.)
-- Students in this capstone course will discuss, perform, and analyze
several experiments that demonstrate the particle and wave behaviors
of light and electrons. Students will develop methods and models for
teaching these concepts of modern physics to high school students.
PHSX 565 ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
COREQUISITE: PHSX 520.
-- An introduction to the physics of fluids and plasma relevant to astrophysical
plasmas such as the solar corona. Topics covered include: magnetostatics,
one-fluid (MHD) and two-fluid approaches, linear waves and instabilities,
shocks, transonic flows and collisional effects.
PHSX 566 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: M 349, M 472, PHSX 320.
-- mathematical methods which find application in physics. Differential
equations, contour integration, special functions, integral transforms,
boundary value problems, and Green's functions.
PHSX 567 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 566.
-- Theory of computational techniques, and applications such as numerical
integration, differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, and fast Fourier
transforms.
PHSX 582 ASTROBIOLOGY FOR TEACHERS
F,S 3 cr. Online Lec 3
PREREQUISITE: ASTR 371, PHSX 511, or equivalent; PHSX 205, PHSX 220,
PHSX 224, or equivalent; BIOB 375 or equivalent; EDSD 366 or equivalent;
and Bachelor's degree and minimum of one year of full-time teaching
experience at the secondary level or above.
-- Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution,
and destiny of life in the universe. It defines itself as an interdisciplinarscience
at the intersection of physics, astronomy, biology, geology, and mathematics,
to discover where and under what conditions life can arise and exist
in the Universe. The course topics will cover the discovery of planetary
systems around other stars, the nature of habitable zones around distant
stars, the existence of life in extreme environments. These concepts
will serve as a foundation to study possible extraterrestrial ecosystems
on planets and moons like Mars and Europa.
PHSX 583 THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE ONLINE:
THE SEARCH FOR ASTRONOMICAL ORIGINS
F,S 3 cr. Online Lec 3
PREREQUISITE: ASTR 371, PHYS 511, or equivalent; PHYS 205, PHSX 220,
PHSX 224, or equivalent; EDSD 366 or equivalent; and Bachelor's degree
and minimum of one year of full-time teaching experience at the secondary
level or above.
-- This course covers the long chain of events from the birth of the
universe in the Big Bang, through the formation of galaxies, stars,
and planets by focusing on the scientific questions, technological challenges,
and space missions pursuing the search for origins in alignment with
the goals and emphasis of the National Science Education Standards.
PHSX 589 GRADUATE CONSULTATION
F,S,Su 3 cr. TUT
PREREQUISITE: Master's standing and approval of the Dean of Graduate
Studies.
-- This course may be used only by students who have completed all of
their coursework (and thesis, if on a thesis plan) but who need additional
faculty or staff time or help.
PHSX 590 MASTER'S THESIS
F,S,Su 1 - 10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Master's standing.
PHSX 591 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Upper division courses and others as determined for each
offering.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand before requesting a regular course number.
PHSX 592 INDEPENDENT STUDY
On Demand 1 - 3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, approval of
department head and Dean of Graduate Studies.
-- Directed research and study on an individual basis.
PHSX 594 SEMINAR
On Demand 1 cr. SEM Maximum 8 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or seniors by petition. Course prerequisites
as determined for each offering.
-- Topics offered at the graduate level which are not covered in regular
courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion
material.
PHSX 689 DOCTORAL READING & RESEARCH
On Demand 3 - 5 cr. IND Maximum 15 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral standing.
-- This course may be used by doctoral students who are reading research
publications in the field in preparation for beginning doctoral thesis
research.
PHSX 690 DOCTORAL THESIS
F,S,Su 1-10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral standing.
