> MSU Undergraduate Catalog
PHYS
Physics
Department of Physics
(406) 994-3614
PHYS 101IN MYSTERIES OF THE SKY
PHYS 102IN MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
PHYS 103IN OUR PHYSICAL WORLD
PHYS 137 FROM QUARKS TO THE COSMOS
PHYS 200 RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN PHYSICS
PHYS 201IN PHYSICS BY INQUIRY
PHYS 205 COLLEGE PHYSICS I
PHYS 206 COLLEGE PHYSICS II
PHYS 211 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I
PHYS 212 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS II
PHYS 213 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS III
PHYS 221 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I
PHYS 222 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS II
PHYS 231 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL PHYSICS
PHYS 253 PHYSICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
PHYS 261 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS I
PHYS 270 INDEPENDENT STUDY
PHYS 280 SPECIAL TOPICS
PHYS 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
PHYS 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
PHYS 301 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
PHYS 311 SOLAR SYSTEM ASTRONOMY
PHYS 312 STARS,GALAXIES, AND THE UNIVERSE
PHYS 317 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
PHYS 318 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
PHYS 331 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
PHYS 341 SPECIAL RELATIVITY
PHYS 353RN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HOLOGRAPHY
PHYS 361 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS II
PHYS 400 SEMINAR
PHYS 401 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY I
PHYS 402 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY II
PHYS 403 SPECIAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
PHYS 404 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY III
PHYS 406 CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS
PHYS 411 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS I
PHYS 412 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS II
PHYS 425 THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS
PHYS 426 MODERN OPTICS
PHYS 427 LASER APPLICATIONS
PHYS 435 ASTROPHYSICS
PHYS 441 SOLID STATE PHYSICS
PHYS 442 NOVEL MATERIALS FOR PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
PHYS 451 ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS
PHYS 461 SENIOR LAB
PHYS 470 INDEPENDENT STUDY
PHYS 480 SPECIAL TOPICS
PHYS 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
PHYS 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
PHYS 500 SEMINAR
PHYS 501 ADVANCED CLASSICAL MECHANICS
PHYS 506 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
PHYS 507 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
PHYS 511 ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
PHYS 512 GENERAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
PHYS 513 QUANTUM MECHANICS ONLINE
PHYS 514 COMPARATIVE PLANETOLOGY: ESTABLISING A VIRTUAL PRESENCE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
PHYS 515 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS
PHYS 516 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
PHYS 519 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I
PHYS 520 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II
PHYS 523 GENERAL RELATIVITY I
PHYS 524 GENERAL RELATIVITY II
PHYS 531 NONLINEAR OPTICS & LASER SPECTROSCOPY
PHYS 535 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
PHYS 544 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I
PHYS 545 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II
PHYS 555 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
PHYS 560 ASTROPHYSICS
PHYS 561 MODERN PHYSICS FOR TEACHERS: PARTICLES AND WAVES
PHYS 566 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I
PHYS 567 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II
PHYS 570 INDEPENDENT STUDY
PHYS 580 SPECIAL TOPICS
PHYS 582 ASTROBIOLOGY FOR TEACHERS
PHYS 583 THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE ONLINE: THE SEARCH FOR ASTRONOMICAL ORIGINS
PHYS 589 GRADUATE CONSULTATION
PHYS 590 MASTER'S THESIS
PHYS 689 DOCTORAL READING & RESEARCH
PHYS 690 DOCTORAL THESIS
PHYS 101IN MYSTERIES OF THE SKY
F,S,Su 3 cr. LEC 3
-- An introduction to contemporary astronomy that explores the nature, methods, and limitations of scientific inquiry within the context of our struggle to understand the structure and evolution of the Universe. Topics include the history of astronomy, motions of the night sky, the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology.
PHYS 102IN MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
Su 4 cr. LEC 3 RCT 1
-- An introduction to contemporary astronomy that explores the nature, methods, and limitations of scientific inquiry within the context of our struggle to understand the structure and evolution of the Universe. Topics include the history of astronomy, motions of the night sky, the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. In addition to lectures, students spend one full class each week working in teams on a series of lab-like exercises designed to reinforce the learning of key concepts. Students may only count one of PHYS 101 and PHYS 102 toward meeting graduation requirements.
PHYS 103IN OUR PHYSICAL WORLD
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: High School Algebra.
-- A conceptual survey of topics in physics for non-science majors. Topics include motion, force, momentum, energy, waves, and sound, and may include heat, the structure of matter, relativity, optics, electricity and magnetism, or modern physics. Students will not receive credit if they have passed PHYS 205, PHYS 211, or PHYS 221.
PHYS 137 FROM QUARKS TO THE COSMOS
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.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 201IN PHYSICS BY INQUIRY
F,S 3 cr. LAB 3
-- An indepth 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.
PHYS 205 COLLEGE PHYSICS I
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: High school trigonometry or MATH 160.
-- 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 PHYS 211 or PHYS 221.
PHYS 206 COLLEGE PHYSICS II
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 205 or PHYS 211.
-- 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 PHYS 212 or PHYS 222.
PHYS 211 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I
F,S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: MATH 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).
PHYS 212 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS II
F,S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 211 or PHYS 221; MATH 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).
PHYS 213 GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS III
S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 212 or PHYS 222.
-- 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).
PHYS 221 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I
S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: MATH 181.
-- The honors section of PHYS 211. The concepts are discussed in more
depth and the range of applications is greater.
PHYS 222 HONORS GENERAL AND MODERN PHYSICS II
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 211 or PHYS 221, MATH 182.
-- The honors section of PHYS 212. The concepts are discussed in more
depth and the range of applications is greater.
PHYS 231 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL PHYSICS
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: MATH 224.
COREQUISITE: MATH 225, PHYS 213.
-- Mathematical methods essential to the practice of theoretical physics, such as matrices, vector calculus, differential equations, and Fourier series, with applications to examples from mechanics and electromagnetism.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 261 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS I
F 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
COREQUISITES: PHYS 212 or PHYS 222.
-- Laboratory electronic measurements and analysis, and design of basic linear circuits.
PHYS 270 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.
PHYS 280 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.
PHYS 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Max 4 cr.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 290.
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
PHYS 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
F,S,Su 1 - 6 cr. RCT
PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of department head.
-- Directed undergraduate research.
PHYS 301 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
F 4 cr. LEC 4
COREQUISITE: PHYS 213, PHYS 231.
-- Principles of Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics including single particle motion, systems of particles, rigid body motion, moving coordinate systems, and small oscillations.
PHYS 311 SOLAR SYSTEM ASTRONOMY
F,Su on demand 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 205, PHYS 211, or PHYS 221.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 206, PHYS 212, or PHYS 222.
-- Covers the origin and evolution of our solar system, including detailed examinations of the sun, earth, moon, other planets, and satellites. Exciting new discoveries and emerging research results will be integrated into the course. The laboratory operates in a "project mode" and includes experiments with models that can be done indoors as well as with the use of telescopes.
PHYS 312 INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 205, PHYS 211, or PHYS 221, or the equivalent.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 206, PHYS 212, or PHYS 222, or the equivalent.
-- After reviewing basic classical astronomy on the properties, structure and evolution of stars and galaxies, the course will introduce some hot topics in frontiers of astronomy, such as pulsars, quasars, black holes, and fate of the universe.
PHYS 317 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 231 or MATH 348.
-- Electrostatic fields, dielectric materials, magnetic fields, magnetic materials, and Maxwell's equations.
PHYS 318 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 317.
-- Propagation of electromagnetic waves, radiation, and general wave phenomena.
PHYS 331 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
F 1 cr. LEC 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 231.
-- 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.
PHYS 341 SPECIAL RELATIVITY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 1 cr. LEC 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 211 or PHYS 221.
-- Einstein's theory of special relativity is presented from the modern viewpoint, with emphasis on the geometry of space time.
PHYS 353RN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HOLOGRAPHY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and one core science course. Math 160 or equivalent Math 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 math backgrounds to create their own holographic masterpieces. Lab techniques and documenting the creative process are emphasized.
PHYS 361 LABORATORY ELECTRONICS II
S 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 261.
-- Analysis and design of basic digital circuits and advanced laboratory electronic measurements.
PHYS 400 SEMINAR
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.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 402 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY II
Su 3 cr. LAB 3.
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 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.
PHYS 403 SPECIAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 212, MATH 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.
PHYS 404 PHYSICS BY INQUIRY III
Su 3 cr. LAB 3
PREREQUISITE: Science Teacher Certification.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 401.
--PHYS 404 is a continuation of the PHYS 401 experience, but it may also be taken concurrently with PHYS 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.
PHYS 406 CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS
S 1 cr SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing;
2 credits of PHYS 470, 489,
or 490, and completion of
a senior project.
-- Senior capstone course. Participation in this course requires the completion of a senior capstone project that integrates the student's knowledge and skills acquired during the undergraduate curriculum. Results of the senior project will be presented orally and in writing.
PHYS 411 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS I
S 4 cr. LEC 4
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 301.
-- Historical review, operators, eigenvalue problem, Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional problems, bound and unbound states, harmonic oscillator, and angular momentum.
PHYS 412 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS II
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 411.
-- Three-dimensional problems, hydrogen atom, matrix mechanics, spin, perturbation theory, and applications to atomic, molecular, nuclear, and particle physics.
PHYS 425 THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 231.
-- Statistical physics and thermodynamics and their applications to physical phenomena. This course is strongly recommended for students intending to study physics in graduate school.
PHYS 426 MODERN OPTICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 213 and MATH 225.
-- Emphasis is on new developments in optics triggered by the laser. Provides a good foundation in wave optics, nonlinear optics, integrated optics, and spectroscopy.
PHYS 427 LASER APPLICATIONS
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 212.
-- 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.
PHYS 435 ASTROPHYSICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 301 and PHYS 317.
-- A survey covering basic problems in modern astrophysics such as stellar structure and evolution, solar physics, compact objects, quasars, and cosmology.
PHYS 441 SOLID STATE PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered
odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 213.
-- 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.
PHYS 442 NOVEL MATERIALS FOR PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of introductory solid state physics; PHYS 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.
PHYS 451 ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered
even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 231.
-- 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 guage bosons.
PHYS 461 SENIOR LAB
F,S 4 cr. LAB 4 Maximum 8 cr
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 361.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 411.
-- Introduction to methods, instrumentation, and data acquisition techniques used in modern physics research. Experiments chosen from laser optics, atomic physics, solid-state physics, superconductivity, and nuclear physics.
PHYS 470 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.
PHYS 480 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.
PHYS 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Max 4 cr.
COREQUISITE: PHYS 490.
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
PHYS 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
F,S,Su 1 - 3 cr. IND May be repeated. Max 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and signed consent of instructor/ research advisor and acamedic advisor.
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis.
PHYS 500 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.
PHYS 501 ADVANCED CLASSICAL MECHANICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 301.
-- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. Small oscillations. Rigid-body motion. An introduction to continuum mechanics.
PHYS 506 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 412.
-- 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.
PHYS 507 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 506.
-- Time-independent and time-dependent perturbations. Identical particles and permutation symmetry. Scattering theory. Applications of quantum mechanics.
PHYS 511 ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
F,S 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 206 or PHYS 212, 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.
PHYS 512 GENERAL RELATIVITY ONLINE
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 212, MATH 182, PHYS 403 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.
PHYS 513 QUANTUM MECHANICS ONLINE
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 212, MATH 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.
PHYS 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 PHYS 101 (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.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 516 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
F,S 3 cr. LAB 3 Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 261, PHYS 317, and PHYS 411.
-- 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.
PHYS 519 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 318.
-- Electro- and magnetostatics, conservation laws and covariance of Maxwell's equations, and dynamics of relativistic particles and fields.
PHYS 520 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 519.
-- Radiation by moving charges. Electromagnetic waves in condensed matter and plasma.
PHYS 523 GENERAL RELATIVITY I
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 519.
-- Tensor calculus, differential geometry, and an introduction to Einstein's theory of gravity. The Schwarzschild solution and black hole physics.
PHYS 524 GENERAL RELATIVITY II
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 523.
-- Advanced topics in gravitation theory such as singularities, cosmological models, and gravitational waves.
PHYS 531 NONLINEAR OPTICS & LASER SPECTROSCOPY
F alternate years, to be offered
odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 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.
PHYS 535 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 425.
-- 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.
PHYS 544 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I
F alternate years, to be offered
even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 425, PHYS 507.
-- Crystal structure and the reciprocal lattice. Quantum theory of electrons and phonons.
PHYS 545 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 544.
-- Applications to the transport, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
PHYS 555 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 507.
-- Techniques of canonical and path integral quantization of fields; renormalization theory. Quantum electrodynamics; gauge theories of the fundamental interactions.
PHYS 560 ASTROPHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered
even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 318, PHYS 412, PHYS 425, 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.
PHYS 561 MODERN PHYSICS FOR TEACHERS: PARTICLES AND WAVES
Su 3 cr. LAB 3
PREREQUISITE: Secondary teaching certificate; 2 years teaching experience. PHYS 213, PHYS 401, and PHYS 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.
PHYS 566 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: MATH 349, MATH 449, PHYS 301.
-- Mathematical methods which find application in physics. Differential equations, contour integration, special functions, integral transforms, boundary value problems, and Green's functions.
PHYS 567 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 566.
-- Theory of computational techniques, and applications such as numerical integration, differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, and fast Fourier transforms.
PHYS 570 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.
PHYS 580 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.
PHYS 582 ASTROBIOLOGY FOR TEACHERS
F,S 3 cr. Online Lec 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 311, PHYS 511, or equivalent; PHYS 205, PHYS 211, or equivalent; BIOL 301 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.
PHYS 583 THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE ONLINE: THE SEARCH FOR ASTRONOMICAL ORIGINS
F,S 3 cr. Online Lec 3
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 311, PHYS 511, or equivalent; PHYS 205, PHYS 211, 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.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 590 MASTER'S THESIS
F,S,Su 1 - 10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Master's standing.
PHYS 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.
PHYS 690 DOCTORAL THESIS
F,S,Su 1-10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral standing.
Back to Subject Areas
> Back to Table of Contents
|
