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MSU 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 565 ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA PHYSICS
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 M 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: M 171
-- 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; 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).
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: M 171.
-- 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, M 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: M 224.
COREQUISITE: M 225, PHYS 213.
-- 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.
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. Course will address
responsible conduct of 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 M 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. M 160 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.
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, 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.
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 M 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. Course will address responsible
conduct of research.
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, M 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, 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.
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 565 ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA
PHYSICS
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC
3
COREQUISITE: PHYS 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 insabilities,
shocks, transonic flows and collisional effects.
PHYS 566 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
I
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: M 349, M 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.
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