LOWER DIVISION
Lower Division
PHY 301 • Mechanics
PHY 301/315/316/319 is a calculus-based course sequence for Physics majors and students in other scientific disciplines. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended.
Designed for students who intend to major in science or mathematics. Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K.
May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
High school physics or consent of the undergraduate adviser; credit or registration for Physics 101L; and one of the following: Mathematics 408C, Mathematics 408K and concurrent enrollment in 408L, or Mathematics 408N and concurrent enrollment in 408S.
PHY 101L • Laboratory for PHY 301
Lab experiments designed to illustrate the experimental basis of mechanics and to introduce students to the basic principles of experimental physics: Quantitative measurement in a framework of theoretical understanding, and the assessment of accuracy and uncertainty in measurements and experimental results.
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 117M. May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 301.
PHY 302K • General Physics I—Technical Course—Mechanics, Heat, Sound
PHY 302K/302L is a non-calculus-based technical course sequence for students who need to fulfill a general physics requirement. It serves as an introduction to the mechanics of solids and fluids, heat, and waves. You will gain an understanding and appreciation of how the scientific method is used to reveal the fundamental principles by which the universe operates, and will observe how knowledge of these principles is applied to the invention of new technologies and has helped shape the modern world.
A mathematics proficiency at the level of M 305G is required.
May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 102N.
PHY 302L • General Physics I—Technical Course—Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
PHY 302K/302L is a non-calculus-based technical course sequence for students who need to fulfill a general physics requirement. It serves as an introduction to the mechanics of solids and fluids, heat, and waves. You will gain an understanding and appreciation of how the scientific method is used to reveal the fundamental principles by which the universe operates, and will observe how knowledge of these principles is applied to the invention of new technologies and has helped shape the modern world.
A mathematics proficiency at the level of M 305G is required.
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L.
May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
Physics 302K and 102M and credit or registration for Physics 102N.
PHY 102M • Laboratory for PHY 302K
Physics 102M is the laboratory class that accompanies Physics 302K, covering the major subjects that are covered in PHY 302K in a hands-on laboratory setting. The subjects covered include: Kinematics of Free Fall; Newtons Second Law (static and dynamic); Energy; Momentum; Torque (statics and dynamic); Buoyancy; Harmonic Motion; Standing Waves; and Heat.
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 117M. May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 302K.
PHY 102N • Laboratory for PHY 302L
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 102N, 103N, 116L, 117N. May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 302L.
PHY 303K • Engineering Physics I
A general survey of physics; primarily laws of motion, heat, and wave phenomena. Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the department: Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K.
PHY 303K/303L is a calculus-based introductory course sequence for engineering students. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended. Four evening exams will be scheduled during the semester: Wednesday evenings for PHY 303K and Thursday evenings for PHY 303L. Students who register for either of these courses should not register for any other Wednesday or Thursday evening classes to avoid time conflicts. There are mandatory recitation sections with each course.
May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
High school physics or consent of the undergraduate adviser; Mathematics 408C, Mathematics 408K, and concurrent enrollment in 408L, or Mathematics 408N and concurrent enrollment in 408S; and credit or registration for Physics 103M.
PHY 303L • Engineering Physics II
Electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic phenomena. Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the department: Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L.
PHY 303K/303L is a calculus-based introductory course sequence for engineering students. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended. Four evening exams will be scheduled during the semester: Wednesday evenings for PHY 303K and Thursday evenings for PHY 303L. Students who register for either of these courses should not register for any other Wednesday or Thursday evening classes to avoid time conflicts. There are mandatory recitation sections with each course.
May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
Physics 303K and 103M; Mathematics 408C, Mathematics 408K, and concurrent enrollment in 408L, or Mathematics 408N and concurrent enrollment in 408S; and credit or registration for Physics 103N.
PHY 103M • Laboratory for PHY 303K
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102M, 103M, 115L, 117M.
May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 303K.
PHY 103N • Laboratory for PHY 303L
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 116L, 117N.
May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 303L.
PHY 108 • Introduction to Research
Introductory laboratory experience; use of tools and test equipment; beginning apprenticeship in active physics research. Hour(s) to be arranged.
Offered on the pass/fail basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites
Consent of instructor and approval of an undergraduate advisor.
PHY 309K • Elementary Physics for Non-technical Students
PHY 309K/309L is an introduction to physics for students with a high school-level algebra proficiency who do not intend to do further work in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. It covers topics such as Newton’s Laws; Momentum and Energy; Rotational Motion; Gravity; Atomic Nature of Matter; Solids, Liquids, Gases, and Plasma; Temperature and Heat; Heat Transfer; Phase Changes; and Waves and Sound.
Prerequisites:
High school trigonometry or Mathematics 305G.
PHY 309L • Elementary Physics for Non-technical Students
PHY 309K/309L is an introduction to physics for students with a high school-level algebra proficiency who do not intend to do further work in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or medicine.
PHY 110C • Conference Course—Science of the Times—Spec Relativity for Beginners—Freshman Majors—Sophomore Majors—Jr/Sr Majors
Supervised study of selected topics in physics, by individual arrangement with Department and instructor.
Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Prerequisites:
Written consent of instructor.
PHY 315 • Wave Motion and Optics
PHY 301/315/316/319 is a calculus-based course sequence for Physics majors and students in other scientific disciplines. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended.
PHY 115L • Laboratory for PHY 315
PHY 301/315/316/319 is a calculus-based course sequence for Physics majors and students in other scientific disciplines. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended.
PHY 316 • Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 301/315/316/319 is a calculus-based course sequence for Physics majors and students in other scientific disciplines. A background in physics at the high school level is strongly recommended.
PHY 116L • Laboratory for PHY 316
The laboratory course is designed to acquaint you with the experimental basis of the laws of electricity and magnetism and to introduce you to the techniques of electrical measurement, which are universal in experimental physics.
PHY 317K • General Physics I
PHY 317K/317L is a calculus-based general introductory physics course sequence. It is especially recommended for premedical and chemistry students and others in the biomedical sciences.
PHY 117M • Laboratory for 317K
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 117M.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 317K
PHY 317L • General Physics II
PHY 317K/317L is a calculus-based general introductory physics course sequence. It is especially recommended for premedical and chemistry students and others in the biomedical sciences.
PHY 117N • Laboratory for 317L
Only one of the following may be counted without prior approval of the Department: Physics 102N, 103N, 116L, 117N.
Laboratories begin the second week of classes.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 317L
UPPER DIVISION
Upper Division
PHY 321 • Modern Physics: Plan II
Conceptual foundations of modern physics. Examines quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, relativity, and general relativity, including large-scale structure and cosmology; and the development of analytic problem-solving skills, including estimation.
Students are required to attend at least one problem session a week.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing. Restricted to Plan II students
PHY 329 • Introduction to Computational Physics
Computational methods for problem solving and research in physics; numerical analysis and computer simulation methods for physics applications using different types of computers.
Only one of the following may be counted: Computer Science 367, Mathematics 368K, or Physics 329.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L; a programming course at the level of Computer Science 303E or consent of instructor; and credit or registration for Mathematics 341 or 340L
PHY 333 • Modern Optics
Review of geometrical optics, polarization, interference, and optical instruments. Topics include Fourier optics, light propagation in fibers, quantum optics, and coherence.
Meets with EE 347.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315, 115L, and Mathematics 427K
PHY 336K • Clasical Dynamics I
Elementary linear vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian mechanics, central force motion, dynamics of rigid bodies, and theory of small oscillations.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L, and Mathematics 427L or 364K
PHY 336L • Fluid Dynamics
Fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics developed and applied to laminar and turbulent flows. Topics include the Navier-Stokes equations, pipe and channel flow, drag, boundary layers, convection, and rotating fluids.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Physics 336K
PHY 338K • Electronic Techniques
Elementary circuit theory, amplifiers, feedback, pulse and digital techniques, signal processing, and microprocessors as applied to physics instrumentation.
Prerequisites:
Physics 316 and 116L and Mathematics 427K
PHY 341 • Research Methods: UTeach
May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree without prior approval of the department.
May be counted toward the writing flag requirement. May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement. May be counted toward the independent inquiry flag requirement.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged. Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Meets with BIO 337 (topic 2) and CH 368 (topic 1).
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing, three semester hours of coursework in a natural science, and three semester hours of coursework in mathematics
PHY 341 • Pseudoscience
Study of a variety of ideas treated very seriously by the communications media but having no basis in fact, including astrology, extrasensory perception, and flying saucers; why such areas are not part of science.
May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree without prior approval of the department.
Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing, three semester hours of coursework in a natural science, and three semester hours of coursework in mathematics
PHY 345 • Biophysics
Basic concepts of physics developed and applied to biological systems. Topics include energy in living systems, entropic interactions, molecular forces and self-assembly, biopolymers, bio-membranes, cell–cell interactions, pattern formation, collective behavior, higher order systems, population dynamics, and evolution. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing, Biology 311D, Chemistry 302, and Physics 355
PHY 352K • Classical Electrodynamics
Electrostatic fields, magnetostatic fields, derivation of Green’s theorems and functions and of Maxwell’s equations.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L, and Mathematics 427L or 364K
PHY 453 • Modern Physics I: Introduction to Quantum Phenomena
Breakdown of classical physics for microscopic phenomena; absorption and emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, models of the atom, Compton effect, X-ray diffraction; Planck’s hypothesis; deBroglie’s hypothesis; the probability interpretation; the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation; special relativity; the uncertainty relation.
Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L, or consent of instructor
PHY 353L • Modern Physics Laboratory
Laboratory experiments investigating the breakdown of classical physics for microscopic phenomena. Includes absorption and emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, the Compton effect, X-ray diffraction, and other experiments in modern physics.
May be counted toward the writing flag requirement.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L
PHY 355 • Modern Physics and Thermodynamics
Introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics: photons (spectra, photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, Compton effect), atoms (Rutherford, Bohr), matter waves (Planck, deBroglie, probability interpretation, Schroedinger), nuclei, particles, special relativity, the laws of thermodynamics, and statistical physics.
Physics 319 and 355 may not both be counted.
Prerequisites:
Physics 315 and 115L, or consent of instructor
PHY 362K • Modern Physics III: Applications of Quantum Mechanics—Quantum Physics II: Atoms/Molecules
The two-electron atom; spin and statistics; coupling schemes for many-electron atoms; atoms and the radiation field; perturbation methods for decay and collisions; thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids; free-electron metal and band theory; if time permits, selected topics such as superconductivity, Josephson tunneling, and others.
Prerequisites:
Physics 373
PHY 362L • Modern Physics III: Particles/Nuclei—Modern Physics IV: Subatomic Physics
Nuclei and nucleons, their gross properties; the hadrons; symmetries and conservation laws; nuclear stability; electromagnetic, weak, and hadronic interactions; nuclear reactions at low, medium, and high energies; nucleon structure; tools of experimental nuclear physics; models of theoretical nuclear physics; nuclear technology.
Prerequisites:
Physics 373; Physics 362K is recommended
PHY 369 • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Basic concepts of thermal physics; entropy, enthalpy, free energy, phase transitions, equilibrium distribution functions, applications.
Prerequisites:
Credit or registration for Physics 373
PHY 370C • Individual Study in Physics
Supervised reading or research in physics. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule.
Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
A list of instructors available to supervise students is posted in RLM 5.214.
Prerequisites:
Physics 336K, credit or registration for Physics 352K, and consent of the undergraduate advisor
PHY 670TA • Senior Thesis
Individual research with faculty supervision. First half involves preparation of proposal; second involves completion of written thesis. Only three semester hours may be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree.
Student’s selection of senior thesis adviser must be filed in the undergraduate office, RLM 5.214.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing and nine semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics
PHY 670TB • Senior Thesis
Individual research with faculty supervision. First half involves preparation of proposal; second involves completion of written thesis. Only three semester hours may be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing and nine semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics
PHY 474 • Advanced Laboratory I
Modern experimental techniques, theory of error, and analysis of experiments; both modern and classical experiments in atomic and nuclear physics, electricity and magnetism, optics and heat.
With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
May be counted toward the writing flag requirement. May be counted toward the quantitative reasoning flag requirement. May be counted toward the independent inquiry flag requirement.
Additional laboratory hours to be arranged
Prerequisites:
Physics 338K and 352K, and 353L and 355 (or 453); or consent of the undergraduate advisor
PHY 375P • Introductory Plasma Physics
Orbit theory and drifts, introduction to plasma stability and waves, applications to plasma confinement and heating.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites;
Physics 352K and 369
PHY 375R • Introduction to Relativity
Overview of the special and general theories of relativity, with emphasis on recent developments in gravitation.
Prerequisites:
Physics 352K
PHY 375S • Introductory Solid-State Physics
Crystal structure, classification of solids, cohesion, thermal and electrical properties of solids, magnetic properties of solids, imperfections.Prerequisites:Physics 369 and 373
PHY 379H • Honors Tutorial Course
Research project, resulting in a thesis, for outstanding students electing to take the honors program in physics.
May be counted toward the writing flag requirement.
Prerequisites:
A University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in physics of at least 3.50, twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics, and consent of the student’s research supervisor and the departmental honors advisor
GRADUATE
Graduate
PHY 380L • Plasma Physics I
Particle drifts, equations for plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics, waves and instabilities in the two-fluid model, Vlasov equation, Landau damping, controlled thermonuclear research, plasma diagnostics.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing
PHY 380M • Plasma Physics II
Plasma containment, stability theory in fluid models, derivation of Vlasov and Fokker-Planck equations, the dielectric tensor, velocity space and gradient instabilities, Nyquist diagrams.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 380L or consent of instructor
PHY 380N • Experimental Physics
Experimental work to provide exposure to physics research techniques.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in Physics 390
PHY 380T • Advanced Study in Physics
Not open to physics majors. Special topics for physics teachers. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, a Bachelor’s degree in science or mathematics, and consent of the graduate advisor.
PHY 381C • Computational Physics
Same as Computational and Applied Mathematics 381C.
Dynamical and statical descriptions and solutions of many-body, nonlinear physical systems by computation. Theory of computation and applications to various branches of physics.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 385K and 387K, or consent of instructor
PHY 381M • Methods of Mathematical Physics
Same as Computational and Applied Mathematics 381M.
Theory of analytic functions; linear algebra and vector spaces; orthogonal functions; ordinary differential equations; partial differential equations; Green’s functions; complex variables.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing
PHY 381N • Methods of Mathematical Physics
Same as Computational and Applied Mathematics 381N.
Continuation of Physics 381M. Topology, functional analysis, approximation methods, group theory, differential manifolds.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing; and Computational and Applied Mathematics 381M or Physics 381M
PHY 382M • Fluid Mechanics
Flow of ideal and viscous fluids; introduction to turbulence; boundary layers; sound and shock waves.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing; and Physics 381M, 385K, and 387K
PHY 382N • Nonlinear Dynamics
Basic concepts of evolution and stability, examples of instabilities, low dimensional dynamical systems, chaos, characterization of temporal chaos, pattern formation, Hamiltonian systems.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 382P • Biophysics
The cell, small molecules and chemical kinetics, forces on the molecular scale, proteins, lipids and membranes, biopolymers, neurons and electrical signal transduction, and complex pattern formation in cells and cell aggregates.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 382S • Seminar in Nonlinear Dynamics
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 385K • Classical Mechanics
Classical and relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; Lagrangian mechanics for continuous media; symmetry principles and conservation laws.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing.
PHY 385L • Statistical Mechanics
Equilibrium statistical mechanics; introduction to nonequilibrium concepts; ensembles; classical and quantum gases; statistical physics of solids.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 385K or consent of instructor
PHY 385S • Seminar in Statistical Physics–Statistical Mechanics
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 385T • Special Topics in Statistical Physics
Topics to be announced.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
With consent of the graduate adviser, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 386K • Physics of Sensors
Physical principles of acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, radiation, and motion sensors.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 386N • Technical Seminar
Physics for applied and industrial purposes.
May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 386S • Seminar in Appplied Physics
Topics to be announced.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 387K • Electromagnetic Theory
Electrostatics and magnetostatics; boundary value problems; Maxwell’s equations; plane waves; wave guides; diffraction; multipole radiation.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing
PHY 387L • Electromagnetic Theory
Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas; relativity; collisions of charged particles; radiation from moving charges; radiation damping.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 387K
PHY 387M • Relativity Theory I
Tensor calculus; Riemannian geometry; geometry of Minkowski space-time; special relativity theory.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 387K
PHY 387N • Relativity Theory II
General relativity theory; gravitational field equations; weak field approximations; Schwarzschild solution, observable consequences; other topics.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the spring semester only.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 387M
PHY 388M • Graduate Colloquy
Reviews of current topics in physics research.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing
PHY 388S • Seminar in Teaching Physics
Topics to be announced.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
May be repeated for credit. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 389K • Quantum Mechanics
Hilbert space and operators; Schroedinger and Heisenberg equations; solutions for systems in one and three dimensions; theory of spin and orbital angular momentum; the effect of symmetries; approximation techniques; elementary scattering theory.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing
PHY 389L • Quantum Mechanics
Perturbation techniques; systems of identical particles; quantum theory of radiation; emission and absorption of photons; selection rules; life times; scattering theory for light and particles, S-matrix; relativistic corrections to electron motion.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 389K
PHY 190 • Graduate Research
May not be counted toward the Master’s degree in physics.
Hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 290 • Graduate Research
May not be counted toward the Master’s degree in physics.
Hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 390 • Graduate Research
May not be counted toward the Master’s degree in physics.
Hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 690 • Graduate Research
May not be counted toward the Master’s degree in physics.
Hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 391M • Nonlinear Plasma Theory
Quasi-linear theory, weak turbulence, large amplitude waves, plasma radiation, shock waves, shock structure, computer techniques. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 380L
PHY 391S • Seminar in Plasma Physics
Topics to be announced.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 391T • Special Topics in Plasma Physics—Hamiltonial Sys—Laser-Plasma Interactions
Topics to be announced.
Some sections are offered on the credit/no credit basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule.
With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, Physics 380L, and consent of instructor
PHY 391U • Seminar in Plasma Theory
Current topics in plasma theory.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 392K • Solid-State Physics
Lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids; band theory of solids; transport properties of metals and semiconductors; optical properties; magnetic properties; magnetic relaxation; superconductivity.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, Physics 389K, and Physics 375S or the equivalent
PHY 392L • Solid-State Physics
Elementary excitations: phonons, electrons, spin waves; interactions: phonon-phonon, electron-electron, electron-phonon; theory of metals and semiconductors; transport theory; optical properties.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 392K
PHY 392N • Many-Body Theory
Overview of many-body theory; second quantization; Green’s functions and Feynman diagrams; finite-temperature, imaginary-time Green’s functions; the disordered metal; path integrals; broken symmetries; and local moments.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 392S • Seminar in Solid-State Physics: Condensed Matter
Topics to be announced. Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 392T • Seminar in Solid-State Physics: Inorganic Nanostructure
Meets with CHE 384, EE 396V, and ME 397.
Topics to be announced. Current topic: Theory of inorganic nanostructure for device application.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, Physics 392K, and consent of instructor
PHY 393S • Seminar in Relativity
Topics to be announced.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 393T • Special Topics in Relativity
Topics to be announced.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 394T • Special Topics in Theoretical Physics—Astrophysics Gas Dynamics
Meets with AST 382C.
Topics to be announced. The basic principles of compressible gas dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, developed and applied in an astrophysical context to a wide range of astronomical phenomena.
With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 395 • Survey of Atomic and Molecular Physics
Spectra of atoms and diatomic molecules; quantum electronics; experimental techniques.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 395K • Nonlinear Optics and Lasers
Gaussian beam optics, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, semiclassical laser theory, experimental laser systems, nonlinear optical susceptibilities, harmonic generation, wave mixing, electro-optic and acousto-optic effects, coherent transient effects, optical breakdown, laser-plasma interactions.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, and either Physics 387K and 389K or consent of instructor
PHY 395M • Laser Physics
Continuation of Physics 395K. Advanced atomic physics of various laser systems, optical coherence and diffraction theory, pulse propagation and dispersion effects, advanced laser oscillator and amplifier physics, laser amplifier chain design, and chirped-pulse amplification.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; Physics 387K, 389K, and 395K; and consent of instructor
PHY 395S • Seminar in Atomic and Molecular Physics
Topics to be announced.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 395T • Special Topics in Atomic and Molecular Physics—Ultrafast Spectroscopy
Topics to be announced. Application of ultrafast spectroscopy in physics, chemistry, and biology.
With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 396J • Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics
Historical introduction to elementary particles, elementary particle dynamics, relativistic kinematics, symmetries, bound states, the Feynman calculus, quantum electrodynamics, electrodynamics of quarks and hadrons, quantum chromodynamics, weak interactions, and gauge theories.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing, Physics 389K, and knowledge of special relativity and scattering
PHY 396K • Quantum Field Theory I
Quantization of the Klein-Gordon, Dirac, and electromagnetic field theories; theory of interacting fields, perturbation theory, and renormalization.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 389K
PHY 396L • Quantum Field Theory II
Path-integral formalism, massless particles, electrodynamics, nonperturbative methods, one-loop calculations in quantum electrodynamics, general renormalization theory, soft photons, bound statics in quantum electrodynamics.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and Physics 396K
PHY 396P • String Theory I
Introduction to string theory and conformal field theory. The free string, conformal invariance and conformal field theory, supersymmetry and string interactions.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 396K or the equivalent, or consent of instructor
PHY 396Q • String Theory II
Advanced conformal field theory, perturbative string theory, and compactification. Introduction to nonperturbative aspects of string theory.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 396P
PHY 396S • Seminar in Particle Physics
Topics to be announced.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary. With consent of instructor, any topic may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 396T • Special Topics in Partical Physics—Introduction to Research—Elems of Cosmology (meets with AST 396C)—TPC Quantum Fluid Theory
Topics to be announced.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Some sections are offered on the credit/no credit basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 396U • Theory Group Seminar
Seminars in theoretical physics.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 397K • Nuclear Physics
Systematics of stable nuclei; nuclear structure; decay of the nucleus; cross sections and reaction mechanisms; the elementary particles.
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing; and Physics 389K or consent of instructor
PHY 397S • Seminar in Nuclear Physics
Topics to be announced.
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 397T • Special Topics in Nuclear Physics—Health Physics Lab
Topics to be announced. The application of radiation and radiation protection instrumentation. Includes personnel monitoring; radiation detection systems; gamma-ray spectroscopy; determination of environmental radiation; counting statistics; and gamma and neutron shielding.
Taught at J. J. Pickle Research Campus in the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab Annex.
Additional hour(s) to be arranged.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and consent of instructor
PHY 197U • Graduate Seminar in Nanoscience
Various seminar topics in nanoscience.
Hour(s) to be arranged. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing
Restricted enrollment; contact the Department for permission to register for this class.
PHY 698A • Thesis
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing in Physics, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 698B • Thesis
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Physics 698A
PHY 398T • Supervised Teaching in Physics
A review of physics teaching strategies, administrative procedures, and classroom responsibilities. Includes a review and critique of each participant’s classroom teaching.
Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and appointment as a teaching assistant
PHY 399R • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 699R • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 999R • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 399W • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Physics 399R, 699R, or 999R; and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 699W • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Physics 399R, 699R, or 999R; and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHY 999W • Dissertation
Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
Prerequisites:
Physics 399R, 699R, or 999R; and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate advisor
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Intended for non-technical majors, the Physical Science sequence is a scientific survey of concepts including measurement, mechanics, energy, electric charge, magnetism, and light. Formal lectures are replaced with group collaboration and inquiry-based learning. In addition to the physical concepts, students learn how to design and carry out experiments. This involves developing measurement-taking skills, recording and analyzing results, and drawing physical and mathematical conclusions from observations.
Topics for the Physical Science sequence:
- Scientific method for understanding our world
- Designing and building apparatus
- Making observations and posing questions
- Answering questions and testing hypotheses
- Finding general and consistent relationships
Inquiry-based Learning
Our physical science courses consist primarily of in-class activities and experiments. On most days, you will use some appropriate laboratory equipment to investigate one or more physical phenomena related to the topics listed above. The instructor is present to help you to learn the material that we cover, but he or she will rarely directly tell you the “final answer” to a homework or exam question. The purpose of this course is to help you to appreciate the power of scientific reasoning to render the world around you knowable. You cannot achieve that purpose if your instructor simply tells you how things work. You must discover that for yourself; yoru lab group and instructor can help, but in the end, you will be responsible for your own learning.
Do not expect your physical science course to be lecture-based. Lectures will be minimal, and rote memorization of material will not be emphasized. Often you will have to find answers yourself, not just listen and repeat them. Always remember that the primary goal of the class is to learn about the process of scientific inquiry, not to find answers to specific questions.
For additional information, please contact John Yeazell.
Below are summaries of the Physical Science courses. Please click here for current offerings.
Lower Division
PS 303 • Physical Science 303
Physical Science 303 covers measurement, mechanics, heat, energy, and power.
Course content is created by individual instructors and is meant to convey physical concepts while requiring minimal mathematical sophistication. A proficiency in basic algebra is recommended.
See instructor pages for instructor-specific curricula.
Possible topics in PS 303:
Measurement
- Quality and applicability of measurements
- Uncertainty and error
- Elementary statistics
- Dealing with data
- Drawing conclusions
Basic mathematical modeling
Theory
- Newtonian mechanics, including forces and motion
- Treating direction using vectors
- Energy, power, and heat
- Work and efficiency
- Conservation laws
- Estimation techniques
PS 304 • Physical Science 304
Physical Science 304 covers concepts related to electric charge, circuitry, magnetism, wave mechanics, and light.
Course content is created by individual instructors and is meant to convey physical concepts while requiring minimal mathematical sophistication. An understanding of basic physical quantities covered in PS 303, such as force, energy, and power, is assumed. A proficiency in basic algebra is recommended.
See instructor pages for instructor-specific curricula.
Possible topics in PS 304:
Electricity
Magnetism
Waves and Optics
Upper Division
PS 350 - Physical Science for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Designed for kindergarten through sixth grade teachers with minimal preparation in mathematics (college algebra) and no preparation in physics. An inquiry laboratory in the basic concepts of light, electricity, and magnetism. Three hours of integrated laboratory and lecture a day for three weeks.
PS 367M - Physical Science: Methods of Astronomy
Same as Astronomy 367M. An introductory, self-paced course in the methods of astronomy that emphasizes learning astronomical principles through observations. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts, Plan I, degree with a major in astronomy. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and nine semester hours of coursework in mathematics and/or science, including one of the following: Physical Science 303, 304, Astronomy 301, 302, 303. Equivalent preparation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or earth sciences may be substituted with written approval of the instructor.
PS 375 - Individual Study in Physical Science
Intended primarily for preservice and in-service teachers. Guided inquiry reading or laboratory research in physical science. Meets three times a week for one semester, for one hour each meeting. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and written consent of instructor.
