Courses

PHYS 1021L. Physics and Human Affairs Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Laboratory 2 hours per week. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 1023. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 1021M. Honors Physics and Human Affairs Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Laboratory 2 hours per week. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 1023H. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to PHYS 1021L.

PHYS 1023. Physics and Human Affairs. 3 Hours.

The great ideas of physics, together with their philosophical and social impact. Scientific topics include cosmology, relativity, quantum mechanics. Philosophical and social topics include methods and values of science, problems related to energy sources, and implications of modern weapons. Non-mathematical. Designed for non-science majors. Along with PHYS 1021L, can be used to satisfy a 4-year physical science requirement for a B.A. degree. Students who have received credit in PHYS 2013 and PHYS 2033, or PHYS 2054 and PHYS 2074 cannot also receive degree credit in this course. Corequisite: PHYS 1021L. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 1023H. Honors Physics and Human Affairs. 3 Hours.

The great ideas of physics, together with their philosophical and social impact. Scientific topics include cosmology, relativity, quantum mechanics. Philosophical and social topics include methods and values of science, problems related to energy sources, and implications of modern weapons. Non-mathematical. Designed for non-science majors. Along with PHYS 1021L, can be used to satisfy a 4-year physical science requirement for a B.A. degree. Students who have received credit in PHYS 2013 and PHYS 2033, or PHYS 2054 and PHYS 2074 cannot also receive degree credit in this course. Corequisite: PHYS 1021M. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to PHYS 1023.

PHYS 1034. Physics for Elementary Education Majors. 4 Hours.

For elementary education majors. Physical science concepts based on state frameworks are explored in a mixed lecture/lab environment. The inquiry-based lab activities can be transferable for school classroom use. Topics covered include: scientific inquiry, motion and forces, conservation of energy, heat, light, electricity and simple circuits, and magnetism. Prerequisite: Elementary education major. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 1044. Physics for Architects I. 4 Hours.

Algebra-based physics covering forces and motion with emphasis on architectural structural support systems such as beams, cables, columns, and trusses. Topics include physical concepts such as linear motion, position, velocity, acceleration, forces, free-body diagrams, rotational motion, torque, center of gravity, impulse, oscillations, equilibrium, stability, balance, stress, strain, and material strength. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: Major in architecture or interior design or agricultural education communication & technology. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 1054. Physics for Architects II. 4 Hours.

Algebra-based physics covering thermal materials, fluid flow, acoustics, electricity, and optics with emphasis on architectural design. Topics include physical concepts such as potential and thermal energy, heat pumps, water pressure, fluid dynamics, sound waves, loudness, electrical systems, direct and alternating current, series and parallel circuits, optical instruments, reflection, and refraction. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: Major in architecture or interior design or agricultural education communication & technology. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 2011L. College Physics I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lab). 1 Hour.

Laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2013. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)

PHYS 2013. College Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2014 Lecture). 3 Hours.

A non-calculus survey of the principles of physics including mechanics, heat and sound. Lecture 3 hours per week and drill 1 hour per week. Corequisite: Drill component and PHYS 2011L. Prerequisite: (MATH 1203 and MATH 1213) or (MATH 1284C or MATH 2043 or MATH 2554) or a score of at least 26 on the math component of the ACT exam, or a score of at least 600 on the math component of the old SAT, or 620 on the math component of the new SAT. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)

PHYS 2031L. College Physics II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2024 Lab). 1 Hour.

Laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2033. (Typically offered: Summer)

PHYS 2033. College Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2024 Lecture). 3 Hours.

Continuation of PHYS 2013. Topics include electricity and magnetism, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure. Lecture 3 hours, drill 1 hour per week. Corequisite: Drill component and PHYS 2031L. Prerequisite: PHYS 2013 or PHYS 2054 or PHYS 2054H. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)

PHYS 2054. University Physics I (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2034). 4 Hours.

Introduction to the principles of mechanics, wave motion, temperature and heat, with calculus. Lecture three hours per week and practicum two hours a week (included in lab component). Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MATH 2554. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 2054H. Honors University Physics I. 4 Hours.

Introduction to the principles of mechanics, wave motion, temperature and heat, with calculus. Lecture three hours per week and practicum two hours a week (included in lab component). Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MATH 2554. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to PHYS 2054.

PHYS 2074. University Physics II (ACTS Equivalency = PHYS 2044 Lecture). 4 Hours.

Continuation of PHYS 2054. Topics covered include electricity, magnetism, light and geometric optics. Lecture three hours per week and practicum two hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: PHYS 2054 and MATH 2564. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 2074H. Honors University Physics II. 4 Hours.

Continuation of PHYS 2054H. Topics covered include electricity, magnetism, light and geometric optics. Lecture three hours per week and practicum two hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: (PHYS 2054 or PHYS 2054H) and MATH 2564. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to PHYS 2074.

PHYS 2094. University Physics III. 4 Hours.

A continuation of PHYS 2054 and PHYS 2074. Topics include waves, physical optics, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and an introduction to quantum mechanics. Lecture 3 hours per week and practicum 2 hours per week (included in lab component). Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 2574. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: PHYS 2074. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 306V. Projects. 1-3 Hour.

Individual experimental or theoretical research problems for advanced undergraduates. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 3113. Analytical Mechanics. 3 Hours.

Newton's laws of motion applied to particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. Introduction to Hamilton's and Lagrange's equations. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 2584. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 3213. Electronics in Experimental Physics. 3 Hours.

DC & AC electronics, semiconductors, operational amplifiers, and digital logic circuits with lab applications in experimental physics. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: PHYS 2094 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PHYS 3273. Inquiry and Modeling in Science Education. 3 Hours.

Study of science practices with emphasis on modeling and inquiry for learning/teaching. Includes practical, philosophical, cognitive, and disciplinary specific dimensions of doing science in academic and nonacademic settings. Includes planning and implementing multiple scientific inquiries, engaging in reflective practices, writing and presenting scientific information. Safety and ethical issues are included. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: 8 hours of PHYS courses. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with CHEM 3273, BIOL 3273.

PHYS 3453. Electromagnetic Theory I. 3 Hours.

Basics of Electromagnetic Theory, focusing on statics and introducing Maxwell's equations. Topics covered are: vector calculus and the solution of partial differential equations by separation of variables, electrostatics, dielectric media, electric currents, magnetic fields, magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic induction, force and energy in electrodynamics, and Maxwell's equations. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 2584. Prerequisite: MATH 2574 and PHYS 2074. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 3463. Electromagnetic Theory II. 3 Hours.

Basics of Electromagnetic Theory, focusing on dynamical aspects. Topics to be covered include: Time-varying electric and magnetic fields including propagation of electromagnetic plane waves in vacuum and in matter, reflection, refraction, and guided wave propagation, radiation from point charges and dipoles, and relativity and the relativistic formulation of electrodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3453. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 3544. Optics. 4 Hours.

Elements of geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: PHYS 2074 and MATH 2564. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 3603. Introduction to Modern Physics. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the basic ideas of 20th century physics, with an emphasis on those that form the foundations of modern technology: quantum theory and its application to atomic, nuclear, optical and condensed matter physics. No credit is given toward a B.S. degree in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2033 and MATH 2043 or MATH 2554. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 360VL. Introduction to Modern Physics Laboratory. 1-3 Hour.

Experiments illustrating the development and concepts of modern physics. No credit given toward a B.S. major in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3603. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 3613. Modern Physics. 3 Hours.

Introduction to special relativity, statistical physics, quantum physics, and a survey of molecules, solids, and statistical physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2074. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 361VL. Modern Physics Laboratory. 1-3 Hour.

Advanced experiments, projects, and techniques in atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 3613. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 3923H. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Covers a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. No more than 3 hours may be offered toward fulfillment of the requirements for the B.S. or B.A. degree in Physics. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in physics). (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.

PHYS 399VH. Honors. 1-6 Hour.

Independent study for physics students enrolled in the honors program. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 4073. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. 3 Hours.

A survey of quantum mechanics from the wave mechanical point of view including the application of quantum mechanics to the simple harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Required course for B.S. Physics majors. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613, MATH 2574, and MATH 2584. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 4083. Advanced Quantum Mechanics. 3 Hours.

Advanced topics in introductory quantum mechanics including identical particles, approximation methods; time-independent perturbations theory, variational principle, time-dependent perturbations theory, and scattering. Prerequisite: PHYS 4073, MATH 2574, and MATH 2584. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 4113. Physics in Perspective. 3 Hours.

Human implications of physics, including life's place in the universe, the methods of science, human sense perceptions, energy utilization, social impacts of technology, and the effect of physics on modern world views. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PHYS 4213. Physics of Devices. 3 Hours.

Principles of physics applied in a selection of technologically important devices in areas including computing, communications, medical imaging, lasers, and energy utilization. Students will utilize technical journals. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PHYS 4333. Thermal Physics. 3 Hours.

Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical physics, and kinetic energy. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 4613. Introduction to Biophysics and Biophysical Techniques. 3 Hours.

Origins of biophysics, biological polymers and polymer physics, properties of DNA and proteins, techniques to study DNA and proteins, biological membrane and ion channels, biological energy, experimental techniques to study single DNA and proteins. Two experiments are included: (1) DNA Gel electrophoresis; (2) Measurement of double-stranded DNA melting point. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613 or consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 4653. Subatomic Physics. 3 Hours.

Nuclear structure and nuclear reactions. Nature and properties of elementary particles and resonances, their interactions and decays. Phenomenological theory and discussion of experimental evidence. Prerequisite: PHYS 3613. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

PHYS 4713. Solid State Physics. 3 Hours.

Crystal structure, diffraction and symmetry. Lattice vibrations, elasticity and optical properties. Electronic structure, band theory, transport and magnetism. Course emphasizes applications and current topics in semiconductors, optics and magnetism. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 4073. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PHYS 4734. Introduction to Laser Physics. 4 Hours.

A combined lecture/laboratory course covering the theory of laser operation, laser resonators, propagation of laser beams, specific lasers such as gas, solid state, semiconductor and chemical lasers, and laser applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 3544. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 4773. Introduction to Optical Properties of Materials. 3 Hours.

A course covering crystal symmetry optical transmission and absorption, light scattering (Raman and Brillouin) optical constants, carrier mobility, and polarization effects in semi-conductors, quantum wells, insulators, and other optically important materials. Prerequisite: PHYS 3544. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 498V. Senior Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Senior Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 4991. Physics Senior Seminar. 1 Hour.

Student mastery of the principles of physics are assessed by means of a research paper, a presentation on the research topic, and a reflection essay over coursework completed as part of the physics degree. A quantitative assessment examination will also be administered. Satisfies the Fulbright College writing requirement. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PHYS 500V. Laboratory and Classroom Practices in Physics. 1-3 Hour.

The pedagogy of curricular materials. Laboratory and demonstration techniques illustrating fundamental concepts acquired through participation in the classroom as an apprentice teacher. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 5011. Introduction to Current Physics Research Seminar. 1 Hour.

This seminar course introduces new Physics graduate students to the faculty of the Physics department and their current research efforts. In addition, the students will be introduced to scientific ethics, and learn communication skills. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 502V. Individual Study in Advanced Physics. 1-4 Hour.

Guided study in current literature. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 5041. Journal Club Seminar. 1 Hour.

In this seminar, the students will present talks based on published research articles. The goal of the course is to develop oral communication skills in the students. Effective literature search techniques will also be covered. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5073. Mathematical Methods for Physics. 3 Hours.

This course merges the mathematics required in classical mechanics, electrostatics, magnetostatics, and quantum mechanics into a single course. The goal is to develop physics problem-solving skills, a strong mathematical foundation, and a more unified picture of physics. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5103. Advanced Mechanics. 3 Hours.

Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Hamilton's equations and canonical variables. Canonical transformations. Small oscillations. Prerequisite: PHYS 5073. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5111. Research Techniques Through Laboratory Rotations. 1 Hour.

Graduate students will be introduced to detailed operational aspects of two Physics research laboratories through extensive observation of those laboratory's operations during a six week rotation through each lab. Planning for starting a research project in the summer will take place in the final three week rotation period. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5213. Statistical Mechanics. 3 Hours.

Classical and quantum mechanical statistical theories of matter and radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5263L. Experiment and Data Analysis. 3 Hours.

This course is devoted to learning some of the frequently used experimental techniques and methods by which experimental data are analyzed to extract quantitative information on physical parameters. Students will perform experiments, analyze data, and write lab reports. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5313. Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I. 3 Hours.

Electrostatics, boundary-value problems in electrostatics, electrostatics in a medium, magnetostatics, and Faraday's Law. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5323. Advanced Electromagnetic Theory II. 3 Hours.

Maxwell equations, conservation laws, wave propagation, waveguides, radiating systems, scattering, special relativity, and radiation by moving charges. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5363. Scientific Computation and Numerical Methods. 3 Hours.

An introduction to numerical methods used in solving various problems in engineering and the sciences. May not earn credit for this course and MATH 4353 or MATH 4363. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)
This course is cross-listed with MATH 5363.

PHYS 5413. Quantum Mechanics I. 3 Hours.

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics; the Schrodinger equation; the Heisenberg matrix representation; operator formalism; transformation theory; spinors and Pauli theory; the Dirac equation; applications to atoms and molecules; collision theory; and semiclassical theory of radiation. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5423. Quantum Mechanics II. 3 Hours.

Continuation of PHYS 5413 Prerequisite: PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5613. Introduction to Biophysics and Biophysical Techniques. 3 Hours.

Origins of biophysics, biological polymers and polymer physics, properties of DNA and proteins, techniques to study DNA and proteins, biological membrane and ion channels, biological energy, experimental techniques to study single DNA and proteins. Two experiments are included: (1) DNA Gel electrophoresis; (2) Measurement of double-stranded DNA melting point. (Typically offered: Spring)

PHYS 5653. Subatomic Physics. 3 Hours.

Nuclear structure and nuclear reactions. Nature and properties of elementary particles and resonances, their interactions and decays. Phenomenological theory and discussion of experimental evidence. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

PHYS 5713. Condensed Matter Physics I. 3 Hours.

The course covers the Drude theory and the Sommerfeld theory of metals, crystal lattices, reciprocal lattices, X-ray diffraction, Bloch's theory of electrons in periodic potential, formation of band gap, lattice vibration, and cohesive energy in solids. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Fall)

PHYS 5734. Laser Physics. 4 Hours.

A combined lecture/laboratory course covering the theory of laser operation, laser resonators, propagation of laser beams, specific lasers such as gas, solid state, semiconductor and chemical lasers, and laser applications. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PHYS 5753. Applied Nonlinear Optics. 3 Hours.

Topics include: practical optical processes, such as electro-optic effects, acousto-optic effects, narrow-band optical filters, second harmonic generation, parametric amplification and oscillation, and other types of nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques which are finding current practical applications in industry. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PHYS 5773. Introduction to Optical Properties of Materials. 3 Hours.

This course covers crystal symmetry optical transmission and absorption, light scattering (Raman and Brillouin) optical constants, carrier mobility, and polarization effects in semi-conductors, quantum wells, insulators, and other optically important materials. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PHYS 5783. Physics of 2D Materials. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the structures of all known layered materials, followed by mechanical, electronic, spin, optical, and topological properties of two-dimensional materials. Discussion of theoretical concepts and examination of experimental manifestations of those concepts are interwoven throughout the semester. Knowledge of solid state physics is required. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PHYS 588V. Selected Topics in Physics. 1-3 Hour.

Selected topics in experimental or theoretical physics at the advanced level. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PHYS 600V. Master of Science Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master of Science Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

PHYS 6513. Theoretical Biophysics. 3 Hours.

Introduction to biology as a complex system, networks and information theory, negative and positive feedback systems, gene regulation, noise, and noise propagation, cell signaling pathways, intercellular interactions, and emergence of cooperativity in biological systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 5613. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PHYS 6713. Condensed Matter Physics II. 3 Hours.

The course covers surface physics, physics of homogeneous and inhomogeneous semiconductors, dielectric and ferroelectric physics, defects in crystals, spin interaction and magnetic properties, superconductivity, and band structure calculation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5713 and PHYS 5413. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PHYS 700V. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-18 Hour.

Doctoral Dissertation. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.