PHYSICS (PHY–Arts and Science)

400/500 Physics Seminar (1; maximum 4 for any one degree)

Weekly physics colloquium series presenting guest speakers on topics of interest to scientific community. Required of all graduate students in residence. Prerequisite: PHY 182 or equivalent or permission of faculty in charge. Offered for credit/no-credit only.

420/520 Advanced Laboratory Physics (1-4; maximum 4 for any one degree)

Techniques of nuclear physics, solid state physics, and optics. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 292. Offered infrequently.

421/521 Introduction to Biophysics (4)

Designed to acquaint the advanced undergraduate and graduate science major with physical principles required for an understanding of modern quantitative biology. Covers both experimental and theoretical aspects of physical biology. Prerequisite: PHY 172 or 182, MTH 249 or 251, or permission of instructor.

423/523 Materials Physics (4)

Lecture and laboratory course addressing topics in the materials categories: metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. Laboratory emphasizes techniques found in research and development of materials. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 293.

430/530 Topics in Physics (1-4; maximum 12)

Study of topics of current interest in physics beyond the coverage in other course offerings. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing in physics or permission of instructor.

435/535 Introduction to Astrophysics (4)

Applications of atomic and nuclear physics to the problems of stellar structure and evolution. Cosmological implications of recent astronomical discoveries. Prerequisite: PHY 291, MTH 252, or permission of instructor.

437/537 Intermediate Thermodynamics and Introduction to Statistical Physics (4)

Development of formal thermodynamics including first, second, and third laws, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell’s relations, phase transitions, and illustrative applications of thermodynamics. Introduction to kinetic theory approach to behavior of systems not in equilibrium, Boltzmann Equation, and transport processes. Development of statistical mechanics and ensemble approach to equilibrium statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHY 291. Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.

441/541 Optics and Laser Physics (4)

Lecture and laboratory course covering all aspects of lasers. Teaches basics of physical and geometrical optics and atomic physics in detail to understand the design, operation, and application of lasers. Topics include matrix methods in ray optics, gaussian beams, cavity design, rate equation models of laser gain media, pulsed and CW lasers, different types of lasers, and nonlinear optics. Applications to communications, optical computing, and image processing are discussed. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 293, or permission of instructor.

442/542 Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules (4)

Survey of the structure of atoms and molecules, using optical spectroscopy as a tool. Lecture reviews the quantum theory of atoms and molecules, including solutions to the Schroedinger equation, spectroscopic notation, transition rates, and selection rules. Laboratory examines a variety of light sources, with increasing resolution. Zeeman, fine structure, and hyperfine structure, in particular, are considered. Emphasis on laboratory investigation. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 293, or permission of instructor. Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341.

451/551 Classical Mechanics (4)

Mechanics, nonrelativistic and relativistic, of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies treated by Newtonian, Langrangian, and Hamiltonian methods using vector and matrix analysis and calculus of variations. Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.

461/561 Electromagnetic Theory (4)

Mathematically quantitative lecture and problem course in theory of electromagnetism. Topics include multipole fields, electromagnetic field equations, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction, radiating systems, classical electron theory, spherical waves, interference phenomena, and diffraction theory. Pre- or co-requisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.

471/571 Advanced Electronics (3)

Applications of solid state electronic devices and circuits. Includes laboratory experience with discrete devices, integrated circuits, and transducers, and their application to measurements in research situations. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 292, 294.

491/591, 492/592 Introduction to Quantum Physics (4, 3)

Introduction to the quantum theory and its application to physical systems. Prerequisite: PHY 291. Pre- or co-requisite: PHY 341, or permission of instructor.

605 Teaching Physics with Toys Workshop (2-3)

Emphasizes physics topics that are typically taught in elementary and middle school: motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, sound and light. Collaborative inquiry-based activities apply basic physics principles to the operation of simple toys. For in-service teachers of grades K-9. Concurrent registration in CHM 605 is required.

610 Research (1-10; maximum 10)

Independent research projects in theoretical or experimental physics.

620 Topics in Modern Physics (1-4; maximum 10)

Study of various topics of interest in physics not covered in formal course offerings. Prerequisite: PHY 451/551 or permission of instructor.

642 Advanced Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics (4)

Transport theory of gases; Chapman-Enskog development. Classical and quantum statistical mechanics with applications to many-particle systems.

671 Electromagnetism (4)

Electromagnetic theory and applications. Prerequisite: PHY 461/561 or permission of instructor. Offered infrequently.

691/692 Modern Quantum Physics (4,4)

Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and the mathematical techniques of Schrodinger and Heisenberg. Computer solution of quantum mechanical problems. Prerequisite: (691) PHY 491/591, 492/592 or permission of instructor; (692) PHY 691.

700 Research for Master’s Thesis (1-12; minimum 6, maximum 12)