Surendra Singh, Chair of the Department, 226 Physics Building, 575-2506
PROFESSORS CHAN, GUPTA, HARTER, HOBSON, LIEBER, PEDERSON, RICHARDSON, SALAMO, SHENG, SINGH; PROFESSORS EMERITI HUGHES, ZINKE; ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS GEA-BANACLOCHE, LACY, VYAS, XIAO; ASSISTANT PROFESSORS FILIPKOWSKI, HENRY, OLIVER, STEWART, THIBADO, XIONG
Requirement for B.S. Degree with a Major in Physics: This program requires a total of 124 semester hours. The student must present a minimum of 38 semester hours in physics including PHYS 2053/2051L, 2073/2071L, 3114, 3414, 3614/3611L, 4054, 4991, and 12 semester hours above 3000 in physics or astronomy excluding courses for prospective science teachers. Furthermore, the following mathematics courses are required: 2554, 2564, 2574, 3404, 3423, and 3443. In addition, CHEM 1103/1101L and 1123/1121L are required. The B.S. curriculum is recommended for those interested in professional employment or graduate work in physics or related fields.
Requirements for a B.A. Degree with a Major in Physics: For students desiring a broader program in the arts, sciences, and social sciences while majoring in physics. This program is recommended for pre-medical, pre-business, pre-law and other students planning careers in fields for which a physics education would be beneficial. This program requires a total of 124 semester hours. The student must present 24 semester hours in physics or astronomy, including PHYS 2013/2011L, 2033/2031L, 3603/3601L, and 4991, and 11 semester hours chosen from PHYS 220V and any physics or astronomy courses at the 3000 level or above. The student must also present MATH 1285 (or 1203 and 1213) and 2554 (or 2043) as well as two additional courses at the 2000 level or above in mathematics, statistics or CISQ 2013. An additional 9 semester hours at the 3000 level or above must be taken from a single special emphasis area chosen with the advice of the department in this area. The special emphasis area may be chosen in any single degree-granting department of the University.
Writing Requirement: Students majoring in physics may satisfy the Fulbright College writing requirement by means of a senior thesis (PHYS 498V), honors thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the honors program (PHYS 399VH), or by means of a paper submitted as part of PHYS 4991 or any physics or astronomy course numbered 3000 or above. Students electing the last route must obtain approval of the instructor during the first three weeks of the semester. The research/analytical paper should demonstrate competency in the use of word processing software and also at least one computer analytical tool such as a spreadsheet, mathematical, or graphics program, or an original program written by the student.
Assessment of Student Learning: In accordance with state, University, and College requirements, all students must have learning assessed before graduation. Students majoring in physics will be assessed in the course PHYS 4991, which must be taken in the year prior to graduation.
Requirements for Departmental Honors in Physics: The Departmental Honors Program in Physics provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in scholarly physics activities. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the physics faculty and participate in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction "Physics Scholar Cum Laude'' at graduation. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor's degree with honors, an honors candidate in physics must (1) become a candidate no later than the first semester of the junior year of study, (2) enroll in honors sections of physics courses when available, (3) enroll in six hours of honors research (PHYS 399VH), (4) enroll in at least one physics honors colloquium (PHYS 3923H), (5) complete and orally defend an honors thesis based upon the project carried out in PHYS 399VH, and (6) achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.125 in physics. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate's program of honors studies. To be considered as a candidate for higher distinctions, however, a student must achieve a 3.50 cumulative grade-point average in physics and mathematics.
Requirements for a Minor in Physics: Students wishing to obtain a minor in physics must take either PHYS 2013/2011L, 2033/2031L or PHYS 2053/2051L, 2073/2071L, plus at least seven additional hours of physics courses numbered 3000 or above. A student must notify the Department of his or her intent to minor.
Physics (B.A. or B.S.) Teacher Certification Requirements:
1. Complete a minimum of 24 hours in primary field.
2. Complete Pre-Education (ASED) minor. (See page 205.)
3. The following courses are specifically required for certification:
HLSC 1002, Wellness Concepts, and PEAC 1621, Fitness Concepts, OR HLSC 1103, Personal Health
& Safety
4. Earn a "C" or better in ENGL 1013, ENGL 1023, ENGL 3003 (or ENGL 2013, or exemption by grades
or test), COMM 1313, and MATH 1203 (or any higher mathematics course).
5. Physics majors are encouraged to certify in a second field.
For requirements for advanced degrees in physics, see the Graduate School Catalog.
For astronomy courses, see page 206.
Courses: Physics (PHYS)
100V Projects (1-2) Independent study in experimental or theoretical physics for lower division undergraduate students. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 hours of credit.
1011 The World of Physics (Fa) Offered to those considering physics as a major. Students actively trace the typical development of concepts with measurement and analysis. Several current activities and problems are studied. Readings from the literature of physics, biography, philosophy and commentary are integrated.
1021L Physics and Human Affairs Laboratory (Fa, Sp, Su) Laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite or prerequisite: PHYS 1023.
1023 Physics and Human Affairs (Fa, Sp, Su) 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-hour physical science requirement for the B.A. degree. Students who have received credit in PHYS 2013 and 2033, or 2053 and 2073 cannot also receive degree credit in this course. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.k
1040L Physics for Architects I Lab Corequisite: PHYS 1044.
1044 Physics for Architects I (Fa) The relation between the principles of physics and the practice of building and operating structures. Topics include: The behavior of structures under various loads, the statics and dynamics of fluids, thermal storage, thermal expansion, the greenhouse effect, heat transfer, refrigeration, the energy problem, efficiency in the operation of buildings. One underlying theme is that the self-sufficiency of a building is an important part of architecture. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory.Corequisite: PHYS 1040L UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
1050L Physics for Architects II Lab Corequisite: PHYS 1054.
1054 Physics for Architects II (Sp) Acoustics, electricity and magnetism, light, and environmental physics. Topics include resonance, acoustical isolation, interference, reverberation time, electrical circuitry with emphasis on power and efficiency, electrical storage, light sources, reflection, refraction, absorption, transmission, color, astronomy (to give perspective to the use of sunlight in architecture), heat, noise, and radioactivity pollution. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 1044. Corequisite: PHYS 1050L. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2010D College Physics I Drill Corequisite: PHYS 2013/2011L
2011L College Physics I Laboratory (Fa, Su) Laboratory meets two hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2013/2010D or consent.
2013 College Physics I (Fa, Su) A non-calculus survey of the principles of physics including mechanics, heat and sound. Lecture 3 hours per week and drill (PHYS 2010D) one hour per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2011L/2010D or consent. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 and 1213 or equivalent. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2030D College Physics II Drill Corequisite: PHYS 2033/2031L.
2031L College Physics II Laboratory (Sp, Su) Laboratory meets two hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2033/2030D or consent.
2033 College Physics II (Sp, Su) Continuation of PHYS 2013. Topics include electricity and magnetism, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure. Lecture 3 hours per week and drill (PHYS 2030D) one hour per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2031L/2030D or consent. Prerequisite: PHYS 2013. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2050D University Physics I Drill Corequisite: 2053/2051L.
2051L University Physics I Laboratory (Fa, Sp, Su) The laboratory meets two hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2053/2050D.
2051M Honors University Physics I Laboratory (Sp) The laboratory meets 3 hours per week including one hour of drill. Corequisite: PHYS 2053H and 2050D.
2053 University Physics I (Fa, Sp, Su) Introduction to the principles of mechanics, wave motion, and thermal physics, using calculus. Lecture 3 hours per week and drill one hour per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2051L and 2050D; prerequisite: MATH 2554. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2053H Honors University Physics I (Sp) Introduction to the principles of mechanics, wave motion, and thermal physics. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: consent of the Honors Director and the instructor; MATH 2554. Corequisite: PHYS 2051M. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2070D University Physics II Drill Corequisite: PHYS 2073/2071L.
2071L University Physics II Laboratory (Fa, Sp, Su) The laboratory meets two hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2073 and 2070D.
2071M Honors University Physics II Laboratory (Fa) The laboratory meets 3 hours per week including one hour of drill. Corequisite: PHYS 2073H.
2073 University Physics II (Fa, Sp, Su) Continuation of PHYS 2053. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, light and optics. Lecture 3 hours per week and drill one hour per week. Corequisite: PHYS 2071L and PHYS 2070D. Prerequisites: PHYS 2053, MATH 2564. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
2073H Honors University Physics II (Fa) Introduction to the principles of electromagnetic phenomena, including light. Prerequisite: PHYS 2053H, MATH 2564, and the consent of the Honors Director and the instructor. Corequisite: PHYS 2071M. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE.
220V Introduction to Electronics I (Fa, Sp, Su) Individualized, self-paced laboratory instruction in electronics requiring no previous electronic experience. Topics include basic DC and AC electronic fundamentals and semiconductor discrete device fundamentals. Up to 2 hours of credit for completion of all modules. Corequisite: MATH 1203 or 1285 or prior credit in an equivalent algebra course.
306V Projects (1-3) (Irregular) Individual experimental or theoretical research problems for advanced undergraduates. One to 3 hours of credit. Prerequisite: consent.
3114 Analytical Mechanics (Fa) Newton's laws of motion applied to particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. Introduction to Lagrange's equations, tensor algebra, and analytical techniques such as approximations, expansions, and dimensional analysis. Prerequisites: PHYS 2073, MATH 2574.
320V Introduction to Electronics II (1-4) (Fa, Sp, Su) Individualized, self-paced laboratory instruction in electronics covers topics including integrated circuits, digital techniques and microprocessors. Up to four hours of credit for completion of all modules. Prerequisite: PHYS 220V or equivalent.
3414 Electromagnetic Theory (Sp) Electrostatics including dielectrics, magnetostatics and magnetic materials. Maxwell's equations, radiation theory, and wave propagation. Prerequisites: PHYS 2073 and MATH 2574.
3440L Electronics Lab
3444 Electronics (Irregular) Introduction to electronic components, circuits, and instruments used for measurement and control in experimental science. Two hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 2073.
3540L Optics Lab
3544 Optics (Fa) Elements of geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2073 or MATH 2564. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
3601L Modern Physics Laboratory (Sp) Experiments illustrating the development and concepts of modern physics. No credit is given toward a B.S. major in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3603.
3603 Introduction to Modern Physics (Fa) An introduction to the basic ideas of twentieth 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. Prerequisites: PHYS 2033 and MATH 2043 or 2554.
3611L University Physics III Laboratory (Sp) Experiments illustrating the development of modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.
3614 University Physics III (Fa, Sp, Su) Introduction to modern physics including relativity, quantum theory, atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2073 or consent.
3923H Honors Colloquium (Irregular) Covers a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. May be repeated when the content is changed. Prerequisite: honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in physics) or consent. No more than 3 hours may be offered toward fulfillment of the requirements for the B.S. or B.A. degree in physics.
399VH Honors (Fa, Sp, Su) Independent study for physics students enrolled in the Honors Program. (See the Honors Program) Prerequisite: junior standing and consent. Up to 6 hours of credit allowed toward minimum degree requirements for B.S. degree.
4003 Lab and Classroom Practices in Physics (Fa, Sp, Su) The pedagogy of curricular materials. Laboratory and demonstration techniques illustrating fundamental concepts acquired through participation in the classroom as an apprentice teacher. Prerequisites: PHYS 3114 and PHYS 3414 or consent.
4054 Modern Physics (Fa) Introduction to the special theory of relativity and wave mechanics (Same as PHYS 5054). Prerequisite: PHYS 3114, PHYS 3414, and MATH 3404.
4103 Physics in Perspective (Sp, odd years) 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. No credit given toward a B.S. major in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3603 or 3614.
4113 Physics in Perspective (Sp, odd years) 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 3614. Credit allowed for only one of PHYS 4113 and 4103.
4203 Physics of Devices (Sp, Even years) 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. No credit given toward a B.S. major in physics Prerequisite: PHYS 3603 or 3614.
4213 Physics of Devices (Sp, Even years) Principles of physics applied in a selection of technologically important devices in ares including computing, communications, medical imaging, lasers, and energy utilization. Students will utilize technical journals. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614. Credit allowed for only one of PHYS 4203 and PHYS 4213.
4333 Thermal Physics (Sp, Even years) Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical physics, and kinetic theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.
4503 Plasma Physics (Irregular) The theory of ionized gases from microscopic (kinetic theory) and the macroscopic (magnetohydrodynamic) viewpoints, with application to controlled fusion, energy conversion and astrophysics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3414 or ELEG 3703 or consent.
4603 Nuclear Physics (Irregular) Nuclear particles, reactions, and properties. Accelerators and detectors of particles. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.
462L Modern Physics Laboratory (Fa) Advanced experiments, projects, and techniques in atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics. Prerequisite: consent.
4703 Elementary Particles (Irregular) The nature and properties of elementary particles and resonances, and their interactions and decays. Phenomenological theory and experimental evidence will be discussed. Necessary concepts in quantum mechanics and nuclear physics will be developed. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.
4803 Mathematical Physics (Irregular) Development of mathematics used in advanced physics, including tensors, matrices, group theory, special functions and operators. Prerequisite: MATH 2574.
498V Senior Thesis (1-6) Prerequisite: consent.
4991 Physics Senior Seminar Student mastery of the principles of physics are assessed by means of research paper writing and an examination chosen by the faculty. The research paper may be used to satisfy the Fulbright College Writing Requirement. (Required of all B.S. and B.A. physics majors in their last year.)
5000 Colloquium Members of the faculty and graduate students meet weekly to hear and discuss reports of current research.
501V Seminar (1-3) Regular informal discussions of research reported in journals and monographs. Prerequisite: consent.
502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics (1-3) (Fa, Sp) Guided study in current literature. Prerequisites: consent--the staff member under whose direction the study will be done will determine that the study in current literature is not related to the student's thesis research or required by the course work.
5033 Introduction to Theoretical Physics (Fa) Accelerated course on mechanics and electromagnetic theory. Topics in mechanics include Newton's laws, variational principles and Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, rigid body motion, and small vibrations. Topics in electromagnetism include electrostatics, Maxwell's equations, radiation theory, wave propagation, and applications. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent.
5054 Advanced Modern Physics I (Fa) The principal theoretical and experimental aspects of modern physics, including special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure and spectra, solid state, nuclear and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3114 and 3414.
5064 Advanced Modern Physics II (Sp) The principal theoretical and experimental aspects of modern physics, including special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure and spectra, solid state, nuclear and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3114 and 3414.
5073 Mathematical Methods of Physics I (Fa) Applications of complex variables, differential equations, special functions, Green functions, and matrix analysis to problems in physics. Introduction to numerical and statistical techniques used in physics research. (Same as MATH 5073) Prerequisite: MATH 3423 and consent.
5083 Mathematical Methods of Physics II (Sp) Applications of matrices, tensors, and linear vector spaces to problems in physics. Introduction to groups and their representations, and symmetry principles in modern physics. (Same as MATH 5083) Prerequisite: PHYS 5073.
5103 Advanced Mechanics (Sp) Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Hamilton's equations and canonical variables. Canonical transformations. Small oscillations. Prerequisite: PHYS 5033 and PHYS 5073, or consent.
5213 Statistical Mechanics (Fa) Classical and quantum mechanical statistical theories of matter and radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 4333 and 5064.
5313 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I (Fa) Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, plane waves, waveguides, cavities, radiating systems, special relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 5033 and PHYS 5073, or consent.
5323 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory II (Sp) Electrostatic boundary value problems, multipoles, relativistic electrodynamics, MHD and plasma physics, radiation by moving charges. Prerequisite: PHYS 5313.
5413 Quantum Mechanics I (Fa) 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, semiclassical theory of radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5064.
5423 Quantum Mechanics II (Sp) 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, semiclassical theory of radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5064, 5413.
5513 Atomic and Molecular Physics (Sp, Even years) Survey of atomic and molecular physics with emphasis on the electronic structure and spectroscopy of one- and two-electron atoms, and diatomic molecules. Includes fine and hyperfine structure. Zeeman and Stark mixing of states, collision phenomena, radiative lifetimes, and experimental techniques. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054.
5523 Theory of Relativity (Irregular) Conceptual and mathematical structure of the special and general theories of relativity with selected applications. Critical analysis of Newtonian mechanics; relativistic mechanics and electrodynamics; tensor analysis; continuous media; and gravitational theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 5103 and 5323.
5613 Laser Physics (Sp) Principles of laser operation and laser cavity design, emphasizing common specific systems such as solid state, gas, and dye lasers. Techniques for measuring laser characteristics and a variety of laser applications such as communications systems, high resolution spectroscopy, and interactions with solids. Laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054 or consent.
562L Laser Physics Laboratory (Fa, Sp) Advanced experiments in laser operation and cavity design emphasizing common specific systems such as solid state, gas, and dye lasers. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054 or consent.
5633 Applied Nonlinear Optics (Fa, Even years) Topics include linear optics, second harmonic generation, electro-optic and photoelastic effects, parametric amplification and oscillation, propagation-modulation-oscillation in optical dielectric waveguides, stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering, and other types of nonlinear spectroscopy which are finding current practical application in industry. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054 and graduate standing.
5643 Laser Spectroscopy (Irregular) Discussion of modern spectroscopic techniques using lasers. Interaction of radiation with matter, including emission and absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission, scattering of radiation and two-photon processes. Discussion of the perturbed-fluorescence, two-photon, saturation, stimulated Raman, optic-acoustic and other timely spectroscopic techniques. Emphasis will also be placed on the experimental considerations. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054.
565L Nonlinear Optics Laboratory (1-3) (Fa) Advanced experiments in nonlinear optical systems, design and analysis. Emphasizes common systems such as second harmonic generation, parametric oscillation, acousto-optic deflection, photorefractive devices, and bistable devices. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054 or consent.
5713 Solid State Physics (Sp, Odd years) Crystalline structure, lattice dynamics. Debye theory, electron theory of metals, band theory of solids, superconductivity, and magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054.
5723 Optical Properties of Solids (Fa, Odd years) Optical absorption, radiative and nonradiative transitions, processes involving coherent radiation including Raman and Brillouin scattering, and polarization effects with emphasis on optical properties of semiconductors and optically important insulators. Prerequisite: PHYS 5064.
588V Selected Topics in Experimental Physics (1-3) (Irregular) Prerequisite: consent.
590V Master of Arts Research (1-6) (Fa, Sp, Su) Prerequisite: consent.
600V Master of Science Thesis (1-6) (Fa, Sp, Su) Prerequisite: consent.
6413 Advanced Quantum Theory I (Fa, Even years) Second quantization, with applications to quantizing electromagnetic fields and to many-body theory. Introduction to Feynman diagrams. Prerequisite: PHYS 5423.
6423 Advanced Quantum Theory II (Sp, Odd years) Relativistic quantum mechanics. Introduction to quantum electrodynamics and quantum field theory, renormalization theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 6413.
6513 Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics (Fa) (Irregular) Applications of quantum mechanics to problems in atomic and molecular physics, including collision phenomena, spectra, lifetimes of excited states and energy level calculations. Prerequisite: PHYS 5423.
6613 Quantum Optics (Fa, Odd years) Properties of light and its interaction with atoms, particular attention given to the laser and recent experiments. Classical theory of resonance; Optical Bloch Eqs.; two level atoms in steady fields; pulse propagation; semiclassical theory of the laser, coherent states and coherence functions; gas, solid, and dye lasers; photon echoes and superradiance; quantum electrodynamics and spontaneous emission. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413 or its equivalent.
6623 Optical Coherence Theory (Fa, Even years) Diffraction theory and optical imaging systems, with emphasis on coherent versus incoherent imaging from the viewpoint of Fourier optics. Special attention is given to the coherent optical techniques made possible with the laser. Prerequisite: PHYS 5323.
6713 Advanced Solid State Theory (Irregular) Quantum mechanical approach to the theory of solids, including such topics as group theory, crystalline field theory, electron-photon interactions, band theory of solids, transportation phenomena, superconductivity, and magnetic prospects of solids. Prerequisite: PHYS 5713 and 5413.
6813 Advanced Nuclear Theory (Irregular) Two nucleon system, nuclear models, nuclear reactions and disintegrations, electromagnetic interactions of nuclei. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413.
688V Selected topics in Theoretical Physics (1-3) Prerequisite: consent.
700V Doctoral Dissertation (1-18) Prerequisite: consent.
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