PHY - Physics
An exploration of physical concepts; their social and philosophical implications; and the utility and limitations of physics for solution of problems in the modern world. The mathematical level will be that of beginning high school algebra. Not intended for potential science majors. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Understanding current and future energy problems using quantitative reasoning techniques. Topics covered span a range from the personal to the societal. Quantitative Reasoning.
Credits
3(3-0)
For students interested in physics of motion. Covers velocity, acceleration, force and momentum, as related to physical activity. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Laboratory experience for students in
PHY 100,
PHY 110, or
PHS 101. Hands-on group laboratory to investigate basic concepts in introductory physics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite:
PHY 100 or 110 or
PHS 101. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
1(0-2)
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131,
PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: A high school math background that includes a good foundation in algebra and trigonometry, or
MTH 109. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
4(4-0)
A continuation of PHY 130 that covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.
Credits
4(4-0)
Normally the first physics course for majors and minors. Mechanics of single and many-particle systems, conservation laws, statistical concepts, and gravitational interaction. Quantitative Reasoning. Pre/Co- Requisite:
MTH 132.
Credits
4(4-0)
Temperature and thermodynamics, electromagnetic interaction, electrical circuits, electromagnetic radiation, and optics. Not open to those with credit in
PHY 131. Prerequisite: PHY 145. Pre/Co-requisite:
MTH 133.
Credits
4(4-0)
Experimental techniques of physics introduced by studying quantitative situations through error analysis, graphical analysis, small computer calculations, and fitting data to model functions. Laboratory experience for PHY 130. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite: PHY 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
1(0-2)
Laboratory experience for
PHY 131. Introductory experimental techniques and instrumentation for electrical, optical, and nuclear phenomena. Prerequisite:
PHY 170. Pre/Co-Requisite:
PHY 131.
Credits
1(0-2)
Laboratory experience for PHY 145. Introduction to experimental techniques and the treatment of experimental data. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite: PHY 145. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
1(0-2)
Laboratory experience for
PHY 146. Introduction to electrical measurements and instrumentation. Introduction to techniques of optical measurements. Prerequisite:
PHY 175. Pre/Co-Requisite:
PHY 146.
Credits
1(0-2)
Special topics not included in standard courses in physics. Course may be taken for credit more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Special relativity and a taste of general relativity for inquiring minds. Intended for prospective physics or mathematics majors. Prerequisite: PHY 145.
Credits
1(1-0)
Historical development of modern physics; introduction to special relativity, atomic structure, and elementary quantum theory. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites:
PHY 146 or 131;
MTH 132. Recommended:
MTH 133.
Credits
3(3-0)
Introduction to nuclear radioactivity, production of super-heavy elements, nuclear reactions and nuclear energy, stellar evolution, and the Standard Model of particle physics. Prerequisite: PHY 247.
Credits
1(1-0)
An introduction to lasers and their applications for science and engineering students. Prerequisite:
PHY 146.
Credits
1(1-0)
An introduction to several topics in condensed matter physics for science and engineering majors. Prerequisite: PHY 247.
Credits
1(1-0)
Laboratory experience for PHY 247. Introduction to the techniques of electron and photon physics. Pre/Co-Requisite: PHY 247.
Credits
1(0-3)
Special topics not included in standard courses in physics. Course may be taken for credit more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours. Prerequisites: PHY 145, 175.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Laboratory experience using basic computational tools and techniques that are important in modern physics research. The course expands on physics concepts through numerical experimentation. Prerequisite: PHY 145. Pre/Co-requisite:
MTH 133. Recommended:
MTH 223.
Credits
1(0-2)
Introduction to mathematical concepts and techniques required to understand classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Pre/Co-Requisites:
PHY 247QR;
MTH 233, 334.
Credits
3(3-0)
Newtonian mechanics of particles and systems of particles: conservation theorems, gravitation, oscillations, central force motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, and two-particle collisions. Pre/Co- requisites: PHY 247;
MTH 233, 334.
Credits
3(3-0)
Electrostatic fields in vacuum and in dielectrics, magnetic fields associated with constant and variable currents, magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: PHY 247;
MTH 233, 334.
Credits
3(3-0)
Special topics not included in standard courses in physics. Course may be taken for credit more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours. Prerequisites: See Course Search and Registration.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Introduction to quantum theory, Schrödinger equation, operators, angular momentum, harmonic oscillator, atomic hydrogen, perturbation theory, identical particles, radiation. Some applications will be considered. Prerequisites:
PHY 312, 322, 332.
Credits
4(4-0)
Introduction to equilibrium thermodynamics and elementary statistical mechanics. Prerequisite:
PHY 312,
PHY 322.
Credits
3(3-0)
Special topics not included in standard courses in physics. Course may be taken for credit more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours. Prerequisite:
PHY 332.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Individual study in an area not covered by regular courses. May be taken for credit more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours. Prerequisite:
PHY 332 and permission of instructor.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Capstone experience for physics majors. Students enroll during their penultimate semester on campus. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites:
PHY 312, 322, 332, 578. Prior permission of instructor.
Credits
3(Spec)
Career planning and job application skills for students in physics, astronomy, or a closely related area. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 20 credit hours of coursework in the physical sciences or mathematics, or admission to the PHY M.S. program.
Credits
1(0-2)
Exposes pre-service secondary chemistry and physics teachers to theory and practice of teaching in secondary schools, design of instructional units and safety practices. Must be completed prior to student teaching. Identical to
CHM 505. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites:
CHM 132 or
CHM 161;
PHY 131 or
PHY 146; Tier Two - Admission of Candidacy to Teacher Education; signed major or minor in chemistry, physics, or chemistry-physics (secondary education); Junior standing. Graduate students must be enrolled in a teaching master's program.
Credits
3(3-0)
Cross Listed Courses
CHM 505
Supervised experience in high school chemistry and/or physics classes. Experience will include observation, participation in instruction, and critical analysis of the experience. Identical to
CHM 507. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: Tier Two - Admission of Candidacy to Teacher Education; junior or senior standing. Graduate students must be enrolled in a teaching master's program. Pre/Co-requisite:
CHM 505 or
PHY 505.
Credits
1(Spec)
Cross Listed Courses
CHM 507
Introduction to standard numerical techniques applied to problems in physics, including numerical differentiation and integration, systems of differential equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and Monte-Carlo simulations. Prerequisites:
MTH 233; or graduate standing. Pre/Co- requisites:
PHY 322,
MTH 334; or graduate standing. Recommended: Basic knowledge of a programming language such as FORTRAN, Java, C, Python, or others.
Credits
3(2-2)
Radioactive transformations, detection of radiation, methods of producing high-speed particles, nuclear structure, fission, cosmic radiation and applications of radioactivity. Prerequisite:
PHY 442 or graduate standing in Physics.
Credits
3(3-0)
Geometrical and physical optics, electromagnetic theory of light, interference and diffraction from standpoint of Huygens' principle, Fourier formalism, polarized light, principles and applications of lasers. Prerequisites:
PHY 332.
Credits
3(3-0)
Vibrational and electronic properties of crystalline materials as well as more specialized selected topics such as magnetism, optical, and transport properties. Prerequisites:
PHY 442 or graduate standing in Physics. Pre/Co-requisites:
PHY 450 or graduate standing in Physics.
Credits
3(3-0)
Selected experiments utilizing the techniques of modern experimental physics. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites:
PHY 277,
PHY 322 or graduate standing in Physics. Pre/Co-requisites:
PHY 332 or graduate standing in Physics.
Credits
3(1-5)
Special topics not included in standard courses in physics. Course may be taken more than once; total credit not to exceed six hours. Prerequisite:
PHY 442 or graduate standing.
Credits
1-9(Spec)