Physics

PH 500. TOPICS IN PHYSICS ( * ) 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Study of specialized topics in physics. *The blank will be filled with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the topical area studied. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 510.  COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN PHYSICS 3 HRS.  (Prerequisite, PH 143 or PH 193.)  Computer solutions of physics problems using spreadsheets, computational modeling software and programming languages.  A basic familiarity with computer applications and programming is assumed.

PH 520. LIGHT 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or PH 193.) An introductory course in geometrical and physical optics. Properties of lenses and simple optical instruments, phenomena of interference, diffraction and polarization, electromagnetic waves and photons.

PH 530. HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 193 and MA 262.) Fundamental ideas of temperature, work, internal energy, heat, reversibility, entropy, and other thermodynamic functions. Application of the laws of thermodynamics to physics, chemistry and engineering. An introduction to statistical mechanics.

PH 540. MODERN PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 143 or PH 193 and MA 161 or MA 165.) Theories involved in advances in physics since 1900. Includes atomic structure, relativity, wave mechanics, radioactivity and nuclear physics.

PH 541. ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS I 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 193.) The development of the concept of the atom is presented followed by a study of electrons and electromagnetic radiation which then leads to the atomic models proposed by Rutherford and Bohr. Special relativity is discussed in preparation for the study of X-rays and further topics in nuclear physics.

PH 547. ANALOG ELECTRONICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or PH 193.  Corequisite, PH 548.) The basic physics of the P-N junction and its implementation in diodes and transistors is covered. Design work with diodes, transistors, and analog integrated circuits is stressed, along with the use of analog integrated circuits in instruments, power supplies, and computer interfaces.

PH 548. ANALOG ELECTRONICS LABORATORY 2 HRS. (Corequisite, PH 547.)  Laboratory to accompany PH 547.

PH 550. DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or PH 193.  Corequisite, PH 551.) After a review of AC and DC circuits, this course covers digital integrated circuits and their use in instrumentation and computer circuits and systems. The TTL and CMOS logic gates are covered in detail. MOS devices such as microprocessors, RAM and ROM memories, FIFO buffers, etc., are introduced. Digital computer circuits, codes, and interfacing are stressed.

PH 551. DIGITAL ELECTRONICS LABORATORY 2 HRS. (Corequisite, PH 550.)  Laboratory to accompany PH 550.

PH 635. INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 193 or PH 143.) Topics include mechanics, wave motion, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and light. The course is intended to serve as a review of physics for students who require additional study of basic concepts before continuing into advanced courses.

PH 645. NUCLEAR TECHNIQUES 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or 193 and CH 126.) Nuclear laboratory experiments on detection and measurement of radioactive isotopes using Geiger counters, ionization chambers, and scintillation detectors. Experience with multichannel analyzer instrumentation, shielding, and monitoring equipment.

PH 700. TOPICS IN PHYSICS* 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Study of specialized topics in physics. *The blank will be filled with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the topical area studied. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 730. SEMINAR IN PHYSICS 0-2 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Reports by students, staff and visitors are presented on topics of current or historical interest in physics. Graduate students, in particular, have the experience of developing effective presentations.

PH 741. ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY I 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or PH 193.) Classical and modern physics experiments on fundamental constants of nature, X-rays, radioactivity, etc.

PH 742. ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY II 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 741 and MA 262.) An advanced laboratory course emphasizing measurement techniques in areas such as light, microwaves, photonics, and condensed matter.

PH 752. ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS II 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 541 or PH 540.) The study of X-rays serves as the starting point for developing the concept of nuclear properties. The masses, sizes and radiations of nuclei are studied and then models of nuclei are considered in light of these properties. Elementary particles are also introduced.

PH 760. MECHANICS I 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 193 and MA 262.) The application of Newton's laws to mass points, systems of particles, and rigid bodies.  Motion in one, two, and three dimensions is included.

PH 761. MECHANICS II 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 760 and MA 263.) Newtonian mechanics as formulated by Lagrange is developed, followed by applying elementary tensor theory to the rotation of rigid bodies. The study of small vibrations of systems of particles concludes the course.

PH 762. ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 193.  Corequisite, MA 263.) A study of electrostatics, electrical properties of matter, and potential theory.

PH 763. ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 762 and MA 263.) A study of the magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, magnetic properties of matter, alternating current circuits, and Maxwell's equations.

PH 770. RESEARCH PROBLEM IN PHYSICS 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Investigative research by graduate students under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  The investigation and any formal reporting are primarily the responsibility of the student.  Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 775. MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 550 or consent of instructor.) This course discusses microcomputers on the systems level. Detailed attention to the electronics which comprise the system will be limited to general familiarization. The criteria for and design of microcomputer systems to accomplish educational, laboratory, or control and monitoring objectives are covered. The emphasis is on the integration of hardware, firmware, and software into a well-balanced, easily expandable system which takes advantage of state-of-the-art capabilities of system hardware and software components.

PH 780. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, MA 161, PH 540 or PH 541 or consent of instructor.) A course designed to introduce students to basic concepts in solid state. Topics to be considered include crystalline state, specific heats and lattice vibrations, dielectric and optical properties, conductivity, ferroelectrics, bond theory of solids, semiconductors, transistors, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, and resonance phenomena.

PH 785. NUCLEAR PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 541 or PH 540.) Primarily designed for students not planning on physics as a profession, and as a background course for the secondary science teacher, this course deals with modern concepts of the nucleus and the role of nuclear physics today.

PH 790. THEORETICAL PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 760 and MA 335.) Various mathematical tools in physics are studied. Infinite series, Fourier series, and many special functions are included. Emphasis is on the application of these ideas in physical theories.

PH 795. INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 540, PH 541, and MA 335.) The fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics are developed and applied to problems. The solution of Schrodinger's equation in one-dimensional scattering and bound-state problems, and in a central potential.

PH 801. TRENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS CURRICULA 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Designed for in-service physical science teachers. A laboratory-oriented course stressing an understanding of the philosophies and concepts in new curricula and materials for physics teaching. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 802. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Designed for in-service physical science teachers. A study of recent advances in physics. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 810. PLASMA PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 763, PH 530 and PH 761, or consent of instructor.) The properties of very hot ionized gases are described as they apply to nuclear fusion energy, gaseous electronics, and space physics.

PH 820. ASTROPHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, PH 761, PH 763, and MA 335.) Study of the physics of the sun, planets, stars and galaxies. This includes the study of the motion of planets, the stellar atmosphere and interior, the evolution of stars and cosmology.

PH 840. MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 760.) Advanced applications of mathematical techniques in physics are considered for graduate students.

PH 845 . TOPICS IN PHYSICS ( * ) 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Study of specialized topics in physics at the graduate level. The topic is chosen by the student and the instructor. *The blank will be filled with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the subject area studied.

PH 860. GRADUATE RESEARCH 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Investigative research by graduate students under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  Primarily intended for graduate students pursuing the research report degree option or needing additional research for the thesis degree option.  Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 890. THESIS M.S. 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Investigative research, and preparation and defense of a thesis by graduate students under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  Required for graduate students pursuing the thesis degree option.  Permission of instructor required to enroll.

Last Updated April 17, 2007