Physics

Physics (PHY)

The complete description of the Department of Physics is found in the College of Science & Technology.

Descriptions of courses approved for the University Program appear in italic type.

PHY 100 Conceptual Physics 3(3-0) F, Sp
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. (Group II-B)

PHY 110 Physics of Sports 3(3-0) F, Sp
For students interested in the physics of motion. Covers velocity, acceleration, force and momentum, as related to physical activity. (Group II-B)

PHY 127 Table Top Physics 1(0-2) F, Sp
Laboratory experience for students in PHY 100, PHY 110, or PHS 101. Hands-on group laboratory exercises investigate the nature of physics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements. Pre or co-requisites: PHY 100, 110, or PHS 101. (Group II-B)

PHY 130 College Physics I 4(4-0) F, Sp
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Prerequisites: MTH 106 or equivalent. (Group II-B)

PHY 131 College Physics II 4(4-0) F, Sp
A continuation of PHY 130 which covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.

PHY 145 University Physics I 4(4-0) F, Sp
Normally the first physics course for majors and minors. Mechanics of single and many-particle systems, conservation laws, statistical concepts, and gravitational interaction. Corequisites: MTH 136 (or MTH 132) or equivalent. (Group II-B)

PHY 146 University Physics II 4(4-0) F, Sp
Electromagnetic interaction, electrical circuits, electromagnetic radiation, and optics. Not open to those with credit in PHY 131. Prerequisite: PHY 145. Corequisite: MTH 137 (or MTH 133) or equivalent.

PHY 170 College Physics Laboratory I 1(0-2) F, Sp
Experimental techniques of physics introduced by studying quantitative situations through error analysis, graphical analysis, small computer calculations, and linear measurements. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Corequisite: PHY 130. (Group II-B)

PHY 171 College Physics Laboratory II 1(0-2) F, Sp
Laboratory experience for PHY 131. Introductory experimental techniques and instrumentation for electrical, optical, and nuclear phenomena. Prerequisite: PHY 170. Corequisite: PHY 131.

PHY 175 University Physics Laboratory I 1(0-2) F, Sp
Laboratory experience for PHY 145. Introduction to experimental techniques and the treatment of experimental data. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Corequisite: PHY 145. (Group II-B)

PHY 176 University Physics Laboratory II 1(0-2) F, Sp
Laboratory experience for PHY 146. Introduction to electrical measurements and instrumentation. Introduction to techniques of optical measurements. Prerequisite: PHY 175. Corequisite: PHY 146.

PHY 220 Engineering Mechanics: Statics 3(3-0) F
Static force systems in two and three dimensions. Composition and resolution of forces; application of the principles of equilibrium; calculation of moments; analysis of contact forces. Does not count toward a physics major or minor. Corequisites: PHY 145; MTH 137; or MTH 133, MTH 223.

PHY 231 Electronic Instrumentation 1(0-3) Sp
Measuring instruments and techniques encountered in an electronics laboratory. An understanding of basic electric circuitry is assumed. Prerequisites: PHY 146,176.

PHY 233 Network Analysis I 3(3-0) F
Introduction to analysis of linear circuits. Kirchoff's laws; node-voltage and mesh-current methods; Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits; steady-state response to sinusoidal sources; power. Prerequisites: Corequisites: PHY 145; MTH 137 or both MTH 133, 223.

PHY 234 Network Analysis II 3(3-0) Sp
A continuation of PHY 233. Natural and step responses of linear circuits; resonance; transformers; properties and applications of the Laplace transform method. Prerequisite: PHY 233. Corequisite: MTH 233.

PHY 247 Introduction to Modern Physics 4(4-0) F, Sp
Atomic structure, elementary quantum theory, radioactivity, nuclear phenomenology, elementary particles, introduction to the solid state. Prerequisite: PHY 146 or permission of instructor.

PHY 277 University Physics Laboratory III 1(0-3) F, Sp
Laboratory experience for PHY 247. Introduction to the techniques of electron and photon physics. Corequisite: PHY 247.

PHY 312 Introduction to Mathematical Physics 3(3-0) F
Introduction to mathematical techniques of physics. Review of linear algebra, vector calculus, differential equations. Elements of complex variable theory, eigenfunction expansions, special functions of mathematical physics. Corequisites: PHY 247; MTH 233, 334.

PHY 313 Intermediate Theoretical Physics II 3(3-0) D
A continuation of PHY 312 using additional advanced techniques. Prerequisite: PHY 312 or permission of instructor.

PHY 322 Intermediate Mechanics 3(3-0) F
PSC Newtonian mechanics of particles and systems of particles. Conservation theorems, gravitation, oscillations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, central force motion, two-particle collisions. Prerequisites or corequisites: PHY 247; MTH 233, 334..

PHY 332 Electricity and Magnetism 3(3-0) Sp
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.

PHY 442 Introductory Quantum Theory 4(4-0) F
Introduction to quantum theory: Schroedinger equation, operators, angular momentum, harmonic oscillator, atomic hydrogen, penturbation theory, scattering theory, identical particles, radiation. Some applications will be considered. Prerequisites: PHY 312, 322, 332.

PHY 450 Thermal Physics 3(3-0) Sp
Introduction to equilibrium thermodynamics and elementary statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: PHY 312, 322.

PHY 490 Independent Study 1-3(Spec) F, Sp
Individual study in an area not covered by regular courses. Open to physics majors or minors with at least junior standing who have obtained permission of the instructor.

PHY 505 Teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Secondary School 3(3-0) Sp
Course surveys materials for the teaching of secondary chemistry/ physics. For students on teaching curricula, the course must be completed prior to student teaching. Identical to CHM 505. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: Junior standing; CHM 132 or 161; PHY 131 or 146 or equivalent.

PHY 507 Field Experience in Teaching Chemistry/Physics 1(Spec) Sp
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. Corequisites: CHM/PHY 505 or equivalent.

PHY 533 Electromagnetic Waves 3(3-0) D
Maxwell's equations and boundary value problems in electrostatics. Production and propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisite: PHY 332.

PHY 552 Nuclear Physics 3(3-0) Sp (Odd year)
Radioactive transformations, detection of radiation, methods of producing high-speed particles, nuclear structure, fission, cosmic radiation and applications of radioactivity. Prerequisite: PHY 247.

PHY 554 Optics 3(3-0) F (Even year)
Geometrical and physical optics; electromagnetic theory of light, interference and diffraction from the standpoint of Huygens principle and polarized light. Prerequisite: PHY 247.

PHY 556 Solid State Physics 3(3-0) Sp (Even year)
Atomic, molecular and crystal structure, energy levels of electrons, and binding energies in molecules and solids. Prerequisites: PHY 322, 332.

PHY 578 Experimental Physics 2-4(Spec) Sp
Selected experiments utilizing the techniques of modern experimental physics. May be retaken for up to four hours of credit. Prerequisite: PHY 277 or equivalent.

PHY 580 Special Topics 1-9(Spec) D
Topics not ordinarily covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

For 600 and 700 level course descriptions consult the current Graduate Bulletin.

PHY 614 Methods of Theoretical Physics 3(3-0) D

PHY 619 Continuing Registration for Final Research Project 1(1-0)

PHY 624 Advanced Mechanics 3(3-0) F (Odd Year)

PHY 634 Advanced Electricity and Magnetism 3(3-0) Sp (Even Year)

PHY 643 Quantum Mechanics I 3(3-0) F (Even Year)

PHY 644 Quantum Mechanics II 3(3-0) Sp (Odd Year)

PHY 685 Seminar: Contemporary Physics 1-4(Spec) F, Sp

PHY 780 Topics in Physics 1-9(Spec) D

PHY 790 Independent Study 1-3(Spec) F, Sp

PHY 798 Thesis 1-6(Spec) F, Sp

Credit Limitation. Courses in Physics that are subject to graduate credit under the policy covering unspecified content or variable credit are: PHY 578, 580, 685, 780, 790.

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