Physics & Astronomy Courses
ASTR 101Descriptive Astronomy (3):
Studies the solar system, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies and cosmology, emphasizing
the historical development and observational basis for our understanding of the universe.
Prerequisite: none.
(Fall)
PHYS 100Conceptual Physics (3):
Presents basic principles of physics through descriptive and demonstrative techniques.
Intended for non-science majors (credit may not be counted toward graduation for physics or
engineering majors).
Prerequisite: One year of high school algebra.
(Fall & Spring)
PHYS 121Algebra Physics I (4):
Presents basic principles of mechanics, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, heat and sound. Three
hours lecture, two hours lab. Students with any interest in a physics major should take
Phys 210 instead of Phys 121.
Prerequisite: Math 105 or two years high school algebra; one year high school physics recommended.
(Fall)
PHYS 122Algebra Physics II (4):
Continues Physics 121 and presents basic principles of electricity, magnetism, light,
relativity, atomic and nuclear physics. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Students with
any interest in a physics major should take Phys 211 instead of Phys 122.
Prerequisite: Phys 121.
(Spring)
PHYS 190Physics Today (1/2):
Presents the nature of the work of a physicist and opportunities in the field of physics. An
individualized course where topics of interest to each student will be pursued through
projects or selected readings. Recommended for all freshmen contemplating a major in physics.
Prerequisite: None.
(Fall)
PHYS 195Special Topics in Physics and/or Technology (1-3):
Introduction to special topics in physics and/or technology that are not included in regular
course offerings. Offered depending on interest or demand.
Prerequisite: One year high school algebra.
PHYS 200Physics of Music (3):
Designed primarily for students of music and includes the basic principles of acoustics,
response of the ear to sound, musical tuning scales, auditorium acoustics and the production
and analysis of instrumental and vocal sounds.
Prerequisite: None.
PHYS 210Calculus Physics I (4):
Calculus based treatment of mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics.
Three hours lecture, two hours lab.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 211 or 221; one year high school physics recommended (but not required).
(Spring)
PHYS 211 Calculus Physics II (4):
Calculus-based treatment of electricity, magnetism and light.
Three hours lecture, two hours lab.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 222 and Physics 210.
(Fall)
PHYS 213 Introduction to Modern Physics (3):
Introduction to the quantum nature of matter and radiation. Examines the developments in
physics that have occurred since the late 19th century, primarily in the areas of relativity,
atomic, nuclear and particle physics. Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Physics 211, Mathematics 323.
(Spring)
PHYS 214 Modern Physics Laboratory (1):
Complements Physics 213 by providing laboratory experience in relativity, atomic, nuclear and
particle physics. One two-hour lab period.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Physics 213.
(Spring)
PHYS 305 Mathematical Physics (3):
Examines a variety of mathematical methods and their application in the solution of physics
problems. Topics covered include vector and function spaces, special functions such as Bessel
functions and Legendre polynomials, curvilinear coordinates, Fourier transforms, ordinary and
partial differential equations.
Prerequisites: Phys 211, Math 323.
(Spring)
PHYS 312 Classical Mechanics (4):
Emphasizes Newton’s Second Law in differential form. Topics covered are damped harmonic
motion, central fields, rigid bodies, Lagrange and Hamilton equations and accelerated
reference frames.
Prerequisite: Phys 210 or 121 and Phys 305.
(Fall of Alternate Years)
PHYS 320 / ASTR 320 Astrophysics (3):
A detailed study of the physical processes that drive a variety of astrophysical phenomena.
Topics include radiation production and interaction with matter, accreting systems, and
observational techniques from radio to gamma-rays. Specific applications may include
(depending upon student interest) stellar structure and evolution, compact objects, galactic
composition and dynamics, and the origin and structure of the universe.
Prerequisite: Phys 213 and Math 323. Astr 101 recommended.
(Spring of Alternate Years)
PHYS 322 / BIOL 322 Biological Physics (3):
Introduces biophysical methods from a physics perspective and discusses the application of
these methods toward research questions in biology. Topics covered include biomolecular
structures, structure determination and simulation, and molecular motors.
Prerequisite: Phys 210 or 121 and Math 211 or 221.
(Spring of Alternate Years)
PHYS 330 Nuclear Physics (2):
Examines the following topics in nuclear physics: radioactivity, atomic masses, nuclear
models, and nuclear fission and fusion.
Prerequisites: Phys 213, Phys 305.
PHYS 331 Condensed Matter (2):
Examines the following topics in condensed matter physics: classical and quantum free electron
models, crystal and reciprocal lattice vectors, lattice vibrations and phonons, energy bands
in solids, metals, semiconductors and superconductors.
Prerequisite: Phys 213 and Phys 305.
PHYS 340 Computational Physics (3):
Provides physics majors with a functional understanding of how to apply modern programming
languages to the solution of a wide variety of problems in physics. Topics include solutions
to differential equations using a variety of techniques, cellular automata, Monte Carlo
techniques, and high performance computing.
Prerequisite: Phys 213, Math 323.
(Fall of Alternate Years)
PHYS 350 Electronics (4):
Treats topics in both digital and analog electronics relevant to the study of physics. The
study of analog electronics includes basic circuit analysis, filters, diodes, transistors, and
operational amplifiers. Topics in digital electronics include logic systems and gates, analog
to digital conversion, and digital to analog conversion.
Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: Phys 122 or 211 and Math 211 or 221.
(Fall of Alternate Years)
PHYS 401Advanced Electromagnetics (4):
Examines Maxwell’s equations, electric and magnetic fields, vector and scalar
potentials, gauge transformations, boundary value problems, electromagnetic radiation
and relativistic electrodynamics. Prerequisites: Phys 211 and Phys 305.
(Fall of Alternate Years)
PHYS 405Advanced Mathematical Physics (2):
Examines a variety of advanced mathematical methods and their application in the solution of
physics problems. Topics covered include functions of complex variables, complex analysis,
Laplace transforms, introduction to group theory and Greens functions.
Prerequisites: Phys 305 and Math 323.
PHYS 414 Advanced Laboratory (3):
Introduces advanced measurement techniques employed in experimental physics research. Emphasis
on the entire experimental process including literature search, experiment construction, data
acquisition, data and error analysis, and technical writing for publication.
Prerequisite: Phys 214.
PHYS 416 Statistical Thermodynamics (3):
Develops thermodynamics from a microscopic point of view and then relates this microscopic
view to macroscopic parameters through statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Phys 213, Phys 305.
(Spring of Alternate Years)
PHYS 421 Atomic Physics (2):
Examines the Bohr model and wave mechanical approach to the hydrogen atom, magnetic dipole
moments, spin-orbit interaction, energy states and transitions in multi-electron atoms, X-Rays
and the Zeeman effect. Two and one-half hours lecture, two hour lab every other week.
Prerequisites: Phys 213 and Phys 305.
PHYS 422 / ASTR 422 Cosmology (2):
Explores the history and evolution of the universe with an emphasis on theoretical models that
may be tested by modern experimental and observational techniques. Topics include the Big Bang,
cosmic microwave background radiation, dark energy, dark matter, the origins of structure in
the universe, general relativity, and specific topics of interest to researchers in the field.
Prerequisite: Phys 305. Astronomy 101 and 320 recommended.
PHYS 423 Particle Physics (2):
An introduction to the physics of elementary particles. Topics include relativistic particle
dynamics, scattering processes, and Feynman diagrams, with applications to quantum
electrodynamics (QED).
Prerequisite: Phys 213 and Phys 305.
PHYS 427 Optics (3):
Investigation of the interaction of light with matter, physical optics, Fourier optics and
lasers. Two and one-half hours lecture, two hours lab every other week.
Prerequisites: Phys 211, Phys 305.
PHYS 471 Quantum Mechanics (3):
Introduces the formal aspects of quantum mechanics in a systematic way; including both the
Schrodinger (wave representation) and Heisenberg (matrix representation) approach. In-depth
examination of the simple harmonic oscillator and hydrogen atom in terms of quantum mechanics
followed by additional applications and methods.
Prerequisites: Phys 213 and Phys 305.
(Spring of Alternate Years)
PHYS 493Physics GRE Preparation (1/2):
Prepares students for the physics Graduate Record Examination through review of physics
concepts, practice tests and evaluation of test taking strategies.
(Fall)
PHYS 494 Physics Seminar (1):
Seminar presentation and written paper on research projects by students. Senior physics majors
may also be required to complete the Major Field Test in physics. Course may be repeated for
additional credit.
PHYS 495 Special Topics in Physics and/or Technology (1-3):
Advanced special topics in physics and/or technology that are not offered as a
regular course offering. Offered depending on interest or demand. Prerequisite:
Junior standing.
PHYS 498 Physics Internship (1-12): This
course provides credit for off-campus academic year research experience for physics majors.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 499 Research or Independent Study in
Physics (TBA): Allows individuals laboratory research or independent study on
a problem or topic of special interest. Subject and credit to be arranged with
instructor and department chair. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.