PHYS - Physics

Topics include variational principles, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics; central force motion, small oscillations, and canonical transformations. Time permitting, the instructor may cover additional topics including non-linear dynamics and chaos, Hamilton-Jacobi Theory, the mechanics of continuous media, or other relevant topics.

This course provides instruction in common theoretical methods applied to the physical sciences. Topics may include linear and matrix algebra, tensors, ordinary and partial differential equations, complex variables, group theory and symmetries, and special functions. In addition to covering the theory, students are introduced to computational methods for solving problems.

Topics covered include geometrical optics, diffraction, interferometry, polarization, laser construction, and optical materials. Applications such as holography or spectroscopy will be introduced as time permits at the discretion of the instructor. Modern optical techniques and instrumentation are emphasized. This is a lecture/lab course.

Topics covered include the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical distributions of particles, fundamental postulates of classical and quantum statistical mechanics, ensemble theory, and Maxwell-Bolzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics. Applications may include electron and photon gases, liquid helium, phase changes, and behavior of metals.

This course includes wave-particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, wave equations and principles of wave mechanics, applications of the time-independent Schrodinger equation in 1 and 3 dimensions, operator methods and approximation techniques, and angular momentum.

This course covers the structure and properties of crystals, lattice vibrations, waves in crystals, specific heat and thermal conduction, electron theory of metals and semi-conductors, superconductivity and magnetism. Other contemporary topics and applications to materials science and optics may also be discussed if time permits.

Topics include nuclear structure models, nuclear decay, Standard Model particles and interactions, conservation laws, angular momentum and isospin, Feynman diagrams, boson and fermion properties, and fundamentals of experimental nuclear and particle physics. Physics beyond the Standard Model, nuclear and particle astrophysics, or other contemporary topics may be discussed at the instructor’s discretion.

Topics include research ethics and laboratory conduct, literature searches, proposal writing, and scientific communication. Students learn about current research ongoing at Lewis and begin writing a proposal for their thesis research.

This course provides an introduction to common techniques for analyzing and visualizing data in the physical sciences using available software tools. Students will use methods from probability and statistics to interpret experimental data, to test hypotheses, to analyze statistical and systematic uncertainties, to do design of experiments, and to visualize data and results. Students will also identify, explain, and evaluate the analysis and visualization methods used in research papers and/or scientific presentations.

This course provides an introduction to common techniques used in the experimental laboratory. The seminar will focus on a set of related experimental techniques such as electronics techniques, optical measurement techniques, material characterization techniques, or other topics of current interest. This course may be repeated for credit for different topical coverage. Topics will vary. There is a laboratory fee with this course.

Maxwell's equations will be used to explore electrostatics, magnetostatics, multipole expansion, electromagnetic waves, absorption, reflection, and transmission of radiation, and special relativity. Other topics may be covered as time permits.

Topics include electromagnetic wave optics, Fourier optics, wave guides and fiber optics, and an introduction to photon/quantum optics. Additional advanced topics will be chosen at the discretion of the instructor and may include quantum optics, lasers, semiconductor optics and optical devices, electro-optical devices, or non-linear optics.

Topics include operator formalism, group-representations, time dependent Schrodinger equation, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, spin, many particle systems, and identical particle systems. Applications to atomic, molecular, condensed matter, and/or nuclear/particle physics will be introduced at the instructor’s discretion.

Topics include semiconductor structure and properties, band structure, electron transport, pn-junctions, and semiconductor devices. Additional topics may include optical properties of semiconductors and quantum confinement.

This course will provide students with lecture and/or lab experiences presenting topics of current interest in Physics. The course may be repeated for credit. Topics will vary. Topics are selected to enhance student learning and complement, not duplicate, material used in Readings, Seminar, and Thesis.

Special topics in specific areas of physics tailored to needs of individual students. Readings selected to enhance student learning and complement, not duplicate, readings designed to meet Seminar and Thesis requirements.

Students will conduct a Capstone Experience in which they complete a research project or some other kind of approved high impact experience like a significant community service or outreach project, an interdisciplinary project, or an approved internship. This Capstone project may be completed in a single semester or over multiple semesters. During this course, students will be engaged in formal preparation of the Capstone Presentation and Capstone Paper, or other approved mechanism of dissemination. Only 3 hours of Graduate Capstone may be applied to the masters degree.

Students will engage in journal reading, oral presentations, and critical discussions of topics in physics or related fields delivered by invited speakers, faculty, and graduate students. Students must take this course for at least two semesters; however, only two credit hours can be applied toward the 30-credit hour degree requirement. Seminar will not replicate content of Readings or Thesis.

Students conduct research leading toward preparation of the Master's thesis. Students are required to register for this course during any term in which they are engaged in formal preparation of the master's thesis; however, the required six credit hours are the maximum number of credit hours applicable toward the 30 credit hour degree requirement.