300

PHYS-30000 Mechanics

Following an introduction to vector analysis this course develops the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. The power of each of these formulation is examined through their application to the solution of a broad range of problems in particle and rigid body dynamics and oscillation theory.

4

Prerequisites

PHYS 21000 and MATH 25000

Corequisites

MATH 30000 recommended

PHYS-30600 Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences

This course will provide an overview of mathematical concepts and techniques frequently encountered in Physics, Engineering, and Chemical Physics (and Physical Chemistry). Topics are drawn from linear algebra, matrix algebra, complex variables, Fourier analysis, series expansion, and vector calculus.
2

Prerequisites

PHYS 21000 and MATH 25000 or concurrent

PHYS-31000 Electricity and Magnetism

This course develops Maxwell's Equations through a survey of electrostatics, conductors and dielectrics, magnetostatics, magnetic materials, and induction.  The vector calculus used in this course is also reviewed.  Time permitting, electromagnetic radiation and waves will be introduced.

4

Prerequisites

PHYS 21500 and MATH 25000; MATH 30000 recommended

PHYS-31100 Analog and Digital Electronics

This course presents the fundamentals of both analog and digital electronic circuits.  Analog electronics topics include DC and AC circuit analysis using circuit elements including diodes, op amps, and transistors. Digital electronics topics include basic digital logic and digital circuits including gates, flip-flops, and counters.  Other topics may include non-linear circuits, converters, data acquisition, filtering, or transducers.  This course includes lecture and laboratory components and meets for 6 hours each week.  Laboratory fee applies.
4

Prerequisites

PHYS 21600

PHYS-31800 Optics

This course builds on the Physical and Geometrical Optics covered in PHYS 21800 and PHYS 21900. Topics include wave optics and beam propagation, Fourier optics, Gaussian beams, optical properties of atoms and laser gain media, laser design, light detection, and applications of lasers.  Other topics such as nonlinear optics or quantum optics may also be discussed at the instructor’s discretion. This course has lecture and laboratory components and meets for 6 hours each week.  Laboratory fee applies.

4

Prerequisites

PHYS 21900

PHYS-33100 Thermodynamics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the thermodynamics of the gaseous, liquid and solid states of matter and solutions.

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 21800 and MATH 25000

PHYS-34100 Modern Physics

This course builds on PHYS 21800.  It covers special relativity, foundations of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, the Schrodinger Equation in 1D, an introduction to the hydrogen atom, and spin.  The Pauli exclusion principle and application to atomic electron shell filling and periodic table properties will also be discussed.

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 21800 and MATH 25000

PHYS-34200 Applied Modern Physics: Atoms, Molecules, and Condensed Matter

This course will cover atomic structure and properties, spectroscopy, molecular bonding, and the structure and properties of matter.  Applications may include lasers, semiconductor devices, nanostructures, phase transitions, superconductors, and/or Bose-Einstein condensates.
2

Prerequisites

CHEM 30500 or PHYS 34100 or consent of instructor

PHYS-34300 Applied Modern Physics: Nuclear and Particle Physics

This course covers simple nuclear models and properties of nuclei, radiation types, nuclear reactions, the Standard Model of Physics, fundamental particles, fundamental particle interactions and interaction mediators, and conservation laws.   Other topics that may be introduced include techniques of nuclear and particle physics experiments, medical applications, and physics beyond the Standard Model.
2

Prerequisites

PHYS 34100 or consent of the instructor

PHYS-36000 An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology

Students explore the physics of the atmosphere, including the thermodynamics of dry and moist air, the equations of motion on a rotating Earth, atmospheric motions under balanced forces, variations in wind and pressure fields and their relation to "weather," numerical modeling of the atmosphere and the application of principles to forecasting.

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 21800

PHYS-36500 Intermediate Physics Laboratory

This lab course emphasizes experimental techniques and data analysis through various experiments from a range of Physics topics. Statistical methods and scientific writing are taught in the lecture portion of this class.  Students will write formal lab reports, reviews of outside lectures and/or scientific literature and other papers on topics such as classic experiments, laboratory techniques, and laboratory apparatus. This course has lecture and lab components and meets for 5 hours each week. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for the Physics Major. Laboratory fee applies.
3

Prerequisites

PHYS 21600, PHYS 21800 and PHYS 21900

PHYS-37100 Workshop in Physics

This course provides the student with concepts, methods, and hands-on experience covering a wide range of topics of current interest in Physics.

1-2

Prerequisites

Varies by topic