PHYSICS 356      Galaxies
A mathematical and conceptual overview of the observed properties and astrophysics of galaxies highlighting star formation and evolution, the interstellar medium, the Milky Way, galaxy populations and demographics, active galactic nuclei, and galaxy formation and evolution. Prerequisites: Physics 240 and Physics 250, Math 210 and Math 220, or consent of instructor. Offered: Fall Odd Years.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 385      Physics of Electronics
An introduction to the solid state physics of basic electronic components and their operation through both theory and practical labwork. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYSICS 220 or PHYSICS 250
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 395      Computer Interfacing Laboratory
An introduction to data acquisition and automation by computer interfacing transduction and control equipment through the serial and parallel buses. The course is multidisciplinary, balancing the physics of transduction to the computer science of automation programming to the electrical engineering of bus protocols. Both high- and low-level programming are taught within the context of automating an experimental procedure. Digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion is also covered. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 385L. Offered: Fall Even Years.
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 410      Thermal Physics
A study of the laws of thermodynamics and their applications, with an introduction to kinetic theory. Statistical methods are emphasized. Prerequisites: One year of physics and calculus. Offered: Fall Odd Years.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 413      Computational Physics
Introduction to scientific programming and numerical analysis with applications to physics. Prerequisites: Undergraduate mathematics through differential equations plus one year of physics or consent of instructor. Offered: Even Years.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 420      Optics
Geometrical optics, physical optics and introduction to selected topics in modern optics. Prerequisites: One year of physics and Calculus I and II. Offered: Spring even years.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 425      Optics Laboratory
Fundamental experiments with geometrical and physical optics. Prerequisite: Must be taking or have completed PHYSICS 420. On demand.
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 431      Methods Of Theoretical Physics II
A continuation of PHYSICS 430R stressing applications to Physical and engineering problems. Prerequisite(s) PHYSICS 430R Offered: Winter
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 437      Particle Physics
Essential aspects of modern physics are examined in a historical context, and also in terms of the standard model describing concisely the fundamental interactions among particles. Conservation laws are discussed, and recent developments such as String Theory are considered. Physics 437 is also offered as Physics 5537. Prerequisites: Physics 240, Physics 250, Physics 350 or 472.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 445      Modern Physics Laboratory
Classical experiments in modern physics including such topics as hydrogen spectra, Faraday effect, holographs, e/m of the electron, the photoelectric effect, the Zeeman effect and the Franck-Hertz experiment. Four hours of laboratory work per week. Must have completed WEPT. Corequisite: PHYSICS 350. Offered: Winter-Even Years.
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 450      Introduction To Solid State Physics
Crystal structure and binding, elementary lattice dynamics and energy band theory. Free electron models, theory of semiconductors and metals. Prerequisites: Mechanics I or Thermal Physics, or consent of instructor. Offered: Spring Odd Years.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 460      Electricity And Magnetism I
Static electric fields in free space and material media; Kirchoff's laws and direct current circuits; static magnetic fields. Prerequisite: One year of physics and calculus. Offered: Spring.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 461      Electricity And Magnetism II
Magnetostatics; alternating current circuits; Maxwell's equations and radiation; special relativity; topics in electromagnetism. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 460 or consent of instructor. Offered: Winter.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 472      Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction to the theory and applications of quantum mechanics with emphasis on the mathematical treatment of modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 350 or consent of instructor. Offered: Fall.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 475      Nuclear Physics Laboratories
Experiments concerning the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their emission and interactions with matter. Must have completed WEPT. Four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered: Winter-Odd Years.
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 476      Advanced Laboratory
This course offers a selection of important experiments in physics, performed with modern instrumentation. It is designed to give students a deeper understanding of physics and help them develop experimental abilities and improve their communication skills. Corequisite: PHYSICS 350 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT or consent of instructor. Offered: Fall-Odd Years
Credits: hours
back to top

PHYSICS 480      Electron and Scanning probe Microscopy
The principles of electron optics, diffraction, and sample preparation, image interpretation and photographic processing are taught; student operation of the electron microscope and individual projects are emphasized.Must have completed WEPT. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 490      Special Problems
The kind of problem and the amount of credit to be given by arrangement with the department. Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Offered: On Demand.
Credits: 1-3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS 499      Undergraduate Research
Independent student research on a physics/astrophysics project under the supervision of a faculty member. Projects will engage students in aspects of the scientific process including data collection and analysis, research methods and strategies, scientific discussion and written/oral communication. Requires a minimum of 3-4 hours of research per week for each credit hour.
Credits: 1-3 hours
back to top

PHYSICS H140      How Things Work
A course intended for liberal arts students focusing on the principles of operations, histories, and relationships of objects from our daily environment. The areas of investigation include mechanical and thermal objects, electromagnetism, light, special materials and nuclear energy. This course will meet the area requirement for natural sciences. Cross-listed with NAT-SCI 140 and Physical Science 140.
Credits: hours
back to top