Physics
About the Program
Bachelor of Science Degree: 185.0 quarter credits
Drexel's undergraduate program provides a solid foundation in physics suitable for graduate study or to branch out into other scientific or technical disciplines. The physics program offers an innovative curriculum in a top-notch learning environment: small class sizes, personal input from faculty, and close interaction with researchers who are leaders in their fields. Students will explore the span of universal phenomenon—from the farthest reaches of astrophysics and cosmology, to molecular biophysics and subatomic particle physics— providing a solid foundation for continued study and exploration. Most undergraduates actively participate in research projects, including co-authoring publications and presenting results at conferences.
Virtually every course in the physics major has an associated computational component designed to extend the students' ability to handle real-world problems solved by state-of-the-art techniques. An important feature of the program is the large number of electives, which allow a student to pursue topics of special interest. There are elective sequences in biology for those preparing to enter biophysics or medicine and advanced topics for those interested in atomic, nuclear, solid-state, theoretical, or atmospheric physics. Students can also choose electives to meet teacher certification requirements.
The Laboratory for High-Performance Computational Physics is s a venue for students to become proficient in numerical techniques, parallel processing, electronic communication, and the basic computer languages and software relevant to advanced studies and research in physics and atmospheric science.
The Department of Physics conducts a broad array of outreach activities including the Kaczmarczik Lecture Series, public observing nights at the Lynch Observatory, and demonstrations in grade school performed by the Drexel Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS).
Degree Requirements
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
| Technical Elective | 3.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Electives * | 9.0 | |
| Business Electives | 8.0 | |
| Free Electives | 19.0 | |
| Mathematics/Computer Science Requirements | ||
| CS 171 | Computer Programming I | 3.0 |
| MATH 121 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| Chemistry Requirements | ||
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3.5 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4.5 |
| CHEM 103 or any biology (BIO) course | 4.0-5.0 | |
| Physics Requirements | ||
| PHYS 113 | Contemporary Physics I | 5.0 |
| PHYS 114 | Contemporary Physics II | 5.0 |
| PHYS 115 | Contemporary Physics III | 5.0 |
| PHYS 105 | Computational Physics I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 160 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3.0 |
| PHYS 217 | Thermodynamics | 4.0 |
| PHYS 223 [WI] | Modern Physics Laboratory | 3.0 |
| PHYS 226 [WI] | Instrumentation for Scientists I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 305 | Computational Physics II | 3.0 |
| PHYS 311 | Classical Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 312 | Classical Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 317 | Statistical Mechanics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 321 | Electromagnetic Fields I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 324 | Topics in Mathematical Physics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 326 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 327 | Quantum Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 328 | Advanced Laboratory | 3.0 |
| PHYS 408 | Physics Seminar ** | 1.0 |
| PHYS 428 | Quantum Mechanics III | 4.0 |
| PHYS 491 | Senior Research I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 492 | Senior Research II | 3.0 |
| PHYS 493 [WI] | Senior Research III | 3.0 |
| Physics Lab Requirements | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Instrumentation for Scientists II | ||
| Computational Physics Laboratory I and Computational Physics Laboratory II | ||
| Topical Course Requirements † | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12.0 | |
| Galactic Dynamics | ||
| Cosmology | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Nanoscience | ||
| Biophysics | ||
| Computational Biophysics | ||
| Nonlinear Dynamics | ||
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 185.0-187.0 | |
| * | It is strongly recommended that a student's liberal studies and/or free electives include COM 230 (Techniques of Speaking) and COM 310 [WI] WI (Technical Communication). |
| ** | The PHYS 408 course is registered for 1.0 credits each term, but must be taken three times for a total of 3.0 credits. |
| † | Physics majors must complete four (4)Topical courses designated by the Physics department. Advanced Computational Physics (PHYS 405) will also satisfy a topical requirement. In any course which is not explicitly in the department's roster of topical courses must be approved by the Department Head or Director of Undergraduate Studies. In addition to these Topical course options, the Department of Physics will count any non-required course at the 400-level or higher (for example, PHYS 405 Advanced Computational Physics), Special Relativity (taught at the 200-level in the Honors College), or directly appropriate advanced courses in related fields. The appropriateness of the latter is determined by obtaining a signed letter to that effect from the Physics Department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Sample Plan of Study
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 121 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| PHYS 113 | Contemporary Physics I | 5.0 |
| PHYS 160 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CS 171 | Computer Programming I | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 114 | Contemporary Physics II | 5.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| PHYS 105 | Computational Physics I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 115 | Contemporary Physics III | 5.0 |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I | 3.5 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| PHYS 217 | Thermodynamics | 4.0 |
| PHYS 223 [WI] | Modern Physics Laboratory | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 18.5 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4.5 |
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| PHYS 305 | Computational Physics II | 3.0 |
| PHYS 324 | Topics in Mathematical Physics | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 14.5 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| PHYS 311 | Classical Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 321 | Electromagnetic Fields I | 4.0 |
| CHEM 103 or BIO 122 | General Chemistry III Cells and Genetics | 5.0 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| PHYS 312 | Classical Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 328 | Advanced Laboratory | 3.0 |
| Business Elective | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 18.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| PHYS 226 [WI] | Instrumentation for Scientists I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 326 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| Free Elective | 3.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3.0 | |
| Physics Lab Requirement* | 2.0-3.0 | |
| Topical Physics Course* | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 18.0-19.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| PHYS 317 | Statistical Mechanics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 327 | Quantum Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| Topical Physics Course* | 3.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3.0 | |
| Physics Lab Requirement* | 2.0-3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| PHYS 408 | Physics Seminar | 1.0 |
| PHYS 428 | Quantum Mechanics III | 4.0 |
| PHYS 491 | Senior Research I | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Topical Physics course* | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| PHYS 408 | Physics Seminar | 1.0 |
| PHYS 492 | Senior Research II | 3.0 |
| Topical Physics course* | 3.0 | |
| Technical elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| PHYS 408 | Physics Seminar | 1.0 |
| PHYS 493 [WI] | Senior Research III | 3.0 |
| Business elective | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 11.0 | |
| Total Credit: 185.0-187.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Students who complete a degree in physics have many options. Some enter graduate school with the intention of obtaining a master’s or a PhD. Others attend medical school. Engineering is yet another option, and graduates of an undergraduate physics program can enter this field with an unusually solid background in fundamental physical principles, mathematics, and computation. It is also possible for physics graduates to work in business and finance; for example, Wall Street employs many analysts trained in such “hard sciences” as physics.
Many Drexel physics graduates proceed directly into graduate schools, or medical or other professional programs. Physics graduates have attended some of the best graduate programs in the United States, including Columbia, Harvard, and CalTech. Other graduates have found jobs in engineering and business, and with such government agencies as the National Bureau of Standards.
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.
Minor in Physics
Physics is a science that studies the natural phenomena at all scales, from that of the universe to elementary particles. This minor exposes the students to some of the basic principles of physics and would easily complement any other discipline—from engineering to other sciences.
The Minor in Physics requires a total of 10.0 credits from the elective list, in addition to the prerequisite and core courses.
Because of the overlap in requirements between the astrophysics and the physics minor, students cannot minor in both.
| Required Prerequisite Courses * | ||
| Contemporary Physics I | ||
| Contemporary Physics II | ||
| Contemporary Physics III | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| PHYS 311 | Classical Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 312 | Classical Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 321 | Electromagnetic Fields I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 326 | Quantum Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| Electives ** | ||
| Select three of the following: | 10.0 | |
| Computational Physics II | ||
| Nonlinear Dynamics | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields II | ||
| Quantum Mechanics II | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Quantum Structure of Materials | ||
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 26.0 | |
| ** | The remaining 10.5 credits must be taken at or above the 300-level. See the department for a full list of possible courses. |
| * | PHYS 101/PHYS 102/PHYS 201 or will also satisfy the prerequisite requirements. |
Courses
PHYS 050 Preparation for Engineering Studies 0.0 Credits
PHYS-050 is a self-paced online course and is intended for students who need additional preparation in mathematics and physics to be successful in the beginning physics courses ( PHYS-101, 102). The online course is divided into six UNITS : Simultaneous Equations, Fundamentals of Plane Geometry, Use of Trigonometric Functions, Fundamentals of Solid geometry Vectors, and Kinematics. Each UNIT is organized in four sections: [i] Introduction; [ii] Interactive Problems; [iii] Sample Problems; and [iv]Tests.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHYS 100 Preparation for Engineering Studies 4.0 Credits
This is a basic mathematics foundational course to prepare the students for the beginning sequence of Engineering Physics. Topics include: simultaneous equations, fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, use of trigonometric functions and vectors and translational kinematics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 101 Fundamentals of Physics I 4.0 Credits
First of a four course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: description of motion, inertial and non-inertial frames, special relativity, Newton's Laws, translational and rotational equilibrium, one- and two-dimensional motion, fundamental forces, inverse square laws, Gauss' Law, Bohr's quantization, rotational dynamics, potential energy, black holes, determinism and chaos.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 121 [Min Grade: D] and (APC 070 or APC2 070) or PHYS 100 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 102 Fundamentals of Physics II 4.0 Credits
Second of a four course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: electrostatics, capacitors, charges in motion, insulators, semiconductors, conductors, superconductors, voltage and current measurements, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, magnetic materials, quantum dots, magnetic resonance phenomenon.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 103 General Physics I 4.0 Credits
Algebra-based course that covers force, motion, work, energy properties of matter, and wave motion and sound propagation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 104 General Physics II 4.0 Credits
Algebra-based course that covers electricity and applications, magnetism, and optics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 103 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 105 Computational Physics I 3.0 Credits
Introduces computational physics. Covers analytical and numerical solutions of equations governing the behavior of physical systems. Includes the use of Maple and simple FORTRAN/C/C++ programming methods to solve selected problems. Introduces UNIX, X-windows, programming languages, and visualization and data analysis tools for problems in computational physics. Introduces elementary programming concepts as needed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: (PHYS 113 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D]) and CS 171 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 106 [WI] The Physics of High Fidelity 3.0 Credits
Applies physical principles to understanding how hi-fi systems work. Includes consumer education in selecting components. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 107 Acoustics 3.0 Credits
Covers the theory describing sound, behavior and sound waves, resonance and harmonics, frequency analysis, electronic production of sound, sound perception by the human ear, sound recording and reproduction, and room acoustics. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how sound operates in the physical world and how our ears respond to it.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 113 Contemporary Physics I 5.0 Credits
Part I in an introductory physics sequence for majors. This course combines the traditional lecture/lab format with real-time numerical simulations designed by the students. Topics include: the fundamental forces, Newton's laws, the atomic nature of matter, work and energy, light, friction, and atomic nuclei.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 114 Contemporary Physics II 5.0 Credits
Part II in an introductory sequence for majors. This course combines the traditional lecture/lab format with real-time numerical simulations designed by the students. Topics include: angular momentum, entropy, gas dynamics, electric fields, electricity and matter, and electric potential.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 113 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 115 Contemporary Physics III 5.0 Credits
Part III in an introductory sequence for majors. This course combines the traditional lecture/lab format with real-time numerical simulation designed by the students. Topics include: magnetic fields, electronics, radiation, waves and particles, and an introduction to semiconductor devices.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 114 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 121 Physical Science for Design I 4.0 Credits
Offers a non-calculus-based survey of physical science for students in design and the visual arts. Topics include kinematics in two dimensions, forces, Newton's laws, applications using the constant acceleration model, energy, momentum, conservation laws, universal gravitation, circular motion, satellites, oscillatory motion, wave motion, sound, and music.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 122 Physical Science for Design II 4.0 Credits
Continues PHYS 121. Topics include electricity, magnetism, em waves, light, geometrical and physical optics, anatomic structure, the elements, and nuclear decay and nuclear energy.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 121 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 131 Survey of the Universe 3.0 Credits
Provides an overview of modern astronomy, including the scientific method; telescopes; stars and star clusters; stellar evolution; galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe; and the Big Bang. May also include periodic visits to the university observatory.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 135 How Things Work 4.0 Credits
This course examines the science behind everyday phenomena and devices. It uses real-world applications such as amusement park rides, microwave ovens, photocopiers, CDs, MRI, etc., as contextual vehicles to convey principles of classical and modern physics. It emphasizes conceptual understanding and uses pedagogy such as lecture demonstrations and active feedback.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 137 Issues in Science and Religion 3.0 Credits
This survey course examines the interconnections and differences of science and religion, including topics as Cosmology, Human Origins, Prayer and Consciousness. Fundamental to the exploration of these theories are the examination of the historical, philosophical, psychological and sociological implications of these topics for society.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 141 Atmospheric Science I - Climate and Global Change 3.0 Credits
The atmosphere and its structure and variations; greenhouse effect; ozone depletion; the influence of weather on man; air pollution; acid rain.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 142 Atmospheric Science I Laboratory 1.0 Credit
Introduction to climate analysis and methods.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 143 Atmospheric Science II - Weather & Forecasting 3.0 Credits
The atmosphere and its properties; weather systems; severe weather; hurricanes; weather forecasting.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 144 Atmospheric Science II Laboratory 1.0 Credit
Introduction to meteorological analysis and forecasting methods.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 151 Applied Physics 3.0 Credits
Non-calculus-based introductory physics for business majors. Covers basic mechanics and simple harmonic motion, followed by an introduction to more advanced topics such as relativity, electromagnetism, and quantum phenomena.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 152 Introductory Physics I 4.0 Credits
First part of a three-course algebra-based sequence providing a comprehensive introduction to Physics. Covers basic mechanics, including motion in 1, 2, and 3 Newton's laws, gravitation, energy, momentum, rotational motion and elastic properties of materials. Includes labs to enrich class material. High school physics not required.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 153 Introductory Physics II 4.0 Credits
Second part of a three-course algebra-based sequence providing a comprehensive introduction to Physics. Covers fluids, vibrations, waves, sound, heat and thermodynamics, geometrical optics and optical instrumentation. Includes labs to enrich class material.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 152 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 154 Introductory Physics III 4.0 Credits
Third part of a three-course algebra-based sequence providing a comprehensive introduction to Physics. Covers fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, including charges, fields, potential, circuits, magnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, special relativity, and physical optics. Includes labs to enrich class material.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 152 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 160 Introduction to Scientific Computing 3.0 Credits
Basic introduction to scientific problem solving and numerical modeling of physical system using Excel and Maple.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 181 Astronomy 3.0 Credits
Provides an overview of modern astronomy, including the scientific method; telescopes; stars and star clusters; stellar evolution; galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe; and the Big Bang. May also include periodic visits to the university observatory.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHYS 182 Applied Physics I 3.0 Credits
Covers vectors; statics, kinematics, and classical dynamics, including Newton's laws, torque, projectile motion, and circular motion; work; power and energy; impulse and momentum; and rotation, in a non-calculus-based course. Fall.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: MATH 183 [Min Grade: D] and MATH 184 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 183 Applied Physics II 3.0 Credits
Covers fluids; elasticity; vibration, including simple harmonic motion; sound waves and acoustics; thermodynamics of temperature; heat; thermal-expansion; phase change; and heat transfer, in a non-calculus-based course. Winter.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 182 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 184 Applied Physics III 3.0 Credits
Covers light and illumination, electrostatics, potential, direct-current electrical circuits, magnetic fields, induction, generators, motors, and AC circuits, in a non-calculus-based course. Spring.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 183 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 185 Fundamentals of Physics Lecture I 3.0 Credits
First of a three course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: description of motion, inertial and non-inertial frames, special relativity, Newton's Laws, translational and rotational equilibrium, one- and two-dimensional motion, fundamental forces, inverse square laws, Gauss' Law, Bohr's quantization, rotational dynamics, potential energy, black holes, determinism and chaos.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 121 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 186 Physics I-A 1.0 Credit
A companion course for PHYS 185. Students will perform experiments related to Mechanics. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 185 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently)
PHYS 188 Physics II-A 1.0 Credit
A companion course for PHYS 189. Students will perform experiments related to Electricity and Magnetism. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 189 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently)
PHYS 189 Fundamentals of Physics Lecture II 3.0 Credits
Second of a four course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: electrostatics, capacitors, charges in motion, insulators, semiconductors, voltage and current measurements, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, magnetic materials, quantum dots, magnetic resonance phenomenon.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 185 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 201 Fundamentals of Physics III 4.0 Credits
Third of a four course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: oscillations, EM waves, interference, diffraction, wave-particle duality, energy-matter equivalence, uncertainty relations, Schrodinger's equation, Hydrogen atom, laser, and nuclear physics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 202 Fundamentals of Physics IV 4.0 Credits
Fourth of a four course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: statistical kinetic, equipartition of energy, entropy, ultra-low temperatures, thermal transport, interaction of charged particles and light with biological tissue, fiber optics, IR, Raman, spectroscopy, fluidics, and microfluidics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 217 Thermodynamics 4.0 Credits
Covers macro-thermodynamics: temperature, pressure, work, heat, equations of state, the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications, heat engines and refrigerators, thermodynamics potentials, Maxwell relations, theory of phase changes, kinetic theory and transport phenomena.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 114 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 222 Modern Physics 4.0 Credits
Covers special relativity and the electron, black-body radiation, quantum theory of radiation, Bohr theory, wave particle duality, Schrodinger equation, and nuclear phenomena.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 200 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 223 [WI] Modern Physics Laboratory 3.0 Credits
Requires students to perform experiments in modern physics, including the Millikan oil-drop experiment, the photoelectric effect measurement, spectrometer experiments, atomic spectra observations, the Frank-Hertz experiment, the decay rate of radon, and a beta particle range experiment. This is a writing intensive course. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 115 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently) or PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 226 [WI] Instrumentation for Scientists I 3.0 Credits
Introduces measurement concepts, including a systems approach to analog and digital measurement, amplification and feedback, electrical data domains, measurements of varying analog signals, time domain measurements and conversions, and A/D and D/A conversions. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 227 [WI] Instrumentation for Scientists II 3.0 Credits
Covers optimization of scientific measurements, including systems analysis, signal/noise, control of frequency response, modulation and demodulation, relation of sampling parameters to signal characteristics, and signal-to-noise ratio enhancement. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 226 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 231 Introductory Astrophysics 3.0 Credits
An introductory astrophysics course aimed at science majors. Topics include a treatment of orbits, Kepler's laws, celestial coordinates, light, blackbodies, optics, stellar structure and evolution, galactic formation, and large scale evolution and structure of the universe.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: (PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 113 [Min Grade: D]) and MATH 121 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 232 Observational Astrophysics 3.0 Credits
Covers photometric and spectroscopic properties of stars, galaxies, and quasars and fundamental astrophysics of these objects. The course contains a significant lab component, which includes training in methods of observation, using the Joseph Lynch Observatory on campus to obtain astronomical measurements, and analysis of data.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 113 [Min Grade: D] and MATH 121 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 280 Fundamentals of Physics Lecture III 3.0 Credits
Third of a three course sequence teaching fundamental physics to engineering and science majors. Topics include: oscillations, EM waves, interference, diffraction, wave-particle duality, energy-matter equivalence, uncertainty relations, Schrodinger's equation, Hydrogen atom, laser, and nuclear physics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 282 Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory III 1.0 Credit
A companion course for PHYS 280. Students will perform experiments related to Thermodynamics and modern physics. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 280 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently)
PHYS 305 Computational Physics II 3.0 Credits
Covers the application of computational techniques to problems in physics, including numerical solution of differential equations, computation and display of particle trajectories in arbitrary potentials, introduction to non-linear dynamics, random numbers and Monte-Carlo methods, and numerical implementation of selected methods in mathematical physics. Emphasizes hands-on experience in problem-solving, using both Maple and C.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: CS 171 [Min Grade: D], PHYS 105 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 306 Computational Physics Laboratory I 2.0 Credits
Covers numerical solution of selected problems in electromagnetic theory, including solution of Laplace's equation, relaxation methods, computation of field lines and equipotentials, multipole expansions and computation of spherical harmonics, and solutions of Maxwell's equations and the wave equation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 305 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 307 Computational Physics Laboratory II 2.0 Credits
Covers numerical solution of selected problems in quantum mechanics, including solution of the time-independent and time-dependent forms of the Schrodinger equation; the matrix form of quantum mechanics, basis expansions, and bound-state solutions; and computation of wave packet propagation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 305 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 327 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 311 Classical Mechanics I 4.0 Credits
Covers motion in one, two, and three dimensions, conservation laws, and damped harmonic oscillator, forced harmonic oscillator, and central force motion.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: MATH 210 [Min Grade: D] and (PHYS 115 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D])
PHYS 312 Classical Mechanics II 4.0 Credits
Covers motion of system of particles, center of mass and conservation of linear momentum, description of collisions, Rutherford scattering, dynamics of rigid bodies, coordinate systems, the restricted three-body problem, generalized coordinates, Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's equations, and rotation of frame.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 311 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 317 Statistical Mechanics 3.0 Credits
Covers distribution molecular velocities, transport phenomena, Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, and quantum statistics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: MATH 210 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 217 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 321 Electromagnetic Fields I 4.0 Credits
Covers fields due to specified charge distributions, Gauss' law, multipole expansion of the fields, Laplace's equation, method of images, dielectrics, and energy of an electrostatic field. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 115 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently)
PHYS 322 Electromagnetic Fields II 4.0 Credits
Covers electric current, continuity equation, electromotive forces, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell's equations, radiation, and radiation by moving charges.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 321 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 324 Topics in Mathematical Physics 3.0 Credits
This course presents the mathematical background needed for Thermodynamics, Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, and Quantum Mechanics using the theory of linear vector spaces and the standard tools of elementary mathematical physics. Emphasis will be placed on the use of analytic and numerical programming techniques, using Maple, FORTRAN and C.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 326 Quantum Mechanics I 4.0 Credits
Explores the classical foundations of quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger equation, solutions of one-dimensional problems, and the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 312 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 327 Quantum Mechanics II 4.0 Credits
Covers the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation, angular momentum, matrix mechanics, the hydrogen atom, and perturbation theory.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 326 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 328 Advanced Laboratory 3.0 Credits
Requires students to perform advanced laboratory experiments in the various fields of physics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 223 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 330 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 2.0 Credits
Provides an overview of nuclear physics; including nuclear structure; nuclear stability; radioactivity and nuclear decay; nuclear forces and interactions; fission and fusion; and the interaction of particles with matter. A small amount of quantum mechanics will be included.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: (PHYS 115 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]) and (MATH 210 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D])
PHYS 399 Independent Study in Physics 12.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Arts and Sciences
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHYS 405 Advanced Computational Physics 3.0 Credits
Covers the application of computational techniques to one or more research topics of current interest, including grid-based solutions of partial differential equations in one and two dimensions and particle methods in fluid mechanics. Introduces high-performance computation and massively parallel computing platforms.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Junior or Senior.
Prerequisites: PHYS 305
PHYS 408 Physics Seminar 1.0 Credit
Requires participation in weekly departmental colloquium.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 15 times for 15 credits
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 409 Astrophysics Seminar 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on topics in modern astrophysics. Each term, a series of papers in a subfield is chosen. Students present and discuss recent results in fields such as stellar structure, black holes, cosmology, and dynamics. May be repeated twice for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 2 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 231 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 232 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 428 Quantum Mechanics III 4.0 Credits
Advanced topics in quantum mechanics including spin, addition of angular momentum, scattering theory, relativistic quantum mechanics, atoms and molecules, and radiation from atoms.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 327 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 431 Galactic Dynamics 3.0 Credits
Covers dynamical problems ion astrophysics, including the two-body problem, galactic stability, globular clusters, spiral arms and galactic collisions. Computational methods such as calculation of grid-based and particle-based potentials will also be discusses and applied.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 312 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 432 Cosmology 3.0 Credits
Covers cosmological models, age and distance scales in the universe, the hot big bang, primordial nucleosyntesis, inflation, baryonic and non-baryonic matter, galaxy formation and evolution, dynamics of structure formation, statistics of cosmological density fields, and cosmic background fluctuations.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 312 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 451 Quantum Structure of Materials 4.0 Credits
Introduces modern physics, including wave-particle duality; quantum mechanics of electrons located in one-dimensional potentials; introduction to solid-state physics; electronics in periodic potentials and energy band structure; numerical computations; metals, semiconductors, and insulators; electronic devices; quantum devices; and laboratory experiments in scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 452 Solid State Physics 3.0 Credits
Atomic basis of the physical properties of materials, including crystalline and non-crystalline solids. Detailed introductory treatment of the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of solid and their inter-relationships. Overview of other materials, properties, and scientific basis of technological applications.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 317 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 326 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 453 Nanoscience 3.0 Credits
Scientific basis of nanoscale materials and systems including discussions of low-dimensional structures and their physical properties, the self-assembly of nanostructures, applications in various fields of science and technology, and techniques for fabrication and characterization on the nanoscale.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 311 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 217 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 461 Biophysics 3.0 Credits
A one course introduction to biological physics. Topics may include: structure of biomolecules, protein stability, electron transfer, protein folding, protein substrates, allostery, and self-assembly. No biological background is presumed.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 317 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 462 Computational Biophysics 3.0 Credits
This course involves mathematical applications of biological simulations. Using classical and statistical mechanics, we will cover topics including atomic scale simulations, statistical sampling and models of molecular cellular systems and living processes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 305 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 317 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 463 Single Molecule Methods 3.0 Credits
Covers the principles, operations and applications of the most commonly used single molecule methods in biophysics, including scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy, optical trapping and fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHYS 217 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 322 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 471 Nonlinear Dynamics 3.0 Credits
This course introduces the basic ideas of the new science of nonlinear dynamics and develops methods to carry out fundamental computations of fractal dimension, Lyapunov exponents, and topological invariants.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 200 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 476 Nuclear and Particle Physics 3.0 Credits
Covers the nucleus as a neutron-proton system, including stable and unstable nuclei, nuclear spectra and radioactive decay, fission and fusion, quarks and leptons, experimental methods, fundamental forces, the quark model of hadrons, electroweak unification, and unifying theories.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Pre-Junior or Sophomore
Prerequisites: PHYS 327 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 480 Special Topics 12.0 Credits
Covers selected topics in physics. May be repeated for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHYS 485 Research 3.0 Credits
Covers research problems in physics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHYS 491 Senior Research I 3.0 Credits
A three-term sequence devoted to theoretical or experimental activities in a specific area of physics or atmospheric science to be chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser. Requires students to learn to identify interesting problems, develop a plan of attack, and carry the project to completion. Requires written and oral report at the end of the third term.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.
PHYS 492 Senior Research II 3.0 Credits
Continues PHYS 491.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 491 [Min Grade: D]
PHYS 493 [WI] Senior Research III 3.0 Credits
Continues PHYS 492. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHYS 492 [Min Grade: D]
