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Physics Program

Courses

 

PHYS 101-102
Title: PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Credit Hrs: 4
Description: (Lecture, 3 hours; Lab., 2 hours). A survey course in physical science treating the most basic principles, concepts, and developments in physics, astronomy, chemistry and geology. This course is not intended for students who plan to major in one of the physical sciences and cannot be substituted for basic courses in any of these fields.


PHYS 141-142
Title: ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 4
Description: (lecture, 2 hours; Lab & Rec. 4 hours). An introduction to the basic concepts, principles and models in physics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 130 or equivalent. No previous course in physics is necessary 


PHYS 145
Title: DISCOVERY IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 2 Hours; Recitation, 2 hours). A review and an extension of the fundamentals in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. These notions are applied to study vectors, static equilibrium, kinematics, and the dynamics of a single particle. Corequisite: Mathematics 140.

 

PHYS 150
Title: QUANTITATlVE REASONING IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 2 hours; Recitation, 2 hours). A rigorous study of the dynamics of a system of particles, energy and momenta conservation laws, gravitation , and their applications. Prerequisite: Physics 145 or equivalent, Corequisite: Mathematics 264 


PHYS 201-202
Title: EARTH SCIENCE I AND II
Credit Hrs: 4
Description: (Lecture, 3 hour s; Lab., 2 hours). Study of earth with emphasis on its internal constitution and processes that affect it. History of earth including the development of the atmosphere and life. Elementary study of gravitational, magnetic, seismic, electr ical and thermal properties of the earth.


PHYS 206
Title: INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
Credit Hrs: 4
Description: (Lecture, 2 hours, Lab., 3 hours ). A descriptive course in fundamental principles of the solar and stellar systems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 140 or equivalent.


PHYS 221-222
Title: GENERAL PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 5
Description: (Lecture, 3 hours; Lab., 2 hours; Problem solving session, 2 hours). An introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and models in classical physics intended for science and engineering majors. Skills in the elementary theoretical and experimental methods of physics are developed while stdying such topics as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 264 for Physics 221, and Mathematics 265 for Physics 222. 


PHYS 251-252
Title: INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS I AND II 
Credit Hrs: 5
Description: (Lecture, 3 hours; Lab., 2 hours; Recitation, 2 hours). A systematic presentation of the principles and methods of classical physics intended for physics majors. Theoretical and experimental skills will be developed through the study of classical mechanics (a review), thermodynamics (including elementary statistical physics) , electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic phenomena, wave phenomena, optics, special relativity, and the application of mechanics and electrodynamics theory. Prerequisite: Physics 145, 150, or departmental permission. Corequisite : Mathematics 265. 


PHYS 271
Title: MODERN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A study of selected phenomena in solid state, molecular, atomic, and nuclear physics and quantum optics and their explanation on the basis of current physical theory. This course is designed as a sequel to Physics 221-222. Prerequisites: Physics 221-222 or Physics 141-142 along with departmental permission. Corequisite: Mathematics 265. 


PHYS 281-282
Title: RADIATION PHYSICS I AND II
Credit Hrs: 4
Description: Interaction of radiation with matter, nuclear energy, x-radiation, principles of radiation protection and exposure, public health, radiation instrumentation and measurement. Prerequisites: Physics 251-252 or Physics 221- 222 or Physics 141-142.


PHYS 311
Title: MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Method of formulating and solving physical problems that involve the use of mathematical tools such as coordinate systems and transformation, Fourier series and orthogonal functions, complex variables, ordinary differential equations, matrices and partial differential equations. Prerequisite: Physics 222 or 252, Mathematics 265. 


PHYS 332
Title: THE PHYSICS OF WAVES
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course of varying content on topics selected from the classical theory of waves and its applications in optics and acoustics. Prerequisite: Physics 251-252 or 221-222 with departmental permission.


PHYS 341-342
Title: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I AND II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 1 hour; Lab., 5 hours). A course in the techniques of experimental physics, including a selection of experiments involving radiation physics and quantitative evaluations of physical phenomena. Prerequisite: Ten hours of introductory physics. 


PHYS 345
Title: THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Macroscopic thermodynamics, kinetic theory, transport phenomena, probability, and classical statistical mechanics with applications to equilibrium phenomena. Prerequisites: Physics 251-252 and 311 or equivalent. 


PHYS 381-382
Title: BIOPHYSICS I AND II
Credit Hrs: 5
Description: Applications of physical principles and instrumentation in biophysical measurements. Biological hazards associated with ionizing, radiation, main features of safety in the field of radiation, environmental hazards. Prerequisites: Physics 251-252, Physics 221-222, or equivalent. 


PHYS 400
Title: COMPUTAIONAL PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: This course is geared toward the utilization of the computer to solve physics problems. Intermediate and advanced undergraduate topics in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and mathematical physics arr covered in conjunction with simulation and numerical solution methods of key physics equations. Prerequisite: Physics 311 or equivalent. 


PHYS 405
Title: THE PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY OF ENERGY
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A survey course on the essence, production, and utilization of energy and related issues that include environmental ones; fundamental and common forms of energy and related sources (fossil, solar, nuclear, etc.); transformations and utilization of energy and the related environmental issues; working principles of selected energy transformation technologies; notes on global energy balance and its implications. Prerequisite: Two-Semester Sequence of physis (mechanics & electromagnetism). 


PHYS 411
Title: ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Application of probability and statistics, partial differential equations, special functions, and integral equations to selected problems in physics. Prerequisite: Physics 311 or equivalent. 


PHYS 416-417
Title: ADVANCED MECHANICS I AND II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Mechanics of one particle and a system of particles, Lagrange's equation, rigid body motion, relativistic mechanics, mechanics of continuous media, Hamiltonian mechanics, theory of small osciallations and field theory. Prerequisites: Physics 251-252, or Physics 221-222 and departmental permission Corequisite: Physics 311 for 416. Prerequisite for Physics 417 is Physics 416 


PHYS 425-426
Title: ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I AND II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric current and circuits, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, electrical and magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic waves and their radiation, propagation, reflection, and diffraction, charged particle dynamics and relativistic effects. Prerequisite: Physics 311. 


PHYS 435
Title: QUANTUM PHYSICS I
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Review of the classical foundations of quantum theory, interpretation of some crucial experimental results, and the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: Physics 271, 311 and 417. 


PHYS 436
Title: QUANTUM PHYSICS II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Application of elementary quantum mechanics and elementary quantum statistical mechanics to realistic systems in solid state, molecular, atomic, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Physics 435. 


PHYS 441-442
Title: ADVANCED PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 1 hour; Lab.,6 hours). Advanced laboratory techniques with special emphasis on electronics, solid state devices, electromagnetic radiation, radioactivity, and the utilization of analog and digital computers. Prerequisites: Physics 341-342. 


PHYS 462
Title: SPACE PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course of varying content on topics seleted from atmospheric physics, the physics of space flight and exploration, and theoretical astrophysics. Prerequisites: Physics 416 and 425. 


PHYS 472
Title: SOLID-STATE PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A study of solid-state phenomena including crystal structure, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids, electron emission from metals and semiconductors using simple theeoretical models. Prerequisite: Physics 345.


PHYS 491
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 1
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 492
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 2
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 493
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 494
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 495
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 496
Title: SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: A course for advanced students on selected topics and experimental and theoretical physics. Projects associated with the current departmental research can be undertaken by qualified students. Schedule is arranged according to varying content of the course. 


PHYS 500
Title: CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs). Survey of basic concepts; variational derivation of the Lagrange equations; central forces, conservation laws, symmetry, and applications; kinematics and dynamics of rigid body motion; survey of special relativity; Hamilton equations; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; small oscillations.


PHYS 505
Title: SOLID STATE PHYSICS I
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Survey of Solid State physics; basic concepts and applications; Bravais lattices, free electron systems, lattice vibrations, electronic energy bands, band structure computational methods; basic properties, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties; magnetic resonance, masers; semiconductors; defects, dislocations; BCS theory of superconductivity, survey of high Tc superconductors.


PHYS 510
Title: MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture 3 hrs.). Mathematical methods for Physics; review of advanced vector calculus; review of key matrix algebra mehods; calculus of residues, conformal mapping, Fourier and Laplace transformatons; ordinary differential equations, the Frobenuis series method and Fuchs theorem; complete solutions of key partial differential equations of physics, Poisson, Laplace, Bessel, Legendre, Laguerre, diffusion, and other equations; separation of variables and integral transform methods for some of the proceding solutions; special and orthogonal functions, orthogonal polynomials; variational and numerical solutions of differential equations, the LCAO and Monte Carlo methods; introduction to nonlinear differential equations of physics.


PHYS 515
Title: EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Laboratory 6 hrs.). Experimental methods in solid state physics. Selection of modern techniques for investigating properties of solids; basic instrumentation in condensed matter experiments; photo-emission and inverse photo-emission.


PHYS 520
Title: QUANTUM MECHANICS I
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture 3 hrs.). Foundations, principles, and applications of quantum mechanics; origin of quantum mechanics; Schrodinger equations for one dimensional potentials; general formulation of wave mechanics and statistical interpretations, WKB and; other approximations; the hydrogen atom; rotational spin, and addition of angular momenta; transitions and their probabilities.


PHYS 525
Title: SOLID STATE PHYSICS II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Advanced theory of the condensed matter; computational methods for the quantitative description of the electronic structures of molecules, clusters, and solids; LCAO, APW, and other methods; applications of the Monte Carlo method; the dielectric functions and the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of solids; magnetic moment formation in solids; quantum theory of superconductivity; the BCS theory and extensions. Prerequisite: Phys. 505 and 520.


PHYS 526
Title: SOLID STATE PHYSICS III
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: Q Lecture and Laboratory). Characterization of Magnetic Materials. Magnetic ordering and models Of magnetic systems: paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, diamagnetism measurements using a antiferromagnetism, ferromagnetism and spin-glass; laboratory techniques. Magnetization measurements using a SQUIDmagnetometer, and electron transport (current voltage) measurements determination of important parameters, which are related to the various kinds of magnetic ordering, from laboratory data. This course is intended for graduate students who have completed a first course in solid state physics. (Pre-requisites: PHYS 472 or 505, or equivalents)


PHYS 530
Title: STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture,3 hrs.). Laws of thermodynamics and applications; kinetic theory; Boltzman transport equation and Boltzman H theorem; principles of statistical mechanics, statistical origin of thermodynamic quantities; canonical and grand canonical ensembles; quantum statistical mechanics; the ideal Fermi gas and the ideal Bose-Einstein gas. Prerequisite: Phys. 500.


PHYS 535
Title: DEFECTS IN SOLIDS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Introduction to the physical properties of the crystals, experimental methods in color center research, trapped electron color centers in alkali halides, trapped hole centers in alkali halides, coloration and impurities in alkali halides, coloration and mechanical properties of alkali halides, mechanism of production of color centers, photoelectric emission and ultraviolet absorption spectra of the alkali halides, coloration of colloidal centers, color centers in materials other than alkali halides, applications of color center. Prerequisite: Phys. 505 and 520.


PHYS 540
Title: CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS I
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Microscopic and macroscopic Maxwell's equations, interpretation of the terms, related laws and wave equations with or without source terms; applications to electrostatics with the full treatment of specific problems; multipole expansion; magnetostatics; plane waves, reflection; wave guides and cavities; emmision of elecrtromagnetic radiation. Prerequisite: 510


PHYS 541
Title: CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS II
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Relativistic electrodynamics; review of the special theory of relativity and applications to Maxwell's equations; relativistic Lagrangian and Hamiltonian for a charged particle; collisions of charged particles; omissions of radiation , the Cherenkov radiation; relativistic Bremstrahlung, radiative Beta processes; multipole fields, radiation emission, scattering and radiation damping processes; numerical representations of solutions to selected problems. Prerequisite: Phys. 540.


PHYS 542
Title: COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture & computational Laboratory). Numerical methods and their applications in physics; numerical solutions of selected differential equations; Monte Carlo method and applications to modeling; molecular dynamics and other simulations; electronic structure calculations for multi-electron systems. Prerequisite: Mathematical Physics I, 510, and a working knowledge of FORTRAN or C++, or an equivalent programming language.


PHYS 543
Title: PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY OF THIN FILMS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture 2 hrs, Lab. 2 hrs.) Preparation methods; thickness measurements and monitoring; analytical techniques of characterization, growth and structure of films; mechanical properties of films; electrical and magneto transport properties of films;magnetism of films; thin film devices; fabrication of thin film microelectronic devices.


PHYS 544
Title: X-RAY PHYSICS AND SYNCHROTRON RADIATION TECHNIQUES
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture 2 hrs, lab. 2 hrs.) X-rays and early atomic physics, synchrotron Radiation; physics of hot and dense plasmas; X-Ray lasers, brightness and coherence of X-Rray sources; scattering and refractive index of X-ray wavelengths; diffractive optics and zone plate microscopy: diffraction grating for monochromators and spectrometers; biological microscopy, reflective X-ray imaging, multilayer interference coatings; application of X-ray microprobes, chemical applications of synchrotron radiation; components of wiggler and other beam lines.


PHYS 545
Title: ELECTRONICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture 2 hrs., Lab 3 hrs.). Introduction to integrated circuits, transistors, operational amplifiers and analog computer. Introduction to number systems and codes. Boolean algebra, logic circuits, TTLNIM, CANAC, FASTBUS, and VME logics. Arithmetic circuits, binary adders and subtractors. Sequential logic, flip-flop circuit and triggering. Solving logic equations using multiplexers, encoders and decoders, and parity checkers. Analog to digital conversion, data processing and collections.


PHYS 550
Title: SPECTROSCOPY
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Review of classical electrodynamics, review of quantum mechanics, fine structure of hydrogenic atoms, two electron atoms. Zeeman and Paschen-Back effect, diatomic moleules, coupling of vibration and rotation, electronic spectra and diatomic molecules, spontaneous emission of radiation, selection rules for electric dipole transitions, measurement of radiative life times of atoms and molecules, forbidden transitions and metastable atoms, width and shape of spectral lines, absorption and stimulated emission of radiation. Prerequisite: Phys. 520 and 540.


PHYS 555
Title: COHERENT OPTICS AND HOLOGRAPHY
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Introduction to modern optics, mathematical methods of modern optics, image formation in non-coherent light, coherence characteristics of light, image formation in coherent light, theoretical and experimental foundations of optical holography, Fourier transforms, convolutions, correlations, spectral analysis and theory of distributions, coherent and incoherent imaging. Prerequisite: Phys. 540.


PHYS 560
Title: QUANTUM OPTICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs). Foundation of quantum optics; optical Bloch equation; maser system and laser system; quantum field theory of light; coherent effects; applications to solid state physics; current research topics in optics. Prerequisite: Phys. 510 and 520. 


PHYS 565
Title: OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Developement of new materials for photonic devices, improvement of existing optical materials, role of glasses in optical sciences, optical properties such as refractive index, the transmittance and dispersion, optical quality, thermal, mechanical and chemical properties, crystalline optical materials for polarization control and for laser applications, rare earth doped glasses, oxide fibre fabrication, halide glasses, chalcogenide glasses, crystalline fibres, crystalline fibre for W, VIS and IR applications, III-V semiconductors for photonic integrated circuits and devices such as LED, laser diodes and photo diodes; advances with a selection of experimental lnP based PICs. Prerequisite: Phys. 505.


PHYS 570
Title: ELECTRO-OPTICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.) Introduction to electro-optics, optical radiation, geometric and physical optics. Lasers and electro-optical modulation, optical radiation detection, analysis methods for electro-optical systems, detector arrays and imaging tubes, electro-optical sensors, optical signal processing, optical path characteristics, optical communications. Prerequisite: modern optics and Phys. 540.


PHYS 580
Title: PARTICLE PHYSICS
Credit Hrs: 3
Description: (Lecture, 3 hrs.). Description of elementary particles and their interactions; particle accelerators, colliding-beam machines, particle detection; invariance and conservation laws - spin, parity, isospin, strangeness; static quark model, quark spin and color. SU(3); weak interaction and beta decay, neutrino interacton, nonconservation of parity, Weinberg-Salam theory; quark-quark interaction, QCD, deep inelastic scattering; unification of electroweak with other interactions, grand unification, supersymmetry. Prerequisite: Phys. 520


PHYS 590
Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR
Credit Hrs: 1
Description: Selected contemporary topics of interesting developments in physics, applied physics and materials science by invited speakers, instructors and students supervision of a graduate faculty member. Topics are selected by the affected graduate student and faculty supervisor(s) taking into account the standards of M.S. level research, the interest of the student, and the recent developments in knowledge, skills, and technology bases. An abstract and a listing of projected task.


PHYS 599
Title: GRADUATE RESEARCH
Credit Hrs: 1-6
Description: Formal, documented research to be conducted under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Topics are selected by the affected graduate student and faculty supervisor(s) taking into account the standards of M.S. level research, the interest of the student, and the recent developments in knowledge, skills, and technology bases. An abstract and a listing of projected tasks have to be submitted to the M.S. program. A final report also has to be submitted to the M.S. Program Director.


PHYS 600
Title: THESIS
Credit Hrs: 1-6
Description: Six hours credit will be given only upon completion of an acceptable thesis.