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PHYS-3410 Electromagnetic Theory I
–Fa
3 hours
Electricity and magnetism from an advanced viewpoint using
the methods of vector calculus. Includes electrostatics, Gauss’
Law, Poisson’s equation, Laplace’s equation, dielectric media,
electric currents, and magnetostatics.
Prerequisites: PHYS-2120
General Physics II; MATH-2710 Calculus III.
(odd years)
PHYS-3510 Modern Physics
–Sp
3 hours
Introduction to relativity theory, quantum theory, including
Schrodinger’s Equation, and its basic applications, and atomic
structure.
Prerequisite: PHYS-2130 General Physics III.
PHYS-3800 Research Methods in Physics
–Sp
1 hour
Reinforces concepts of the advanced physics courses and
develops critical research and analysis skills. This course will
focus on basic library, research, and laboratory skills for planning,
setup, documentation, and analysis using the scientific method.
Selected software will be introduced and used to collect data,
analyze results, and document findings. There will be several
laboratory sessions with experiments selected from oscillatory
motion and waves, intermediate mechanics, intermediate
electricity, intermediate magnetism, thermodynamics, or quantum
mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHYS-2130 General Physics III.
(Fee:
$50)
PHYS-4110 Advanced Physics Laboratory
–Sp
2 hours
The advanced laboratory experience is designed to
reinforce concepts of the advanced physics courses and to
develop critical research design, documentation, analysis, and
presentation skills. The advanced laboratory provides additional
experience in optical, radiation, wave, advanced mechanics,
advanced electromagnetism, advanced thermodynamics, and
quantum mechanics. During this semester the students will be
conducting their advanced laboratory project, collecting data,
and documenting results. Laboratory skills for planning, setup,
documentation, analysis, and briefing using the scientific method
will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: PHYS-3110 Intermediate Physics
Lab.
(Fee: $100)
PHYS-4210 Mathematical Methods for Physicists
–Fa
3 hours
Advanced mathematical methods used in the solution of
physics problems. Topics include curvilinear coordinates, vector
analysis, and solutions to partial differential equations using
Fourier, Bessel and Legendre functions.
Prerequisites: MATH-2710
Calculus III; MATH-2740 Differential Equations; 3 hours of a 3000
or 4000-level physics course
. (odd years)
PHYS-4310 Theoretical Mechanics II
3 hours
Principles of mechanics applied to systems of particles. Topics
include rigid body motion, Hamilton’s equations, continuous media
and nonlinear oscillators.
Prerequisites: PHYS-3310 Theoretical
Mechanics I.
PHYS-4410 Electromagnetic Theory II
3 hours
Continuation of PHYS-3410. Includes magnetic properties
of matter, electromagnetic induction, magnetic energy, slowly
varying currents, Maxwell’s equations and their applications,
and introductory electrodynamics.
Prerequisite: PHYS-3410
Electromagnetic Theory I.
PHYS-4450 Optics
3 hours
Introduction to the study of classical and modern optics,
including geometric optics, wave optics, and quantum optics.
Topics include thin lenses, thick lenses and systems of lenses,
mirrors, aberrations, lens design, interference, coherence,
diffraction, polarization, and holography.
Prerequisites: PHYS-2120
General Physics II; MATH-2710 Calculus III.
PHYS-4520 Quantum Mechanics I
–Fa
3 hours
An introduction to the principles and theory of quantum
mechanics including: the wave function, the time-independent
Schrodinger’s Equation, mathematical formalism of quantum
mechanics, quantum mechanics in three dimensions, and systems
of identical particles.
Prerequisite: PHYS-3510 Modern Physics.
(even years)
PHYS-4530 Quantum Mechanics II
3 hours
Continuation of Quantum Mechanics I. Topics treated include
identical particles, spectral hyperfine structure, magnetic
properties of matter, external fields, atomic spectroscopy of outer
electrons, atomic spectroscopy of inner electrons, high-energy
photon effects, molecular binding and spectra, emission and
absorption of light, many particle system, W.K.B. approximation,
angular momentum theory.
Prerequisite: PHYS-4520 Quantum
Mechanics I.
PHYS-4800 Senior Seminar–Physics
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
A presentation of the basic principles of the major disciplines
of the sciences with a focus on the interrelationships of the
science disciplines to each other. Students present a paper from
library or laboratory research in their area of physics with a focus
on integration. Each student must obtain approval of the topic
from their advisor and seminar instructor and must set the date
of presentation before enrolling in the course. A paper and oral
presentation are required that include the background, setup,
data collection, analysis, and conclusions from their research. The
student must also attend a minimum of 10 seminars during the
senior year. Guest lecturers and faculty members may present
papers at the invitation of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Senior
status; PHYS-3110 Intermediate Physics Lab; attendance of a
minimum of 10 seminars during the sophomore and junior years;
permission of instructor.
PHYS-4880 Topics in Physics
1–3 hours
Study of topics of interest from modern and classical physics
such as quantum theory, relativity, statistical mechanics,
lasers, solid state physics, advanced classical mechanics, and
atmospheric physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS-2130 General Physics
III; MATH-2710 Calculus III.
PHYS-4900 Independent Study in Physics
1–3 hours
Independent research in the various branches of physics
and allied fields of application. Submission and approval of
a research proposal must precede registration.
Prerequisite:
permission of instructor.
(Fee: $25/hour)
Science Education (SCED)
SCED-3110 Clinical Teaching in Science
–Sp
1 hour
This course is designed to provide preservice science teachers
clinical experiences within grad 7–12 classrooms. Students are
assigned to assist cooperating science teachers in facilitating
student learning in science content and process skills. Preservice
science teachers will plan instructional outcomes, teaching
strategies and assessments for the experience and implement
them in the local school science classroom.
Prerequisites: teacher
education core courses.
SCED-3120 Teaching Science
–Fa
3 hours
Introduces prospective secondary school science teachers
to the curriculum, materials, and methods of classroom and
laboratory science teaching. Attention will be given to the
philosophy and education psychology theories that are currently
influencing science education and the methods of instruction that
arise from these theories. Teacher education students participate
in activities and complete assignments designed to provide
experience in science lesson planning, acquisition of classroom
and laboratory resources, and strategies of maintaining science
laboratory safety.
Prerequisite: admission to the Teacher Education
Program.
(Fee $100)
Page
280
2016–17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Course Descriptions
PHYS-3410 – SCED-3120
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS