2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 264 2012–13 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index 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. (even years) PHYS-4310 Theoretical Mechanics II –Fa 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. (odd years) PHYS-4410 Electromagnetic Theory II –Sp 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. (odd years) PHYS-4450 Optics –Fa 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. (even years) 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 –Sp 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. (even years) PHYS-4550 Solid State Physics –Sp 3 hours Studies of basic concepts and important applications in solid physics; discussion topics include crystal structures, crystal dynamics, free electron model, energy bands in periodic potentials, semiconductor and semiconductor devices, magnetic order. Prerequisite: PHYS-3350 Thermal Physics. (odd years) 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) Course Descriptions | PHYS-3510 – PHYS-4900