400
Kinematics and dynamics of classical particles and systems of particles in stationary and moving frames of reference. The equations of Lagrange and Hamilton are introduced. Offered spring semester of odd years.
3
Prerequisites
PHY 202 or
PHY 205
Corequisites
MTH 321
Electric and magnetic fields and potentials, their interactions with matter, and Maxwell's equations. Offered fall semester of even years.
3
Prerequisites
PHY 201,
PHY 202 or
PHY 204,
PHY 205
Corequisites
MTH 321
Experimental basis for the quantum theory and the fundamental ideas of non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics. Offered fall semester of odd years.
3
Prerequisites
MTH 322 or
PHY 356,
PHY 306
Continuation of PHY 411. Topics to include perturbation theory, angular momentum, and scattering theory with application to atomic, solid state, and particle physics. Offered spring semester of even years.
3
Prerequisites
PHY 411
Lattices and crystal structures; mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Offered on an occasional basis.
3
Prerequisites
PHY 202 or
PHY 205,
MTH 321 or
PHY 356
Fundamentals of statistical mechanics, entropy, partition functions, kinetic theory. Applications to classical and quantized systems. Thermodynamics developed from the basis of statistical mechanics. Offered spring semesters of even years.
3
Prerequisites
PHY 201,
PHY 202 or
PHY 204,
PHY 205,
MTH 321 or
PHY 356
For special upper-division projects or research. Content, credit, and fee to be arranged.
Variable
Laboratory work in atomic and nuclear physics; electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and undergraduate experimental research. Offered spring semester of even years. Fee: $120.
2
Laboratory course to accompany PHY 322 for Physics majors. Laboratory work in geometric and physical optics including independent projects and analysis. Offered spring semester of odd years. Fee: $120.
2
Academic internships are available for qualified students (3.0 GPA; 3.25 GPA in Physics). Internships provide students with job experience pertinent to the study of Physics. Students may receive an IP (In Progress) grade until the completion of their internship. The internship may be taken for one to three credit hours.
Variable
Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, dean, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.
Variable
Prerequisites
Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area or good standing in the honors program.