An introductory course covering the Sun, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and cosmology. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Second of a two-semester sequence.

Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with 2115. Three hours lab.

Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution. Prerequisite: PHYS **330.

Overview of the expansion history of the Universe, from the hot Big Bang to the formation of complex structures at late times. Topics covered include inflation, nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter, and dark energy.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

(Also offered as PHYS 456) Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

Overview of the expansion history of the Universe, from the hot Big Bang to the formation of complex structures at late times. Topics covered include inflation, nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter, and dark energy.

Astrophysical problems illustrating E&M and classical/statistical mechanics: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; stellar interiors; neutron stars; supernovae. May be repeated when topics are different. {Alternate Falls}

Overview of the concepts and basic phenomena of physics. This course provides a largely descriptive and qualitative treatment with a minimum use of elementary mathematics to solve problems. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1115. Two hours lab.

This course is designed for students who need more experience with force and motion before tackling 1230 or 1310. It also serves as a good refresher for students who let some time lapse between taking Physics I and II.

An algebra-based treatment of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium, and fluids. The sequence (PHYS 1230, 1230L, 1240, 1240L) is required of pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students. Only 1230 and 1240 are required of pharmacy students. Credit for both this course and PHYS 1310 may not be applied toward a degree program.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1230. Three hours lab.

This is a supplemental course for 1230. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1230.

The second half of a two semester algebra-based introduction to physics. This course covers electricity, magnetism and optics. Credit for both this course and PHYS 1320 may not be applied toward a degree program.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1240. Three hours lab.

This is a supplemental course for 1240. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1240.

A calculus-level treatment of classical mechanics and waves, which is concerned with the physical motion concepts, forces, energy concepts, momentum, rotational motion, angular momentum, gravity, and static equilibrium. Credit for both this course and PHYS 1230 may not be applied toward a degree program.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1310. Students will apply the principles and concepts highlighting the main objectives covered in coursework for 1310. Three hours lab.

This is a supplemental course for 1310. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1310.

A calculus-level treatment of classical electricity and magnetism. It is strongly recommended that this course is taken at the same time as 1320L. Credit for both this course and PHYS 1240 may not be applied toward a degree program.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1320. Students will apply the principles and concepts highlighting the main objectives covered in coursework for 1320. Three hours lab.

This is a supplemental course for 1320. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1320.

This course, the third in the calculus based sequence for science and engineering students, is a study of optics and topics in modern physics.

Covers topics in geometrical optics, wave optics and modern physics at the calculus level. Lab activities mirror and enhance lecture topics. Hands-on experiments involving data collection and analysis give students a better conceptual framework for understanding physics. Geometrical and wave optical phenomena are deeply probed. Three hours lab. Pre- or corequisite: 2310.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 2310. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 2310.

Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics. Prerequisite: 2310.

Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic motion, gravitation, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, moving coordinate systems. Students are highly recommended to take **366 as a corequisite. Prerequisite: MATH **316.

Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: 2415.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **303. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **303.

Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics. Prerequisite: 2310.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **330. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **330.

Electromagnetic induction; conservation laws; propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves; wave guides; dipole radiation; relativistic fields. Prerequisite: *405.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *406. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *406.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Independent research studies course.

(Also offered as ASTR 456) Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

(Also offered as ECE *463) Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics, Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray tracing, aberrations, interference and diffraction.

(Also offered as ECE *464) Resonator optics. Rate equations; spontaneous and stimuated emission; gas, semiconductor and solid state lasers, pulsed and mode-locked laser techniques.

Complex variables and analysis; differential equations, including Green's functions; transform methods; special functions; linear algebra; matrix analysis; linear integral equations.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *466. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. This a starred (*) level course and may be taken for graduate credit by students enrolled in a graduate program. A graduate student enrolled in a starred course numbered below 500 may be required to complete extra work.

Special topics beyond our standard curriculum, usually involving new areas. The actual topic will vary and will be defined by the instructor. Restriction: permission of instructor.

Schrodinger Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; H-Atom. Prerequisite: **330 and MATH **314.

Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: *491.

Spectrographic methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. One lecture, 5 hours lab. *491 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: **307L.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *491. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *491.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *492. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *492.

Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.

Review of 1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum and spin; central potentials; approximation methods.

(Also offered as ECE 534) Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

Study and manipulation of quantum coherence with electromagnetic fields. Quantum coherent spectroscopy; photon statistics and nonclassical light; open quantum systems; decoherence; special topics.

A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis. Only 6 credit hours will count toward the program of studies. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience. May be repeated with any single faculty member.

Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.