A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester. Prerequisite: 1115.

An introductory course covering the basics of the night sky, relevant physics, and the Solar System. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. First 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 2110. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Three hours lab.

Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: *421. {Spring}

Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing. {Offered upon demand}

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.

Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing. {Offered upon demand}

Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum mechanics: atoms; molecules; spectral lines; ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies; Lyman-alpha forest. May be repeated when topics are different. Prerequisite: PHYC 521. {Alternate Springs}

Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: *421. {Spring}

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.

Introduction for non-science majors to basic concepts, laws, and skills in physics, in the context of a study of sound, acoustics, and music.

Experiments to accompany 1125. Two hours lab. Pre- or corequisite: 1125.

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.

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

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.

This class is designed as an introduction to programming for the undergraduate physics major. The class begins with no assumption of prior programming experience. An emphasis will be on building strong programming skills using the MATLAB programming environment. Applications and examples will include data analysis (curve fitting and optimization), simulating physical systems, solving systems of linear equations and Monte Carlo techniques. Prerequisite: 2310. Pre- or corequisite: MATH **316.

Concepts of heat and thermodynamics; large numbers and probability distributions; spin, oscillator, and gas systems; simple interacting systems, Fermi and Bose statistics. Prerequisite: **330.

Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation. Prerequisite: 2310.

Mechanics of continuous media, rotations of rigid bodies, small oscillations, nonlinear and chaotic motions. Prerequisite: **303 and (**366 or MATH **312).

Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: 2415.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **301. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **301.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **304. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **304.

Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of the earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration. This is a double-starred (**) level course and may be taken for graduate credit by students enrolled in a graduate program outside of the department. A graduate student enrolled in a double-starred course numbered below 500 may be required to complete extra work.

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.

Vector calculus, partial differential equations, complex numbers, tensor analysis, Fourier series and transforms, special functions, and their application to physics. Prerequisite: 2415 and MATH **316.

Electrostatics; dielectric materials; magnetostatics; magnetic materials. Prerequisite: **366 or (MATH 311 and MATH **312).

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *405. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *405.

Introductory topics in elementary-particle physics and nuclear physics, with examples and applications to high-energy physics and astrophysics such as cosmic rays, fixed-target experiments, lepton and hadron colliders, stellar physics, supernovae and cosmology. 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.

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.

Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.

Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.

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.

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 electro- and magneto-statics; E&M waves and radiation; covariant electrodynamics; scattering; relativity and covariant collisions.

More on angular momentum; scattering; identical particles; spectra of atoms and molecules; symmetry and conservation laws; approximation methods; special topics. Prerequisite: 521.

Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics and quantum field theory with applications drawn from quantum electrodynamics and high-energy physics. Prerequisite: 522.

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.

(Also offered as ECE 554) Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization. Prerequisite: *463.

(Also offered as ECE 559) Students do research and/or development work at a participating industry or government laboratory in any area of optical science and engineering. Restriction: permission of department.

General concepts, microscopic approach, nonlinear optical effects and devices.

This course provides a deep dive into several implementations of quantum technology, with three goals: 1. Building familiarity with quantum technology platforms and experimental techniques. 2. Understanding the advantages and challenges of quantum systems for communication, sensing, computation. 3. Preparing students to conduct experimental quantum research.

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.