PHYSICS
Professors: Charles Blatchley*, Chairperson; Robert J. Backes*, Orville L. Brill*, T. Bruce Daniel*, David M. Kuehn*
Assistant Professor: Thomas Shoberg*, Ranjth Wijesinghe*
Instructor: Todd Van Gorden
* Graduate Faculty
Room 307 Yates Hall
Telephone: 620-235-4391
Fax: 620-235-4050
http://www.pittstate.edu/phys
e-mail: cblatchl@pittstate.edu
Description of Courses
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Physical Science
Minors:
Minor in Earth and Space Science
Minor in Physics
Minor in Physical Science
Graduate
Master of Science
Pre-Engineering Programs
The Department of Physics offers pre-professional work in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, agricultural engineering, aeronautical engineering, general engineering, and industrial engineering. Details concerning these programs can be obtained from the Department of Physics.
Special Facilities for Undergraduate and
Graduate Research
The department's primary research focus continues to be in areas related to condensed matter and materials science, particularly in support of related activities at the Business Technology Institute and in other departments. Funded research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate projects within the department include medical physics, Thermo-Photovoltaics (TPV) power development, accelerator applications in Tribology, computational and imaging applications in geophysics and planetary science (Sparc-10 workstation, networked PC's), X-ray diffraction, and nano-technology exemplified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In addition to a dedicated computer laboratory, the department offers an internet equipped office area to graduate students.
The department continues to operate the PSU-Greenbush Astor-physical Observatory located at the S.E. Kansas Educational Service Center in Greenbush, Kansas. The observatory's location and imaging instrumentation package make it ideal for spectroscopic or observational studies of planets, comets, and asteroids. This telescope and a collection of smaller Celestron telescopes are available for majors in physical science, physics, or science education and for graduate student projects.
Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major
in Physics
A. General Education Component*
Hours
Basic Skills**............................................................9
General Education Electives...........................................30-37
Sciences**........................................................4-5
Social Studies......................................................3
Political Studies...................................................3
Producing and Consuming...........................................5-6
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies...................................2-3
Cultural Studies..................................................3-5
Health and Well-Being.............................................4-6
Human Heritage......................................................6
39-46 * See General Education Degree Requirements for details and a list
of specific course requirements, here.
** MATH 150 and PHYS 104/130 required in the professional component partially
fulfill General Education requirements. B.1 Physics Core Curriculum
(A) Physics............................................................28
PHYS 104/130 Engineering Physics I/Elementary Physics
Laboratory I........................................5
PHYS 105/131 Engineering Physics II/Elementary Physics
Laboratory II.......................................5
PHYS 500 Mathematical Physics....................................3
PHYS 510 Analytical Mechanics I..................................3
PHYS 512 Electricity and Magnetism I.............................3
PHYS 516 Modern Physics..........................................3
PHYS 530 Intermediate Physics Laboratory (____)..................3
PHYS 691 Senior Research Project.................................2
PHYS 699 Senior Review and Assessment............................1
(B) Chemistry..........................................................10
CHEM 215/216 General Chemistry I/Laboratory......................5
CHEM 225/226 General Chemistry II/Laboratory.....................5
(C) Mathematics........................................................16
MATH 150 Calculus I..............................................5
MATH 155 Calculus II.............................................5
MATH 253 Calculus III............................................3
MATH 553 Differential Equations..................................3
54
B.2 Emphasis Areas 1. Professional Sequence (for students preparing for
Graduate Study)...................................................24
PHYS 518 Physical Optics...........................................3
PHYS 610 Analytical Mechanics II...................................3
PHYS 612 Electricity and Magnetism II..............................3
PHYS 714 Statistical Thermodynamics................................3
PHYS 716 Introductory Quantum Mechanics............................3
Three additional upper division physics, mathematics or chemistry
courses with departmental approval.................................9
2. Applied Sequence - Emphasis in Computational Physics...................32
CSIS 240 C++ Programming...........................................3
CSIS 250 Principles of Software Design.............................3
PHYS 502 Computational Physics.....................................3
MATH 212 Matrix Algebra............................................2
MATH 569 Numerical Analysis........................................3
Four additional upper division physics courses.......................12
Two additional upper-division physics, mathematics or chemistry courses
with departmental approval..........................................6
3. Applied Sequence - Emphasis in Polymer Physics....................29
PET 180/185 General Plastics/Laboratory............................4
CHEM 325/326 Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory........................5
CHEM 620/621 Polymer Chemistry/Laboratory..........................5
PHYS 714 Statistical Thermodynamics................................3
PHYS 742 Solid State Physics.......................................3
Three additional upper division physics courses with
departmental approval..............................................9
4. Applied Sequence - Emphasis in Pre-Medical Studies.....................38
CHEM 325/326 Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory........................5
CHEM 335/336 Organic Chemistry II/Laboratory.......................5
BIOL 105/205 Pre-Med Orientation I and II..........................1
BIOL 211 Principles of Biology I...................................4
BIOL 311 Cell Biology..............................................3
BIOL 371/372 General Microbiology/Laboratory.......................5
Five additional upper-division physics courses....................15
5. Applied Sequence - Emphasis in Solid State Electronic Devices.........24
PHYS 502 Computational Physics.....................................3
PHYS 504 Solid State Electronic Devices............................3
PHYS 532 Electronic Circuits I.....................................3
PHYS 533 Electronic Circuits II....................................3
PHYS 716 Introductory Quantum Mechanics............................3
PHYS 742 Solid State Physics.......................................3
Two additional upper-division physics, mathematics or
chemistry courses with departmental approval.......................6
6. Applied Sequence - Customized Emphasis................................24
Eight upper-division elective courses, five in physics and the remaining
three chosen in physics, mathematics, chemistry or technology.
Department approval of specific course selections required.
C. Minor Requirements
A minor consists of 20 hours of course work in a field different from the major
field of study. Physics students customarily minor in chemistry or mathematics,
but may want to select other minors as a way to improve employment options.
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a
Major in Physics
Hours
Basic Skills.........................................................9
ENGL 101 English Composition*.................................3
ENGL 190 Honors English Composition* or
ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing*....................3
COMM 207 Speech Communication*................................3
MATH 113* (satisfied by MATH 150 and 155 requirement
listed in content area)....................................0
*Must have a grade of "C" or better in each of the basic
skills courses.
General Education Electives......................................23-29
Sciences**........................................................0
Social Studies (Select one).......................................3
SOSCI 100 Introduction to Sociology...........................3
WOMEN 200 Introduction to Women’s Studies.....................3
Political Studies (Select one).......................................3
SOSCI 101 U.S. Politics.......................................3
SOSCI 324 Introduction to Comparative Politics................3
Producing and Consuming (Select CSIS and one from the remaining two
categories).....................................................2-3
Economy
ECON 191 Issues in Today’s Economy..........................3
FCS 230 Consumer Education..................................3
Technology
GT 190 Introduction to Technological Systems................2
GT 350 Technology and Civilization..........................3
TE 551 Technological Literacy for Educators.................3
TM 350 Societal Influence of Technology.....................3
Business
CSIS (satisfied by CSIS 230 requirement listed in
content area)................................................0
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies (Select one).......................2-3
ART 155 Printmaking I.........................................3
ART 178 Introduction to the Visual Arts.......................3
ART 188 The Designed World....................................3
ART 217 Crafts I..............................................3
ART 222 Jewelry Design I......................................3
ART 233 Drawing I.............................................3
ART 244 Ceramics I............................................3
ART 266 Sculpture I...........................................3
ART 277 Painting I............................................3
ART 288 Western Art History I.................................3
ART 289 Western Art History II................................3
ART 311 Art Education.........................................3
COMM 105 Performance Appreciation.............................3
COMM 205 Performance Studies..................................3
COMM 295 Theatre History......................................3
ENGL 250 Introduction to Creative Writing.....................3
HPER 151 Dance Appreciation...................................3
MUSIC 120 Music Appreciation (Classical, Jazz, or
World Music)........................................3
MUSIC 121 Introduction to Music Literature....................2
MUSIC 321 History of Music....................................3
Cultural Studies (Select one)......................................3-5
MLL 124 French Language and Culture I.........................5
MLL 134 German Language and Culture I.........................5
MLL 144 Portuguese Language and Culture I.....................5
MLL 154 Spanish Language and Culture I........................5
MLL 184 Russian Language and Culture I........................5
MLL 194 Korean Language and Culture I.........................5
SOSCI 106 World Regional Geography............................3
SOSCI 300 Elements of Geography...............................3
SOSCI 304 Human Geography.....................................3
WOMEN 399 Issues in Women’s Studies...........................3
Health and Well Being..............................................4-6
Psychological
PSYCH 155 General Psychology..............................3
Physical (Select one)
FCS 203 Nutrition and Health..............................3
HPER 150 Lifetime Fitness Concepts........................1
Human Heritage (Select one from two of the following three
categories).......................................................6
History
HIST 101 World History to 1500..........................3
HIST 102 World History from 1500........................3
HIST 201 American History to 1865.......................3
HIST 202 American History from 1865.....................3
Literature
ENGL 113 General Literature.............................3
ENGL 114 General Literature (Genre).....................3
ENGL 116 General Literature (Theme).....................3
ENGL 120 Literature and Film............................3
ENGL 315 Mythology......................................3
Philosophy
SOSCI 103 Introduction to Philosophy....................3
SOSCI 105 Ethics........................................3
SOSCI 111 Ethics: Applied Emphasis (___)................3
SOSCI 208 Logic and Critical Thinking...................3
SOSCI 231 World Religions...............................3
TOTAL............................................................32-38
**Sciences satisfied by BIOL 111/112 and PHYS 104/130 courses listed in
content area.
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a
Major in Physical Science
A. General Education Component Hours
Basic Skills............................................................9
ENGL 101 English Composition*....................................3
ENGL 190 Honors English Composition* or
ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing*.......................3
COMM 207 Speech Communication*...................................3
MATH 113* (satisfied by MATH 150 and 155 requirement
listed in content area).......................................0
*Must have a grade of "C" or better in each of the basic
skills courses.
General Education Electives.........................................28-34
Sciences................................................................5
Natural Sciences
BIOL 111 and 112 General Biology and Laboratory..............5
Physical Sciences
PHYS 171 and 172 Physical Science and Laboratory**...........0
Social Studies (Select one).............................................3
SOSCI 100 Introduction to Sociology..............................3
WOMEN 200 Introduction to Women’s Studies........................3
Political Studies (Select one)..........................................3
SOSCI 101 U.S. Politics..........................................3
SOSCI 324 Introduction to Comparative Politics...................3
Producing and Consuming (Select CSIS and one from the remaining two
categories)........................................................2-3
Economy
ECON 191 Issues in Today’s Economy...........................3
FCS 230 Consumer Education...................................3
Technology
GT 190 Introduction to Technological Systems.................2
GT 350 Technology and Civilization...........................3
TE 551 Technological Literacy for Educators..................3
TM 350 Societal Influence of Technology......................3
Business
CSIS (satisfied by CSIS 230 requirement listed in
content area).................................................0
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies (Select one)..........................2-3
ART 155 Printmaking I............................................3
ART 178 Introduction to the Visual Arts..........................3
ART 188 The Designed World.......................................3
ART 217 Crafts I.................................................3
ART 222 Jewelry Design I.........................................3
ART 233 Drawing I................................................3
ART 244 Ceramics I...............................................3
ART 266 Sculpture I..............................................3
ART 277 Painting I...............................................3
ART 288 Western Art History I....................................3
ART 289 Western Art History II...................................3
ART 311 Art Education............................................3
COMM 105 Performance Appreciation................................3
COMM 205 Performance Studies.....................................3
COMM 295 Theatre History.........................................3
ENGL 250 Introduction to Creative Writing........................3
HPER 151 Dance Appreciation......................................3
MUSIC 120 Music Appreciation (Classical, Jazz, or World Music)...3
MUSIC 121 Introduction to Music Literature.......................2
MUSIC 321 History of Music.......................................3
Cultural Studies (Select one).........................................3-5
MLL 124 French Language and Culture I............................5
MLL 134 German Language and Culture I............................5
MLL 144 Portuguese Language and Culture I........................5
MLL 154 Spanish Language and Culture I...........................5
MLL 184 Russian Language and Culture I...........................5
MLL 194 Korean Language and Culture I............................5
SOSCI 106 World Regional Geography...............................3
SOSCI 300 Elements of Geography..................................3
SOSCI 304 Human Geography........................................3
WOMEN 399 Issues in Women’s Studies..............................3
Health and Well Being.................................................4-6
Psychological
PSYCH 155 General Psychology.................................3
Physical (Select one)
FCS 203 Nutrition and Health.................................3
HPER 150 Lifetime Fitness Concepts...........................1
Human Heritage (Select one from two of the following three categories)..6
History
HIST 101 World History to 1500...............................3
HIST 102 World History from 1500.............................3
HIST 201 American History to 1865............................3
HIST 202 American History from 1865..........................3
Literature
ENGL 113 General Literature..................................3
ENGL 114 General Literature (Genre)..........................3
ENGL 116 General Literature (Theme)..........................3
ENGL 120 Literature and Film.................................3
ENGL 315 Mythology...........................................3
Philosophy
SOSCI 103 Introduction to Philosophy.........................3
SOSCI 105 Ethics.............................................3
SOSCI 111 Ethics: Applied Emphasis (___).....................3
SOSCI 208 Logic and Critical Thinking........................3
SOSCI 231 World Religions....................................3
TOTAL................................................................37-43
**PHYS 171 satisfied by PHYS 104/130 courses listed in content area.
B. Professional Studies Component***
In addition to the professional education courses listed in (1) below,
the student must complete the courses for the teaching specialty listed in (2).
1. Teaching and Learning Theory with Laboratory and Clinical Experience
CURIN 261 Explorations in Education...................................3
PSYCH 263 Developmental Psychology...................................3
PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology.....................................3
PHYS 479 Techniques for Teaching Physics............................3
SSLS 510 Overview of Education for Exceptional Students.............3
CURIN 520 Middle and Secondary Reading...............................3
Professional Semester................................................17
CURIN 458 Methods and Curriculum..............................3
CURIN 462 Secondary and Middle Level Education................2
CURIN 464 Foundations of Measurement and Evaluation...........2
CURIN 480 Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School.........3
CURIN 482 Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School.........5
PHYS 579 Supervised Student Teaching and Follow-Up of
Teachers...............................................2
35
***See here for professional education grade point requirements for
admission to the professional semester.
2. Content for the Teaching Specialty: Physical Science
(A) Physics..........................................................31
PHYS 104/130 Engineering Physics I/Elementary Physics
Laboratory I...............................................5
PHYS 105/131 Engineering Physics II/Elementary Physics
Laboratory II..............................................5
PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory......................5
PHYS 162 Physical Oceanography................................3
PHYS 166 Meteorology..........................................3
PHYS 516 Modern Physics.......................................3
PHYS 530 Intermediate Physics Laboratory (____) or
PHYS 532 Electronic Circuits I................................3
PHYS 175 Descriptive Astronomy or
PHYS 375 Solar System Astronomy...............................3
PHYS 699 Senior Review and Assessment.........................1
(B) Chemistry........................................................15
CHEM 215/216 General Chemistry I/Laboratory...................5
CHEM 225/226 General Chemistry II/Laboratory..................5
CHEM 320/326 Introductory Organic Chemistry/Laboratory........5
(C) Mathematics......................................................10
MATH 150 Calculus I...........................................5
MATH 155 Calculus II..........................................5
(D) CSIS 230 Visual Basic.Net Programming.........................3
(E) BIOL 330 Principles of Ecology.................................3
62
(NOTE: The geneSral education degree requirement in biological science for students
wishing to certify for a second teaching option in physical science must be met with
BIOL 111/112 General Biology/Laboratory.) Students planning to teach should become
familiar with the current regulations for certification of school personnel prepared
by the State Board of Education. Information concerning these regulations may be
obtained from the Certification Officer in the College of Education, 115 Hughes Hall.
(NOTE: No courses shall be counted toward science certification other than those
offered in a science department, e.g., biology, botany, zoology, chemistry, physics,
geology, etc.)
C. Minor Requirements
Students preparing to teach physics or physical science must select a minor.
Minor in Earth and Space Science
PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory................................5
PHYS 166/167 Meteorology/Laboratory.....................................4
PHYS 175/176 Descriptive Astronomy/Astronomy Laboratory or
PHYS 375/176 Solar System Astronomy/Astronomy Laboratory................4
An additional 10 hours from any of the following courses (when
not used as part of the core):...........................................10
BIOL 304 Soils..................................................3
BIOL 330 Principles of Ecology..................................3
BIOL 515 Stream Ecology.........................................3
BIOL 537 Regional Natural History...............................3
PHYS 162/163 Physical Oceanography/Laboratory....................4
PHYS 175/176 Descriptive Astronomy/Laboratory....................4
PHYS 260 Historical Geology.....................................5
PHYS 264 Environmental Geology..................................4
PHYS 375/176 Solar System Astronomy/Astronomy Laboratory.........4
PHYS 540 Topics in Physics (may be repeated if topic is
different)...........................................1-3
PHYS 541 Topics in Astronomy (may be repeated if topic
is different)........................................1-3
PHYS 542 Topics in Earth Science (may be repeated if topic is
different)...........................................1-3
PHYS 560 Field Studies in Earth and Space Science.............2-3
PHYS 575 Introductory Astrophysics..............................3
SOSCI 302 Introduction to Environmental Geography................3
SOSCI 303 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.........4
SOSCI 403 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems............4
SOSCI 502 Global Environmental Change............................3
SOSCI 508 Geography of Hazards and Disasters.....................3
Total 23
Minor in Physics
PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I.........................................4
PHYS 130 Elementary Physics Laboratory I...............................1
PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II........................................4
PHYS 131 Elementary Physics Laboratory II............................1
PHYS 516 Modern Physics................................................3
Electives in physics*.....................................................9
22
This minor does not qualify students for certification to teach physics.
Students interested in physics as a second teaching option should refer to
section below, "Second Teaching Options."
*The following courses cannot be used to satisfy electives in physics: PHYS 171
Physical Science, PHYS 172 Physical Science Laboratory, PHYS 114 Physical Science
Laboratory for Teachers, PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory, PHYS 162 Physical
Oceanography, PHYS 166 Meteorology, PHYS 260 Historical Geology, PHYS 264 Environmental
Geology, PHYS 479 Techniques for Teaching Physics, PHYS 542 Topics in Earth Science
(____), PHYS 560 Field Studies in Earth and Space Science, PHYS 741 Special Topics
(____) and PHYS 579 Supervised Student Teaching and Follow-up of Teachers.
Minor in Physical Science
Twenty hours selected from both physics* and chemistry. The physical science minor is
not available to students who major in physics or chemistry.
*The following courses in physics cannot be applied toward the physical science
minor: PHYS 001 Physics Concepts, PHYS 171 Physical Science, PHYS 172 Physical
Science Laboratory, PHYS 114 Physical Science Laboratory for Teachers, PHYS 479
Techniques for Teaching Physics, PHYS 569 Laboratory Assistant Practicum, PHYS 579
Supervised Student Teaching and Follow-up of Teachers and all 700 level courses.
Second Teaching Options
Those persons interested in physics, middle school science or earth and space science as a second teaching option should contact the Department of Physics or the Certification Officer in the College of Education, 115 Hughes Hall, for specific requirements.
GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Science
The M.S. degree program in physics consists of a core of three courses, PHYS 810 Classical Mechanics, PHYS 812 Electromagnetic Theory, and PHYS 816 Quantum Mechanics, plus electives appropriate to the student's plans for employment in physics or related fields, further graduate study, or teaching physics or the physical sciences.
Elective courses, subject to approval of the department, are usually selected from physics, chemistry, mathematics, or biology. Incoming students must take a diagnostic examination on undergraduate physics no later than the first semester of enrollment without course deficiencies. Students must pass all components or department approved alternatives for full acceptance into the program.
Option I
Professional Physics Emphasis
For students preparing for further graduate study or for physics or physics-related employment. Thirty semester hours, including 6 hours PHYS 890 Research and Thesis, are required. Concentration on a selected physics or interdisciplinary specialty is possible through a combination of listed courses and PHYS 890 Research and Thesis, which may cover areas as diverse as solid state chemistry, materials science, surface physics, or radiation effects.
Option II
Applied Physics Emphasis
For students preparing for physics or physics-related employment. Thirty-two semester hours, including the three core courses, PHYS 810 Classical Mechanics, PHYS 812 Electromagnetic Theory, and PHYS 816 Quantum Mechanics, and three to six hours PHYS 891 Research Problem, which includes a written report, are required.
Pre-Service Teaching Emphasis
For students preparing to teach physics or physical science at high school or junior college level. Elective courses may include up to nine hours professional education, which may substitute for one of the core courses, with department approval. Thirty-two semester hours including three to six hours PHYS 891 Research Problem are required, including the written report.
In-Service Teaching Emphasis
For current teachers of high school physics seeking advanced physics-teacher training in conjunction with either Kansas certification in physics or certification in another state. A minimum of 36 hours is required, including PHYS 760 History and Philosophy of Science, PHYS 832 Experimental Design in the Physical Sciences, PHYS 893 Research Grant Proposal Writing, and PHYS 882 Guided Inquiry for Science Fairs and Demonstrations. These four courses may replace some or all of the three core courses. Instead of writing a thesis or problem report, the student must submit a grant proposal for external funding. With permission of the student's advisor and department chairman, up to 12 hours may be taken outside the department, including a maximum of six in education. A minimum of 15 hours should be in courses numbered 800-899, and 30 hours must be in courses numbered 700-899.
DESCRIPTION OF COURSES
UNDERGRADUATE
PHYS 001. Physics Concepts. 3 hours. A beginning course in physical science to help students prepare for a physics course sequence, either PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I/PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II or PHYS 100 College Physics I/PHYS 101 College Physics II. Offered on a Pass-Fail basis only. Not counted toward total hours required for a degree.
PHYS 100. College Physics I. 4 hours. Mechanics; heat; sound. Prerequisite: MATH 113 College Algebra or MATH 110 College Algebra with Review or MATH 126 Pre-Calculus. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 130 Elementary Physics Laboratory I. Closed to students with credit in PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I.
PHYS 101. College Physics II. 4 hours. Electricity; magnetism; optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 100 College Physics I. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 131 Elementary Physics Laboratory II. Closed to students with credit in PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II.
PHYS 102. Undergraduate Seminar. 1 hour. Survey of current research areas in physics and related technologies with emphasis on local research activities. For science, engineering, and engineering technology majors. Recommended to be completed prior to completing PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I and PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be repeated.
PHYS 104. Engineering Physics I. 4 hours. Mechanics; heat; sound. For science, engineering, and engineering technology students. Prerequisite: MATH 150 Calculus I. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 130 Elementary Physics Laboratory I. Closed to students with credit in PHYS 100 College Physics I.
PHYS 105. Engineering Physics II. 4 hours. Electricity; magnetism; optics. For science, engineering, and engineering technology students. Prerequisite: PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I or PHYS 100 College Physics I and MATH 150 Calculus I. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 131 Elementary Physics Laboratory II. Closed to students with credit in PHYS 101 College Physics II.
PHYS 130. Elementary Physics Laboratory I. I hour. Experiments in mechanics; heat; sound. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 100 College Physics I or PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I.
PHYS 131. Elementary Physics Laboratory II. 1 hour. Experiments in electricity; magnetism; optics. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 101 College Physics II or PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II.
PHYS 220. Engineering Mechanics I-Statics. 3 hours. Study of forces, couples, vector mathematics, rigid body equilibrium, structures, distributed forces, geometric properties, beam analysis, friction, virtual work and stability of equilibrium. Prerequisites: MECET 121 Engineering Graphics I, MATH 150 Calculus I, (or concurrent) and PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I.
PHYS 240. Introductory Physics Topics. 1-3 hours. Lecture or seminar in selected introductory topics of physics.
PHYS 260. Historical Geology. 5 hours. Lecture/Laboratory. Introduction to the geologic evidence of the history of life on Earth. Topics include: Geologic time, paleontology and the fossil record, stratigraphy and the major tectonic and rock-forming events. Prerequisites: PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory.
PHYS 264. Environmental Geology. 4 hours. Lecture/Laboratory. Mechanisms and consequences of natural disasters, human interaction with the environment particularly with respect to natural resource exploitation. Prerequisites: PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory.
PHYS 479. Techniques for Teaching Physics. 3 hours. Techniques. methods, and course content used in teaching physics in the secondary school. Offered by the Department of Physics. To be taken before the professional semester. Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education and PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology.
PHYS 500. Mathematical Physics. 3 hours. Mathematical methods in classical and modern physics. Prerequisites: MATH 253 Calculus III and PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 502. Computational Physics. 3 hours. Use of computational techniques in solving problems in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, electronic circuits, optics and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II and MATH 253 Calculus III. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 504. Solid State Electronic Devices. 3 hours. Electronic conduction in metals and semiconductors, the PN junction, Ohmic and rectifying contacts, Zener diodes, tunnel diodes, bipolar transistors, multi junction devices, field effect transistors, introduction to integrated circuits. Prerequisites: PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II and MATH 253 Calculus III. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 510. Analytical Mechanics I. 3 hours. Newtonian Mechanics, motion of systems of particles, moving coordinate systems, central force motion. Prerequisites: PHYS 500 Mathematical Physics. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 512. Electricity and Magnetism I. 3 hours. Vector calculus, coordinate systems and transformations, electrostatic fields, boundary value problems, Magnetostatics, magnetic forces, materials and devices, Maxwell's Equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 500 Mathematical Physics. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 514. Applied Thermodynamics. 3 hours. Heat, temperature, laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 516. Modern Physics. 3 hours. Relativity, atomic, nuclear, high energy, solid state physics. Prerequisites: MATH 155 Calculus II and PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 518. Physical Optics. 3 hours. Huygen's principle; interference; diffraction; polarization and crystal optics; electromagnetic theory of light. Prerequisites: MATH 253 Calculus III and PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 522. Engineering Mechanics II--Dynamics. 3 hours. Principles of dynamics. Particle mechanics, equations of motion, displacement. velocity, acceleration, dynamics of rigid bodies, dynamics of machines. Prerequisite: PHYS 220 Engineering Mechanics I--Statics.
PHYS 530. Intermediate Physics Laboratory (____). 3 hours. Experiments in electricity and magnetism; thermodynamics; atomic and nuclear physics; optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be repeated if subject matter is different each time. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 532. Electronic Circuits I. 3 hours. A.C., D.C. circuitry, diode and transistor theory, transistor amplifiers, amplifier and feedback circuits, oscillators, digital electronics, microprocessors. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be taken for honors.PHYS 533. Electronic Circuits II. 3 hours. Digital to analog and analog to digital converters, transducers and applications to computer interfacing, feed-back and control by computers. Prerequisite: PHYS 532 Electronic Circuits I. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 540. Topics in Physics (____). 1-3 hours. Lecture or seminar in specialized area of physics. Prerequisites: MATH 553 Differential Equations and PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be repeated if subject matter is different. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 541. Topics in Astronomy (____). 1-3 hours. Lecture, seminar, or laboratory studies in specialized areas of Astronomy. May be repeated if subject matter is different. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PHYS 542. Topics in Earth Science (____). 1-3 hours. Lecture, seminar, laboratory, and/or field studies in a specialized area of Earth Science. May be repeated if subject matter is different. Prerequisites: PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory.
PHYS 560. Field Studies in Earth and Space Science. 2-3 hours.
Lecture/Laboratory. Measuring and describing orientation of rocks and their relationship to the environment. Include meteorological and astronomical measurements. Prerequisites: PHYS 160/165 Physical Geology/Laboratory.
PHYS 569. Laboratory Assistant Practicum. 2 hours. For students intending to teach physics or general science in secondary schools. Assisting in preparation and instruction in one of several physics or physical science laboratories. A minimum of four hours assisting per week is required. Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the teacher education curriculum; permission of instructor.
PHYS 575. Introductory Astrophysics. 3 hours. Celestial mechanics, photometry, stellar and planetary astronomy, radio and space probe astronomy. Prerequisite: PHYS 101 College Physics II or PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 579. Supervised Student Teaching and Follow-Up of Teachers. 2 hours.
Departmental representatives will visit each student teacher during the professional semester. Additionally, departmental representatives will follow up with each area student during the first year of teaching with assistance and support. Concurrent enrollment in the professional semester is required. Offered on a Pass-Fail basis only.
PHYS 591. Physics Project. 1-3 hours. Project in classical or modern physics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 610. Analytical Mechanics II. 3 hours. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, rigid body motion, mechanics of continuous media. Prerequisite: PHYS 510 Analytical Mechanics I. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 612. Electricity and Magnetism II. 3 hours. Maxwell's equations, time-varying electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic wave propagation, transmission lines, wave guides and antennae. Prerequisite: PHYS 512 Electricity and Magnetism I. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 691. Senior Research Project. 2 hours. Individual research project. Oral and written presentations by student. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
PHYS 699. Senior Review and Assessment. 1 hour. Capstone course for undergraduate physics majors along with exiting assessment. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
SENIOR-GRADUATE
PHYS 714. Statistical Thermodynamics. 3 hours. Distribution functions; statistical methods applied to radiation and matter. Prerequisite: PHYS 514 Applied Thermodynamics or CHEM 593 Physical Chemistry I.
PHYS 716. Introductory Quantum Mechanics. 3 hours. Atomic spectra, special theory of relativity and the origins of quantum theory. Wave mechanics, the square well, barrier potentials, harmonic oscillator, and hydrogen atom. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 730. Advanced Physics Laboratory (____). 3 hours. Experiments in: Atomic and nuclear physics; x-rays; solid state physics; electromagnetic phenomena. Prerequisite: PHYS 530 Intermediate Physics Laboratory (___) or other junior-senior level laboratory work. May be repeated if subject matter is different each time. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 740. Advanced Topics in Physics (____). 1-3 hours. Lecture or seminar in specialized areas of physics. May be repeated if subject matter is different each time. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 741. Special Topics (____). 1-3 hours. Selected topics in the physical sciences. Primarily for education majors. May be repeated if subject matter is different.
PHYS 742. Solid State Physics. 3 hours. Theoretical and experimental aspects of solid state physics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 744. X-Rays. 3 hours. Diffraction methods for crystal structure; general scattering theory and scattering from gases, liquids, and amorphous solids. Extensions to small angle x-ray methods, light, and neutron scattering. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 746. Solar Energy. 3 hours. Basic concepts of solar energy including theoretical and experimental aspects of photo voltaic's and solar cell design. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 750. Surface Physics. 3 hours. Fundamental principles and applications of Scanning Electron, Atomic Force, Scanning Tunneling, and Auger Microscopies. Prerequisite: PHYS 516 Modern Physics.
PHYS 754. Vacuum Systems and Thin Films. 3 hours. Laboratory. Basic concepts of vacuum gauges and chamber design, including introduction to physical vapor deposition using thermal and electron beam sources. May be taken for honors.
PHYS 760. History and Philosophy of Science. 3 hours. Introduction to modern views about the nature of science with a survey of major changes and contributors to development of epistemology and empirical techniques in the physical and life sciences. Prerequisites: PHYS 100 College Physics I/PHYS 101 College Physics II or PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I/PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II, and PHYS 516 Modern Physics.
GRADUATE
PHYS 810. Classical Mechanics. 3 hours. Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and Poisson formulation of mechanics.
PHYS 812. Electromagnetic Theory. 3 hours. Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, time-varying fields. Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation.
PHYS 816. Quantum Mechanics. 3 hours. Non-relativistic quantum theory; operator formalism; perturbation and Variational methods.
PHYS 830. Graduate Physics Laboratory. 3 hours. Selected experiments in modern physics.
PHYS 832. Experimental Design in the Physical Sciences. 3 hours. Incorporation of parametric, systematic, and statistical error analysis, instrumental uncertain-ties, and logic into the design and planning of experiments in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Prerequisites: PHYS 516 Modern Physics and PHYS 530 Intermediate Physics Laboratory (___).
PHYS 840. Graduate Topics in Physics (____). 3 hours. Lecture or seminar in specialized areas of physics. May be repeated if subject matter is different each time.
PHYS 881. Orientation to College Teaching. 3 hours. Laboratory work in the classroom situation; work with instrumental aids; involvement in curriculum development, test construction, and classroom instruction.
PHYS 882. Guided Inquiry for Science Fairs and Demonstrations. 3 hours. How to guide and encourage secondary school students in research projects in the physical sciences. Emphasizes important distinctions between simply building a technical demonstration and actually following the scientific method. Recommended for secondary school teachers. Prerequisites: PHYS 100 College Physics I/PHYS 101 College Physics II or PHYS 104 Engineering Physics I/PHYS 105 Engineering Physics II, PHYS 130 Elementary Physics Laboratory I/PHYS 131 Elementary Physics Laboratory II, and PHYS 516 Modern Physics.
PHYS 890. Research and Thesis. 1-6 hours each semester. May be repeated. No more than 6 hours applies toward the master's degree.
PHYS 891. Research Problem. 1-6 hours each semester. May be repeated. No more than 6 hours applies toward the master's degree.
PHYS 893. Research Grant Proposal Writing. 3 hours. Introduction to fundamental techniques for obtaining research funding, including both government and private sources, types of solicitations, rules, strategies, and proposal formats. Prerequisite: PHYS 516 Modern Physics.
GENERAL EDUCATION
These courses have no science or mathematics prerequisites and may be taken by students whose degree programs do not call for specific physics or chemistry courses.
PHYS 114. Physical Science Laboratory for Teachers. 1 hour. Current techniques in science education are emphasized to expand and enhance the science content proficiency of future educators. Prerequisite: PHYS 171 Physical Science and PHYS 172 Physical Science Laboratory.
PHYS 160. Physical Geology. 3 hours. Introduction to earth materials, minerals, and rock of earth's surface and interior. Dynamic geological processes including plate tectonics, volcanism and mountain building, Glaciation and other gradational processes, weathering and erosion.
PHYS 162. Physical Oceanography. 3 hours. A descriptive study of ocean currents and circulation, structure and composition of sea water, ocean floor morphology and sedimentation, tides, waves, and coastal processes.
PHYS 163. Physical Oceanography Laboratory. 1 hour. Exercises, activities and experiments to accompany the co-requisite PHYS 162 Physical Oceanography.
PHYS 165. Physical Geology Laboratory. 2 hours. Examination of mineral properties and rock identification, study of landforms and structural geology, seismic data manipulation, and interpretation of geologic, aerial, and topographic maps.
PHYS 166. Meteorology. 3 hours. A descriptive survey of atmospheric science integrating the concepts of weather patterns, climate, atmospheric composition and structure, pressure, wind, and impact of pollution.
PHYS 167. Meteorology Laboratory. 1 hour. Exercises, activities and experiments to accompany the co-requisite PHYS 166 Meteorology.
PHYS 171. Physical Science. 3 hours. The principles of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic science, earth and space science. Three hours of lecture will be accompanied by two hours of hands-on laboratory experiences weekly. Concurrent enrollment required in PHYS 172 Physical Science Laboratory. Closed to students majoring or minoring in the physical sciences or having had PHYS 371 The Physical World.
PHYS 172. Physical Science Laboratory. 1 hour. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 171 Physical Science required. Closed to students majoring or minoring in Physics or Chemistry.
PHYS 175. Descriptive Astronomy. 3 hours. The solar system, stellar astronomy, the galaxy, cosmology.
PHYS 176. Astronomy Laboratory. 1 hour. Practical experiments related to astronomy. Light and optics, spectra, mechanics, magnetism, radioactivity; sky observations of constellations, planets, stars and galaxies. Corequisite of either PHYS 175 Descriptive Astronomy or PHYS 375 Solar System Astronomy.
PHYS 375. Solar System Astronomy. 3 hours. Formation and evolution of the Sun and planets, study of interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres of planets, moons, and Sun. Sun-star connection, stellar groupings, cosmology.
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