PHYS - Physics
PHYS102 Physics of Music (3 Credits)
A study of the physical basis of sound, acoustical properties of sound, the human ear and voice, reproduction of sound, electronic music, acoustical properties of auditoriums, and other selected topics.
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH107 or higher.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS102 and PHYS499C.
Additional Information: CORE Distributive Studies Physical Sciences Laboratory Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS103.
PHYS103 Physics of Music Laboratory (1 Credit)
Optional laboratory to accompany PHYS 102. Laboratory experiments, including the velocity of sound, sound quality and wave shape, traveling and standing waves, fourier synthesis and analysis, musical synthesizer, psychoacoustics, and audio equipment.
PHYS105 A Global Challenge: Energy and Climate Change (3 Credits)
This marquee course will consider the global energy crisis from a scientific perspective. Topics include basic laws of energy and thermodynamics, their effects on energy production and distribution, greenhouse gas, global warming and policy options for decision makers. This course is aimed at the non-science major.
PHYS106 Light, Perception, Photography, and Visual Phenomena (3 Credits)
Intended for the general student, this course will cover topics in optics which require minimal use of mathematics. Principles of optics, lenses, cameras, lasers and holography, physics of the eye, color vision and various visual phenomena such as rainbows.
PHYS107 Light, Perception, Photography and Visual Phenomena Laboratory (1 Credit)
Optional laboratory to accompany PHYS106. Laboratory experiments include geometrical optics (lenses, cameras, eye), optical instruments (telescope, binoculars), photography, perception, color phenomena, and wave phenomena.
PHYS111 Physics in the Modern World (3 Credits)
A survey course in general physics emphasizing the role that physics plays in science, technology, and society today. The course is concept oriented and minimal use of mathematics is made. Intended for the general student; does not satisfy the requirements of the professional schools.
PHYS115 Inquiry into Physics (4 Credits)
Intended for students majoring in neither the physical nor the biological sciences. Use of laboratory-based and inquiry-based methods to study some of the basic ideas of physical sciences.
Recommended: High School Physics.
Restriction: Must not have completed PHYS117; and must be in one of the following programs (Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Middle School Education).
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS115 or PHYS117.
PHYS121 Fundamentals of Physics I (4 Credits)
The first part of a two-semester course in general physics treating the fields of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Together with PHYS122, this generally satisfies the minimum requirement of medical and dental schools.
PHYS122 Fundamentals of Physics II (4 Credits)
A continuation of PHYS121, which together with it, generally satisfies the minimum requirement of medical and dental schools.
Prerequisite: PHYS121; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
PHYS131 Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences I (4 Credits)
The first part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic mechanics including forces and energy, properties of matter, and thermodynamics done in authentic biological contexts.
Prerequisite: CHEM131; and (MATH136 or MATH140); and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105).
PHYS132 Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences II (4 Credits)
The second part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic statistical physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics done in authentic biological contexts.
Prerequisite: PHYS131; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
PHYS141 Principles of Physics (4 Credits)
The first of a two-semester series in general physics. The first semester covers the fields of mechanics, thermodynamics, and special relativity. This survey course will use calculus and is recommended for chemistry and zoology majors. It also satisfies the requirements of medical and dental schools.
PHYS142 Principles of Physics (4 Credits)
A continuation of PHYS141 covering waves, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS141; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS142, (PHYS260 and PHYS261), or PHYS272.
PHYS161 General Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics (3 Credits)
First semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Laws of motion, force, and energy; principles of mechanics, collisions, linear momentum, rotation, and gravitation.
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH141.
PHYS165 Introduction to Programming in the Physical Sciences (3 Credits)
Introduction to programming using examples in the physical sciences. Provides instruction in the techniques of upper-level languages such as Fortran, C, and Pascal, as well as an introduction to the object oriented programming techniques used in Python, C++ and Java. Includes strong component of visualization and graphing.
Prerequisite: PHYS171, PHYS141, or PHYS161; or must have scored 3 or higher on AP PHYS exam.
PHYS170 Professional Physics Seminar (1 Credit)
Provides a look at some of the major developments of current interest in physics research and discusses the activities physicists undertake in research, education, industry, government, and other areas of the economy.
Corequisite: MATH140.
Restriction: Must be in Physics program; or must be in Physics-Education program; or permission of instructor.
PHYS171 Introductory Physics: Mechanics (3 Credits)
First semester of a three semester sequence for physics majors and those desiring a rigorous preparation in the physical sciences: kinematics, Newton's laws, energy and work, linear and angular momenta.
Prerequisite: (MATH140; and a high school physics course); or permission of CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS172 Succeeding in Physics: Applications, Resources and Concepts (1 Credit)
Supplemental instruction and support for students taking PHYS171, especially for students with limited high school physics preparation, or who will benefit from extra review and practice of relevant mathematics and physics concepts and skills.
Corequisite: PHYS171.
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS174 Physics Laboratory Introduction (1 Credit)
Introduces students to the techniques of data gathering and analysis. This course will lay a foundation for higher-level labs in physics and the physical sciences. Students will learn to use laboratory equipment such as calipers, meters, oscilloscopes, and computer interfaces. Techniques of measurement and error analysis will be presented. Students will be taught to use the computer for data analysis with an emphasis on using spreadsheets.
Corequisite: MATH140.
Recommended: High school physics.
PHYS199M The Manhattan Project (3 Credits)
Introduction to some critical ideas of nuclear physics and a review of some key historical developments starting at the end of the 19th century. Chronological development of nuclear physics from the discovery of radioactivity by Becquerel in 1896 through to the discovery of fission in Germany in 1938 followed by an examination of the programs to develop nuclear weapons in the United States, Britain and Germany. Extensive study of political, ethical, scientific, military, social, and economic issues surrounding the Manhattan Project.
Recommended: Students should be comfortable standard high school algebra II.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS199M or PHYS235.
Formerly: PHYS199M.
PHYS235 The Manhattan Project (3 Credits)
Introduction to some critical ideas of nuclear physics and a review of some key historical developments starting at the end of the 19th century. Chronological development of nuclear physics from the discovery of radioactivity by Becquerel in 1896 through to the discovery of fission in Germany in 1938 followed by an examination of the programs to develop nuclear weapons in the United States, Britain and Germany. Extensive study of political, ethical, scientific, military, social, and economic issues surrounding the Manhattan Project.
Recommended: Students should be comfortable standard high school algebra II.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS199M or PHYS235.
Formerly: PHYS199M.
PHYS260 General Physics: Vibration, Waves, Heat, Electricity and Magnetism (3 Credits)
Second semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Vibrations, waves, fluids; heat, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics; electrostatics, circuits, and magnetism. PHYS260 and PHYS261 must be taken in the same semester.
Prerequisite: PHYS161 and MATH141.
Corequisite: PHYS261.
PHYS261 General Physics: Mechanics, Vibrations, Waves, Heat (Laboratory) (1 Credit)
Lab includes experiments on mechanics, vibrations, waves, and heat. Engineering majors are expected to take PHYS260 and PHYS261 in the same semester.
Prerequisite: PHYS161.
PHYS270 General Physics: Electrodynamics, Light, Relativity and Modern Physics (3 Credits)
Third semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, special theory of relativity, and modern physics. PHYS270 and PHYS271 (lab) must be taken in the same semester.
Prerequisite: PHYS261, MATH241, and PHYS260.
Corequisite: PHYS271.
PHYS271 General Physics: Electrodynamics, Light, Relativity and Modern Physics (Laboratory) (1 Credit)
Lab includes experiments on ac circuits, magnetism, light and modern physics. PHYS270 and PHYS271 (lab) must be taken in the same semester.
Prerequisite: PHYS261.
Corequisite: PHYS270.
PHYS272 Introductory Physics: Fields (3 Credits)
Second semester of a calculus based general physics course. Universal gravitation, electric and magnetic fields and potentials, simple circuits, Maxwell's equations in integral form. Continues the application of mathematics to conceptual models, now with more abstract components.
Prerequisite: PHYS161 or PHYS171; and MATH141; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH241.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS142, PHYS260, or PHYS272.
Additional Information: CORE Distributive Studies Physical Sciences Laboratory Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS275.
PHYS273 Introductory Physics: Waves (3 Credits)
Oscillations and AC circuits using complex variables, Fourier series and integrals, waves on strings, sound; electromagnetic waves from Maxwell's equations in differential form; physical optics.
Prerequisite: MATH241 and PHYS272.
Corequisite: PHYS274.
PHYS274 Mathematical Methods for Physics I (3 Credits)
A first course in mathematical methods for physics. Topics include linear algebra, curvilinear coordinates and vector analysis.
PHYS275 Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Heat (2 Credits)
Methods and rationale of experimental physics. Intended for physics majors and science and engineering students who desire a more rigorous approach. Experiments chosen from the areas of mechanics (from PHYS171), gas laws, and heats. Theory and applications of error analysis.
Prerequisite: PHYS161 or PHYS171.
Additional Information: CORE Physical Science Lab (PL) Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS272.
PHYS276 Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism (2 Credits)
Second course in the three semester introductory sequence. Methods and rationale of experimental physics. Experiments chosen from the fields of electricity and magnetism including electrostatics, magnetostatics, magnetic induction, AC circuits.
PHYS298 Special Topics in Physics (1-3 Credits)
Special topics in physics.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
PHYS299 Special Problems in Physics (1-6 Credits)
Research or special study to complement courses taken elsewhere which are not fully equivalent to those in departmental requirements. Credit according to work done.
Prerequisite: Permission of CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS318 Topics in Contemporary Physics (3 Credits)
A survey of topics of current research and public interest. Intended for the non-physics or non-science major. Topics covered will include lasers, quantum liquids, cosmology, elementary particles and geophysics.
Prerequisite: PHYS122 or PHYS111; or permission of CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS331 Physics for Life Sciences I (4 Credits)
The first part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic mechanics including forces and energy, properties of matter, and thermodynamics done in authentic biological contexts.
Prerequisite: CHEM131; and (MATH131 or MATH136); and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105). Or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
PHYS332 Physics for Life Sciences II (4 Credits)
The second part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic statistical physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics done in authentic biological contexts.
Prerequisite: PHYS331; or PHYS131; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
PHYS371 Modern Physics (3 Credits)
Introduces students to special relativity, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: PHYS273 and PHYS274.
Corequisite: PHYS373.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS371 or PHYS420.
Additional Information: This course is intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors.
PHYS373 Mathematical Methods for Physics II (3 Credits)
A second course in mathematical methods for physics. Topics include introduction to ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and complex analysis.
PHYS375 Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics (3 Credits)
Third course in the three-semester introductory sequence. Methods and rationale of experimental physics. Experiments chosen from the areas of electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics.
PHYS386 Experiential Learning (3-6 Credits)
PHYS389 Undergraduate Thesis Research (1-6 Credits)
Independent directed research and study on a topic selected by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. Final written thesis and oral defense will be expected.
Prerequisite: Permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
PHYS398 Independent Studies Seminar (1-16 Credits)
Credit according to work done. Enrollment is limited to students admitted to the independent studies program in physics.
PHYS399 Special Problems in Physics (1-3 Credits)
Selected advanced experiments. (Will be given with sufficient demand.)
Prerequisite: PHYS405; and permission of CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS401 Quantum Physics I (4 Credits)
Introduces some quantum phenomena leading to wave-particle duality. Schroedinger theory for bound states and scattering in one dimension. One-particle Schroedinger equation and the hydrogen atom.
Prerequisite: PHYS371 and PHYS373.
Formerly: PHYS421.
PHYS402 Quantum Physics II (4 Credits)
Quantum states as vectors; spin and spectroscopy, multiparticle systems, the periodic table, perturbation theory, band structure, etc.
Prerequisite: PHYS401.
PHYS404 Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (3 Credits)
Introduction to basic concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
PHYS405 Advanced Experiments (3 Credits)
Advanced laboratory techniques. Selected experiments from many fields of modern physics. Emphasis on self-study of the phenomena, data analysis, and presentation in report form.
Prerequisite: PHYS375.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS407 Undergraduate Experimental Research (3 Credits)
Students develop and complete an independent, experimental research project with a professor in the Physics Department. The project should be a continuation of work done in PHYS499A. To obtain permission, students must submit a proposal describing the experimental work to be completed and this proposal must be approved by their faculty mentor, the associate chair for undergraduate education and the chair of the laboratory committee. Students must maintain a lab notebook, give an oral presentation and complete a written report on their research that includes data and error analysis.
Prerequisite: PHYS499 and PHYS375; and permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department; and senior standing.
PHYS410 Classical Mechanics (4 Credits)
Theoretical foundations of mechanics with extensive application of the methods. Various mathematical tools of theoretical physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS373.
PHYS411 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (4 Credits)
Foundations of electromagnetic theory, with extensive applications of the methods. Thorough treatment of wave properties of solutions of Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisite: PHYS373.
PHYS412 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I (4 Credits)
The first semester of a two semester course with emphasis on electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, fields in matter, electrodynamics, and Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisite: PHYS373.
PHYS420 Principles of Modern Physics (3 Credits)
A survey of atomic and nuclear phenomena and the main trends in modern physics. Appropriate for students in engineering and other physical sciences.
PHYS428 Physics Capstone Research (2-4 Credits)
Individual, focused research under the guidance of a faculty member. Discussion, presentations and, if appropriate, research group projects involved. Student must submit final research paper for completion of course. Paper may also serve as thesis required for High Honors in Physics. Not intended as a general "reading course" (see PHYS499).
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department; and senior standing or higher; and permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 4 credits.
PHYS429 Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory (3 Credits)
Classical experiments in atomic physics and more sophisticated experiments in current techniques in nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS405.
PHYS431 Introduction to Solid State Physics (3 Credits)
Classes of materials; introduction to basic ideal and real materials' behavior including mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical responses of materials; importance of microstructure in behavior. One application of each property will be discussed in detail.
Prerequisite: PHYS271, PHYS270, and MATH241.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and must be in the Engineering: Materials Science program or Physics program. Cross-listed with: ENMA460.
Credit Only Granted for: ENMA460 or PHYS431.
Additional Information: Materials Engineering students take ENMA460 and Physics students take PHYS431.
PHYS441 Topics in Nuclear and Particle Physics (3 Credits)
A survey of concepts in particle and nuclear physics, with a topical emphasis on the impact of the Weak Interaction and the discovery of Parity Violation.
Prerequisite: PHYS401 or PHYS402.
Corequisite: PHYS402.
PHYS444 Computing Beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics (3 Credits)
An exploration of the computing languages and techniques used to analyze large data sets in Large Hadron Collider physics with some discussion of applications in unrelated fields.
Prerequisite: PHYS371 and PHYS373; or permission of instructor.
PHYS457 Introduction to Quantum Computing (3 Credits)
An introduction to the concept of a quantum computer, including algorithms that outperform classical computation and methods for performing quantum computation reliably in the presence of noise. As this is a multidisciplinary subject, the course will cover basic concepts in theoretical computer science and physics in addition to introducing core quantum computing topics.
Prerequisite: 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (MATH240, PHYS274); and 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (CMSC351, PHYS373).
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics department; or permission of CMNS-Computer Science department. Cross-listed with CMSC4 57.
Credit Only Granted for: PHYS457 or CMSC457. Additional infor mation: No previous background in quantum mechanics is required.
PHYS467 Introduction to Quantum Technology (3 Credits)
Investigates the physical systems used to implement quantum computers. Covers basics of atomic clocks, laser interferometers, quantum key distribution, quantum networks, and three types of qubits (ion-based, superconductor-based, and semiconductor-based).
Prerequisite: MATH141 and MATH240; or equivalent.
Recommended: Students need not have taken a course on quantum mechanics; however, students should be comfortable with: probability theory, Markov chains, complex numbers, quantum states, measurements, unitary operations, matrix algebra, Pauli matrices, the tensor product, waves, the harmonic oscillator, the quantum harmonic oscillator, and the Schrodinger equation.
PHYS474 Computational Physics (3 Credits)
This course provides an overview of some of the most widely used methods of computational physics, including numerical integration (elementary algorithms and Monte Carlo techniques), numerical solutions of differential equations (classical equations of motion, time independent and time dependent Schrodinger equations), molecular dynamics simulations (classical many-body systems), and Monte Carlo simulations (classical models of magnetism). In addition to giving the students a basic working knowledge of these particular techniques, the goal is to make them proficient in scientific computing and programming in general, so that they will be prepared to tackle also other computational problem that they may encounter in the future.
Prerequisite: PHYS404; and PHYS373; and (PHYS165, CMSC106, or CMSC131). Or permission of instructor.
PHYS476 Introduction to Applied Machine Learning (3 Credits)
Introduces machine learning techniques that are becoming pertinent in the technology industry. Focus on hands-on work using popular high-level libraries. Students are expected to have a background in functional programming, linear algebra, calculus, and mathematical modeling.
Prerequisite: PHYS165, PHYS274, and PHYS276; or interested students with backgrounds in functional programming, linear algebra and statistics, should contact the instructors to request permission.
PHYS485 Electronic Circuits (3 Credits)
Theory and application to experimental physics of modern semiconductor analog and digital circuits. Emphasis on understanding passive and active elements in practical circuits. Topics span the range from simple transistor circuits to microcomputers.
Prerequisite: PHYS272 and PHYS276.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department.
PHYS499 Special Problems in Physics (1-16 Credits)
Research or special study. Credit according to work done.