Physics (PHY)
PHY 301 Mechanics 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Designed for students who intend to major in science or mathematics. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 303, Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K. Three lecture hours and one small-group discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Mathematics 408D, 408L, or 408S, and Physics 101L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 101L Laboratory for Physics 301 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 105M, 117M. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 301.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 302K General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 1301)
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Noncalculus technical course in physics. Completion of high school trigonometry or Mathematics 305G is highly recommended. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 303, Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 102M or 105M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 302L General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 1302)
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Noncalculus technical course in physics. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 304, Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 302K and 102M or 105M with a grade of at least C-; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Physics 102N or 105N.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 102M Laboratory for Physics 302K 1 Hour
(TCCN: PHYS 1101)
0 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 105M, 117M. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 302K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 102N Laboratory for Physics 302L 1 Hour
(TCCN: PHYS 1102)
0 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 105N, 116L, 117N. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 302L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 303E Electromagnetic, Quantum, and Semiconductor Physics 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Discuss electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, photons, matter waves, atomic physics, band structure, semiconductors, diodes, and transistors. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Electrical and Computer Engineering 302 (or Electrical Engineering 302) or Electrical and Computer Engineering 302H (or Electrical Engineering 302H), Physics 303K and 103M or 105M with a grade of at least C- in each; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Math 408D or 408M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 303K Engineering Physics I 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 2325)
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
A general survey of physics; primarily laws of motion, heat, and wave phenomena. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 303, Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Mathematics 408D, 408L, or 408S, and Physics 103M or 105M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 303L Engineering Physics II 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 2326)
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic phenomena. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 304, Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 303K and 103M or 105M with a grade of at least C- in each; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Mathematics 408D or 408M, and Physics 103N or 105N.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 103M Laboratory for Physics 303K 1 Hour
(TCCN: PHYS 2125)
0 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 105M, 117M. Two laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 303K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 103N Laboratory for Physics 303L 1 Hour
(TCCN: PHYS 2126)
1 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 105N, 116L, 117N. Two laboratory hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 303L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 104 Introductory Physics Seminar 1 Hour
1 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Discussion of the development of important ideas in physics, with emphasis on their relevance to contemporary research. One lecture hour a week for one semester.
Restrictions: Suggested for beginning physics majors.
Grading: Pass/Fail
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 105M Laboratory For Physics 302K, 303K, and 317K 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Participate in an introductory mechanics laboratory. Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 105M, 117M. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 302K, 303K, or 317K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 105N Laboratory For Physics 302L, 303L, and 317L 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Participate in an introductory electricity, magnetism, and optics laboratory. Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 105N, 116L, 117N. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 302L, 303L or 317L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 306 Elementary Physics Methods 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Designed for students who have not had high school physics, have weak problem-solving skills, and need preparation for Physics 301 or 303K. May not be counted toward any degree. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: High school trigonometry or Mathematics 305G.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 108 Introduction to Research 1 Hour
1 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Introductory laboratory experience; use of tools and test equipment; beginning apprenticeship in active physics research. One class hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of an undergraduate adviser.
Grading: Pass/Fail
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 208F, 308F Introduction to Research 2-3 Hours
2,3 Lecture Hours 3,4.5 Lab Hours
Introductory laboratory experience; use of tools and test equipment; beginning apprenticeship in active physics research. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour and one and a half laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Consent of instructor and the undergraduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 309K Elementary Physics for Nontechnical Students 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 1305)
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Mechanics, heat, and sound. Designed for students who do not intend to do further work in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 303, Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K. May not be counted toward a degree in the College of Natural Sciences. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 309L Elementary Physics for Nontechnical Students 3 Hours
(TCCN: PHYS 1307)
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Electricity and magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics. Designed for students who do not intend to do further work in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 304, Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L. May not be counted toward a degree in the College of Natural Sciences. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 309K with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 Topics in Physics 1-9 Hours
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Varies with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 110C Topics in Conference Course 1 Hour
1 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Supervised study of selected topics in physics, by individual arrangement with department and instructor. Conference course.
Pre/Corequisites: Written consent of instructor.
Grading: Pass/Fail
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 315 Wave Motion and Optics 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of general properties of waves; examples include sound, electromagnetic, and mechanical waves; special emphasis on light and optics. Three lecture hours and one small-group discussion hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 316 and 116L with a grade of at least C- in each; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Mathematics 427J or 427K, and Physics 115L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 115L Laboratory for Physics 315 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
May not be counted toward a degree unless prerequisite is observed. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 315.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 316 Electricity and Magnetism 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 304, Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L. Three lecture hours and one small-group discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 301 and 101L with a grade of at least C- in each; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Mathematics 408D or 408M, and Physics 116L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 116L Laboratory for Physics 316 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 105N, 116L, 117N. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 316.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 317K General Physics I 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Mechanics, heat, and sound, with biomedical applications. An introductory course designed and recommended primarily for premedical students and others in the biomedical sciences whose professional or preprofessional training includes an introductory course in calculus. Satisfies most medical and dental school requirements for physics. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 303, Physics 301, 302K, 303K, 309K, 317K. May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy or Bachelor of Science in Physics. Three lecture hours and one small-group discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- in Mathematics 408C or 408R; or credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Mathematics 408L or 408S; and credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 117M or 105M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 317L General Physics II 3 Hours
4 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Electricity and magnetism, light, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, and their biomedical applications. Designed and recommended primarily for premedical students and others in the biomedical sciences whose professional or preprofessional training includes an introductory course in calculus. Satisfies most medical and dental school requirements for physics. Only one of the following may be counted: Physical Science 304, Physics 302L, 303L, 309L, 316, 317L. May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy or Bachelor of Science in Physics. Three lecture hours and one small-group discussion hour a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 317K and 117M or 105M with a grade of at least C-; and credit with a grade of at least C- or registration in Physics 117N or 105N.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 117M Laboratory for Physics 317K 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 101L, 102M, 103M, 105M, 117M. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 317K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 117N Laboratory for Physics 317L 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Only one of the following may be counted: Physics 102N, 103N, 105N, 116L, 117N. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 317L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Lower Division
PHY 119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S Topics in Physics 1-9 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Physics. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
PHY 321 Modern Physics: Plan II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Conceptual foundations of modern physics. Examines quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, relativity, and general relativity, including large-scale structure and cosmology; and the development of analytic problem-solving skills, including estimation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 030
Pre/Corequisites: Upper-division standing.
Restrictions: Restricted to Plan II students.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 329 Introduction to Computational Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Computational methods for problem solving and research in physics; numerical analysis and computer simulation methods for physics applications using different types of computers. Only one of the following may be counted: Computer Science 367, Mathematics 368K, Physics 329. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Physics 315 and 115L; a programming course at the level of Computer Science 303E with a grade of at least C- and credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Mathematics 340L, 341, or Statistics and Data Sciences 329C.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S Topics in Physics 1-9 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Physics. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
PHY 329W Cooperative Physics 3 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 40 Lab Hours
Covers the work period of physics students in the Cooperative Education Program, which provides supervised work experience by arrangement with the employer and the supervising instructor. The student must repeat the course each work period and must take it twice to receive credit toward the degree; at least one of these registrations must be during a fall or spring semester. No more than three semester hours may be counted toward the major requirement; no more than six semester hours may be counted toward the degree. The student's first registration must be on the pass/fail basis. Forty laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Membership application to the Cooperative Physics Program, Physics 316 with a grade of at least C-, and consent of the undergraduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 333 Modern Optics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Review of geometrical optics, polarization, interference, and optical instruments. Subjects include Fourier optics, light propagation in fibers, quantum optics, and coherence. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Mathematics 427J or 427K, Physics 315, and 115L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 133L Laboratory for Physics 333 1 Hour
0 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 333.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 336K Classical Dynamics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Elementary linear vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian mechanics, central force motion, dynamics of rigid bodies, and theory of small oscillations. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Mathematics 427L or 364K, Physics 315, and 115L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 336L Fluid Dynamics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics developed and applied to laminar and turbulent flows. Subjects include the Navier-Stokes equations, pipe and channel flow, drag, boundary layers, convection, and rotating fluids. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 336K with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 338K Electronic Techniques 3 Hours
1.5 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours
Elementary circuit theory, amplifiers, feedback, pulse and digital techniques, signal processing, and microprocessors as applied to physics instrumentation. One and one-half lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Mathematics 427J or 427K, Physics 316, and 116L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 239C Physics Cognition and Pedagogy 2 Hours
2 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Investigate physics-specific education literature, and think about how the results of these studies apply to teaching practice. Discuss obstacles to students' academic success such as stereotype threat, identity, implicit bias, and mindset. Reflect on how to make a difference in students' learning as a physics learning assistant. The equivalent of two lecture hours a week for one semester.
Grading: Letter Grade
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341 Selected Topics in Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree without prior approval of the department. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. An additional one-hour problem session is required for some sections.
Pre/Corequisites: Upper-division standing, three semester hours of coursework in a natural science, and three semester hours of coursework in mathematics.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Upper Division
Topic 1: Energy Production. The various means that exist or have been suggested for generating energy; comparison in terms of efficiency, safety, and effects on the environment.
Topic 2: Great Men, Moments, and Ideas. How our views of matter, energy, and the universe developed.
Topic 3: Musical Acoustics. Study of the production, transmission, and perception of the special kind of sound called music, based on the application of elementary principles of physics.
Topic 4: The Nature of Things. A qualitative survey of all of physics, from falling bodies to quarks, making heavy use of classroom demonstrations.
Topic 5: Pseudoscience. Study of a variety of ideas treated very seriously by the communications media but having no basis in fact, including astrology, extrasensory perception, and flying saucers; why such areas are not part of science.
Topic 6: Writing.
Topic 7: Research Methods: UTeach.
PHY 341.1 Energy Production 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The various means that exist or have been suggested for generating energy; comparison in terms of efficiency, safety, and effects on the environment.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341.3 Musical Acoustics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of the production, transmission, and perception of the special kind of sound called music, based on the application of elementary principles of physics.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341.4 The Nature of Things 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
A qualitative survey of all of physics, from falling bodies to quarks, making heavy use of classroom demonstrations.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341.5 Pseudoscience 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Study of a variety of ideas treated very seriously by the communications media but having no basis in fact, including astrology, extrasensory perception, and flying saucers; why such areas are not part of science.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341.6 Writing 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 341.7 Research Methods: UTeach 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 141T, 241T, 341T, 441T, 541T, 641T, 741T, 841T, 941T Topics in Physics 1-9 Hours
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Varies with the topic.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 345 Biophysics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Basic concepts of physics developed and applied to biological systems. Subjects include energy in living systems, entropic interactions, molecular forces and self-assembly, biopolymers, bio-membranes, cell-cell interactions, pattern formation, collective behavior, higher order systems, population dynamics and evolution. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Upper-division standing, and the following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D, Chemistry 302, and Physics 355.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 352K Classical Electrodynamics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Electrostatic fields, magnetostatic fields, derivation of Green's theorems and functions and of Maxwell's equations. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Mathematics 427L or 364K, Physics 315, and 115L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 352L Classical Electrodynamics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
A continuation of Physics 352K, emphasis is placed on conservation laws, electromagnetic waves, potentials and fields, radiation, and Lorentz invariance. One or more special subjects, such as Rayleigh scattering and energy loss by relativistic charged particles in matter will be developed. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 352K with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Letter Grade
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 353L Modern Physics Laboratory 3 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 4.5 Lab Hours
Laboratory experiments investigating the breakdown of classical physics for microscopic phenomena. Includes absorption and emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, the Compton effect, X-ray diffraction, and other experiments in modern physics. Four and one-half laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Core Curriculum: 010
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Physics 315 and 115L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 355 Modern Physics and Thermodynamics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics: photons (spectra, photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, Compton effect), atoms (Rutherford, Bohr), matter waves (Planck, deBroglie, probability interpretation, Schroedinger), nuclei, particles, special relativity, the laws of thermodynamics, and statistical physics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 303L or 316 with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 362K Quantum Physics II: Atoms and Molecules 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The two-electron atom; spin and statistics; coupling schemes for many-electron atoms; atoms and the radiation field; perturbation methods for decay and collisions; thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids; and free-electron metal and band theory. May include subjects such as superconductivity, Josephson tunneling, and others. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 373 with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 362L Quantum Physics III: Particles and Nuclei 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Nuclei and nucleons, their gross properties; the hadrons; symmetries and conservation laws; nuclear stability; electromagnetic, weak, and hadronic interactions; nuclear reactions at low, medium, and high energies; nucleon structure; tools of experimental nuclear physics; models of theoretical nuclear physics; nuclear technology. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 373 with a grade of at least C-; Physics 362K is recommended.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 369 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Basic concepts of thermal physics; entropy, enthalpy, free energy, phase transitions, equilibrium distribution functions, applications. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 373.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 670T Senior Thesis 6 Hours
6 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Individual research with faculty supervision. First half involves preparation of proposal; second involves completion of written thesis. Only three semester hours may be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree. Six hours of work a week for one semester, or three hours of work a week for two semesters.
Core Curriculum: 010
Pre/Corequisites: Upper-division standing and nine semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 371C Individual Study in Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Supervised reading or research in physics. Hours to be arranged.
Pre/Corequisites: Upper-division standing; Physics 336K with a grade of at least C-; credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Physics 352K; and consent of the undergraduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 373 Quantum Physics I: Foundations 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Postulates of quantum mechanics, the bound states of the finite square well, the harmonic oscillator, operator-eigenvalue formulism and selected examples, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum, rigid rotor, and spin. May include simple scattering theory. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 315 and 355 with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 474 Advanced Laboratory I 4 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 8 Lab Hours
Modern experimental techniques, theory of error, and analysis of experiments; both modern and classical experiments in atomic and nuclear physics, electricity and magnetism, optics and heat. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours and eight laboratory hours a week for one semester, with additional laboratory hours to be arranged.
Core Curriculum: 010
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 352K, 353L, and 355; or consent of the undergraduate adviser. Physics 338K is recommended.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 375C Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Discuss the physics of the expanding universe, Einstein's equations, inflationary expansion, the basics of nuclear physics and big bang nucleosynthesis, and the content of the Universe: the known particles and forces of the standard model of particle physics as well as the unknown dark matter and dark energy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 373 with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 375P Introductory Plasma Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Orbit theory and drifts, introduction to plasma stability and waves, applications to plasma confinement and heating. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Physics 352K and 369.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 375R Introduction to Relativity 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Overview of the special and general theories of relativity, with emphasis on recent developments in gravitation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Physics 352K with a grade of at least C-.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 375S Introductory Solid-State Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Crystal structure, classification of solids, cohesion, thermal and electrical properties of solids, magnetic properties of solids, imperfections. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: The following coursework with a grade of at least C- in each: Physics 369 and 373.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 379H Honors Tutorial Course 3 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Conference course.
Core Curriculum: 010
Pre/Corequisites: A University grade point average of at least 3.00, a grade point average in physics of at least 3.50, twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in physics, and consent of the student's research supervisor and the departmental honors adviser.
Restrictions: Research project, resulting in a thesis, for outstanding students electing to take the honors program in physics.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Upper Division
PHY 380L Plasma Physics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Particle drifts, equations for plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics, waves and instabilities in the two-fluid model, Vlasov equation, Landau damping, controlled thermonuclear research, plasma diagnostics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 380M Plasma Physics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Plasma containment, stability theory in fluid models, derivation of Vlasov and Fokker-Planck equations, the dielectric tensor, velocity space and gradient instabilities, Nyquist diagrams. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 380L or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 380N Experimental Physics 3 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 18 Lab Hours
Experimental work to provide exposure to physics research techniques. Eighteen laboratory hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in Physics 390.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 180T, 280T, 380T Topics in Advanced Physics 1-3 Hours
1,2,3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Special topics for physics teachers. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics, and consent of the graduate advisor.
Restrictions: Not open to physics majors.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 381C Computational Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Dynamical and statical descriptions and solutions of many-body, nonlinear physical systems by computation. Theory of computation and applications to various branches of physics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; and Physics 385K and 387K, or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 381M Methods of Mathematical Physics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Theory of analytic functions; linear algebra and vector spaces; orthogonal functions; ordinary differential equations; partial differential equations; Green's functions; complex variables. Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 385M and Physics 381M may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Same as: CSE 385M
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 381N Methods of Mathematical Physics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Continuation of Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 385M and Physics 381M. Topology, functional analysis, approximation methods, group theory, differential manifolds. Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 385N and Physics 381N may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Same as: CSE 385N
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; and Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 385M or Physics 381M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 382M Fluid Mechanics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Flow of ideal and viscous fluids; introduction to turbulence; boundary layers; sound and shock waves. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 381M, 385K, and 387K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 382N Nonlinear Dynamics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Basic concepts of evolution and stability, examples of instabilities, low dimensional dynamical systems, chaos, characterization of temporal chaos, pattern formation, Hamiltonian systems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 382P Biophysics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The cell, small molecules and chemical kinetics, forces on the molecular scale, proteins, lipids and membranes, biopolymers, neurons and electrical signal transduction, and complex pattern formation in cells and cell aggregates. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 382Q Biophysics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Advanced biophysics with emphasis on biologically relevant questions addressed with physical approaches. Biopolymer mechanics, protein-nucleic acid interaction, protein structure and dynamics, membrane dynamics, cytoskeletal dynamics, motor proteins, cell shape and motility, cell communication, tissue mechanics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing; and Physics 382P or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 382S Seminar in Nonlinear Dynamics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 385K Classical Mechanics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Classical and relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; Lagrangian mechanics for continuous media; symmetry principles and conservation laws. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 385L Statistical Mechanics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Equilibrium statistical mechanics; introduction to nonequilibrium concepts; ensembles; classical and quantum gases; statistical physics of solids. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and Physics 385K or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 385S Seminar in Statistical Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 385T Special Topics in Statistical Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of the graduate adviser, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 386K Physics of Sensors 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Physical principles of acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, radiation, and motion sensors. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 386N Technical Seminar 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Physics for applied and industrial purposes. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 386S Seminar in Applied Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 387K Electromagnetic Theory I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Electrostatics and magnetostatics; boundary value problems; Maxwell's equations; plane waves; wave guides; diffraction; multipole radiation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 387L Electromagnetic Theory II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas; relativity; collisions of charged particles; radiation from moving charges; radiation damping. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 387K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 387M Relativity Theory I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Explore tensor calculus, differential geometry, special and general relativity, black holes, and gravitational waves. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the fall semester only.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 387K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 387N Relativity Theory II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
General relativity theory; gravitational field equations; weak field approximations; Schwarzschild solution, observable consequences; other topics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered in the spring semester only.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 387M.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 388M Graduate Colloquy 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Reviews of current topics in physics research. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Letter Grade
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 388S Seminar in Teaching Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 389K Quantum Mechanics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Hilbert space and operators; Schroedinger and Heisenberg equations; solutions for systems in one and three dimensions; theory of spin and orbital angular momentum; the effect of symmetries; approximation techniques; elementary scattering theory. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 389L Quantum Mechanics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Perturbation techniques; systems of identical particles; quantum theory of radiation; emission and absorption of photons; selection rules; life times; scattering theory for light and particles, S-matrix; relativistic corrections to electron motion. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 389K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 190, 290, 390, 690, 990 Graduate Research 1,2,3,6,9 Hours
1,2,3,6,9 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
May not be counted toward the master's degree in physics. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and written consent of instructor filed with the graduate adviser.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 391M Nonlinear Plasma Theory 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Quasi-linear theory, weak turbulence, large amplitude waves, plasma radiation, shock waves, shock structure, computer techniques. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 380L.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 391S Seminar in Plasma Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 391T Special Subjects in Plasma Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Subjects to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 380L, and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 391U Seminar in Plasma Theory 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Current topics in plasma theory. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392K Solid-State Physics I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids; band theory of solids; transport properties of metals and semiconductors; optical properties; magnetic properties; magnetic relaxation; superconductivity. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 389K, and Physics 375S or the equivalent.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392L Solid-State Physics II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Elementary excitations: phonons, electrons, spin waves; interactions: phonon-phonon, electron-electron, electron-phonon; theory of metals and semiconductors; transport theory; optical properties. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 392K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392N Many-Body Theory 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Overview of many-body theory; second quantization; Green's functions and Feynman diagrams; finite-temperature, imaginary-time Green's functions; the disordered metal; path integrals; broken symmetries; and local moments. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392P Advanced Optical Spectroscopy 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the foundational principles and cutting-edge applications of advanced optical spectroscopy methods. Analyze the electrodynamics of solids (metals, insulators, semiconductors), which exhibit complex and rich electromagnetic behavior. Study the key components of a basic optical spectroscopy setup. Explore advanced spectroscopy techniques and current research frontiers in the field. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing. For undergraduate students: Physics 315, 373, 375S, or consent of instructor and graduate advisor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392Q Density Functional Theory 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Examine the quantum theory of many-electron systems from the point of view of first-principles atomic-scale calculations. Develop the conceptual foundations of density functional theory and its uses in computational materials modeling, design, and discovery. Perform predictive calculations of structural, electronic, optical, vibrational, and magnetic properties of solids using high-performance computing environments. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392S Seminar in Solid-State Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 392T Special Topics in Solid-State Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 392K, and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 393S Seminar in Relativity 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 393T Special Topics in Relativity 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 194U, 294U, 394U Special Topics in Theoretical Physics 1-3 Hours
1,2,3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 195, 295, 395 Topics in Survey of Atomic and Molecular Physics 1-3 Hours
1,2,3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Spectra of atoms and diatomic molecules; quantum electronics; experimental techniques. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 395K Nonlinear Optics and Lasers 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Gaussian beam optics, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, semiclassical laser theory, experimental laser systems, nonlinear optical susceptibilities, harmonic generation, wave mixing, electro-optic and acousto-optic effects, coherent transient effects, optical breakdown, laser-plasma interactions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and either Physics 387K and 389K or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 395M Laser Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Continuation of Physics 395K. Advanced atomic physics of various laser systems, optical coherence and diffraction theory, pulse propagation and dispersion effects, advanced laser oscillator and amplifier physics, laser amplifier chain design, and chirped-pulse amplification. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 387K, 389K, and 395K, and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 395S Seminar in Atomic and Molecular Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 395T Special Topics in Atomic and Molecular Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396G Cosmology 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Explore inflationary cosmology, the formation of element abundances during Big Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmological perturbations and structure formation, the cosmic microwave background, and the content of the universe (including dark matter and dark energy). Examine unresolved problems in cosmology (such as the origin of the matter/antimatter asymmetry), the possibility of extra dimensions, what happened before the Big Bang, "big data" in cosmology, observational probes of dark energy, and inflation models and tests. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 389K, and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396J Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Historical introduction to elementary particles, elementary particle dynamics, relativistic kinematics, symmetries, bound states, the Feynman calculus, quantum electrodynamics, electrodynamics of quarks and hadrons, quantum chromodynamics, weak interactions, gauge theories. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, Physics 389K, and knowledge of special relativity and scattering.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396K Quantum Field Theory I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Quantization of the Klein-Gordon, Dirac, and electromagnetic field theories; theory of interacting fields, perturbation theory, and renormalization. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 389K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396L Quantum Field Theory II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Path-integral formalism, massless particles, electrodynamics, nonperturbative methods, one-loop calculations in quantum electrodynamics, general renormalization theory, soft photons, bound statics in quantum electrodynamics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 396K.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396P String Theory I 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Introduction to string theory and conformal field theory. The free string, conformal invariance and conformal field theory, supersymmetry and string interactions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and Physics 396K or the equivalent or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396Q String Theory II 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Advanced conformal field theory, perturbative string theory and compactification. Introduction to nonperturbative aspects of string theory. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and Physics 396P.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 196S, 296S, 396S Topics in Particle Physics: Seminar 1-3 Hours
1,2,3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, any topic may be repeated for credit. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396T Special Topics in Particle Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 396V High Energy and Astroparticle Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Review quantum field theory, aspects of the standard model and beyond, the naturalness problem, dark matter, early universe cosmology, and other selected subjects. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate Standing; and Physics 396L; or 396K and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 397K Nuclear Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Systematics of stable nuclei; nuclear structure; decay of the nucleus; cross sections and reaction mechanisms; the elementary particles. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing, and Physics 389K or consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 397S Seminar in Nuclear Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 397T Special Topics in Nuclear Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Topics to be announced. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 197U Graduate Seminar in Nanoscience 1 Hour
1 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Various seminar topics in nanoscience. One lecture hour a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 698 Thesis 6 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for two semesters.
Pre/Corequisites: For 698A, graduate standing in physics and written consent of the supervising professor filed with the graduate adviser; for 698B, Physics 698A.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Master's
PHY 398R Master's Report 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Prepare a report to fulfill the requirement for the master's degree under the report option. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing in physics and consent of the supervising professor and the graduate advisor.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Master's
PHY 398S Seminar in High Energy Theory 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Physics 396U (Topic: Theory Group Seminar) and 398S may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 398T Supervised Teaching in Physics 3 Hours
3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
A review of physics teaching strategies, administrative procedures, and classroom responsibilities. Includes a review and critique of each participant's classroom teaching. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Pre/Corequisites: Graduate standing and appointment as a teaching assistant.
Grading: Student Option
Repeatable for credit: No
Academic Level: Doctoral
PHY 399W, 699W, 999W Dissertation 3,6,9 Hours
0 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours
Pre/Corequisites: Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
Grading: Credit No Credit
Repeatable for credit: Yes (Unlimited)
Academic Level: Doctoral