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Physics 300-Level Courses (PHYS)

320 Modern Physics. (4)

Introduction to the ideas and mathematics of quantum theory. Bohr atom, kinetic theory, black body radiation, quantum mechanics in the Schroedinger representation. Applications of quantum mechanics to selected topics in atomic, molecular or other areas of modern physics. Prerequisites: 211 and concurrent registration in MATH 337. Spring.

332 Intermediate Physics Laboratory. (1)

Experimentation for sophomores. Quantitative measurements and analysis of data. Research approach is emphasized. Prerequisite: enrollment in 211 or 320. May be repeated for credit when different experiments are done.

338 Analog Electronics for Scientists. (2)

Circuit theory, transistors, amplifiers, laboratory test equipment and integrated circuits. Prerequisite: 200 or equivalent.

339 Physical Mechanics. (4)

The dynamics of particles and systems. Gravitational theory, particle oscillations, Hamilton's principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, central force motion, rigid body motion, collisions, non-inertial reference frames, coupled oscillations. Prerequisites: 211, MATH 337. Fall.

341 Electricity and Magnetism. (4)

Electrostatic potentials and fields in vacuum and dielectric media, magnetic vector potentials and fields in vacuum and magnetic materials, electrostatic and magnet icenergies, slowly varying currents. Prerequisite: 339. Spring.

343 Thermodynamics. (2)

Foundations of thermodynamics and applications. Prerequisite: 320. Spring.

344 Statistical Mechanics. (2)

Foundations of statistical mechanics. Applications to condensed matter systems, classical and quantum gases. Prerequisites: 320, 339. Spring.

346 Quantum Mechanics. (4)

Foundations of quantum theory, wave packets, Schroedinger's equation in one dimension, raising and lowering operators. Formal structure of quantum mechanics. Angular momentum and the hydrogen atom. Prerequisite: 339. Fall.

348 Advanced Theoretical Physics. (2-4)

A continuation of 339, 341 and 346. Topics could include advanced Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics, tensors, eigenvalue problems, small oscillation; Maxwell's equations, wave equation, radiation, antennas, waveguides; matrix methods in quantum mechanics, spin, perturbation theory, transitions, many-electron atoms. Prerequisites: 339, 341, or 346 (as appropriate), or permission of instructor. Spring.

353 Applied Nuclear Physics. (2)

Applications of the interaction of radiation with matter to nuclear detection techniques. Current measurement methods for charged and uncharged radiation. Prerequisite: 320.

357 Experimental Optics. (2)

Study of optical phenomena with emphasis on the needs of the experimentalist. Topics may include optical systems design, spectrum analysis, image processing, holography. Prerequisite: 320.

358 Advanced Electronics. (2)

Topics will be selected from the following in advanced analog and digital circuitry: active filters, precision circuits, low noise techniques, high frequency techniques, advanced microprocessor circuits, scientific instrumentation. Laboratory. Prerequisites: 217A and 338.

360 Topics in Applied Physics. (2)

Topics covered will vary from year to year. One such topic is physics of solids: crystal structure, lattice vibrations, band theory and electrical conduction in metals and semiconductors. Other topics such as magnetic and dielectric properties as time permits. Prerequisite: 320.

362 Topics in Modern Physics. (2)

The concepts and principles presented in 191 through 320 will be used to study specific areas of physics not available elsewhere in the curriculum. Subject matter will come from such areas as elementary particle, condensed matter, nuclear, atomic, molecular physics and cosmology. Topics will be announced. Prerequisite: 320.

363 Topics in Nuclear Physics. (2)

Fundamental structure and properties of nuclei. Nuclear reactions, models and decay. Examples taken from current medical and industrial applications. Prerequisite: 320.

364 Topics in Astrophysics. (2)

Selected topics in astrophysics. Such subjects as general relativity, cosmology, stellar formation and evolution and galaxies will be studied. Prerequisites: 320, MATH 239, 337.

365 Topics in Elementary Particle Physics. (2)

Physics at the smallest known length scale. Topics will include relativistic particle decay, construction of baryons and mesons from quarks, the four fundamental interactions and corresponding gauge particles, the vision and consequences of grand unified theories, the cosmic onion. Prerequisite: 320.

366 Topics in Relativity. (2)

Foundations and application of the special and general theories of relativity. Topics covered may include: relativistic kinematics, structure of flat space-time, curvature and topologies of general space-times, Schwarzschild and Friedman solutions, cosmology, blackholes and gravitational radiation. Prerequisite: 320.

367 Optics. (2)

An introduction to geometrical and physical optics: matrix optics, interferometry, thin films, Fourier optics, spatial filtering, holography. Prerequisite: 320.

370 Advanced Physics Laboratory. (1)

Research and experimentation for juniors. Topics selected by the student in consultation with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when different experiments are done.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

372 Senior Research. (1)

Individualized experimental or theoretical projects for seniors. Fall.

373 Senior Thesis. (1)

Oral and written report based on the work done in 372. Spring. (If a physics major is taking 372-373 for "All-College Honors" or "Departmental Distinction in Physics," that student needs approval of the department chair and director of the Honors Program. See HONR 398 for further information.)