Physics (PH)
PH 104, +*DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY, 4 Credits
Introduces basic astronomy and discusses the nature of science and physics concepts required to understand how we know what we know about the Universe. Examines planets of the Solar System, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other stars – their lifecycles, galaxies, pulsars, black holes, dark energy, dark matter, and fundamentals of cosmology. Presents a brief history of astronomy, including historical figures and the cultural context of significant astronomical discoveries. Provides demonstrations, experiments, and hands-on activities through an accompanying laboratory.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 104H
PH 104H, +*DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY, 4 Credits
Introduces basic astronomy and discusses the nature of science and physics concepts required to understand how we know what we know about the Universe. Examines planets of the Solar System, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other stars – their lifecycles, galaxies, pulsars, black holes, dark energy, dark matter, and fundamentals of cosmology. Presents a brief history of astronomy, including historical figures and the cultural context of significant astronomical discoveries. Provides demonstrations, experiments, and hands-on activities through an accompanying laboratory.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 104
PH 107, +*STARS AND THE UNIVERSE, 4 Credits
Examines the structure and lifecycle of the Sun and other stars, and how stars evolve to form white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Explores galaxies and cosmology, as well as the role of dark matter and dark energy. Reviews and integrates the basic physics concepts and mathematics required to understand how we have learned what we know about the Universe.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Recommended: High school algebra
Available via Ecampus
PH 111, *INQUIRING INTO PHYSICAL PHENOMENA, 4 Credits
Investigates the physical processes related to global climate through observation and experiments, including reflection/refraction of light, thermal properties of materials, heat transfer, and planetary orbit. Focuses on building scientific explanations, with a special emphasis on communicating and exploring these phenomena with elementary and middle school students.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: ((MTH 111 with C- or better or MTH 111Z with C- or better) and (MTH 112 [C-] or MTH 112Z [C-])) or (MTH 211 [C-] and MTH 212 [C-])
PH 198, +PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PHYSICISTS, 1 Credit
Introduces educational, research, and career resources and opportunities to students joining the Physics department. Activities include developing a resume, exploring physics focused career tools, and learning about the different pathways to become a physicist.
Attributes: CSC1 – Core Ed - Beyond OSU Career Preparation
Prerequisite: SCI 100 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or SCI 300 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or CORE 100 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or CORE 300 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or BA 100 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or BA 300 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or ENGR 110 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or ENGR 310 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or LA 100 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or LA 300 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
PH 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 99 credits.
PH 201, +*GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Surveys a broad spectrum of classical and modern physics topics. Develops scientific analysis and problem-solving techniques through study of such topics as kinematics, mechanics, momentum, and energy. Builds models for physical phenomena through qualitative and quantitative observations, comparison with theory in multiple representations, and evaluative sensemaking.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: MTH 112Z with C- or better or MTH 112 with C- or better or Math Placement - ALEKS with a score of 075
Available via Ecampus
PH 202, *GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Surveys a broad spectrum of classical and modern physics topics. Develops scientific analysis and problem-solving techniques through study of such topics as rotational statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Builds models for physical phenomena through qualitative and quantitative observations, comparison with theory in multiple representations, and sensemaking.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: PH 201 (may be taken concurrently) with C- or better and (MTH 112Z [C-] or MTH 112 [C-] or Math Placement - ALEKS with a score of 075)
Available via Ecampus
PH 203, *GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Surveys a broad spectrum of classical and modern physics topics. Develops scientific analysis and problem-solving techniques through study of such topics as wave interference, the ray model of light, electric and magnetic fields, forces, potentials, and energy, electric circuits, and magnetic induction. Builds models for physical phenomena through qualitative and quantitative observations, comparison with theory in multiple representations, and sensemaking.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: PH 201 (may be taken concurrently) with C- or better and PH 202 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] and (MTH 112Z [C-] or MTH 112 [C-] or Math Placement - ALEKS with a score of 075)
Available via Ecampus
PH 205, *SOLAR SYSTEM ASTRONOMY, 4 Credits
History, laws, and tools of astronomy. Composition, motion, and origin of the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. An accompanying laboratory is used for demonstrations, experiments, and projects, as well as for outdoor observations. The courses in the astronomy sequence (PH 205, PH 206, PH 207) can be taken in any order. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
PH 206, *STARS AND STELLAR EVOLUTION, 4 Credits
Properties of stars; star formation, evolution, and death; supernovae, pulsars, and black holes. An accompanying laboratory is used for demonstrations, experiments, and projects, as well as for outdoor observations. The courses in the astronomy sequence (PH 205, PH 206, PH 207) can be taken in any order. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
PH 207, *GALAXIES, COSMOLOGY, LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE, 4 Credits
Nature and content of galaxies, properties of quasars, and the cosmic background radiation. Emphasis on the Big-Bang model and its features. An accompanying laboratory is used for demonstrations, experiments, and projects, as well as for outdoor observations. The courses in the astronomy sequence (PH 205, PH 206, PH 207) can be taken in any order. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
PH 211, +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Develops models for motion based on both forces and energy for describing and quantifying the fundamental physical phenomena underlying motion through a combination of observation and theory. Applies these models in one- and two-dimensional contexts to predict, describe, and explain the motion of point-like objects. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Introduces the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: (MTH 251Z with C- or better or MTH 251HZ with C- or better or MTH 251 with C- or better or MTH 251H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252HZ (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252H (may be taken concurrently) [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 211H
Available via Ecampus
PH 211H, +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Develops models for motion based on both forces and energy for describing and quantifying the fundamental physical phenomena underlying motion through a combination of observation and theory. Applies these models in one- and two-dimensional contexts to predict, describe, and explain the motion of point-like objects. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Introduces the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: (MTH 251Z with C- or better or MTH 251HZ with C- or better or MTH 251 with C- or better or MTH 251H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252HZ (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 252H (may be taken concurrently) [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 211
PH 212, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Extends and adapts models based on forces and energy to describe and quantify the fundamental physical phenomena of rotational motion, oscillatory motion, collective motion, and optics. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Investigates the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: (PH 211 with C- or better or PH 211H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z [C-] or MTH 252HZ [C-] or MTH 252 [C-] or MTH 252H [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 212H
Available via Ecampus
PH 212H, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Extends and adapts models based on forces and energy to describe and quantify the fundamental physical phenomena of rotational motion, oscillatory motion, collective motion, and optics. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Investigates the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: (PH 211 with C- or better or PH 211H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z [C-] or MTH 252HZ [C-] or MTH 252 [C-] or MTH 252H [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 212
PH 213, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Extends models based on forces and energy to describe and quantify the fundamental physical phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Applies models for electric and magnetic forces to predict, describe, and explain the behavior of both simple and complicated systems. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Explores the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: (PH 212 with C- or better or PH 212H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z [C-] or MTH 252HZ [C-] or MTH 252 [C-] or MTH 252H [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 213H
Available via Ecampus
PH 213H, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
Extends models based on forces and energy to describe and quantify the fundamental physical phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Applies models for electric and magnetic forces to predict, describe, and explain the behavior of both simple and complicated systems. Explores how multiple representations, mathematical sensemaking, and physical explanations strengthen the construction and deployment of the models. Explores the methods by which physics is built through experiment and observation.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: (PH 212 with C- or better or PH 212H with C- or better) and (MTH 252Z [C-] or MTH 252HZ [C-] or MTH 252 [C-] or MTH 252H [C-])
Equivalent to: PH 213
PH 221, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 211, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisite: PH 211 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 211H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 221H
Available via Ecampus
PH 221H, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 211, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: PH 211 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 211H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 221
PH 222, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 212, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisite: PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 222H
Available via Ecampus
PH 222H, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 212, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 222
PH 223, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 213, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisite: PH 213 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 213H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 223H
Available via Ecampus
PH 223H, RECITATION FOR PHYSICS 213, 1 Credit
One-hour weekly session for the development of problem-solving skills in calculus-based general physics.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: PH 213 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or PH 213H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 223
PH 264, INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS, 3 Credits
Emphasizes project-driven hands-on experience in computational physics and data analysis. Includes the use of basic computational skills in accessing and manipulating arrays of data, plotting relationships and using statistical libraries. Teaches quantitative methods to characterize standard systems studied in physics and streams of data. Interprets data based on underlying physics models and outcomes of statistical inference; communicates conclusions and uncertainties of observations.
Prerequisite: (MTH 252Z with C- or better or MTH 252HZ with C- or better or MTH 252 with C- or better or MTH 252H with C- or better) and (PH 211 [C-] or PH 211H [C-])
PH 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 301, +EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY IN PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Examines the impacts that social systems have on physics throughout time. Identifies sources of systemic oppression in physics and where inequities still exist today. Explores a future where physics culture is inclusive and equitable, and where physics is done for the good of humanity.
Attributes: CSDP – Core Ed - Advanced Difference, Power & Oppression
Recommended: Completion of a Difference, Power, and Oppression Foundations course; Concurrent enrollment in 300-level PH courses; Critical thinking, reasoning, and synthesis skills
PH 313, *ENERGY ALTERNATIVES, 3 Credits
Exploration of the challenges and opportunities posed by dwindling resources; physical and technological basis of our current energy alternatives; new or controversial technologies such as nuclear or solar power; overview of resource availability, patterns of energy consumption, and current governmental policies. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Equivalent to: PH 313H
Recommended: Upper-division standing and 12 credits of introductory science.
Available via Ecampus
PH 313H, *ENERGY ALTERNATIVES, 3 Credits
Exploration of the challenges and opportunities posed by dwindling resources; physical and technological basis of our current energy alternatives; new or controversial technologies such as nuclear or solar power; overview of resource availability, patterns of energy consumption, and current governmental policies. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 313
Recommended: Upper-division standing and 12 credits of introductory science
PH 315, PHYSICS OF CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES, 3 Credits
An introduction to thermal and quantum physics in the context of contemporary challenges faced by our society, such as power generation, energy efficiency, and global warming.
Recommended: PH 211
PH 317, ^EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Conducting experiments, understanding equipment, modeling physical phenomena, analyzing and presenting data, sources of variation and uncertainty.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: (PH 213 with C- or better or PH 213H with C- or better) and PH 315 [C-] and PH 335 [C-]
Equivalent to: PH 317X
PH 335, TECHNIQUES OF THEORETICAL MECHANICS, 4 Credits
Covers Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian classical mechanics. Focuses on special relativity with relativistic mechanics.
Prerequisite: (PH 212 with C- or better or PH 212H with C- or better) and (MTH 254 [C-] or MTH 254H [C-])
PH 365, COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS LAB, 1 Credit
A project-driven laboratory experience in computational physics. Includes the use of basic mathematical and numerical techniques in computer calculations leading to solutions for typical physical problems. Topics to be covered will coordinate with the Paradigms in Physics course sequence.
Prerequisite: PH 213 with C- or better or PH 213H with C- or better
Equivalent to: PH 365X
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in Paradigms
PH 366, COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS LAB, 1 Credit
A project-driven laboratory experience in computational physics. Includes the use of basic mathematical and numerical techniques in computer calculations leading to solutions for typical physical problems. Topics to be covered will coordinate with the Paradigms in Physics course sequence.
Prerequisite: PH 213 with C- or better or PH 213H with C- or better
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in Paradigms
PH 367, COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS LAB, 1 Credit
A project-driven laboratory experience in computational physics. Includes the use of basic mathematical and numerical techniques in computer calculations leading to solutions for typical physical problems. Topics to be covered will coordinate with the Paradigms in Physics course sequence.
Prerequisite: PH 213 with C- or better or PH 213H with C- or better
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in Paradigms
PH 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: PH 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
A research project under the supervision of a faculty member, whose approval must be arranged by the student in advance of registration.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 403, ^THESIS, 1-16 Credits
A research project leading to a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member, whose approval must be arranged by the student in advance of registration.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
An independent study project under the supervision of a faculty member, whose approval must be arranged by the student in advance of registration.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Departmental seminars or colloquium. Graded P/N.
Equivalent to: PH 407H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 407H, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Departmental seminars or colloquium.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 407
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 409, PHYSICS TEACHING PRACTICUM, 1-6 Credits
Physics practicum experience for students assisting in Physics courses. Includes training in course content and development of instructional materials. Admission is by application. See the department office in Weniger 301 for details.
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
PH 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 411, ELECTRONICS, 3 Credits
Covers how to build and analyze basic circuits. Topics include passive dc and ac circuits including filters, complex impedance, Fourier analysis, operational amplifiers, semiconductor diodes, and transistors.
Recommended: PH 213
PH 415, COMPUTER INTERFACING AND INSTRUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Applications of computers as scientific instruments, with emphasis on hardware and instrumentation, online data acquisition, and computer control of experiments.
PH 422, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: STATIC FIELDS, 4 Credits
Focuses on theory of static electric, magnetic, and gravitational potentials and fields using the techniques of vector calculus in three dimensions.
Prerequisite: (PH 213 with C- or better or PH 213H with C- or better) and PH 335 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] and (MTH 255 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 255H (may be taken concurrently) [C-])
PH 423, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: ENERGY AND ENTROPY, 3 Credits
Thermodynamics and canonical statistical mechanics.
Recommended: PH 213
PH 424, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES, 4 Credits
Explores dynamics of mechanical and electrical oscillation using Fourier series and integrals; time and frequency representations for driven damped oscillators, resonance; one-dimensional waves in classical mechanics and electromagnetism; normal modes.
Prerequisite: PH 335 with C- or better and PH 315 [C-] and (MTH 256 [C-] or MTH 256H [C-])
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in PH 411
PH 425, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM FUNDAMENTALS, 4 Credits
Introduces the postulates of quantum mechanics through Stern-Gerlach spin measurements. Topics including probability, eigenvalues, operators, measurement, state reduction, Dirac notation, matrix mechanics, time evolution. Explores quantum behavior of a one-dimensional square well.
Prerequisite: PH 315 with C- or better and (MTH 264 [C-] or MTH 264H [C-])
PH 426, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: CENTRAL FORCES, 4 Credits
Explores gravitational and electrostatic forces; angular momentum and spherical harmonics, separation of variables in classical and quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom.
PH 427, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: PERIODIC SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Explores quantum waves in position and momentum space; Bloch waves in one-dimensional periodic systems, and the reciprocal lattice; coupled harmonic oscillators; phonons.
PH 431, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: ELECTROMAGNETISM, 3 Credits
Static electric and magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, Maxwell equations, electromagnetic waves, wave guides, dipole radiation.
PH 441, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: THERMAL AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Entropy and quantum mechanics; canonical Gibbs probability; ideal gas; thermal radiation; Einstein and Debye lattices; grand canonical Gibbs probability; ideal Fermi and Bose gases; chemical reactions and phase transformations.
PH 451, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM MECHANICS, 3 Credits
Wave mechanics, Schroedinger equation, operators, harmonic oscillator, identical particles, atomic fine structure, approximation methods and applications.
Recommended: (PH 424 or PH 524) and (PH 425 or PH 525) and (PH 426 or PH 526)
PH 455, ASTROPHYSICS, 3 Credits
Physics of stars and the cosmos.
Recommended: PH 213; PH 315 or equivalent junior-level background in modern physics and thermodynamics.
PH 464, SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING II, 3 Credits
Mathematical, numerical, and conceptual elements forming foundations of scientific computing: computer hardware, algorithms, precision, efficiency, verification, numerical analysis, algorithm scaling, profiling, and tuning.
PH 481, PHYSICAL OPTICS, 4 Credits
Wave propagation, polarization, interference, diffraction, and selected topics in modern optics.
Recommended: PH 431
PH 482, OPTICAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Photodetectors, laser theory, and laser systems. CROSSLISTED as ECE 482/PH 482 and ECE 582/PH 582.
Equivalent to: ECE 482
PH 483, GUIDED WAVE OPTICS, 4 Credits
Optical fibers, fiber mode structure and polarization effects, fiber interferometry, fiber sensors, optical communication systems. CROSSLISTED as ECE 483/PH 483 and ECE 583/PH 583.
Prerequisite: ECE 391 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better or PH 481 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
Equivalent to: ECE 483
PH 491, +^CAREERS IN PHYSICS, 1 Credit
Guides the process of identifying career opportunities for physics majors, and constructing and revising the corresponding written materials needed to pursue those opportunities.
Attributes: CSC2 – Core Ed - Beyond OSU Career Engagement; CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: PH 198 with D- or better
PH 495, INTRODUCTION TO PARTICLE AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Elementary particles and forces, nuclear structure and reactions.
Recommended: PH 451
PH 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Topics vary from year to year. May be repeated for credit. Not offered every year.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
PH 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Section 1: Departmental Colloquium. Section 3: Nuclear and Particle Physics. Section 5: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Section 7: Solid State Physics. Section 9: Computational Physics.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 511, ELECTRONICS, 3 Credits
Covers how to build and analyze basic circuits. Topics include passive dc and ac circuits including filters, complex impedance, Fourier analysis, operational amplifiers, semiconductor diodes, and transistors.
Recommended: PH 213
PH 515, COMPUTER INTERFACING AND INSTRUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Applications of computers as scientific instruments, with emphasis on hardware and instrumentation, online data acquisition, and computer control of experiments.
PH 522, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: STATIC FIELDS, 4 Credits
Focuses on theory of static electric, magnetic, and gravitational potentials and fields using the techniques of vector calculus in three dimensions.
PH 524, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES, 4 Credits
Explores dynamics of mechanical and electrical oscillation using Fourier series and integrals; time and frequency representations for driven damped oscillators, resonance; one-dimensional waves in classical mechanics and electromagnetism; normal modes.
PH 525, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM FUNDAMENTALS, 4 Credits
Introduces the postulates of quantum mechanics through Stern-Gerlach spin measurements. Topics including probability, eigenvalues, operators, measurement, state reduction, Dirac notation, matrix mechanics, time evolution. Explores quantum behavior of a one-dimensional square well.
PH 526, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: CENTRAL FORCES, 4 Credits
Explores gravitational and electrostatic forces; angular momentum and spherical harmonics, separation of variables in classical and quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom.
PH 527, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: PERIODIC SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Explores quantum waves in position and momentum space; Bloch waves in one-dimensional periodic systems, and the reciprocal lattice; coupled harmonic oscillators; phonons.
PH 531, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: ELECTROMAGNETISM, 3 Credits
Static electric and magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, Maxwell equations, electromagnetic waves, wave guides, dipole radiation.
PH 541, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: THERMAL AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Entropy and quantum mechanics; canonical Gibbs probability; ideal gas; thermal radiation; Einstein and Debye lattices; grand canonical Gibbs probability; ideal Fermi and Bose gases; chemical reactions and phase transformations.
PH 551, CAPSTONES IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM MECHANICS, 3 Credits
Wave mechanics, Schroedinger equation, operators, harmonic oscillator, identical particles, atomic fine structure, approximation methods and applications.
Recommended: (PH 424 or PH 524) and (PH 425 or PH 525) and (PH 426 or PH 526)
PH 555, ASTROPHYSICS, 3 Credits
Physics of stars and the cosmos.
Recommended: PH 213; PH 315 or equivalent junior-level background in modern physics and thermodynamics.
PH 562, MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Fundamental mathematical techniques needed for graduate students in physics. Topics include vector spaces and operators; fourier series, integrals, and transforms; partial differential equations; special functions, distributions, and delta functions; Green's functions; complex analysis.
PH 564, SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING II, 3 Credits
Mathematical, numerical, and conceptual elements forming foundations of scientific computing: computer hardware, algorithms, precision, efficiency, verification, numerical analysis, algorithm scaling, profiling, and tuning.
PH 575, INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Introduction to condensed matter physics for majors in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Topics include band structure, free electron behavior, optical properties, magnetism, and lattice excitations.
Recommended: (PH 451 or PH 551) and concurrent enrollment in PH 427 or PH 527
PH 581, PHYSICAL OPTICS, 4 Credits
Wave propagation, polarization, interference, diffraction, and selected topics in modern optics.
PH 582, OPTICAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Photodetectors, laser theory, and laser systems. CROSSLISTED as ECE 482/PH 482 and ECE 582/PH 582.
Equivalent to: ECE 582
PH 583, GUIDED WAVE OPTICS, 4 Credits
Optical fibers, fiber mode structure and polarization effects, fiber interferometry, fiber sensors, optical communication systems. CROSSLISTED as ECE 483/PH 483 and ECE 583/PH 583.
Equivalent to: ECE 583
Recommended: Completion or concurrent enrollment in (ECE 391 or PH 481 or PH 581)
PH 585, ATOMIC, MOLECULAR, AND OPTICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Introduction to atomic structure, interaction with electromagnetic fields, atomic physics and modern quantum optics. Applications are made to spectroscopic techniques and to explain the principles of quantum computing and logic.
Recommended: PH 652 or PH 451 or equivalent full-year undergraduate sequence of quantum mechanics
PH 591, BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Basic physics principles applied to the kinetics and dynamics of molecular and cellular processes. Ion channels, two-state systems, dynamics of molecular motors, cell signalling, and multicellular phenomena.
Recommended: PH 320, PH 421, PH 422 and PH 423 or junior-level background in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics
PH 595, INTRODUCTION TO PARTICLE AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Elementary particles and forces, nuclear structure and reactions.
PH 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
(See PH 499 for description.)
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
PH 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Section 1: Departmental Colloquium. Section 3: Nuclear and Particle Physics. Section 5: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Section 7: Solid State Physics. Section 9: Computational Physics.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PH 609, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
PH 621, DYNAMICS OF SINGLE- AND MULTI-PARTICLE SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Introduction to theory of non-linear systems. Chaos in Hamiltonian and dissipative systems. Lyapunov exponents, fractal geometries.
Recommended: PH 435 or PH 535
PH 625, MATERIALS AND SURFACE CHARACTERIZATION, 3 Credits
Covers scientific principles of surface and structural characterization techniques. Explores methods to study both macro- and nano-scale properties. Emphasizes surface and interfacial analysis of metals, semiconductors, and dielectric materials. Applies basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering to understand scientific fundamentals and operating principles of spectroscopy and microscopy-based techniques. Covers a range of experimental methods for determining surface structure, elemental composition, and chemical states. Topics including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy ion scattering, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. CROSSLISTED as CH 625/CHE 625/MATS 625/PH 625.
PH 631, ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY, 3 Credits
Electrostatics; multipole expansion; magnetostatics; radiation fields; dynamics of relativistic particles and electromagnetic fields.
PH 632, ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY, 3 Credits
Electrostatics; multipole expansion; magnetostatics; radiation fields; dynamics of relativistic particles and electromagnetic fields.
PH 641, STATISTICAL THERMOPHYSICS, 3 Credits
Macroscopic thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Classical and quantal statistical ensembles; partition functions. Applications to atoms and molecules, clustering, solids, radiation.
Recommended: PH 435 or PH 535
PH 642, STATISTICAL THERMOPHYSICS, 3 Credits
Macroscopic thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Classical and quantal statistical ensembles; partition functions. Applications to atoms and molecules, clustering, solids, radiation.
Recommended: PH 641
PH 651, QUANTUM MECHANICS, 3 Credits
Basic principles of nonrelativistic quantum theory and applications. Schroedinger theory, quantum theory of angular momentum, matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, identical particles, scattering.
PH 652, QUANTUM MECHANICS, 3 Credits
Basic principles of nonrelativistic quantum theory and applications. Schroedinger theory, quantum theory of angular momentum, matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, identical particles, scattering.
Recommended: (PH 435 or PH 535) and (PH 451 or PH 551) and PH 651
PH 653, QUANTUM MECHANICS, 3 Credits
Basic principles of nonrelativistic quantum theory and applications. Schroedinger theory, quantum theory of angular momentum, matrix mechanics, perturbation theory, identical particles, scattering.
Recommended: (PH 435 or PH 535) and (PH 451 or PH 551) and PH 652
PH 654, ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY, 3 Credits
Scattering theory, second quantization and many body theory, relativistic quantum mechanics, quantization of fields, quantum electrodynamics, and elementary particles.
Recommended: PH 653
PH 655X, ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY, 3 Credits
Covers scattering theory, second quantization and many body theory, relativistic quantum mechanics, quantization of fields, quantum electrodynamics, and elementary particles.
Prerequisite: PH 654 with C- or better
PH 673, SOLID STATE PHYSICS, NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology; semiconductor quantum wells, wires, and dots; bulk metals vs nanoparticles; molecular ensembles vs single molecules; fabrication of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials; scanning probe microscopy; advanced optical imaging and manipulation. Not offered every year.
Recommended: Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics
PH 681, ATOMIC, MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS, MODERN OPTICS, 3 Credits
Maxwell's equations in matter; refraction, phase and group indices; material and geometry dispersion; effective-medium regime. Not offered every year.
Recommended: Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics
PH 683, ATOMIC, MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS, NONLINEAR OPTICS, 3 Credits
Coherent nonlinear electromagnetic phenomena; harmonic generation and parametric mixing; quantum mechanical description of multi-photon interactions; incoherent multi-photon interactions; coherent nonlinear optical phenomena and spectroscopies. Not offered every year.
Recommended: Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics
PH 699, SPECIAL TOPICS: BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Topics vary from year to year. Not offered every year.
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.