Physics
Physics is the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the interactions of its constituents. Physicists are concerned with the development of concepts needed for a precise description of nature and with experiments to test such concepts.
For students of science and engineering, the study of physics provides the basic foundation needed to understand the complex workings of the material world, from the forces that build atoms to those that build bridges. For students of the liberal arts, the study of physics provides an introduction to modern ideas about the most fundamental and elemental aspects of nature and how those ideas developed in their cultural and historical context. Physics is a basic and indispensable tool in all technical fields, and its development figures prominently in any discussion of the intellectual history of our civilization.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The department offers several programs leading to degrees in physics. A basic physics curriculum in the College of Science stresses the detailed and advanced preparation needed for graduate work or employment in physics.
Options are available within the physics degree program that prepare students for graduate work or employment in an allied field, such as applied physics, biophysics, chemical physics, geophysics, mathematical physics, optical physics, and physics teaching.
Other programs are offered that train students for careers in physics teaching. A Physics minor is available for students majoring in other areas of science and engineering.
The Department of Physics offers the upper-division curriculum, Paradigms in Physics. Many of the junior-year courses are taught in 2-credit intensive modules, meeting seven hours a week for about three weeks.
Graduate Degrees
Graduate programs leading to the MA, MS, and PhD are offered, emphasizing theoretical or experimental studies in the areas of atomic physics, computational physics, nuclear physics, optical physics, particle physics, and solid state physics. The MS degree has both thesis and nonthesis options. Comprehensive written and oral examinations must be passed before the student can become a candidate for an advanced degree.
Careers
A multitude of opportunities exists for students who complete undergraduate degrees in physics. They include employment in technological industries, including electronics, computers, optics, materials science, and aerospace; graduate study leading to an advanced degree in physics or a related area such as mathematics, Earth sciences, computer science, engineering, or astronomy; and degree programs leading to professions such as law or medicine, with specialties in areas in which a physics background is essential.
Preparation
Recommended high school preparation for students who plan to major in physics includes one year each of chemistry and physics and four years of mathematics through analytic geometry. Mathematics preparation is especially important; students who are not ready to start calculus (MTH 251) upon entering may be delayed in their progress toward a degree. Students anticipating transfer to OSU from another institution are encouraged to contact the Department of Physics as early as possible to discuss their placement in the course curricula.
Advising
Each undergraduate student is assigned an advisor who helps select the most appropriate degree program and assists in planning the curriculum. Minor variations in the requirements for degrees are possible, but must be discussed with the advisor and approved at an early stage in curriculum planning. Near the end of the degree program, the advisor can help the student to apply for employment or admission to graduate programs.
Options
Students desiring to combine the study of physics with that of another related subject should consider the options below, or should consult with a Department of Physics advisor about substituting upper-division work in a related field for certain of the upper-division physics requirements. All such substitutions must constitute a coherent program in related areas and must be approved in advance by the Department of Physics. In each case, the program must include at least 3 credits of PH 403 to satisfy the university's writing intensive course (WIC) requirements.
Astronomy
The Department of Physics offers an introductory course, PH 104. Three online courses (PH 205, PH 206, PH 207) and several on-campus special topics courses also are offered. Students who desire careers in astronomy can design a curriculum under the Geophysics option, which includes related course work in geology and in atmospheric sciences. This curriculum would qualify the student for graduate work in astronomy.
Davide Lazzati, Head
303 Weniger Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-6507
Phone: 541-737-1668
Email: davide.lazzati@oregonstate.edu
Website: https://physics.oregonstate.edu/
Faculty & Staff
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, *DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY: 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 roles 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: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
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, FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION, 1 Credit
Introduction to the Physics Department including educational, research, and career opportunities. Recommended for all freshman and transfer physics majors, but open to all students interested in learning about opportunities in Physics.
PH 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 99 credits.
PH 201, *GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Introductory survey course covering a broad spectrum of classical and modern physics with applications. Topics include dynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Mathematical preparation should include college algebra and trigonometry.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 201H
Recommended: MTH 111Z and MTH 112Z
Available via Ecampus
PH 202, *GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Introductory survey course covering broad spectrum of classical and modern physics with applications. Topics include dynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Mathematical preparation should include college algebra and trigonometry.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 202H
Recommended: MTH 111Z and MTH 112Z and PH 201
Available via Ecampus
PH 203, *GENERAL PHYSICS, 5 Credits
Introductory survey course covering broad spectrum of classical and modern physics with applications. Topics include dynamics, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Mathematical preparation should include college algebra and trigonometry.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 203H
Recommended: MTH 111Z and MTH 112Z and PH 202
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
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 211H
Recommended: MTH 251 and concurrent enrollment in MTH 252 and a PH 221 recitation section
Available via Ecampus
PH 211H, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 211
Recommended: MTH 251 and concurrent enrollment in MTH 252 and a PH 221 recitation section
PH 212, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Prerequisite: PH 211 with D- or better or PH 211H with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 212H
Recommended: MTH 252 and concurrent enrollment in PH 222 and MTH 254
Available via Ecampus
PH 212H, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: PH 211 with D- or better or PH 211H with D- or better
Equivalent to: PH 212
Recommended: MTH 252 and concurrent enrollment in PH 222 and MTH 254
PH 213, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: PH 213H
Recommended: (MTH 254 or MTH 254H) and (PH 212 or PH 212H). Concurrent enrollment in a recitation section is strongly recommended
Available via Ecampus
PH 213H, *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS, 4 Credits
A comprehensive introductory survey course intended primarily for students in the sciences and engineering. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. Elementary calculus is used.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: PH 213
Recommended: (MTH 254 or MTH 254H) and (PH 212 or PH 212H). Concurrent enrollment in a recitation section is strongly recommended
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 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
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, 3 Credits
Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian classical mechanics. Special relativity with relativistic mechanics.
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, 3 Credits
Theory of static electric, magnetic, and gravitational potentials and fields using the techniques of vector calculus in three dimensions.
Equivalent to: PH 322
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, 3 Credits
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 425, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM FUNDAMENTALS, 3 Credits
Introduction to quantum mechanics through Stern-Gerlach spin measurements. Probability, eigenvalues, operators, measurement, state reduction, Dirac notation, matrix mechanics, time evolution. Quantum behavior of a one-dimensional well.
PH 426, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: CENTRAL FORCES, 3 Credits
Gravitational and electrostatic forces; angular momentum and spherical harmonics, separation of variables in classical and quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom.
Recommended: PH 213 and PH 422 and PH 425 and concurrent enrollment in PH 335
PH 427, PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: PERIODIC SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Quantum waves in position and momentum space; Bloch waves in one-dimensional periodic systems, and the reciprocal lattice; coupled harmonic oscillators; phonons.
Recommended: PH 424 and PH 425 and concurrent enrollment in PH 315
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 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 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.