Department of Physics and Astronomy Home Page
Faculty
Bernard Joseph Feldman, Professor and Chairperson
Ph.D., Harvard University
Jacob J. Leventhal, Curators’ Professor
Ph.D., University of Florida
Ta-Pei Cheng, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Rockefeller University
Ricardo A. Flores, Professor
Ph.D., University of California-Santa Cruz
Thomas F. George, Professor and Chancellor
Ph.D., Yale University
Peter Herwig Handel, Professor
Ph.D., University of Bucharest
Bob Londes Henson, Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Jingyue Liu, Professor
Ph.D., Arizona State University
Richard Dean Schwartz, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Washington
Bruce A. Wilking, Professor
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Sonya Bahar, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Rochester
Philip Fraundorf, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Erika Gibb, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Eric Majzoub, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Wilfred H. Sorrell, Associate Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Dan Zhou, Research Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Michael Fix, Associate Teaching Professor
A.M., Washington University
Xiangfeng Liu, Research Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Chinese Academy of Sciences
Charles E. Burkhardt, Adjunct Professor
Ph.D. Washington University
Lu Fei, Adjunct Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
J. Daniel Kelley, Adjunct Professor
Ph.D., Georgetown University
Mary Jane Kernan, Adjunct Associate Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Florencia Lopez Leban, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D. University of Missouri-St. Louis
Guoqiang Li, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics
László Nánai, Adjunct Professor
Ph.D., Lebedeff Institute of Physics, Russia
Eric S. Mandell, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph. D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Alexander Neiman, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Dr. Sc., Saratgov State University, Russia
General Information
Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers course work leading to the B.A. in physics, the B.S. in physics, and in cooperation with the College of Education, the B.A. in physics with teacher certification and the B.S. in education with an emphasis in physics. The Department offers meritorious students opportunities to participate in teaching and research to help prepare them for the independent effort required in industry or graduate school. The Department‘s faculty members have a diversity of interests and are active in various experimental and theoretical research areas. Students successfully completing this program will obtain an understanding of basic physics concepts, mathematical and problem-solving skills needed to solve basic physics problems, experimental skills in physics, astrophysics, or biophysics, and the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and write scientific papers or reports.
The Master of Science in physics program combines a sound basis in the fundamental areas of classical and modern physics from both a theoretical and an applied perspective. The program is designed to enable students with undergraduate backgrounds in physics or other technical areas to further their professional development and maintain and improve their technical development. The program is offered almost entirely in the evening to serve students who are employed locally. Students receiving a M.S. in physics will obtain an understanding of advanced physics concepts and mathematical and problem-solving skills needed to solve advanced physics problems. Students are strongly encouraged to be involved with faculty research programs that will develop experimental skills in physics, astrophysics, or biophysics as well as experience in analyzing and interpreting scientific data and the writing of scientific papers, reports, or theses. The Department offers the Ph.D. degree in cooperation with Missouri University of Science and Technology Physics Department. Students must satisfy the Missouri S&T admission standards, and the Missouri S&T Qualifying Exam in Physics is required of University of Missouri-St. Louis Ph.D. students. However, all course work and dissertation research may be completed while the student is in residence at UMSL. In addition to obtaining an understanding of advanced physics concepts and mathematical and problem-solving skills needed to solve advanced physics problems, Ph.D. students are expected to conduct independent scientific research in physics, astrophysics, or biophysics while learning to analyze and interpret scientific data and write scientific papers, reports, and a dissertation.
Undergraduate Studies
General Education Requirements : Majors must complete the university and college general education requirements. Any of the following courses may be used to satisfy the physical science requirement:ASTRON: 1001, 1001A, 1011, 1012, 1050, 1051, 1121
ATM SCI : 1001, 1001A
GEOL 1001, 1002, 1001A, 1002A
PHYSICS: 1001, 1011, 1012, 2111, 2112.
Degree Requirements
All physics majors, who are transfer students, must complete PHYSICS 1099, Windows on Physics. First time freshman must take INTDSC 1003. All physics majors in all programs must complete the physics core curriculum with the exception that majors pursuing the Physics Education option are not required to take PHYSICS 1099 and CMP SCI 1250. In addition to the core courses, each individual program has its own specific requirements. Required Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Optometry and Computer Science courses for a major or minor in physics may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading basis.
Core Curriculum: The following physics courses are required:
PHYSICS 2111, Physics: Mechanics and Heat
PHYSICS 2112, Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
PHYSICS 3200, Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics
PHYSICS 3221, Mechanics
PHYSICS 3223, Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 3231, Introduction to Modern Physics I
Also required are:
MATH 1800, Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
MATH 1900, Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
MATH 2000, Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
MATH 2020, Introduction to Differential Equations
CHEM 1111, Introductory Chemistry I or equivalent
CMP SCI 1250, Introduction to Computer Science
Note: Students are urged to begin the calculus sequence [MATH 1800, Analytic Geometry and Calculus I] as soon as possible to avoid delays in graduation.
Students with experience in digital computer programming may be excused from CMP SCI 1250.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
The B.A. program is tailored to students wishing to preserve the option for specialization in graduate school without sacrificing the advantages of a liberal arts education. In addition to the core curriculum, including the foreign language requirement, at least three electives at the 3000 or 4000 levels must be completed. It is recommended that at least one of these three electives include ASTRON 4322, PHYSICS 4311, or PHYSICS 4347 for the required capstone course. The Department of Physics and Astronomy will accept the three-course sequence in American Sign Language as a substitution for the foreign language requirement for the degree. At least 31 hours of physics courses, but no more than 45 hours, are required.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
The B.S. degree provides students with six options: general physics, astrophysics, engineering physics, medical physics, optical biophysics or physics education.
General Physics Option
This option may be elected by students desiring a greater concentration in physics and mathematics and is recommended for students wishing to enter graduate study in physics. At least 50 hours are required. In addition to the core curriculum, the following physics courses are required:
Physics
PHYSICS 4310, Modern Electronics
PHYSICS 4311, Advanced Physics Laboratory I
PHYSICS 4323, Modern Optics
PHYSICS 4331, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 4341, Thermal and Statistical Physics
PHYSICS 4350, Computational Physics
and three electives at or above the 4000 level in physics or astronomy.
Astronomy
ASTRON 1050, Introduction to Astronomy I or ASTRON 1051, Introduction to Astronomy II
Also required are:
Mathematics
MATH 2450, Elementary Linear Algebra
and one elective in mathematics at or above the 3000 level, or in computer science at or above the 2000 level.
Chemistry
CHEM 1121, Introductory Chemistry II, or equivalent.
Astrophysics Option
Students who have interests in the aerospace sciences or anticipate graduate studies in astrophysics may elect this option. At least 48 hours must be taken. In addition to the core curriculum, the following physics courses are required:
Physics
PHYSICS 4323, Modern Optics
PHYSICS 4331, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 4341, Thermal and Statistical Physics
PHYSICS 4350, Computational Physics
Astronomy
ASTRON 1050, Introduction to Astronomy I
ASTRON 1051, Introduction to Astronomy II
ASTRON 4301, Astrophysics
ASTRON 4322, Observational Astronomy
And one physics elective at or above the 4000 level. With consent of the astronomy adviser, there may be substitution of ASTRON 1001, 1001A, 1011 or 1012 for 1050 or 1051.
Also required:
Mathematics
MATH 2450, Elementary Linear Algebra
Engineering Physics Option
Students interested in careers in the research and development field of industry should consider this option. This program exposes the student to a basic engineering curriculum, as well as to areas of physics with industrial applications, such as electronics, modern optics, and linear analysis. At least 49 hours, but no more than 51, are required. In addition to the core curriculum, the following courses are required:
Joint Engineering
ENGR 2310, Statics
ENGR 2320, Dynamics
Joint Electrical Engineering
JE ENGR 2300, Introduction to Electrical Networks
Physics
PHYSICS 4310, Modern Electronics
PHYSICS 4311, Advanced Physics Laboratory I
PHYSICS 4323, Modern Optics
PHYSICS 4331, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 4341, Thermal and Statistical Physics
Mathematics
MATH 1320, Applied Statistics I
MATH 2450, Elementary Linear Algebra
Also required is one elective in mathematics at or above the 3000 level, or in a computer science at or above the 2000 level.
Medical Physics Option
This option is designed for students who are interested in careers in various medical fields or biophysics. This option provides a strong preparation in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology for students who intend to apply for admission to medical schools. At least 41 hours of physics and biology combined, but no more than 51, are required. In addition to the core curriculum, the following physics and biology courses are required:
Physics
PHYSICS 4310, Modern Electronics
PHYSICS 4347, Biophysics of Imaging
Biology
BIOL 1811, Introductory Biology I: From Molecules to Organisms
BIOL 1821, Introductory Biology II: Organisms and the Environment
and two additional physics electives at the 4000 level.
Also required are:
Chemistry
CHEM 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
CHEM 2612, Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2622, Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Optical Biophysics Option
This program is designed for students wanting to obtain a strong biophysics emphasis that will also prepare them for the optometry program at UMSL. This 3+4 program allows students to complete their B.S. in physics and Doctor of Optometry degrees in seven years. Students can complete their B.S. in physics degree in their fourth year while starting coursework in the College of Optometry. A total of 55 hours in physics, biology, and optometry courses are required. In addition to the physics core curriculum, the following courses are required:
Physics
PHYSICS 4341, Thermal and Statistical Physics
Biology
BIOL 1811, Introduction to Biology I: From Molecules to Organisms
BIOL 1821, Introduction to Biology II: Organisms and the Environment
BIOL 2482, Microbiology
BIOL 2483, Microbiology Laboratory
Optometry (fourth year only)
OPTOM 8020, Geometric Optics
OPTOM 8060, Biochemistry
OPTOM 8120, Ocular Optics
OPTOM 8140, Physical Optics and Photometry
Also required are:
Chemistry
CHEM 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
CHEM 2612, Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2622, Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Psychology
PSYCH 1003, General Psychology and one elective in psychology
Statistics,
MATH 1320, Applied Statistics I or PSYCH 2201, Psychological Statistics
Note: Upon declaring physics as a major and selecting this option, students should seek an initial interview with the Director of Student Services and the Pre-Optometry Advisor in the UMSL College of Optometry to ensure that all prerequisites for the College of Optometry will be completed. A similar review is recommended at the beginning of the Winter Semester of the second year. In August following the completion of their second year of this program, students may apply formally to the UMSL College of Optometry and arrange to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) during the Fall semester of their third year. The applicant will be invited for a formal interview for acceptance into the College of Optometry professional program following receipt of a completed application in the Fall Semester of the candidate's third year. Following the formal interview with the College of Optometry at the beginning of the third year, students with a 3.0 or better grade point average in the science prerequisites for optometry and a score of 310 or better on the OAT exam may be accepted into the College of Optometry.
B.S. degree in Physics, Physics Education Option and B.S. degree in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Physics.
The course sequence below meets the science requirements for Missouri certification for teaching physics at the secondary school level. All candidates must enroll in a program that includes Levels I, II, and III coursework in the College of Education, which includes one semester as a Teacher Intern and one semester of full-time Student Teaching. In addition, students must complete the following Science Core Courses and the courses listed under Physics Endorsement:
Science Core Courses:
Philosophy
PHIL 3380, Philosophy of Science
BIOL 1811, Introductory Biology I: From Molecules to Organisms
BIOL 2102, General Ecology or another Environmental Science
CHEM 1111, Introductory Chemistry I
CHEM 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
PHYSICS 2111, Physics: Mechanics and Heat
PHYSICS 2112, Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
GEOL 1001, General Geology or ATM SCI 1001, Elementary Meteorology or ASTRON 10xx
Physics Endorsement
Physics
PHYSICS 3200, Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics
PHYSICS 3221, Mechanics
PHYSICS 3223, Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 3231, Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYSICS 4310, Modern Electronics
PHYSICS 4311, Advanced Physics Laboratory I
PHYSICS 4802, or SEC ED 3240, Methods of Teaching Science in Secondary Schools
PHYSICS 4837, Teaching Intern Seminar
Minor in Physics
Students may complete a minor in physics with the flexibility of emphasis on classical physics, modern physics, or a combination of the two areas. The following physics courses are required:
PHYSICS 1099, Windows on Physics or INTDSC 1003, Freshman Success Seminar
PHYSICS 2111, Mechanics and Heat
PHYSICS 2112, Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
PHYSICS 3200, Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics
and two additional emphasis courses chosen from the following
PHYSICS 3221, Mechanics
PHYSICS 3223, Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 3231, Introduction to Modern Physics I
PHYSICS 4310, Modern Electronics
A GPA of at least 2.0 is required in courses presented for a minor. It is required that a student completes a minimum of 6 hours of graded work in 2000 level or above courses on the UMSL campus.
Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
The Department requires applicants to have adequate backgrounds in such areas as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, electronics, and modern physics. Students admitted to the program with deficiencies in these areas are required to take appropriate undergraduate courses. If necessary, a remedial program is determined in consultation with the department graduate studies director at the time of application for admission.
Graduate Degree Requirements
Master's
A student must complete 30 credit hours in graduate physics courses with at least 15 of these at the 5000 or 6000 level. Writing a thesis is optional. A maximum of six (3) credit hours of Research, PHYSICS 6490, may be counted toward the minimum 15 hours with (or without) the thesis option. Students must pass a comprehensive examination, which includes a defense of the thesis for students who have chosen to write one. A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained during each academic year. The requirements must be fulfilled within six years from the time of admission. Two-thirds of required graduate credit must be taken in residence. There is no foreign language requirement.
Typical Program:
First Semester
PHYSICS: 6000 level and 4000, 5000 level course
Total: 6 hours
Second Semester
PHYSICS: 6000 level and 4000, 5000 level course
Total: 6 hours
Third Semester
PHYSICS: 6000 level and 4000, 5000 level course
PHYSICS 6490, Thesis Research or Seminar
Total: 9 hours
Fourth Semester
PHYSICS: 6000 level and 4000 level course
PHYSICS 6490 Thesis Research or Seminar
Total: 9 hours
Doctorate
Students must complete a minimum of 48 hours past the master’s degree with satisfactory performance. The university has a residency requirement of three years/six semesters (for those with master’s degree, two years/four semesters) at UMSL and/or Missouri S&T. The Ph.D. qualifying exam, dissertation, and dissertation exam are administered in cooperation with Missouri S&T. All graduate work requires B grades or better. The dissertation may be written in absentia, and there is no foreign language requirement.
Special Equipment, Facilities, or Programs
The William L. Clay Center for Nanoscience,which opened in 1996, is an interdisciplinary facility bringing together both physicists and chemists for research in materials science. A focus of the center is to foster collaborations between its members and colleagues in industry. The center houses the Microscope Image and Spectroscopy Tech Lab where research at the forefront of nanotechnology is conducted with transmission electron, scanning probe, and scanning electron microscopes in a building uniquely designed for such work. The center is spearheading the formation of the Missouri NanoAlliance, a nano-characterization and synthesis network that will facilitate the sharing of resources across Missouri. The Center for Neurodynamics, established in 1995, conducts research at the interface between physics and biology, with a focus on the roles of noise and stochastic synchronization in neural processing. The center has an on-site high speed (CCD) imaging system for studying the spatial dynamics of neural activity in the mammalian brain. Collaborations with St. Louis University will permit high time-resolution magnetoencephalography (MEG) image analysis, making use of a high-speed Internet 2 connection, UMSL’s new high-speed (3.8 GHz) 128-node Beowulf cluster, and Missouri’s first MEG machine. Astronomers make use of national facilities at Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo, and Mauna Kea Observatories. The university provides email and internet services through numerous student labs equipped with computers with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, flat-bed document scanners, and color printers. The department maintains a network of UNIX/LINUX/OSX system and workstations and a workstation for image processing. In addition, the Ddepartment maintains a library containing some of the most frequently used physics journals and machine and electronics shops.
Career Outlook
Many of our students have been successful in subsequent graduate studies in astronomy and atmospheric science, biomedical engineering, medical physics, and patent law, as well as in physics. Our alumni have pursued graduate studies and earned doctorate degrees at institutions such as Cornell University, University of Wisconsin, Washington University, and University of Chicago. The many students who elected a career in industry are now working in a variety of settings for such firms as International Business Machines, Emerson Electric, MEMC Electronic Materials, Motorola, A T & T, Hewlett-Packard, Boeing, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Several former students are currently teaching physics in high schools around the St. Louis area.
Course Descriptions
Prerequisites may be waived by consent of the department. Courses in this section are grouped as follows: Astronomy; Atmospheric Science; Geology; and Physics.
Astronomy
ASTRON 1001 Cosmic Evolution/Introductory Astronomy (4) [MI, MS]
Overview of astronomy, from the planets to the Big Bang. Topics include the celestial motions, planets and the formation of the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Students will be introduced to the latest discoveries and how they affect our understanding of the universe. The format is three classroom hours and one 2-hour laboratory session per week to enhance lecture material.
ASTRON 1001A Cosmic Evolution/Introductory Astronomy (3) [MS]
Overview of astronomy, from the planets to the Big Bang. Topics include the celestial motions, planets and the formation of the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Students will be introduced to the latest discoveries and how they affect our understanding of the universe. The format is three classroom hours per week. Same as ASTRON 1001 without the laboratory.
ASTRON 1011 Planets and Life in the Universe (3) [MS]
Man’s concept of the solar system from Stonehenge to Einstein; geology and meteorology of the planets of our solar system, with particular attention to results from the space program; exobiology-study of the possibilities of life on other worlds and the best method of communicating with it. Three classroom hours per week.
ASTRON 1012 The Violent Universe and the New Astronomy (3) [MS]
A nontechnical course focusing on recent results which larger telescopes and the space program have made available. Pulsars, x-ray stars, and black holes; radio astronomy, our galaxy, and interstellar molecules; exploding galaxies and quasars; origin of the expanding universe. Three classroom hours and one observing session per week.
ASTRON 1050 Introduction to Astronomy I (3) [MS]
Prerequisites: MATH 1030 and MATH 1035. A survey of the history of astronomy from the ancient times to present. Theories for the formation and evolution of the solar system and the general features of the solar system and planetary motions are discussed. The physical concept of gravity is presented. The detailed properties of the planets, comets, and asteroids are reviewed, concentrating on recent results from space missions.
ASTRON 1051 Introduction to Astronomy II (3) [MS]
Prerequisites: MATH 1030 and MATH 1035. A survey of astronomy beyond the solar system. Topics include stars and stellar evolution, neutron stars, and black holes. The physical concept of light and the design of telescopes is discussed in detail. The structure of the Milky Way Galaxy and the large scale structure of the universe are explored. Dark matter, quasars, and active galactic nuclei are discussed in the context of theories for the formation and evolution of the universe. Course does not need to be taken in sequence with ASTRON 1050.
ASTRON 1121 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (3) [MS]
Prerequisite: ASTRON 1001 or 1011. Are we alone? The possibility of life in the universe in addition to our own will be explored. Our discussion of the chances for extraterrestrial life will be built around the current theories of chemical, biological, and cultural evolution, which have led to our own technological civilization on Earth. Strategies for communication with extraterrestrial intelligence will be discussed.
ASTRON 4301 Astrophysics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 3231 or consent of instructor. A moderately technical introduction to astrophysics. Topics will include: physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres; interpretation of stellar spectra; stellar evolution; radio astronomy; and cosmology.
ASTRON 4322 Observational Astronomy (4)
Prerequisites: ASTRON 1050, ASTRON 1051, and PHYSICS 3231. Tools of the astronomer: telescopes, spectroscopy, photoelectric photometry. Students will work on a number of projects which will enable them to develop expertise in obtaining, reducing, and analyzing astronomical observations. Student night observing will be an important part of the course. This course is primarily for persons who are astronomy or physics majors or who have some equivalent background.
Atmospheric Science
ATM SCI 1001 Elementary Meteorology (4) [MS, MI]
Prerequisite: MATH 1020 or equivalent. An elementary course covering atmospheric phenomena, weather, and climate. Topics included are temperature, pressure, and moisture distributions in the atmosphere and dynamical effects such as radiation, stability, storms, and general circulation. Four classroom hours per week with one hour being a learning enhancement session to include demonstrations and exercises on problem solving.
ATM SCI 1001A Elementary Meteorology (3) [MS]
Prerequisite: MATH 1020 or equivalent. An elementary course covering atmospheric phenomena, weather, and climate. Topics included are temperature, pressure, and moisture distributions in the atmosphere and dynamical effects such as radiation, stability, storms, and general circulation. Same as ATM SCI 1001 without the learning enhancement session.
Geology
GEOL 1001 General Geology (4) [MI, MS]
Earth materials and processes, including geological aspects of the resource/energy problem. Laboratory involves identification of common rocks and minerals.
GEOL 1001A General Geology (3) [MS]
Earth materials and processes, including geological aspects of the resource/energy problem. Same as GEOL 1001 without the laboratory.
GEOL 1002 Historical Geology (4) [MI, MS]
Prerequisite: GEOL 1001. Study of changes in geography, climate and life through geological time; origin of continents, ocean basins, and mountains in light of continental drift. Laboratory primarily involves description and identification of fossils.
GEOL 1002A Geology (3) [MS]
Study of changes in geography, climate and life through geological time; origin of continents, ocean basins, and mountains in light of continental drift. Same as GEOL 1002 without the laboratory.
Physics
PHYSICS 1001 How Things Work (3) [MS]
Provides a practical introduction to understanding common life experiences by using physical intuition and basic ideas of physics. Powerful scientific principles are demonstrated through topics ranging from airplane wings to compact disk players, from lightning strikes to lasers.
PHYSICS 1011 Basic Physics I (4) [MI, MS]
Prerequisite: MATH 1800 or MATH 1100 (may be taken concurrently). A course specifically designed for students in health and life sciences, covering the topics of classical mechanics, heat and sound. Will not fulfill the PHYSICS 2111 requirement for physics, chemistry, and engineering majors. Three classroom hours and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 1012 Basic Physics II (4) [MI, MS]
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 1011. A continuation of PHYSICS 1011. A course specifically designed for students in health and life sciences covering the topics of electricity, magnetism, light and radiation. Will not fulfill the PHYSICS 2112 requirement for physics, chemistry, and engineering majors. Three classroom hours and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 1099 Windows on Physics (1)
A seminar designed to introduce physics majors to research areas in physics and physics-related fields in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. In addition to fundamental areas of physics, the areas of astrophysics, biophysics, materials science, and nanotechnology will be included. Career opportunities for students with physics degrees will be discussed and the physics curriculum will be reviewed. The course meets weekly and is required of all physics majors and minors who are transfer students.
PHYSICS 2111 Physics: Mechanics and Heat (5) [MS, MI]
Prerequisite: MATH 1900 (may be taken concurrently). PHYSICS 1001, or CHEM 1121, or equivalent is recommended. An introduction to the phenomena, concepts, and laws of mechanics and heat for physics majors and students in other departments. Three classroom hours, one hour discussion, and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 2112 Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics (5) [MI, MS]
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 2111 and MATH 2000 (MATH 2000 may be taken concurrently). A phenomenological introduction to the concepts and laws of electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics and electrical circuits for physics majors and students in other departments. Three classroom hours, one hour discussion, and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 3200 Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 2112 and MATH 2000. Mathematical techniques specifically used in the study of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and quantum physics are developed in the context of various physical problems. Course includes the topics of vector calculus, coordinate systems, the Laplace equation and its solutions, elementary Fourier analysis, and complex variables. Applications to electrostatics, mechanics, and fluid dynamics are emphasized. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 3221 Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3200 and MATH 2020. MATH 2020 may be taken concurrently. Advanced course covering single and many particle dynamics, rigid-body dynamics, and oscillations. Variational principles and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics are covered. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 3223 Electricity and Magnetism (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3200 and MATH 2020. MATH 2020 may be taken concurrently. Advanced course covering the rigorous development, from basic laws, of Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetic fields along with applications of these equations. Topics covered are electrostatics and electrodynamics including currents, magnetic fields, motion of charged particles in fields and an introduction to electromagnetic waves. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 3231 Introduction to Modern Physics I (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 2111, PHYSICS 2112, and MATH 2020 (may be taken concurrently), and PHYSICS 3200 strongly recommended. Photons and the wave nature of particles, wave mechanics, Schrödinger equation, with applications to atomic physics; and radiation; the physics of solids; elementary particles; special relativity; health physics. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 3281 Directed Readings in Physics (1-5)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An independent study of special topics in physics. A paper may be required on an approved topic. Topics must be substantially different from regular courses. Hours arranged.
PHYSICS 3390 Research (1-10)
Prerequisite: Consent of department. Independent research projects arranged between student and instructor. Hours arranged.
PHYSICS 4306 Nanoscience Practicals (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor (1.0 credit hour per module with a maximum of 3 credit hours) Studies of nanoscience characterization, synthesis, and modeling techniques designed for clients of these tools, as well as for technical users interested in a current overview. Course consists of a set of 1/3 semester modules. Check with the instructor on more specialized modules (e.g. on materials microscopy) if interested. Each module will cover instrumentation, current applications, weaknesses, and will involve lab visits for hands-on experience, weekly web interaction and classroom hours.
PHYSICS 4308 Transmission Electron Microscopy (3)
Same as BIOL 4308. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course introduces students to transmission electron microscopy techniques and their applications to solving challenging materials and biological problems. Course includes fundamental principles (electron optics, electron-specimen interactions, diffraction of electrons, image formation and interpretation, image processing and analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and sample preparation of both biological and non-biological systems. Laboratory experiments will provide students “hands-on” experience with TEM operations and problem solving skills. Successful completion of the course enables students to independently operate transmission electron microscopes to perform basic research experiments. This course is ideal for students interested in ultrastructural or nanocharacterization of biological or materials systems. Two classroom hours and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 4309 Scanning Probe Microscopy (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. A lecture/laboratory study of research techniques using scanning probe microscopy. Topics include atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, feedback control, scanning tip fabrication, scan calibrations, air/solution/vacuum imaging, image processing and analysis, near-field optical probes, metrology, and lateral force/displacement microscopy. Applications in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and surface science are discussed. Two classroom hours and two hours laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 4310 Modern Electronics (3)
An integrated recitation/laboratory study of modern analog and digital electronics with emphasis on integrated circuits. Topics include circuit elements, operational amplifiers, logic gates, counters, adc/dac converters, noise reduction, microprocessors, embedded microcontrollers, and digital processing. Six hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 4311 Advanced Physics Laboratory I (3)
Prerequisites: Advanced standing with at least nine completed hours of physics at or above the 3000 level. Physics majors are introduced to the experimental techniques used in research. A student will choose and do several special problems during the semester. Six hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 4323 Modern Optics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 3223. A study of modern optics including diffraction theory, polarization, light propagation in solids, quantum optics, and coherence. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4331 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3200 and PHYSICS 3231. Photons and the wave nature of particles; wave mechanics, the Schroedinger equation, operator and matrix formulations, and Dirac notation; applications to single particle systems, atomic physics, and spectroscopy. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4341 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3)
Prerequisites: MATH 2000 and PHYSICS 3231. Introduction to statistical mechanics, classical thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4343 Selected Topics in Physics I (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3221, PHYSICS 3223, PHYSICS 3231, and PHYSICS 4341. Topics include special phenomena from research areas such as scattering of waves, biophysics, nonlinear physics, geophysical fluid dynamics and the atmospheric sciences treated by methods of advanced mechanics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4347 Biophysics of Imaging (4)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3231, BIOL 1811, BIOL 1821. An introduction to the application of physical principles to problems in medical physics and biology, with a particular focus on the biophysics of various technologies for imaging both human patients and biological macromolecules. Topics covered will include the principles of X-ray crystallography, metabolic and optical changes in the brain, NMR and fMRI, magnetoencephalography, PET imaging, the electrophysiology of EEG and ECG, dynamics in the body and brain, and dynamics in genetics. Laboratory projects on brain imaging and data analysis are an integral part of the course. Three classroom hours and two laboratory hours per week.
PHYSICS 4350 Computational Physics (3)
Prerequisites: CMP SCI 1250, plus PHYSICS 3221, PHYSICS 3223, and PHYSICS 3231. Computer analysis in physics; solutions of eigenvalue problems; coupled differential equations. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4351 Elementary Solid State Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 4331. Theoretical and experimental aspects of solid state physics, including one- dimensional band theory of solids; electron emission from metals and semiconductors; electrical and thermal conductivity of solids. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4353 Physics of Fluids (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3221, PHYSICS 3223, and PHYSICS 4341, or consent of instructor. Dynamical theory of gases and liquids. Course covers the mathematical development of physical fluid dynamics with contemporary applications. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4354 Atmospheric Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 4341 and 3221. The mathematical application of physical laws to atmospheric dynamics and physical meteorology. Application of mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and radiation to atmospheric phenomena including the ionosphere. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4365 Introduction to Plasma Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3223 and PHYSICS 4341. A study of the nonlinear collective interactions of ions, electrons, and neutral molecules with each other and with electric and magnetic fields. Topics include plasma confinement and stability, electrical discharges and ionization, kinetic theory of plasma transport, plasma waves and radiation, and controlled fusion. Solutions of the Boltzmann, Fokker-Planck, and Vlasov equations are discussed and methods of advanced electromagnetism and statistical physics are utilized. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4370 Relativity and Cosmology (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3221, PHYSICS 3223, and PHYSICS 3231. An introduction to Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Topics will include special relativity in the formalism of Minkowski’s four dimensional space-time, Principle of Equivalence, Riemannian geometry and tensor analysis, Einstein Field Equation and cosmology. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 4381 Directed Readings in Physics (1-10)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An independent study of special topics in physics for senior undergraduates or graduate students.
PHYSICS 4802 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Physical Sciences (3)
Prerequisites: TCH ED 3310 and a near-major in the subject matter. A study of the scope and sequence of the physical science courses in the school curriculum, with emphasis on the selection and organization of materials and methods of instruction and evaluation. Attention is also directed toward learning the techniques and research tools of the scholar in the field of science. To be taken prior to student teaching. This course must be completed in residence.
PHYSICS 4837 Chemistry/Physics Teaching Intern Seminar (1)
Same as CHEM 4837. Prerequisite: CHEM 4802 or PHYSICS 4802. A seminar to accompany student teaching covering integration of physical science curricula and methods into the classroom setting. To be taken concurrently with Secondary Student Teaching, SEC ED 3290 One hour discussion per week.
PHYSICS 5307Advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course introduces students to advanced scanning electron microscopy techniques and their applications to solving challenging materials and biological problems. The course includes electron optics, electron-specimen interactions, image formation and interpretation, compositional analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and sample preparation of both biological and non-biological systems. Laboratory experiments will provide students “hands-on” experience with SEM operations and problem-solving skills. Successful completion of the course enables students to independently operate scanning electron microscopes to perform research experiments. Two classroom hours and two hours of laboratory per week.
PHYSICS 5345 Nonlinear Dynamics and Stochastic Processes (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3221 and PHYSICS 4341 and Consent of Instructor. Dynamical systems; theory of oscillations; introduction to bifurcation theory and chaos in dissipative systems with applications in physics and biology; introduction to stochastic processes with applications in physics, chemistry and biology; dynamics of nonlinear systems perturbed by noise; noise-induced phase transitions; linear and nonlinear time series analysis. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 5357 Fundamental Particles and Forces (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3223, PHYSICS 3231 and PHYSICS 4331 (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to nuclear and particle physics. Nuclear phenomenology and models; high energy particle accelerators and detectors; phenomenology of strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; symmetry principles; quark compositions of strongly interacting baryons and mesons; gauge theories and the standard model of particle interactions; grand unification. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 5402 Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Physics or consent of instructor. A course covering mathematical techniques as applied in advanced theoretical physics including generalized vector spaces and their dual spaces, linear operators and functionals, generalized functions, spectral decomposition of operators, tensor analysis, and complex variables. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 5403 Principles of Mathematical Physics (3)
Prerequisite: graduate standing in physics or consent of instructor. Boundary value problems; Strum-Liouville theory and orthogonal functions; Green’s function techniques; and introduction to group theory with emphasis on representations of Lie Algebras. Three classroom hours per week.
PHYSICS 6300 Master’s Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor. Thesis work under the supervision of a faculty
member. The course is designed for those students intending to present a thesis as part of their M.S. program. Students who do not write a thesis cannot apply PHYSICS 6300 to a degree. This course transfers to the Cooperative Ph.D. program as three research credits.
PHYSICS 6400 Special Problems (1-5)
Prerequisites: Must have a faculty mentor and approval of the Department Chair. A study of special topics in physics for graduate students.
PHYSICS 6401 Special Topics (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course is designed to give the Department an opportunity to test a new course.
PHYSICS 6404 Experimental Research Techniques (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Experiments in various fields of physics designed to stress techniques and experimental approach.
PHYSICS 6405 Theoretical Physics I (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3221 and PHYSICS 3223 or equivalent. Newton’s laws applied to simple systems, central force problem, variational principles. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, electrostatics. Maxwell field operations, wave propagation.
PHYSICS 6406 Theoretical Physics II (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3231, PHYSICS 4341, or equivalent, and PHYSICS 6405. Schroedinger equation and wave mechanical treatment of simple systems: perturbation theory; identical particles and spin. Laws of thermodynamics, canonical systems; thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell equations, open systems, and chemical potential. Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
PHYSICS 6407 Modern Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 4331. A study of some of the more important concepts of modern physics.
PHYSICS 6409 Theoretical Mechanics I (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 3221. Classical mechanics, methods of Newton , Lagrange, and Hamilton , applied to motion of particles and rigid bodies, elasticity, and hydrodynamics.
PHYSICS 6410 Seminar (variable hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair. Discussion of current topics.
PHYSICS 6411 Electrodynamics I (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 3223. A rigorous development of the fundamentals of electromagnetic fields and waves. Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, Green’s functions, boundary value problems, multipoles, and conservation laws.
PHYSICS 6413 Statistical Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 4331 and PHYSICS 4341. A study of statistical ensembles; Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Einstein-Bose distribution laws, application to some simple physical systems.
PHYSICS 6415 Theoretical Mechanics II (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6409. Transformation theory of mechanics, Lagrange and Poisson brackets, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, introduction to the classical theory of fields.
PHYSICS 6417 Advanced Statistical Mechanics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6413. A continuation of PHYSICS 6413. Further applications as to such topics as the imperfect gas, condensation and the critical region, magnetism, liquid state, and transport phenomena.
PHYSICS 6423 Electrodynamics II (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6411. A continuation of PHYSICS 6411. Applications of time-dependent Maxwell’s equations to such topics as plasmas, wave guides, cavities, radiation: fields of simple systems and multipoles. Relativity: covariant formulation of Maxwell’s equations and conservation laws, fields of uniformly moving and accelerated charges.
PHYSICS 6425 Plasma Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 4341 and PHYSICS 6411. Fundamentals of kinetic theory, fluid equations, MHD equations, and applications; wave propagation, shielding effect, diffusion stability, and charged particle trajectories.
PHYSICS 6435 Cloud Physics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 3223 and PHYSICS 4341. A study of cloud microphysics and dynamics, atmospheric condensation and freezing nuclei, phase, precipitation mechanisms, aerosol scavenging, role of electrification, current dynamical models, and review of diagnostic techniques.
PHYSICS 6455 Theoretical Nuclear Physics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6461. A study of the basic properties of nuclei, nuclear scattering and forces, nuclear reactions, and models.
PHYSICS 6461 Quantum Mechanics I (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 4331. A study of the Schrödinger wave equation, operators and matrices, perturbation theory, collision, and scattering problems.
PHYSICS 6463 Quantum Mechanics II (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6461. Continuation of PHYSICS 6461 to include such topics as Pauli spin-operator theory, classification of atomic states, introduction to field quantization. Dirac electron theory.
PHYSICS 6465 Quantum Mechanics III (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 6461 and PHYSICS 6463. Topics chosen from such fields as: relativistic quantum mechanics, potential scattering, formal collision theory, group theoretical methods in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics.
PHYSICS 6467 Quantum Statistical Mechanics (3)
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 6413 and PHYSICS 6463. Techniques for calculation of the partition function with examples drawn from interacting Fermi gas, interacting Bose gas, superconductors, and similar sources.
PHYSICS 6471 Atomic and Molecular Structure (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6461. Applications of quantum mechanics to the structure of atoms and molecules; perturbation and variational calculations, self-consistent fields, multiplets, angular momenta, Thomas-Fermi model, diatomic molecules, spectral intensities.
PHYSICS 6473 Atomic Collision Theory (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6471 or PHYSICS 6463. Basic quantum mechanical concepts involved in atomic scattering theory. Topics include: elastic and inelastic collisions of electrons and ions with neutral atoms and molecules; collisions between heavy particles; curve crossing; photo-processes; and Coulomb wave functions.
PHYSICS 6475 Molecular Spectroscopy (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6461. Introduction to classical and quantum treatment of the vibrational and rotational structure and spectra of diatomic, linear triatomic, and simple polyatomic molecules: vibrational-rotational interactions, point group symmetry in simple infrared spectra analysis, calculations of vibrational frequencies, and normal coordinates of polyatomic atoms.
PHYSICS 6481 Physics of the Solid State (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6461. Crystal symmetry, point and space groups, lattice vibrations, phonons, one-electron model, Hartree-Fock approximation, elementary energy band theory transport properties, the Boltzmann equation, introduction to superconductivity, semiconductors, and magnetism.
PHYSICS 6483 Selected Topics of the Solid State (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6481. Introduction to many- body perturbation theory, the use of Feynman diagrams. Green’s functions, treatment of the electron-electron, phonon-phonon, and electron-phonon interactions, theory of magnetism, and theory of superconductivity.
PHYSICS 6485 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3)
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 6465. Selected topics such as many-body problems field theory, S matrix theory and symmetries.
PHYSICS 6490 Research (variable hours)
Prerequisites: Must have a faculty mentor and approval of the Department Chair. Investigations of an advanced nature leading to the preparation of a thesis or dissertation.
PHYSICS 6493 Oral Examination
After completion of all other program requirements, oral examinations for on campus students may be processed during the first two weeks of an academic session or at any appropriate time for off-campus students upon enrollment in PHYSICS 6493 and payment of an oral examination fee. All other students must enroll for credit commensurate with uses made of facilities and/or faculties. In no case shall this be for less than three semester hours for resident students.
PHYSICS 6495 Continuous Registration
Doctoral candidates who have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation, and are away from the campus, must continue to enroll for at least one hour of credit each registration period until the degree is completed. Failure to do so may invalidate the candidacy. Billing will be automatic as will registration upon payment.