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Physics (PHYS) Courses

Academic Unit: Physics & Astronomy, Sch of

PHYS 1001W - Energy and the Environment [ENV PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-1 yr high school algebra; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1001 until 05-SEP-00
Fundamental principles governing physical world in context of energy/environment. Lab.
PHYS 1021 - Intro Phys
(5 cr; S-N only)
PHYS 1051W - Quantum Worlds [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Spring)
This course consists of two parts that we?ll pursue in parallel. The first is an algebra-based introduction to the basic formalism of quantum mechanics, presupposing no more than some high-school algebra and geometry. This part will conclude with a gentle introduction to quantum computing. The other part will track the debate over the interpretation of quantum mechanics. A century after the introduction of the theory, which underlies much of the technology we now take for granted, there is still no consensus among the experts about how to picture the quantum world.
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-High school algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry; primarily for students interested in technical areas; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1101 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1107 (starting 04-SEP-18)
Fundamental principles of physics in the context of everyday world. Use of kinematics/dynamics principles and quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena. Lecture, recitation, lab.
PHYS 1102W - Introductory College Physics II [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-1101W or 1107; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1102 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1108 (starting 17-MAY-21)
Fundamental principles of physics in context of everyday world. Use of conservation principles and quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena. Lecture, recitation, lab.
PHYS 1107 - Introductory Physics Online I [PHYS] (Completely Online)
(4 cr; Prereq-High school algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 1101W (starting 20-JAN-15, was PHYS 1101 until 05-SEP-00)
Principles of physics in context of everyday world. Use of kinematics/dynamics principles together with quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena.
PHYS 1108 - Introductory Physics Online II [PHYS] (Completely Online)
(4 cr; Prereq-1107; primarily for students interested in technical areas; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 1102W (starting 17-MAY-21, was PHYS 1102 until 05-SEP-00)
Fundamental principles of physics in context of everyday world. Use of conservation principles and quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena.
PHYS 1221 - Introductory Physics for Life Science Majors I [PHYS]
(4 cr; Prereq-High School or College Calculus; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 1301W, PHYS 1401V, PHYS 1101W (ending 07-SEP-04, starting 05-SEP-00, was PHYS 1101 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1201W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1201 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1381, PHYS 1501V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, ending 06-SEP-05, was PHYS 1501 until 03-SEP-13), PHYS 1281
The class exposes the student to physical principles and concepts, demonstrates how these principles can be applied to quantitatively describe natural phenomena, and provides the student with an opportunity to perform hands-on experiments and measurements that model how physical knowledge is obtained. The living world exists in the physical universe, and a complete understanding of biological processes is impossible without a firm foundation in the basic physical principles to which all systems, living and inorganic, must adhere. The basic principles of classical mechanics, fluid mechanics, and oscillations and waves will be examined, with particular emphasis to their application in biological systems, using mathematical analysis at the level of basic calculus.
PHYS 1222 - Introductory Physics for Life Science Majors II [PHYS]
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 1221 or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 1402V, PHYS 1282, PHYS 1502V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, was PHYS 1502 until 21-JAN-14), PHYS 1302W, PHYS 1382, PHYS 1202W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1202 until 05-SEP-00)
This is the second course in the introductory physics sequence for life science majors. The class exposes the student to physical principles and concepts, demonstrates how these principles can be applied to quantitatively describe natural phenomena, and provides the student with an opportunity to perform hands-on experiments and measurements that model how physical knowledge is obtained. The fundamental principles of thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and nuclear physics are considered.
PHYS 1301W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1301 until 16-MAY-22, was PHYS 1301 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1221, PHYS 1401V, PHYS 1101W (ending 07-SEP-04, starting 05-SEP-00, was PHYS 1101 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1201W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1201 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1381, PHYS 1501V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, ending 06-SEP-05, was PHYS 1501 until 03-SEP-13), PHYS 1281
Use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Motion, forces, conservation principles, structure of matter. Applications to mechanical systems. prereq or concurrent: MATH 1271/1371/1371H or equivalent
PHYS 1302W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering II [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 1301 or equivalent, Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1272/1372/1572H or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1302 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1402V, PHYS 1282, PHYS 1502V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, was PHYS 1502 until 21-JAN-14), PHYS 1222, PHYS 1382, PHYS 1202W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1202 until 05-SEP-00)
Use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Motion, forces, conservation principles, fields, structure of matter. Applications to electromagnetic phenomena.
PHYS 1401V - Honors Physics I [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-Honors program or with permission, Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1271/1371/1571H or equivalent; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1401 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1301W, PHYS 1221, PHYS 1101W (ending 07-SEP-04, starting 05-SEP-00, was PHYS 1101 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1201W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1201 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 1381, PHYS 1501V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, ending 06-SEP-05, was PHYS 1501 until 03-SEP-13), PHYS 1281
Comprehensive, calculus-level general physics. Emphasizes use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Description of motion, forces, conservation principles. Structure of matter, with applications to mechanical systems.
PHYS 1402V - Honors Physics II [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; A-F only; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 1402 until 05-SEP-00, PHYS 1282, PHYS 1502V (inactive, starting 04-SEP-12, was PHYS 1502 until 21-JAN-14), PHYS 1302W, PHYS 1222, PHYS 1382, PHYS 1202W (inactive, starting 20-JAN-04, was PHYS 1202 until 05-SEP-00)
Fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Description of motion, forces, conservation principles, fields. Structure of matter, with applications to electro-magnetic phenomena. Honors program or with permission, PHYS 1401V or equivalent, Prereq or CC: MATH 1272/1372/1572H or equivalent
PHYS 2201 - Introductory Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 1302W or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Thermodynamics and its underlying statistical nature.
PHYS 2503 - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering III
(4 cr; Prereq-1302W or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 2303 (inactive), PHYS 2403H (inactive, was PHYS 2403V until 03-SEP-02, was PHYS 2403 until 05-SEP-00), PHYS 2503H
Physics 2503 is the third semester of a calculus-based introduction to physics principles, with emphasis on Wave Phenomena, particularly diffraction and interference, the Special Theory of Relativity and Quantum Physics. The course is intended for those students who will go on to study one of the physical sciences or an engineering discipline.
PHYS 2503H - Honors Physics III
(4 cr; Prereq-Honors program or with permission, PHYS 1402V or equivalent prereq: 1402V or 1502V, honors student or permission of University Honors Program or instr consent; A-F only; offered Every Fall)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 2503 (starting 04-SEP-01), PHYS 2303 (inactive), PHYS 2403H (inactive, was PHYS 2403V until 03-SEP-02, was PHYS 2403 until 05-SEP-00)
The third semester of a calculus-based introductory physics sequence. Topics include: relativistic kinematics and dynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, light, interference, diffraction, wave-particle duality, and topics in modern physics. Course emphasizes the use of fundamental problems to solve quantitative problems. Intended primarily for those who have completed 1401V/1402V, although those students with outstanding performance in 1301W/1302W may be granted permission to enroll.
PHYS 2601 - Quantum Physics
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS2503/2503H, Recommended Concurrent: Phys 3041; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Introduction to quantum mechanics. Applications to atomic, molecular, condensed-matter, nuclear, elementary-particle, and statistical physics.
PHYS 3022 - Introduction to Cosmology
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 2601; Student Option; offered Spring Odd Year)
Large-scale structure and history of universe. Dark matter, cosmic microwave background. Newtonian/relativistic world models. Physics of early universe. Cosmological tests.
PHYS 3041 - Mathematical Methods for Physicists
(3 cr; Prereq-2503/2503H, Recommended CC: PHYS 2601; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
This course introduces additional mathematical topics that physics majors need to properly handle upper division physics classes. PHYS 1302W, Prereq or CC: MATH 2263/2374/2573H or equivalent, Recommended
PHYS 3071W - Laboratory-Based Physics for Teachers [PHYS WI]
(4 cr; Prereq-College algebra; no credit for CSE students or students who have completed PHYS 1201/1202, PHYS 1301/1301, PHYS 1401/1402, or PHYS 1501/1502.; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 3071 until 05-SEP-00
Laboratory-based introductory physics. Topics selected to apply to elementary school curriculum: earth's motion, properties of matter, heat and temperature, kinematics, and electric current.
PHYS 3605W - Modern Physics Laboratory [WI]
(3 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 2605 (inactive, starting 06-SEP-16)
Laboratory experiments in atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics. Introduction to data analysis techniques as well as the communication of scientific results through maintaining a logbook and writing papers. Prerequisites: completion (or concurrent registration) in PHYS 2503 or 2503H.
PHYS 3993 - Directed Studies
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-instr consent, dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 10 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
Directed study in Physics in areas arranged by the student and a faculty member.
PHYS 3994 - Directed Research
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-instr consent, dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 10 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
Independent, directed study in physics in areas arranged by the student and a faculty member.
PHYS 4001 - Analytical Mechanics
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 2503/2503H or equivalent, PHYS 304; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Analytic Newtonian mechanics. Mathematics beyond prerequisites developed as required.
PHYS 4002 - Electricity and Magnetism
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 3041, PHYS 2503/2503H or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Classical theory of electromagnetic fields using vector algebra and vector calculus.
PHYS 4041 - Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 3041; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: AST 4041 (starting 20-JAN-15, was AST 4101 until 05-SEP-17)
Introduction to using computer programs to solve problems in physical sciences. Selected numerical methods, mapping problems onto computational algorithms. Arranged lab.
PHYS 4051 - Methods of Experimental Physics I
(5 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Contemporary experimental techniques. Introduction to modern analog and digital electronics from an experimental viewpoint. Use of computers for data acquisition and experimental control. Statistics of data analysis. Prereq or Concurrent PHYS 3605W, PHYS 3041
PHYS 4052W - Methods of Experimental Physics II [WI]
(5 cr; Prereq-PHYS 4051; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 4052 until 05-SEP-00
Second semester of laboratory sequence. Contemporary experimental techniques illustrated by experiments with data analysis. Students design and execute an experimental project. Lectures on specialized topics of professional concern.
PHYS 4101 - Quantum Mechanics
(4 cr; Prereq-PHYS 3041, PHYS 2601; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Mathematical techniques of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger Equation and simple applications. General structure of wave mechanics. Operator methods, perturbation theory, radiation from atoms.
PHYS 4111 - History of 19th-Century Physics
(3 cr; Student Option)
Equivalent courses: was HSCI 4111 until 04-SEP-12
Legacy of 17th-century experimental and theoretical physics. Experimental and theoretical discoveries in 19th-century physics (light, atomic theory, heat, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electromagnetism) within the context of educational, institutional, and political developments in Europe and the United States.
PHYS 4121 - History of 20th-Century Physics
(3 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Equivalent courses: was HSCI 4121W until 17-JAN-23, was HSCI 4121 until 17-JAN-12
Experimental and theoretical discoveries in 20th-century physics (modern physics, theory of relativity, quantum theories, nuclear physics to World War II) within the context of educational, institutional, and political developments in Europe and the United States.
PHYS 4121W - History of 20th-Century Physics [WI]
(3 cr; Prereq-calculus or permission from the instructor.; Student Option No Audit; offered Periodic Spring)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 4121 until 17-JAN-12, HSCI 4121W (starting 07-SEP-99, was HSCI 4121 until 17-JAN-12, was PHYS 4121 until 07-SEP-99)
The transition from classical to modern physics (relativity, quantum) and its architects (from Planck and Einstein to Heisenberg and Schrodinger). The WWII bomb projects in the US and in Germany. Post-war developments (solid state, particle physics).
PHYS 4201 - Statistical and Thermal Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 3041, PHYS 2201, PHYS 2601; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Selected applications such as kinetic theory, transport theory, and phase transitions.
PHYS 4211 - Introduction to Solid-State Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-2201, 4101; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
A modern presentation of the properties of solids. Topics include vibrational and electronic properties of solids; diffraction of waves in solids and electron band structure. Other possible topics include optical properties, magnetic phenomena, and superconductivity.
PHYS 4223 - The Physics of Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
(3 cr; A-F or Audit; offered Every Fall)
This course is intended to introduce physics majors and graduate students to the tools and concepts underlying quantum information science and quantum computing. The course will focus on aspects of quantum mechanics central to quantum information science, such as entanglement, quantum measurements, and noise in quantum systems. Students will learn how the unique features of quantum mechanics can be harnessed for computational power, as well as about the many experimental challenges of doing so. Prerequisite - PHYS 2601 (Quantum Physics) or equivalent or instructor permission
PHYS 4303 - Electrodynamics and Waves
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 4002; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Analytical mechanics. Electricity/magnetism, including mechanical/electromagnetic wave phenomena. Physical/geometrical optics.
PHYS 4501 - Experimental Project
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-4052, instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 5 credits)
Research project in physics area of contemporary interest. Project must be approved by faculty coordinator before registration.
PHYS 4511 - Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-4101; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Fundamental particles and Standard Model. Symmetries/quarks, models of nuclei, interactions between particles/nuclei, tests of conservation laws, fission/fusion.
PHYS 4611 - Introduction to Space Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 4001, PHYS 4002; Student Option; offered Fall Odd Year)
Dynamics of charged particles/plasmas in space. Physics of the Sun and solar wind. Solar/galactic cosmic rays. Interactions of solar wind with planetary magnetospheres. Dynamics of Magnetosphere. Formation of the aurora. Physics of radiation belts.
PHYS 4621 - Introduction to Plasma Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 4001, PHYS 4002; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Basic properties of collisionless, magnetized plasmas, single particle motion, plasmas as fluids, magnetohydrodynamics, waves in plasmas, equilibrium, instabilities, kinetic theory/shocks.
PHYS 4623 - Introduction to Modern Optics
(3 cr; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 4711 until 03-SEP-19, EE 4623
Modern optics broadly defined as geometrical, physical, and quantum optics, including interference and diffraction, optical polarization, Fourier optics, cavity optics, optical propagation, optical coherence, lasers, optical detection, and optical instruments.
PHYS 4811 - Introduction to General Relativity
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 4001 and (PHYS 2503 or 2503H); Student Option; offered Spring Odd Year)
Introduction to general relativity for undergraduate students. The course will introduce basic concepts of differential geometry and use them to motivate Einstein's Equation. It will then solve Einstein's equation to study particle orbits, gravitational lensing of light, black holes, and gravitational waves. Brief introduction to cosmology and evolution of the universe will be included.
PHYS 4894 - Thesis - Directed Research
(1 cr [max 3]; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Equivalent courses: was PHYS 4950H until 18-JAN-22
Thesis research/writing under direction of a faculty member. Students plan/implement scientific study while gaining experience in research methods. Details of work are determined in consultation with faculty thesis adviser selected based on availability/topic. Final grade (S/N) will be based on the completed thesis. Students enrolling in this directed research course will complete the University's common Directed Study/Research contract with the faculty mentor/evaluator.
PHYS 4911 - Introduction to Biopolymer Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 2201 or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 5081
Introduction to biological and soft condensed matter physics. Emphasizes physical ideas necessary to understand behavior of macromolecules and other biological materials. Elements of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are presented as needed.
PHYS 4960H - Honors Seminar
(1 cr; Prereq-Upper div honors, instr consent; Student Option No Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 2 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Designed to prepare students for senior honors thesis projects and provide guidance in choice of future careers.
PHYS 4993 - Directed Studies
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 10 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
Directed study in Physics in areas arranged by student and faculty member.
PHYS 4994 - Directed Research
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 10 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
Independent, directed study in physics in areas arranged by student and a faculty member.
PHYS 5001 - Quantum Mechanics I
(4 cr; Prereq-4101 or equiv or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Schrodinger equation: bound state and scattering problems in one dimension. Spherically symmetric problems in three dimensions, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Approximation methods for stationary states. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Operators and state vectors: general formalism of quantum theory.
PHYS 5002 - Quantum Mechanics II
(4 cr; Prereq-5001 or equiv; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Symmetry in quantum mechanics, space-time symmetries and the rotation group, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and the Wigner-Eckart theorem. Scattering theory. Method of second quantization with elementary applications. Relativistic wave equations including Dirac equation.
PHYS 5011 - Classical Physics I
(4 cr; Prereq-4001, 4002 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Classical mechanics: Lagrangian/Hamiltonian mechanics, orbital dynamics, rigid body motion, special relativity.
PHYS 5012 - Classical Physics II
(4 cr; Prereq-5011 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Classical electromagnetism: electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, interaction of charged particles with matter.
PHYS 5022 - Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe
(4 cr; Prereq-2601 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Equivalent courses: AST 5022 (starting 07-SEP-99)
Large-scale structure and history of universe. Introduction to Newtonian and relativistic world models. Physics of early universe. Cosmological tests. Formation of galaxies.
PHYS 5041 - Mathematical Methods for Physics
(4 cr; Prereq-2601 or grad student; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Survey of mathematical techniques needed in analysis of physical problems. Emphasizes analytical methods.
PHYS 5072 - Best Practices in College Physics Teaching
(1 cr [max 3]; Student Option; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 5 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Pedagogies for introductory physics classes. Topics from educational research/practice as applied to classroom.
PHYS 5081 - Introduction to Biopolymer Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-PHYS 2201 or equivalent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: PHYS 4911 (starting 03-SEP-02)
Introduction to biological and soft condensed matter physics. Emphasizes physical ideas necessary to understand behavior of macromolecules and other biological materials.
PHYS 5201 - Thermal and Statistical Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-[[4101, 4201] or equiv] previous exposure to thermodynamics, introductory statistical physics; A-F or Audit; offered Every Fall)
Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. General Principles of Statistical Mechanics: Ensembles. Derivation of Thermodynamics from statistical principles. Classical Systems. Quantum Statistical Mechanics: Fundamentals. Photons. Ideal Fermi & Bose Gases. Non-ideal gases. Introduction to Phase Transitions.
PHYS 5223 - The Physics of Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
(3 cr; A-F or Audit; offered Every Fall)
This course is intended to introduce physics majors and graduate students to the tools and concepts underlying quantum information science and quantum computing. The course will focus on aspects of quantum mechanics central to quantum information science, such as entanglement, quantum measurements, and noise in quantum systems. Students will learn how the unique features of quantum mechanics can be harnessed for computational power, as well as about the many experimental challenges of doing so. Prerequisite - PHYS 2601 (Quantum Physics) or equivalent or instructor permission
PHYS 5621 - Introduction to Plasma Physics
(3 cr; Prereq-CSE grad student, working knowledge of waves/electromagnetism; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Basic properties of collisionless, magnetized plasmas, single particle motion, plasmas as fluids, magnetohydrodynamics, waves in plasmas, equilibrium, instabilities, kinetic theory/shocks.
PHYS 5701 - Solid-State Physics for Engineers and Scientists
(4 cr; Prereq-Grad or advanced undergrad in physics or engineering or the sciences; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Crystal structure and binding; diffraction; phonons; thermal and dielectric properties of insulators; free electron model; band structure; semiconductors.
PHYS 5750 - Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information (Topics course)
(3 cr; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
Topics may include quantum circuits and algorithms, hardware considerations for quantum computing, quantum information theory, and open quantum systems.
PHYS 5950 - Colloquium Seminar
(1 cr; Prereq-[Grad student or advanced undergrad in physics], dept consent; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring)
Colloquium of School of Physics and Astronomy.
PHYS 5970 - Physics Journal Club
(1 cr [max 3]; Prereq-2601, 2605 or equiv; intended for 2nd-yr grad students in physics; S-N only; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 3 credits)
Weekly student-led presentation, discussion, and critical analysis of important papers.
PHYS 5980 - Introduction to Research Seminar
(1 cr; Prereq-Grad or upper div phys major; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 3 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Introduction to the research activities of the School of Physics and Astronomy.
PHYS 5993 - Directed Studies
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-instr consent, dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 15 credits; may be repeated 15 times)
Independent, directed study in physics in areas arranged by the student and a faculty member.
PHYS 5994 - Directed Research
(1 cr [max 5]; Prereq-Jr, dept consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 15 credits; may be repeated 15 times)
Problems, experimental or theoretical, of special interest to students. Written reports.
PHYS 8001 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
(3 cr; Prereq-5002 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Topics in non-relativistic quantum mechanics; second quantization. Introduction to Diagrammatic and Green's function techniques and to relativistic wave equations. Application of relativistic perturbation theory to particle interactions with electromagnetic field. Invariant interactions of elementary particles.
PHYS 8011 - Quantum Field Theory I
(3 cr; Prereq-8001 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Second quantization of relativistic wave equations: canonical quantization of the free scalar and Dirac fields. Fields in interaction: interaction picture. Quantum electrodynamics: quantization of the electromagnetic field, propagators and Feynman rules, tree-level processes. Higher-order processes and renormalization.
PHYS 8012 - Quantum Field Theory II
(3 cr; Prereq-8011 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Aspects of general theory of quantized fields, including space-time and discrete transformation properties, the CPT theorem, and the spin-statistics connection. Introduction to functional and path-integral methods. Renormalization group and asymptotic freedom. Semi-classical methods and instantons in gauge theories.
PHYS 8013 - Special Topics in Quantum Field Theory (Topics course)
(3 cr; Prereq-8012 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Spring Even Year)
Includes non-perturbative methods in quantum field theory, supersymmetry, two-dimensional quantum field theories and their applications, lattice simulations of quantum fields, topological quantum field theories, quantum field theory methods applied to condensed matter physics, and string theory.
PHYS 8014 - Quantum many Body Systems
(3 cr; A-F only; offered Every Spring)
Applications of quantum field theory to systems at finite density and temperature. Perturbative field theory of the interacting electron gas and its response functions. Instabilities of interacting fermions at finite density using renormalization group and diagrammatic methods.
PHYS 8100 - Seminar: Problems of Physics Teaching and Higher Education
(1 cr; Student Option; offered Every Spring; may be repeated for 3 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Lectures and informal discussions of courses and curricula, techniques, and materials important in undergraduate physics instruction; relation to general problems of higher education.
PHYS 8161 - Atomic and Molecular Structure
(3 cr; Prereq-Level of mathematics associated with BS in physical sciences; A-F only; offered Fall Odd Year)
Emphasizes interpretation of quantum numbers and selection rules in terms of symmetry. Experimental data summarized and compared with theoretical predictions.
PHYS 8200 - Seminar: Cosmology and High Energy Astrophysics
(1 cr; Prereq-instr consent; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Current topics in cosmology and high energy astrophysics.
PHYS 8300 - Seminar: Biological and Medical Physics.
(1 cr; Prereq-instr consent; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Current research in biological and medical physics
PHYS 8301 - Symmetry and Its Application to Physical Problems
(3 cr; Prereq-5002 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Fundamental invariance principles obeyed by laws of physics. Group theory as tool for using symmetry and invariance to help understand behavior of physical systems. Applications made to atomic, molecular, nuclear, condensed-matter, and elementary particle physics.
PHYS 8311 - Biological Physics of Single Molecules
(3 cr; Prereq-[[5201 or Chen 4707], 5011] or instr consent; Student Option; offered Spring Odd Year)
Biological molecules, based on statistical mechanics, kinetics, optics, and other physics ideas. Physics of DNA/proteins, their interactions. Force spectroscopy (optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy). Concepts of optical spectroscopy. Single molecule fluorescence/imaging.
PHYS 8312 - Biological Physics of Macroscopic Systems
(3 cr; Prereq-[[5201 or CHEN 4707], 5011] or instr consent; Student Option; offered Spring Even Year)
Macroscopic systems, based on physics such as fluid dynamics, statistical mechanics, non-linear dynamics, and chaos theory. Super-molecular aggregates. Biological physics of the cell. Biological physics of populations/evolution.
PHYS 8333 - FTE: Master's
(1 cr; Prereq-Master's student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; 6 academic progress units; 6 financial aid progress units)
(No description)
PHYS 8444 - FTE: Doctoral
(1 cr; Prereq-Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; 6 academic progress units; 6 financial aid progress units; may be repeated for 20 credits; may be repeated 20 times)
(No description)
PHYS 8500 - Plan B Project
(4 cr; Prereq-instr consent; may be taken once to satisfy Plan B master's project requirement; no cr toward PhD; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer)
Project topic arranged between student and instructor. Written report required.
PHYS 8501 - General Relativity and Cosmology I
(3 cr; Prereq-5012 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Tensor analysis and differential geometry. Special relativity leading to formulation of principles of general relativity and Einstein's equations. Tests of general relativity and thorough discussion of various black hole solutions, including Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordstom, and Kerr solutions.
PHYS 8502 - General Relativity and Cosmology II
(3 cr; Prereq-8501 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Gravitational radiation. Applications of general relativity to stellar structure of white dwarfs and neutron stars, action principle, and symmetric spaces. Big-bang cosmology, strongly emphasizing particle physics.
PHYS 8581 - Big Data in Astrophysics
(4 cr; A-F only; offered Every Spring)
Equivalent courses: AST 8581, CSCI 8581, STAT 8581
This course will introduce key concepts and techniques used to work with large datasets, in the context of the field of astrophysics. Prerequisites: MATH 2263 and MATH 2243, or equivalent; or instructor consent. Suggested: familiarity with astrophysics topics such as star formation and evolution, galaxies and clusters, composition and expansion of the universe, gravitational wave sources and waveforms, and high-energy astrophysics.
PHYS 8600 - Seminar: Space Physics
(1 cr; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Current topics in space physics and plasma physics.
PHYS 8601 - Plasma Physics I
(3 cr; Prereq-4621, 5012 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Theory of plasma waves and instabilities in plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics, nonlinear waves in plasmas, wave propagation in inhomogeneous plasmas.
PHYS 8602 - Plasma Physics II
(3 cr; Prereq-8601 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Theory of plasma waves and instabilities, collisions, radiation, transport, nonlinear wave-particle and wave-wave interactions, instabilities in inhomogeneous plasmas.
PHYS 8611 - Cosmic Rays and Plasma Astrophysics
(3 cr; Prereq-5012 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Properties of energetic particles in heliosphere and in astrophysical environments; solar physics, including radiation and magnetic effects; solar wind and magnetospheric physics; physics of radiation belts.
PHYS 8650 - Advanced Topics in Space and Plasma Physics (Topics course)
(3 cr; Prereq-8602 or 8611 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall; may be repeated for 9 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Topics in plasma waves and instabilities, solar physics, cosmic ray physics, atmospheric physics or planetary physics.
PHYS 8666 - Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits
(1 cr [max 6]; Prereq-Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral; no required consent for 1st/2nd registrations, up to 12 combined cr; dept consent for 3rd/4th registrations, up to 24 combined cr; doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 12 credits; may be repeated 2 times)
TBD
PHYS 8700 - Seminar: Condensed Matter Physics
(1 cr; Prereq-instr consent; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Current research.
PHYS 8702 - Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory
(3 cr; Prereq-5201 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Equilibrium properties of macroscopic classical and quantum systems. Phase transitions and Renormalization Group. Transport theory. Applications to soft condensed matter systems.
PHYS 8711 - Solid-State Physics I
(3 cr; Prereq-4211, 5002 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Fundamental properties of solids. Electronic structure and transport in metals and semiconductors. Properties of disordered materials.
PHYS 8712 - Solid-State Physics II
(3 cr; Prereq-8711 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Fundamental properties of solids. Electronic structure and transport in metals and semiconductors. Properties of disordered materials.
PHYS 8750 - Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (Topics course)
(3 cr; Prereq-8712 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 9 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Sample research topics: magnetism, superconductivity, low temperature physics, superfluid helium.
PHYS 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
(1 cr [max 18]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 50 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
(No description)
PHYS 8800 - Seminar: Nuclear Physics
(1 cr; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Current research topics.
PHYS 8801 - Nuclear Physics I
(3 cr; Prereq-5001, 5002, 5011, 5012, 5201; AST 4001 recommended; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall & Spring)
Nuclear/neutrino astrophysics. Thermonuclear reactions. Processes of nucleosynthesis. Origin of the elements. Stellar evolution. Theory of supernovae. Exotic stars. Chemical evolution of galaxies.
PHYS 8802 - Nuclear Physics II
(3 cr; Prereq-8801 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Periodic Fall)
Properties of nuclei based on hadronic and quark-gluon degrees of freedom. Relativistic field theory at finite temperatures and density applied to many-body problems, especially nuclear matter and quark-gluon plasma. Applications to lepton and hadron scattering, nucleus-nucleus collisions, astrophysics and cosmology.
PHYS 8850 - Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics (Topics course)
(3 cr; Prereq-8802 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Fall Odd Year; may be repeated for 9 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Research topics.
PHYS 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
(1 cr [max 24]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required; No Grade Associated; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 100 credits; may be repeated 10 times)
(No description)
PHYS 8900 - Seminar: Elementary Particle Physics
(1 cr; S-N or Audit; offered Every Fall & Spring; may be repeated for 6 credits; may be repeated 6 times)
Elementary particle physics, high energy physics, particle astrophysics and cosmology.
PHYS 8901 - Elementary Particle Physics I
(3 cr; Prereq-8001 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall)
Types of fundamental interactions. Exact and approximate symmetries and conservation laws. Gauge quanta: gluons, photons, W and Z bosons, gravitons. Fundamental fermions: leptons and quarks. Isotopic and flavor SU(3) symmetries of strong interaction. Heavy hadrons. Amplitudes and probabilities. Quantum chromodynamics.
PHYS 8902 - Elementary Particle Physics II
(3 cr; Prereq-8901 or instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Spring)
Deep inelastic scattering. Weak interactions of leptons. Semileptonic and nonleptonic weak processes with hadons. Oscillations of neutral Kaons. Violation of CP symmetry in Kaons. Neutrino masses and oscillations. Standard model of the electroweak interaction. Grand unification. Unitarity of the S matrix. Properties of soft pions.
PHYS 8911 - Introduction to Supersymmetry
(3 cr; Prereq-8011 or instr consent; A-F only; offered Spring Even Year)
Motivation. Coleman-Mandula theorem. Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics. 4D supersymmetry algebra and representations. Extended supersymmetry. N=1 superspace and superfields. Supersymmetric guage theories. Chiral/vector multiplets. Non-renormalization theorems. Supersymmetry breaking. Supersymmetric Standard Model. Phenomenology. Nonperturbative supersymmetry. Supergravity.
PHYS 8994 - Research in Physics
(1 cr [max 12]; Prereq-instr consent; Student Option; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 24 credits; may be repeated 24 times)
Research under faculty direction.
PHYS 8996 - Curricular Practical Training
(1 cr; S-N only; offered Every Fall, Spring & Summer; may be repeated for 3 credits; may be repeated 3 times)
Phys8996 CPT is a one-credit course taken pass/fail by international students engaging in an internship at an industrial work environment. Grade is based on final report/presentation covering work assignment. The presentation is to be coordinated with the Director of Career Education. The course will not count toward credit requirements in the School of Physics and Astronomy graduate programs.

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