Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences

Science Complex, Room 3150
Phone: 410-704-3020
Fax: 410-704-3511
Email: pags@towson.edu

Departmental Honors Program

The Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences offers a departmental honors program for students who demonstrate exemplary abilities in their discipline. Such students will work closely with faculty mentors in an individual program of research, directed readings, independent study, and seminar. Departmental honors will be posted to the transcript shortly after the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Criteria for Admission into the Departmental Honors Program

  1. Completion of at least 60 units of undergraduate course work.
  2. Overall cumulative average of 3.00 or above and a 3.25 or above cumulative average in their major course requirements. Students below this threshold may appeal to the Department Honors Coordinator.

Contact the department for a list of detailed procedures for applying to the departmental honors program.

Department Activities and Awards

Research

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in research at TU or in summer research programs. Faculty advisers will assist students in finding a research project of interest. Undergraduate research and travel grants are awarded by TU and FCSM on a competitive basis to provide support for student research.

Internships

Majors are encouraged to participate in internship programs and receive academic credit. Internships may be undertaken in either the public or private sector. Internships must have a significant physics or geology component. At the completion of the internship, students are required to submit for evaluation a portfolio describing the work undertaken and give a public seminar. This portfolio and seminar will be evaluated by department faculty.

Student Organizations

Students in Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences are encouraged to actively participate in the student based organizations within the department. These include the Geology Club, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Physics Students, and the TU Astronomical Society. For some of these organizations, students are permitted to join the national organization and to obtain publications, services at reduced rates, grants, and awards.

Departmental Awards

Departmental student awards are given annually for outstanding work in chemistry courses. These include:

  • Edward L. Rubendall Physics Achievement Award - The awards were established in honor of Professor Emeritus Edward J. Rubendall by friends of the department. The awards are presented annually to outstanding junior and senior physics majors in the department.
  • Geosciences Achievement Award - These awards are presented to two outstanding students in the Geosciences program. They must be of junior or senior standing.
  • William F. Pelham Award - This award was established in honor of Professor Emeritus William F. Pelham by his friends at Towson University and in the greater Baltimore arts community. The award is presented to outstanding juniors in the department.
  • Eddie Loh Graduate Scholarship - This award was established by Professor Emeritus Eddie Loh. It is given annually to graduate students in the Masters in Applied Physics program.
  • Eddie Loh Undergraduate Scholarship - This award was established by Professor Emeritus Eddie Loh. It is given annually to undergraduate physics majors.
  • American Mineralogist Undergraduate Award 

Courses

ASTR 161 THE SKY AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM (4)

A course for non-science majors covering observational astronomy, telescopes, Earth as a planet, the Moon, Solar System, Sun, general properties of stars. Development of enough algebra - based physics to understand these topics at a non-technical level. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory period. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

ASTR 181 STARS, GALAXIES, AND THE EARLY UNIVERSE (4)

A course for non-science majors covering stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and possibly other topics including life elsewhere in the universe. Emphasizes determination of the distance scale and modern trends in astronomy. Development of enough algebra-based physics to understand these topics at a non-technical level. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory period. Students who have successfully completed ASTR 162 will not receive additional credit for ASTR 181. Prerequisite: high school algebra suggested. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/class fee will be assessed.

ASTR 261 INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS (4)

Students will develop an understanding of the physical processes governing motions of celestial objects; the electromagnetic spectrum and the interaction of light and matter; star and planet formation and evolution; the extragalactic distance scale; and the early universe. Prerequisites: PHYS 211 or PHYS 241; not open to students who have successfully completed ASTR 161 and ASTR 181.

ASTR 295 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of astrophysics. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: freshman or sophomore standing and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

ASTR 301 COSMIC ORIGINS (3)

Origin and evolution of the universe, stars, and planets; the rise of life on Earth; social, technological and ethical issues raised by the scientific search for extraterrestrial life and its possible discovery on other worlds. Prerequisite: one Core 7 or Core 8 science course. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.

ASTR 303 ASTROPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES (3)

Observational astronomy using the department's telescope and NASA archival data, emphasizing equipment operating principles, scientific methods, signal statistics, data reduction. Includes imaging and photometry with charge-coupled devices in addition to spectroscopy, space observations, radio astronomy. Prerequisites: ASTR 161 and ASTR 181 or ASTR 261 and PHYS 212 (or PHYS 242 or PHYS 252). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

ASTR 331 STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS (3)

Applications of physics in astronomy, spectroscopy, stellar interiors and evolution, the interstellar medium. Prerequisites: ASTR 261 or both ASTR 161 and ASTR 181; PHYS 242 or PHYS 252 (may be taken concurrently); PHYS 243 is recommended.

ASTR 371 PLANETARY ASTRONOMY (3)

Planetary formation both around our Sun and around other stars, planetary interiors and surface processes, and atmospheres. Primitive surfaces, cratering, volcanism, tectonism, origin and evolution of planetary atmospheres. The course may include an observational segment (e.g., sketching the planets through a telescope) and field trips to local sites of geological interest. Prerequisites: ASTR 161 or ASTR 261 or GEOL 121 and PHYS 211 (or PHYS 241).

ASTR 385 ASTROPHYSICS SEMINAR (1)

Students learn to present technical material orally by attending and discussing presentations given by others and by giving presentations themselves on topics of current interest in astrophysics. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing as a Physics Major or Astronomy Minor.

ASTR 395 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of astrophysics. Repeatable for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

ASTR 432 GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY (3)

Stellar populations and the general properties of galaxies, including the Milky Way; galaxy formation and evolution; active galaxies; dark matter and dark energy; current topics in the study of the early universe; special and general relativity. Prerequisites: ASTR 181 or ASTR 261; PHYS 243; PHYS 311 (may be taken concurrently).

ASTR 452 HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS (3)

An in-depth introduction to the physics of high energy phenomena in the universe, including emission from black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, supernova explosions/supernova remnants, active galactic nuclei and galaxy clusters. Introduction to high energy emission from these phenomena, including synchrotron radiation, Bremsstrahlung radiation and inverse Compton scattering. Prerequisites: PHYS 243 and PHYS 307 (required); ASTR 181 or ASTR 261 and PHYS 311 (recommended).

ASTR 470 SELECTED TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY ASTROPHYSICS (3)

Special topics in the area of astrophysics. Special topics will be determined by current interests of the faculty and the needs of the curriculum. Special permission from the department is required. Prerequisites: ASTR 161 & ASTR 162.

ASTR 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: junior standing and consent of the instructor.

ASTR 491 DIRECTED READINGS IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior status and consent of the instructor.

ASTR 495 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of astrophysics. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: senior status and permission of faculty member who will mentor the research project.

ASTR 497 CAPSTONE RESEARCH IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of astrophysics. At the completion of a project, students must write a formal research paper on the work done. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

ASTR 499 HONORS THESIS IN ASTROPHYSICS (1-4)

Writing of an honors thesis based on independent research done under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: senior major status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

GEOL 109 VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES (3)

The geological origin, occurrence, and hazards of volcanoes and earthquakes. Plate tectonic theory, efforts at forecasting these events, and effects on human populations will be discussed. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

GEOL 121 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)

Composition and structure of the earth, the internal and external forces acting upon it, and the surface features resulting. Laboratory studies of common rocks and minerals, geologic and topographic maps, and aerial photographs. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (GEOL 122) will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 122 HONORS PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)

Composition and structure of the earth; the internal and external forces acting upon it and the surface features resulting. Laboratory studies of common rocks and minerals, geologic and topographic maps and aerial photographs. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Honors College course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Prerequisite: Honors College. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences and Science Lab. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 123 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY (4)

The history and development of the continents and ocean basins and the evolution of life on earth will be discussed based upon information obtained from the sedimentary rock record. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 121. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences and Science Lab. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 301 SUSTAINABILITY AND THE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES (3)

Students will develop a scientific understanding of origin, use, and environmental impact of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Examines the science behind the polices governing use and conservation of natural resources as well as the impacts associated with overuse of those resources. Topics will include exploration and development of both non-renewable and renewable energy resources and strategic mineral resources and the management and protection of water, air and soil. Prerequisite: GEOL 121.

GEOL 305 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (4)

Earth's natural surface systems (hydrologic, atmospheric, and climatic): causes and extent of human modifications; effects and potential solutions to resulting problems. Introduction to standard field and laboratory methods in environmental geology. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three lab hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 121. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 307 PALEONTOLOGY (3)

Designed to introduce the basic principles of paleontology. Topics to be covered include: preservation and the processes of fossilization; fidelity and the quality of the fossil record; principles of evolution as evidenced by the fossil record; taxonomy and the recognition and naming of fossil species; biostratigraphy as a means of dating rocks; fossils as a means of reconstructing ancient environments; and extinction and its role in shaping the history of life. The course will include hands-on experiences and a mandatory weekend field trip. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for GEOL 307. Prerequisites: GEOL 123 or BIOL 202 or BIOL 206 /BIOL 206L.

GEOL 321 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (4)

The identification and analysis of tectonic forms to determine the physical conditions of formation and the context of historical geological events in which they occur. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 121 and PHYS 211 or PHYS 241. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 331 MINERALOGY (4)

The study of minerals with emphasis on crystallography, crystal chemistry, and chemical-structural classification. Laboratory identification of minerals in hand specimen, in thin section by application of principles of optical mineralogy, by chemical analysis, and by X-ray diffraction analysis. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 121 and CHEM 131/ CHEM 131L. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 333 PETROLOGY OF IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS (4)

Study of the properties and genesis of two major rock groups. Megascopic and microscopic techniques in rock classification. Environments of formation. Case studies from the Maryland Piedmont. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 331. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 357 OCEANOGRAPHY (3)

Physical, chemical, and geologic characteristics of ocean basins, boundaries, and sea water including origin and behavior of waves and currents. Prerequisites: 7 units of BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS courses; at least one of the courses must be a lecture/lab course or include a corresponding lab.

GEOL 410 METHODS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY (4)

Students will develop an understanding of fate, transport and cycling of geochemically important elements in the environment including natural and anthropogenic sources and their physical and chemical modes of transport in near surface environments. Students will learn basic geochemical and analytical methods applicable to investigations in soils and surface waters. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 121, CHEM 131, CHEM 132 or consent of the instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 415 HYDROGEOLOGY (4)

Geologic aspects of groundwater: origin, occurrence, and movement. Field trips required. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 132/CHEM 132L (CHEM 111), PHYS 211 or PHYS 241. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 421 TECTONICS (3)

Motions and deformation of the earth on a regional to global scale; historical development of plate tectonic theory; case studies from the historic and current geological literature. Course pedagogy combines lecture and student-led discussions. Prerequisites: 16 units of GEOL courses or consent of instructor.

GEOL 443 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY (4)

Production, transport, and deposition of sediments and sedimentary bodies for the development of facies models useful in interpretation of the stratigraphic record. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Field trips required. Prerequisites: GEOL 121, CHEM 131/CHEM 131L. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

GEOL 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY (1-4)

The study of special topics in the Geosciences. Special Topics will be determined by their need for study and relevance to existing courses. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 units.

GEOL 489 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (1)

Developing a research question, designing research projects, writing a proposal, scientific report writing, and oral presentation. As a final project, students develop a research proposal. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: GEOL 121, GEOL 123, and 8 additional GEOL units, or consent of the instructor.

GEOL 490 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN GEOLOGY (1-4)

Individual and supervised research in selected areas of Geosciences. Topics may be laboratory or field based. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Up to 3 units of GEOL 490 can be counted as GEOL elective units with the experience culminating in a public oral or poster presentation or equivalent. The presentation should be given in the semester that the 3rd unit of GEOL 490 is taken. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEOL 491 DIRECTED READINGS (1-4)

Independent reading in an area selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

GEOL 492 GEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS (3)

Introduction to geologic mapping and field techniques. Skills covered include: reading and using topographic and geologic maps; creating and interpreting geologic cross sections and geologic maps; using compass and map to take compass bearings and triangulate location; identifying geologic structures and contacts in the field; practice with various field techniques for collecting geological data; collecting, recording, and managing data sets; communicating results in written and graphical form. Field trips required. Prerequisites: at least 16 hours of geology units completed or instructor consent.

GEOL 494 TRAVEL STUDY (1-3)

Investigation of field problems and phenomena. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 units.

GEOL 495 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN GEOLOGY (1-2)

Design and successful completion of a geological research project based on a problem of regional significance. Scope of project determines course credit selected. Project results will be presented in a public forum. Prerequisites: GEOL 121, GEOL 123, GEOL 489 and two additional upper level GEOL courses.

GEOL 499 HONORS THESIS IN GEOLOGY (1-4)

Writing of an honors thesis based on independent research done under the direction of a staff member. May be repeated for a maximum of six units. Prerequisites: consent of department and open only to advanced honors candidates.

PHYS 100 UNDERSTANDING PHYSICS (3)

Designed for non-science majors. An inquiry into intuitive, philosophical, historical, and scientific understanding of principal concepts of classical and modern physics. Elementary algebra is used in this course, but emphasis is placed on physical understanding. Demonstrations and short illustrative experiments will be a part of the course. Three lecture hours. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

PHYS 102 ENGINEERING MECHANICS I (3)

The equilibrium of stationary bodies under the influence of various kinds of forces. Forces, moments. couples, equilibrium, trusses, frames and machines, centroids, moment of inertia, beams, friction, stress/strain, material properties. Vector and scalar methods are used to solve problems. Prerequisite: MATH 273.

PHYS 103 HOW THINGS WORK (3)

For non-science majors: a practical introduction to physics and science in everyday life. Examines the workings of everyday things from toys to next generation computers. Introduces fundamental science concepts underpinning ordinary to high tech objects, their principles of operation, the histories of their development. Emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

PHYS 131 LIGHT AND COLOR (4)

Some aspects of light and color and of vision will be examined on a factual and descriptive basis. Predominantly qualitative explorations will be made of the origin of light, of its wave and particular behavior, of the polarization of light, of lasers and holography, of the origin and physical basis of color and of the physics of vision. This course in liberal arts physics is offered for curious inquirers who have had minimal contact with physics. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 143 PHYSICS SOUND AND MUSIC (LAB) (4)

Study of sound and its production by various instruments, including the human voice. Physical interpretations of concepts, such as noise, pitch, mechanical and acoustic waves and oscillations, loudness, harmonics and timbre, scales and temperament. Three lecture hours, two laboratory hours. Not open to students who have successfully completed PHYS 141. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 185 INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR IN PHYSICS (1)

This seminar is intended for freshmen and sophomores who have an interest in the sciences and will expose them to current ideas, opportunities, and research in physics and astronomy.

PHYS 202 GENERAL PHYSICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5)

Special emphasis on motion including kinematics and dynamics of linear and angular motion. Not intended for pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-physical therapy programs. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 205 PHYSICS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS (3)

Physics for middle school education majors, emphasizing development of principles from experiments and discussion. Topics include force and motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and heat. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 211 GENERAL PHYSICS I; NON CALCULUS-BASED (4)

For Arts and Sciences, Biology and Geosciences majors: mechanics, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and a brief introduction to modern physics. Three lecture units and one three-unit laboratory period. Prerequisite: MATH 115 or good standing in high school algebra and trigonometry. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 212 GENERAL PHYSICS II; NON CALCULUS-BASED (4)

For Arts and Sciences, Biology and Geosciences majors: mechanics, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and a brief introduction to modern physics. Three lecture units and one three-unit laboratory period. Prerequisite: PHYS 211. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 220 ENGINEERING MECHANICS II (3)

Stress and deformation of solid-rods, beams, shafts, columns, tanks, and other structural, machine and vehicle members. Topics include stress transformation using Mohr's circle; shear and moment diagrams; derivation of elastic curves; and Euler's buckling formula. Prerequisite: PHYS 102.

PHYS 241 GENERAL PHYSICS I CALCULUS-BASED (4)

Calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Mechanics and the conservation laws, gravitation, simple harmonic motion. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (PHYS 251) will not receive additional credit for this course. Prerequisite: MATH 273 (may be taken concurrently). Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 242 GENERAL PHYSICS II CALCULUS-BASED (4)

Continuation of PHYS 241. Electricity, magnetism, DC and AC currents, geometric optics. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (PHYS 252) will not receive additional credit for this course. Prerequisites: PHYS 241 (or a grade of B (3.0) or higher in PHYS 211), MATH 274 (may be taken concurrently). Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 243 GENERAL PHYSICS III (4)

Special relativity, fluid kinematics and dynamics, waves, thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS 251 HONORS GENERAL PHYSICS I CALCULUS-BASED (4)

Calculus based physics for science and engineering majors. Mechanics and the conservation laws, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, electricity, magnetism, DC and AC currents, geometric optics. Honors college course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

PHYS 252 HONORS GENERAL PHYSICS II CALCULUS-BASED (4)

Continuation of PHYS 241. Electricity, magnetism, DC and AC currents, geometric optics. Honors College course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Prerequisites: PHYS 241, MATH 274 (may be taken concurrently). Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

PHYS 295 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of physics. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: freshman or sophomore status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

PHYS 305 COMPUTERS IN PHYSICS (4)

Introduction to hardware and software applications of computers in physics, including computer interfacing to experiments, computer aided design, LabView programming, data analysis, simulation and modeling techniques. Not open to students who have successfully completed PHYS 270. Prerequisite: PHYS 241. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 307 INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS (3)

Mathematical expressions for selected topics, such as forces and potentials, vector analysis, applications of Fourier series and complex variables, and solutions of the harmonic oscillator and wave equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 or PHYS 242; MATH 274; and consent of department.

PHYS 311 MODERN PHYSICS I (3)

A description of special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure, and spectra. Prerequisites: MATH 274, PHYS 242 or PHYS 252; or PHYS 212 with consent of instructor.

PHYS 312 MODERN PHYSICS II (3)

Required course for the Applied and General tracks of the Physics major. Applications of special relativity and quantum theory to the various disciplines in physics, including solid state, nuclear, elementary particles, and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 311.

PHYS 320 BIOPHYSICS (3)

Application of physical principles and techniques to problems in biology, with emphasis on understanding cellular and subcellular structure and function. Prerequisites: CHEM 131/ CHEM 131L, BIOL 200/ BIOL 200L, and PHYS 243.

PHYS 335 BASIC ELECTRONICS (4)

Circuit components, characteristics of semi-conductors, electrical measurements, method of circuit analysis, electronic devices. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory period. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 or PHYS 242 or consent of the instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 337 DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (4)

Subjects covered will be basic concepts of digital electronics such as gates, logic modules, truth tables, digital codes, sequential systems, semi-conductor memories, decade counters, etc. The laboratory program is designed to give students first-hand experience on the material covered in lecture using integrated circuits and LED display systems. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Lab/Class fee will be assessed. Prerequisite: PHYS 242 or PHYS 212.

PHYS 341 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY I (3)

Experiments which defined modern physics. Exploration of classical and modern research methods: data acquisition and analysis, optical and nuclear spectroscopy. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 270; PHYS 311 (may be taken concurrently). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 342 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY II (3)

Several advanced experiments exploring methods currently used in research and industry. Familiarization with machine shop procedure, vacuum, low temperature and other experimental techniques. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 311. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 351 MECHANICS (4)

Systems of coordinates, kinematics, and transformations: Newtonian dynamics of particles and systems of particles; linear systems, oscillations, and series techniques; calculus of variations and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations; application of Lagrangians to gravitation/central force motion. Optional: non-linear oscillations. Prerequisites: MATH 374 (may be taken concurrently); PHYS 242; PHYS 307 or consent of the instructor.

PHYS 352 THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETIC THEORY (3)

Principles and laws of classical thermodynamics applied to simple irreversible processes, including chemical, elastic, electric and magnetic phenomena; thermodynamic functions and Maxwell's relations; the conservation equations in elementary kinetic theory; fluctuations; and irreversible transfer effects. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 or PHYS 243, MATH 274 (may be taken concurrently with PHYS 243 or by permission).

PHYS 354 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (4)

Electrostatics, magnetostatics and electromagnetic radiation, including the Divergence Theorem and Stokes' Theorem, electrostatics in free space and dielectric materials, dielectric polarization, Laplace’s Equation, the Biot-Savart Law, the magnetic vector potential, inductance, magnetic materials, Maxwell's Equations in free space and in materials, and electrostatic boundary value problems. Prerequisites: MATH 374 (may be taken concurrently); PHYS 243; PHYS 307 or consent of instructor.

PHYS 361 OPTICS FUNDAMENTALS (4)

Geometric, wave and quantum optics; lenses and mirrors, lens aberrations and design, optical instruments, interference diffraction, polarization, absorption and scattering, lasers, holography, and the dual nature of light. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: PHYS 243 and PHYS 341 (may be taken concurrently) or consent of the instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

PHYS 385 PHYSICS SEMINAR (1)

Students participate in colloquia on topics of current interest in physics research under guidance of instructor. One lecture hour. Prerequisite: at least junior standing.

PHYS 391 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICS (2-3)

Practical experience in industry, public and private agencies. Not for major or minor credit. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, consent of department.

PHYS 395 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of physics. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: junior status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

PHYS 411 GRAVITATION, RELATIVITY, AND COSMOLOGY (3)

Development of Einstein's general theory of relativity and its relevance to astrophysics: theory of gravity, relativistic effects of massive stars, black holes, gravity waves, cosmology. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: PHYS 307, PHYS 311, and MATH 275.

PHYS 455 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS (3)

Schrodinger equation, states of one particle in one dimension, potential barrier problems in one dimension, the harmonic oscillator, system of particles in one dimension, motion in three dimensions, angular momentum, spin, application to atomic physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 311, PHYS 351 (may be taken concurrently).

PHYS 457 SOLID STATE PHYSICS (3)

Crystal structure, wave propagation in periodic structures, the Fermi gas, energy bands, magnetism, are presented as a central theoretical core for the study of the solid state. Some of the basic models, concepts, and manifest properties of solids are also included. Prerequisites: PHYS 311, PHYS 351 and PHYS 354.

PHYS 458 MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS (3)

It is impossible to imagine our modern technological society without magnetic materials. We use these materials and techniques virtually everywhere: in permanent magnets, sensors, information storage and processing. In this course, students will learn about the basic principles that govern different applications of magnetism and magnetic materials. We will discuss magnetic moments and their interactions, magnetic order and magnetic structures, implications of magnetism for real materials, experimental techniques and applications. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PHYS 459 NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS (3)

Experimental and theoretical methods for the study of nuclear and particle physics. Topics include properties of nuclei, nuclear transitions, nuclear models, nuclear reactions, relativistic interactions, symmetry, fundamental interactions, and contemporary models. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: PHYS 311; PHYS 307 or consent of instructor.

PHYS 460 COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN PHYSICS (3)

Introduction to the basic concepts and programming skills of computational physics. Students will develop their own computer programs to solve problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, chaos, nonlinear dynamics, and other areas. No previous computer programming experience is required. Prerequisites: MATH 374 and PHYS 307 or consent of the instructor.

PHYS 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Special topics in the area of physics. Special topics will be determined by current interests of the faculty and the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisite: department consent.

PHYS 486 PHYSICS SEMINAR II (1)

Students participate in colloquia on topics of current interests in physics research under guidance of instructor. One lecture hour. Prerequisite: senior standing or consent of instructor.

PHYS 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS (1-4)

May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior status and consent of the instructor.

PHYS 491 DIRECTED READINGS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior status and consent of the instructor.

PHYS 495 RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Individual project in any branch of physics. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: senior status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

PHYS 497 CAPSTONE RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Individual projects in any branch of physics. At the completion of a project, students must write a formal research paper on the work done. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

PHYS 499 HONORS THESIS IN PHYSICS (1-4)

Writing of an honors thesis based on independent research done under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: senior major status and permission of the faculty member who will mentor the research project.

Faculty

Professors: Parviz Ghavamian, Phuoc Ha, Ronald Hermann, Rajeswari Kolagani (Graduate Program Director), Pamela Lottero-Perdue, Rommel Miranda, Joel Moore, James Overduin, Cody Sandifer, David Schaefer, Jennifer Scott (Chairperson), Jeffrey Simpson, Vera Smolyaninova, Jia-An Yan

Associate Professors: Michelle Casey, Peggy McNeal, Wendy Nelson

Assistant Professors: George Guice, Alan Jackson

Lecturers: Antoine Bedard, Animesh Chakraborty, Laura Etchemaite-Walborn, Tobias Hasse, Andrew Hawkins, Dylan Hilligoss, Nicolas Kudsieh, Olisa Menakaya, Eriks Perkons, Miguel Requena Torres, Tevis Tsai

Lecturer II: Christian Ready