Graduate Courses
|
Number and Credits |
Title and Description |
| PHY 50020 2 Credits |
Advanced Physics Lab (Repeatable for credit) Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics are selected to accompany and to supplement graduate-level physics program courses. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 50093 1-6 Credits |
Variable Title Workshop in Physics (Repeatable for credit) Workshop individually designed to provide instruction and training in specific areas of physics. S/U grading. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 50095 1-3 Credits |
Special Topics (Repeatable for credit) Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 50096 1-3 Credits |
Individual Investigation (Repeatable for credit) Individual projects for physics graduate students. IP permissible. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 50195 1-3 Credits |
Special Topics (Repeatable for credit) Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 51010 3 credits |
Biophotonics (Slashed with PHY 41010; Cross-listed with BSCI 41110 and BSCI 51110 and CHEM 41010 and CHEM 51010) Interdisciplinary overview of the basics of biophotonics; application of biophotonic techniques to probe biological samples. Introduction to the foundations of optics and photonics and how the molecular structure of organic molecules translates into unique photonic properties and targeting in biological cells or tissue. Preparation of fluorescent materials, advanced spectroscopy and cell visualization using regular and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 54600 3 Credits |
Introduction to Biological Physics Introduces ideas essential to physical understanding of biological systems. Topics include: introduction to molecular components of the cell; statistical mechanics and transport in biological systems; selected topics in biophysics. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 54802 3 Credits |
Astrophysics Galactic structure, stellar formation and evolution, origin of the elements (or nucleosynthesis), non-optical astronomies and a description of various cosmological theories. Prerequisite: MATH 12003. Graduate standing. |
| PHY 55201 4 Credits |
Electromagnetic Theory Properties of electric and magnetic fields developed by vector methods. Treatment of static fields in vacuum and matter. Theory of classical electromagnetic fields with emphasis on dynamic fields. Prerequisite: graduate standing. |
| PHY 55301 3 Credits |
Thermal Physics An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, with applications in material science and engineering. Prerequisite: PHY 36001 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 55401 4 Credits |
Mathematical Methods in Physics Consolidation of vector analysis, curvilinear coordinate systems, tensors, matrix algebra, vector spaces, common groups in physics, calculus of residues, contour integration, methods for differential equations in physics; additional topics important for physics selected from special functions, integral equations, calculus of variations. Prerequisite: MATH 32052 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 55403 3 Credits |
Data Analysis and Computational Physics Techniques Study of uncertainties in physical measurements. Data reduction and error analysis techniques. Monte Carlo simulation method. Least-squares fits to data. Basic computational physics techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 12003 and PHY 23102 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 55501 3 Credits |
Electromagnetic Waves and Modern Optics Interactions between light and matter from both a macroscopic and microscopic perspective; producing and controlling light; devices and spectroscopic techniques based on modern optics. Prerequisite: PHY 55201 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 56101 4 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics Systematic introduction to the principles and solution techniques of quantum mechanics, including the Schrödinger equation in one and three dimensions. Topics include: angular momentum formalism, introductory Dirac notation and vector space formalism, intrinsic spin, identical particle systems, and perturbation theory. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 56301 4 Credits |
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (Cross-listed with PHY 46301) Introduction to nuclear and particle physics including particle detectors and accelerators, experimental techniques, nuclear fission and fusion, nuclear reactors, medical applications, and connections to astrophysics and cosmology. Prerequisite: graduate standing. |
| PHY 56401 3 Credits |
Introduction to Solid State Physics Fundamental unifying concepts and experimental techniques needed to understand thermal, electrical and optical properties of ions and electrons in solids. Special topics of current research. Prerequisite: PHY 36002 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 60091 1 Credit |
Physics Seminar (Repeatable for credit) Discussion of current literature or of original research in physics. Participation by students, faculty and guests. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 60093 1-6 Credits |
Variable Title Workshop in Physics (Repeatable for credit) Workshops individually designed to provide instruction and training in specific areas of physics. S/U grading. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 60094 1-3 Credits |
College Teaching of Physics (Repeatable for credit) Methodology of teaching in a university, college, or junior college. Includes observation of kinds of teaching and practice teaching. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 60098 1-15 Credits |
Research (Repeatable for credit) Research or individual investigation. Credits earned may be applied toward meeting degree requirements if department approves. IP permissible. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 60199 2-6 Credits |
Thesis I Thesis students must register for total of 6 hours, 2 to 6 hours in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval of adviser and graduate standing. |
| PHY 60295 1-3 Credits |
Advanced Topics (Repeatable for credit) Selected special topics of current research interest. IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 60299 2 Credits |
Thesis II Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: PHY 60199 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 64101 3 Credits |
Advanced Problem Solving in Physics This course imparts advanced problem-solving skills not acquired in regular courses. Examples from four basic areas of physics (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical physics) will be emphasized. Graduate letter grades and S/U grading. Prerequisite: PHY 6/75101, 6/75203, 6/76161, and 6/75301 or departmental instructor approval. Graduate standing. |
| PHY 65101 3 Credits |
Classical Mechanics Lagrange's equations, variational principles, two-body central force problems, rigid body motion, Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, small oscillations. Prerequisite: special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 65203 3 Credits |
Classical Electrodynamics I Introduction to electrostatics, boundary value problems, multipoles, electrostatics of macroscopic media, magnetostatics, time-varying fields, Maxwell's equations, conservation laws. Prerequisite: Permission and graduate standing. |
| PHY 65204 3 Credits |
Classical Electrodynamics II Plane electromagnetic waves, simple radiating systems, scattering, special theory of relativity, relativistic dynamics, radiation of moving charges, Bremsstrahlung. Prerequisite: PHY 6/75203 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 65301 4 Credits |
Statistical Mechanics I An introduction to statistical mechanics, including classical and quantum statistics. Derives thermodynamic quantities from a statistical viewpoint. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. |
| PHY 66161 3 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics I Fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Solution of simple one-dimensional problems. Abstract Hilbert-space description. Matrix representations. Quantum dynamics. Extension to three dimensions. Spin and orbital angular momentum. Prerequisite: Special approval and graduate standing. |
| PHY 66162 3 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics II Angular momentum theory. Symmetries and conservation laws. Application of approximation methods to realistic problems. Systems of identical particles. Scattering theory. Relativistic single-particle wave equations. Prerequisite: PHY 6/76161 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 66201 3 Credits |
Particle Physics Discussion of particle detectors, invariance principles and conservation laws, fundamental interactions, quark model of hadrons, basic concepts of field theory, the Standard Model and selected topics of current interest. Prerequisite: graduate standing; corequisite: PHY 6/76162. |
| PHY 66302 3 Credits |
Modern Nuclear Physics Survey of basic physics of nucleons and nuclei including associated experimental techniques, emphasizing interaction of radiation with matter. Applications covered include detectors, electron scattering from nuclei, quark-parton model of the nucleon, heavy-ion collisions, quark-gluon plasma, and nuclear astrophysics. Prerequisites: PHY 56101; and graduate standing. |
| PHY 66401 3 Credits |
Solid State Physics I Crystalline state, with emphasis on wave propagation, zone and band theory, phonons. Applications to electrical and thermal conductivities, specific heats, optical, dielectric and magnetic properties. Prerequisite: PHY 56101 or PHY 6/76161; and graduate standing. |
| PHY 66403 3 Credits |
Advanced Condensed Matter Physics Advanced theories of solids, fluids, superfluids, magnetic, ferroelectric and liquid crystal systems and the experimental methods that probe them. Prerequisites: PHY 66402 and graduate standing. |
| PHY 68401 3 Credits |
Liquid Crystal Physics The molecular structure and properties of liquid crystals and their role in biological systems and industrial applications. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in physics or chemical physics. |
| PHY 70094 1-3 Credits |
College Teaching of Physics (Repeatable for credit) Methodology of teaching in a university, college, or junior college. Includes observation of kinds of teaching and practice teaching. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing. |
| PHY 70095 1-3 Credits |
Special Topics (Repeatable for credit) Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 70295 1-3 Credits |
Advanced Topics (Repeatable for credit) Selected special topics of current research interest. IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 74101 3 Credits |
Advanced Problem Solving in Physics This course imparts advanced problem-solving skills not acquired in regular courses. Examples from four basic areas of physics (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical physics) will be emphasized. Graduate letter grades and S/U grading. Prerequisite: PHY 6/75101, 6/75203, 6/76161, and 6/75301 or departmental instructor approval. Doctoral standing. |
| PHY 75101 3 Credits |
Classical Mechanics Lagrange's equations, variational principles, two-body central force problems, rigid body motion, Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, small oscillations. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 75203 3 Credits |
Classical Electrodynamics I Introduction to electrostatics, boundary value problems, multipoles, electrostatics of macroscopic media, magnetostatics, time-varying fields, Maxwell's equations, conservation laws. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 75204 3 Credits |
Classical Electrodynamics II Plane electromagnetic waves, simple radiating systems, scattering, special theory of relativity, relativistic dynamics, radiation of moving charges, Bremsstrahlung. Prerequisite: PHY 6/75203 and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 75301 4 Credits |
Statistical Mechanics I An introduction to statistical mechanics, including classical and quantum statistics. Derives thermodynamic quantities from a statistical viewpoint. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76161 3 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics I Fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Solution of simple one-dimensional problems. Abstract Hilbert-space description. Matrix representations. Quantum dynamics. Extension to three dimensions. Spin and orbital angular momentum. Prerequisite: Permission and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76162 3 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics II Angular momentum theory. Symmetries and conservation laws. Application of approximation methods to realistic problems. Systems of identical particles. Scattering theory. Relativistic single-particle wave equations. Prerequisite: PHY 6/76161 and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76163 3 Credits |
Quantum Mechanics III Second quantization and field theory formalism are developed for the many-particle system. Topics include the electron gas and nuclear matter. Prerequisite: PHY 6/76162 and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76201 3 Credits |
Particle Physics Discussion of particle detectors, invariance principles and conservation laws, fundamental interactions, quark model of hadrons, basic concepts of field theory, the Standard Model and selected topics of current interest. Prerequisite: doctoral standing; Corequisite PHY 6/76162 or permission. |
| PHY 76303 3 Credits |
Applications of Quantum Chromodynamics Introduces the key attributes and techniques of Quantum Dynamics, which is the relativistic quantum field theory of the strong interaction. Topics treated include the properties, structure and interactions of strongly interacting sub-nuclear particles (hadrons), and the physics of hadronic and nuclear matter at finite temperature and density, as applicable to modern nuclear particle physics research. Prerequisite: PHY 76163. Corequisite: PHY 66201 or PHY 76201. |
| PHY 76401 3 Credits |
Solid State Physics I Crystalline state, with emphasis on wave propagation, zone and band theory, phonons. Applications to electrical and thermal conductivities, specific heats, optical, dielectric and magnetic properties. Prerequisite: PHY 56101 or PHY 6/76161; and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76402 3 Credits |
Solid State Physics II Covers several topics, including conduction in metals, dielectric and ferroelectric properties, the origin of magnetism, phenomenological and BCS descriptions of superconductivity, elastic theory and semiconductor physics. Prerequisite: PHY 6/76401 and PHY 6/76161; and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 76403 3 Credits |
Advanced Condensed Matter Physics Advanced theories of solids, fluids, superfluids, magnetic, ferroelectric and liquid crystal systems and the experimental methods that probe them. Prerequisite: PHY 6/76402 and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 78401 3 Credits |
Liquid Crystal Physics The molecular structure and properties of liquid crystals and their role in biological systems and industrial applications. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing in physics or chemical physics. |
| PHY 80091 1 Credit |
Physics Seminar (Repeatable for credit) Discussion of current literature or of original research in physics. Participation by students, faculty and guests. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing. |
| PHY 80097 1 Credit |
Physics Colloquium (Repeatable for credit) Presentation by invited speakers of research and other topics on graduate level followed by discussion period. Regular attendance of all physics majors expected. Three or more meetings each semester as arranged. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing. |
| PHY 80098 1-15 Credits |
Research (Repeatable for credit) Research or individual investigation for doctoral students who have not yet passed their candidacy exams. Credit earned may be applied toward the degree if the department approves. IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 80199 15 Credits |
Dissertation I (Repeatable for credit) Doctoral dissertation, for which registration in at least two semesters is required, first of which will be semester in which dissertation work is begun, and continuing until the completion of 30 hours. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: Special approval and doctoral standing. |
| PHY 80299 15 Credits |
Dissertation II (Repeatable for credit) Continuing registration required of doctoral students who have completed the initial 30 hours of dissertation and continuing until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: PHY 80199 and doctoral standing. |