physics and astronomy
PHYSICS 234. (3) MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICS. Selected mathematical techniques most often used in physics are studied. Power Series, Fourier Series, linear transformations, ordinary and partial differential equations, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors, complex variables, LeGendre Polynomials, spherical harmonics, and Bessel Functions are among the topics considered. These techniques are applied to problems in electricity and magnetism, mechanics, acoustics, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 132. Offered: spring semester. PHYSICS 243. (3) ELECTRONICS II. An inquiry-based approach to the concepts and principles behind interfacing with specific application to experimental control and data collection through the use of microprocessors. Topics to be covered include analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters, and encoders. Prerequisite: Physics 106 or Physics 132. PHYSICS 244. (3) EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS. An instrumentation based course that provides an introduction to modern measurement techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis. Topics include concepts of electronics, spectroscopy systems, and mechanical systems. Emphasis is placed on the principles of data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: Physics 132. Offered: spring semester. PHYSICS 310. (3) ASTROPHYSICS. The study of the physics of astronomical processes in order to understand what can be learned from the radiations observed from astronomical objects. Cross-listed: Same class as Astronomy 310. Prerequisites: Physics 132 and Mathematics 142. Offered: spring semester of oddnumbered years. PHYSICS 331. (3) CLASSICAL MECHANICS. Particle dynamics is treated with special emphasis on harmonic motion, motion in a central force field, and the two-body problem. Prerequisite: Physics 131 and Math 242. Offered: fall semester. PHYSICS 332. (3) ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I. A study of electrostatics, dielectrics, and magnetostatics. Prerequisite: Physics 331. Offered: spring semester.
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PHYSICS 341. (3) WAVE PROPERTIES AND OPTICS. Geometrical and physical optics. Prerequisite: Physics 132. Offered: fall semester of odd-numbered years. PHYSICS 342. (3) THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS. An introduction to kinetic theory and thermodynamics, with a brief survey of statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 132. Offered: spring semester. PHYSICS 421-422. (3-3) THEORETICAL PHYSICS. Selected topics investigated in depth using sophisticated mathematical techniques, mostly advanced mechanics and electromagnetic field theory. Prerequisite: Physics 332. Offered: on sufficient demand. PHYSICS 431. (3) SUB-ATOMIC PHYSICS. Instructor chooses from among the following topics according to the interests of the students: constituents and models of the nucleus, classification of sub-atomic particles, interactions of sub-atomic particles with matter and fields, structure of sub-atomic particles, conservation laws and symmetries, electromagnetic forces, strong and weak forces, and unification of forces. Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 233. Offered: on sufficient demand. PHYSICS 432. (3) ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II. A study of electrodynamics, magnetodynamics, Maxwell’s Equations, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: Physics 332. Offered: on sufficient demand. PHYSICS 441. (3) SOLID-STATE PHYSICS. An introductory course in solid-state physics and material science, with an emphasis on the applications of each topic to experimental and analytical techniques. Topics include crystallography, thermal and vibrational properties of crystals and semiconductors, metals and the band theory of solids, superconductivity, the magnetic properties of materials, and surface physics. Prerequisite: Physics 332. Offered: fall semester of even-numbered years.