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50:750:103
Is the Universe Elegant? (R) (3)
This course is designed to explore the frontier areas of physics
(particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology) in a manner accessible
to students from all backgrounds and stresses the development of
conceptual understanding before computational literacy. Limitations of
scientific knowledge and the insufficiency of science to answer
questions of origin and value will be discussed as well.
Designed for nonscience majors.
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50:750:131-132
Elements of Physics I,II (R) (3,3)
Intended for physics majors and engineering students, but open to other qualified students. A calculus-based introduction to classical physics: mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, and light. Students must also register for Introductory Physics Laboratory 50:750:133-134.
Corequisites: 50:640:121, 122; 50:750:133-134.
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50:750:133-134
Introductory Physics Laboratory I,II (R) (1,1)
The laboratory illustrates phenomena and concepts studied in 50:750:131-132 Elements of Physics I,II and 50:750:203-204 General Physics I,II.
Corequisites: 50:750:131-132 or 203-204.
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50:750:140
Introduction to Scientific Programming (R) (3)
Students will gain an introduction to scientific programming and
numerical methods utilizing a scripting environment such as MATLAB. Particular emphasis will be placed on solving relevant problems in
biology, physics, and engineering. No prior exposure to computer
programming will be assumed.
Corequisite: 50:640:121.
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50:750:171,172
Topics in Physics (2,2)
The subject matter changes depending on the interests of the instructor and the students. Sample topics: the energy crisis and sources of energy, or the physics of the atmosphere and weather forecasting.
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50:750:203-204
General Physics I,II (R) (3,3)
For biology, chemistry, premedicine, predentistry, and preveterinary medicine students, but may be taken by others. An introduction to mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism, and selected topics from modern physics. Students must register for Introductory Physics Laboratory 50:750:133-134.
Corequisites: 50:750:133-134.
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50:750:232
Elements of Modern Physics (3)
Topics from special relativity, quantum theory, atomic physics, molecules, statistical physics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particles.
Prerequisite: 50:750:132. Corequisite: 50:640:468 or 221.
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50:750:233-234
Electric Circuits I,II (3,3)
DC and steady-state AC circuit analysis, network theorems, matrix methods, two ports, controlled sources, nonlinear elements, transients, step and impulse response, and computer methods.
Prerequisites: 50:640:121, 122. Corequisites: 50:750:235-236 and 50:640:468 or 221.
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50:750:235-236
Electric Circuits Laboratory I,II (1,1)
Laboratory exercises to accompany and illustrate 50:750:233-234.
Corequisites: 50:750:233-234.
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50:750:238
Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Students will perform experiments of great historical significance that helped to reshape our understanding of physics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Examples include the Millikan Oil-Drop and Frank-Hertz experiments.
Corequisite: 50:750:232.
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50:750:253-254
Mechanics I,II (3,3)
Equilibrium of planar and spatial systems; analysis of structures, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia; virtual work; dynamics of particles; and rigid bodies.
Prerequisites: 50:750:132 and 50:640:122.
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50:750:291
Mechanics of Materials (3)
Stress and strain in elastic solids such as shafts and beams. Combined stresses; statically indeterminate beams.
Prerequisite: 50:750:253.
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50:750:301
Electromagnetic Theory (3)
Electrostatic field, dielectrics, steady currents, magnetic fields and materials, and electromagnetic induction.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:469 or 314.
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50:750:302
Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (3)
Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, guided waves, dispersion, reflection, refraction, interference, polarization, and optics of solids.
Prerequisite: 50:750:301.
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50:750:304
Introduction to Astrophysics (3)
Presents, at a calculus-based level, a survey of such topics from
current astronomy as planetary atmospheres, the greenhouse effect,
solar wind and its interaction with the earth's magnetic field, Van
Allen radiation belts, some aspects of cosmology (the red shift, models
of the evolving universe, tests of relativistic cosmological models),
the interstellar medium, and an introduction to the theory of stellar
atmospheres and stellar evolution. The present theories of pulsars,
quasars, supernovae, neutron stars, Seyfert galaxies, and black holes
analyzed.
Prerequisites: 50:640:122 and 50:100:306.
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50:750:307
Electronics (3)
This course is designed to give a hands-on introduction to electronics for all interested students. Topics covered include AC and DC circuit analysis, signal characteristics and acquisition, transistors, feedback, operational amplifiers, power supplies, noise, digital circuits, instrumentation, computer interfacing, and optimization of measurements. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of practical knowledge and skills.
Prerequisite: 50:750:132 or 204 or permission of instructor.
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50:750:309,310
Analytical Mechanics (3,3)
Particle dynamics, simple harmonic motion, central forces, statics and
dynamics of rigid bodies, waves, and Lagrange's and Hamilton's
equations.
Prerequisites: 50:750:132 and 50:640:469 or 314.
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50:750:321
Physics of Music (3)
This course is designed to explore the physics behind music in a manner accessible to students from all backgrounds. It will cover the fundamentals of the production, propagation, and reception of sound. Topics covered will include: waveforms, modulation, intensity, and the decibel scale, wave packets, beats, reflection, refraction, interference, the Doppler shift, simple harmonic oscillator, work, energy, resonance. It will also cover the production of sound by strings, percussion, blown pipes, and blown reeds. Finally, the fundamentals of room acoustics will be investigated.
This course is not open to physics majors for credit.
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50:750:351-352
Thermal Physics I,II (3,3)
Temperature-dependent properties of gases, liquids, and solids, such as specific heat, vapor pressure, dielectric constant, internal energy, entropy, compressibility, and conductivity. Presents classical thermodynamics, which derives relations between various quantities, and statistical methods used to derive classical thermodynamics from the atomic point of view. Covers Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:468 or 221.
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50:750:354
Physics Computer Laboratory (3)
Use of the computer to solve problems in many areas of physics,
including numerical integration of Newton's Laws and Gauss's Law,
electric circuit analysis, and mechanics.
Prerequisites: 50:640:469 or 314 and 50:750:232.
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50:750:362
Biophysics (3)
An introductory biophysics course for undergraduate or graduate students
with at least two semesters of undergraduate physics, intended for
students trained in either the physical or life sciences. Themes
include both novel physical insights gained from study of biological
systems as well as the power of physical descriptions for advancing
biological understanding. The course will explore random and diffusive
phenomena in cellular processes, the effect of frictional forces on
molecular motion in the low Reynolds number environment of the cell, and
the role of entropy and free energy in driving reactions and assembly. Students will learn the importance of elastic descriptions for
understanding the biological function of fibrous proteins, membranes,
and DNA. Fundamental properties of cellular circuits, including ion
channels and nerve impulses, will be presented.
Often crosslisted with 56:121:565. Prerequisite: 50:750:232.
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50:750:374
Energy and Environment (G) (3)
The physics, economics, and polluting properties of the three
conventional power sources: coal, oil, and natural gas (including
gasification of coal and oil shale). Studies solar power and discusses
conservation of energy in home and industry. Considers the more
important advantages and shortcomings and the environmental impacts of
aspects of wind, tidal, geothermal, and magneto-hydrodynamic power; the
hydrogen economy; and nuclear power, including fusion. Where
appropriate, considers the possible use of these in transportation
systems. Gives causes of energy crises and proposes various suggestions
for a national energy policy.
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50:750:406
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (3)
An introductory approach to condensed matter and materials physics. The fundamentals of electron theory will be introduced and utilized to relate the optical electrical and magnetic properties of materials. Topics will include, but not be limited to, semiconductor band structure, atomic binding energies, crystalline structures and ferroic-type ordering. Additionally, select topics from soft condensed matter physics such as the physics of polymers and the electro-optical properties of liquid crystals will be covered.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:469 or 314.
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50:750:408-409
Advanced Physics Laboratory (2,2)
Students develop good experimental techniques and become familiar with the capabilities and limitations of modern laboratory equipment. Experiments performed in all fields of physics including electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Lab. 6 hrs. Prerequisite: 50:750:232.
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50:750:413-414
Elements of Quantum Mechanics I,II (3,3)
Probability waves, Schrödinger and Klein-Gordon equations, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, wave packets, unitary and hermitean operators, matrix elements, commutation relations, perturbation theory, radiative transitions, and scattering theory.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:469 or 314.
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50:750:417
Computational Physics I (3)
Applications of the computer to the solution of large-scale problems in physics including the numerical solution of the differential equations of electromagnetic theory, integration of the Schrödinger equation for realistic problems, and applications of matrix methods to problems in mechanics and engineering.
Prerequisite: 50:750:354.
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50:750:418
Computational Physics II (3)
Emphasis placed on the application of computer simulation techniques, including the Monte Carlo method, to problems in statistical physics (especially the subject of phase transitions) and other areas of interest.
Prerequisite: 50:750:354; continuation of 50:750:417.
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50:750:420
Methods of Materials Characterization (3)
The fundamentals of materials characterization will be introduced including optical, surface, and structural techniques. Methods will include Uv-Vis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, atomic force, optical and electronic microscopies, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence measurements.
Lec. 1 hr., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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50:750:453
Physics Seminar (2)
Members prepare and present papers on topics of interest in physics.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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50:750:463-464
Mathematical Physics (3,3)
Mathematical techniques used in advanced work in the physical sciences. Covers determinants, matrices, ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary and eigenvalue problems, Fourier-series and integrals, transform theory, orthogonal functions, and complex variables. Extensive problem work.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:469 or 314.
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50:750:489,490
Independent Studies (BA,BA)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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50:750:491-492
Research in Physics I, II (3,3)
In consultation with a faculty adviser, students will develop and carry out an independent research project. The students will be required to present a seminar to the department and to produce a written paper that is suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal. Students will also be strongly encouraged to present a poster at an undergraduate research conference or the equivalent.
Prerequisite: Open only to physics students in their junior or senior year.
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50:750:495,496
Honors Program in Physics (3,3)
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