Undergraduate Course Catalog

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96.101	Introductory Experimental Physics	Credits: 1
Experimental physics with topics correlated with the corequisite lecture course.
95.101	Introductory Physics	Credits: 3
A survey course for students majoring in sound recording technology. Topics covered include:one and two dimensional motion, Newton's Laws of dynamics, statics, circular motion, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, electrostatics, electric and potential fields, magnetic fields, vibrations, waves, sound, Faraday's Law and AC circuits.
95.103	General Physics I	Credits: 3
Serves as the first semester of a one-year course which surveys the field of physics at a non-calculus level. Topics include force and motion, vectors, gravity, energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, and oscillations, waves and sound. Although the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, a functional knowledge of algebra and geometry is essential.
96.103	General Physics I Lab	Credits: 1
Presents the first semester of a one-year course which surveys the field of experimental physics with topics correlated to the corequisite lecture course.
96.104	General Physics II Lab	Credits: 1
Serves as a continuation of 96.103 with topics correlated with the corequisite lecture course.
95.104	General Physics II	Credits: 3
Provides a continuation of 95.103. Topics include electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, atoms, and nuclei.
96.105	Sounds of Music	Credits: 3
Examines the physical process that makes musical sounds from acoustic instruments. Hands-on laboratory experiences explore how the vibrations of strings, air columns, membranes, plate and bars are transformed into musical sounds, how these propagate and are transformed by the listening space, and how these are received by ears and perceived by the brain. In addition harmonic series, the mean-tempered scale, the use of decibels, sonic interference and diffraction are explained.
95.111	Undeclared Science Seminar	Credits: 1
Discussions will be conducted on a wide range of topics in the sciences to familiarize the student with the programs, procedures, research and educational opportunities at the University.
95.112	Freshman Physics Seminar	Credits: 1
An introduction to the scientific methods of physics and the exploration of research opportunities for undergraduates.
95.121	Exploring the Universe	Credits: 3
Addresses topics that include: Planet Earth, its structure, plate tectonics, greenhouse effect, ozone layer, craters and dinosaurs; our satellite Moon;other planets; our star Sun and its energy source; other stars, the HR diagram and stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae, black holes; our galaxy, the Milky Way, its structure; other galaxies; the universe, its structures and expansion; evolution of galaxies, quasars, cosmology, the Big Bang and Unification of the forces of nature. Satisfies Gen Ed science requirements for non-science majors. Does not satisfy science requirements for Science majors but may be used as a free elective by Science majors.
96.121	Exploring the Universe Laboratory	Credits: 1
Provides laboratory exercises to illustrate the basic principles and measurement techniques of astronomy. Quantitative techniques, properties of angles, modeling the earth-sun system, comparative planetology, the constellations, the inverse square law, blackbody radiation and spectra, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, distances to the stars, the Andromeda galaxy, cosmology. Satisfies Gen Ed science requirements for non-science majors. Does not satisfy science requirements for Science majors but may be used as a free elective by Science majors.
96.141	Physics I Lab	Credits: 1
Serves as an introductory course on methods and techniques of experimentation in physics with experiments in mechanics selected to support the concepts of the corequisite lecture course.
95.141	Physics I	Credits: 3
First semester of a two-semester sequence for science and engineering majors. Mehcanics including vectors, kinematics in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws of dynamics, work and energy, energy conservation, linear momentum conservation, rotational kinematics and dynamics, Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation, oscillatory motion and mechanical waves.
95.144	Physics II	Credits: 3
Continuation of 95.141. Optics including interference, and diffraction. Electricity and magnetism including Coulomb's Law, electric field, Gauss' Law, electric potential, Ohm's law, DC circuits with resistors, magnetic field, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, inductance, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Modern physics including deBroglie waves, uncertainty principle, photoelectric effect, hydrogen atom and the stability of the Bohr orbits, and atomic spectrum of hydrogen.
96.144	Physics II Lab	Credits: 1
Serves as a continuation of 96.141 with experiments in optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics to support the concepts of the corequisite lecture course.
96.148	Introduction to Experimental Physics II	Credits: 2
96.161	Honors Physics I Laboratory	Credits: 2
An introductory laboratory course at the honors level on the methods and techniques of experimental physics. Lectures on measurement uncertainties and error analysis are included and experiments are selected principally in mechanics.
95.161	Honors Physics I	Credits: 4
Introductory mechanics at a more challenging level and the first semester of a sequence for physics majors. Mechanics of particles in one dimension, kinematics, forces, dynamics; particles in two and three dimensions, vectors, curvilinear and oscillatory motion; conservation principles, work, energy, linear momentum, collisions; rotational mechanics, angular momentum, torque and static equilibrium; gravitation and planetary orbits; wave motion, transverse and longitudinal, standing waves.
95.164	Honors Physics II	Credits: 4
Geometrical optics, reflection, refraction, flat and curved mirrors, thin lenses; physical optics, interference and diffraction; electrostatics, charge, electric forces, fields and flux, electric potential, capacitance and field energy; electric charge in motion, currents, DC and RC circuits; magnetic fields, forces on moving charges, magnetic field of an electric current, electromagnetic induction, inductance, changing currents, AC circuits; electromagnetic radiation; the limits of classical electromagnetic theory.
96.164	Honors Physics Lab II	Credits: 2
A continuation of 96.161 with experiments selected principally in optics, electricity and magnetism.
96.201	Health Physics Internship I	Credits: 3
Applied work experience as a health physics technician at a government laboratory or a radiation facility of some industry, hospital, or education and research institution.
96.202	Health Physics Internship I	Credits: 2
Applied work experience as a health physics technician at a government laboratory or a radiation facility of some industry, hospital, or education and research institution.
95.204	Introduction to Radiological Sciences	Credits: 3
This course is designed to introduce students to the working practices encountered in health physics. This is accomplished through field trips to local facilities that use radioactive materials, laboratory exercises, and class discussions. This class exposes the student to basic health physics procedures, vocabulary, and equipment.
95.210	Introductory Modern Physics	Credits: 3
Special theory of relativity, experimental basis of quantum theory, structure of the atom, wave properties of matter, quantum theory, hydrogen atom, atomic nucleus, nuclear interactions and applications, and semiconductors.
95.245	Physical Properties of Matter	Credits: 3
Fluid statics, dynamics of fluids, properties of solids, advanced topics in waves and vibrations, temperature and heat flow, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, and the limits of classical physics.
96.245	Physics III Lab	Credits: 1
Experiments are selected principally in properties of solids, vibrations, waves, heat, and thermodynamics.
96.261	The Physics of Materials and Devices	Credits: 3
Investigating the phenomenology of materials involve sensing devices in which electrical signals must be evaluated Observing physical phenomena with an electrical sensing device enables one to calibrate the dynamics of the electrical signal associated with the changes in the physical phenomenology oberved with that device. Applications in these laboratory-based measurement techniques include the Wheatstone bridge, current/voltage device characterization, the operational amplifier as an active filter, stress & strain, Newton's law of cooling, Stefan/Boltzman's law and the ideal gas law.
96.262	Principles in Laboratory Automation	Credits: 3
This is an introduction to the principles of automating today's research laboratory. A foundation of the Labview-based software and hardware tools required to conduct computer-controlled experiments will be presented, demonstrated and then used to acquire, display and analyze data on some typical physical phenomena. Students will be fully involved in designing the control and acquisition software as well as setting up the experimental hardware. Applications of the automated acquisition environment include AC characterization of RC and LRC circuits, the use of thermistors and thermocouples along with acquiring the temperature dependent resistivity of high Tc super conductors.
95.269	Honors Physics III	Credits: 4
Statics and dynamics of fluids, pressure, viscosity, Archimedes and Bernoulli principles, mechanical properties of solids, stress and strain, shear, electric and magnetic properties of materials, para- dia- and ferromagnetism, electro-mechanical and magneto-mechanical effects,hysteresis, advanced topics in waves and vibrations, damping, resonance in mechanical and AC oscillators, thermodynamics, Maxwell's velocity distribution, blackbody radiation, and the limits of classical physics, introduction to special relativity.
96.301	Health Physics Internship II	Credits: 1
96.302	Health Physics nternship II	Credits: 3
96.306	Nuclear Instrumentation	Credits: 4
Operating principles and applications of nuclear radiation detectors, associated electronic signal processing equipment, data analysis techniques. Topics covered include charged-particle, photon, and neutron detection, plus charged-particle and gamma-ray spectroscopy. Use of scintillators, photomultiplier tubes, solid state detectors, gas-filled counters, oscilloscopes, etc. (offered as 98.506 for graduate credit)
95.308	Physics with Computers I	Credits: 3
95.310	Quantum Physics	Credits: 4
Schroedinger's equation, one dimensional wells, simple harmonic oscillator, three-dimensional wells, hydrogen atom, electronic configuration, perturbation, helium atom, molecular structure and laser action.
95.337	Geometrical Optics	Credits: 3
Properties of light, plane surfaces and prisms, thin and thick lenses, mirrors and stops, matrix methods applied to Gaussian (paraxial) optics, Lagrange-Helmholtz invariant, primary and chromatic aberrations, ray tracing and Abbe's sine condition, basic optical instruments including cameras, telescopes, and microscopes.
96.337	Geometrical Optics Laboratory	Credits: 2
Experiments in geometrical optics covering the following topics; alignment techniques, reflection, thin and thick lenses, telescope, microscope, spherical mirrors, lens aberrations, radiometry and photometry.
95.338	Optics and Waves	Credits: 3
Wave nature of light, mathematics of wave motion, electromagnetic theory of light propagation, reflection and refraction, Fresnel coefficients, polarization, interference, Young's experiment, fringe visibility and coherence, various interferometers, Newton's ring and applications, Fraunhofer diffraction by single and multiple apertures and diffraction gratings.
95.353	Electromagnetism I	Credits: 3
The theory of electromagnetic fields using vector analysis: electrostatic fields and potentials in vacuum, conductors, and dielectric media, magnetic effects of steady currents in nonmagnetic media, magnetic induction and time varying currents and fields. (offered as 95.553 for graduate credit)
95.354	Electromagnetism II	Credits: 3
Magnetic materials, electric multipoles, solutions to Laplace's equation, boundary conditions, image charge problems, Maxwell's equations; propagation of electromagnetic waves in vacuum, conductors and dielectrics; reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves; radiation from dipoles and antennas. (offered as 95.554 for graduate credit).
96.367	Automation Techniques	Credits: 3
95.381	Mathematical Physics I	Credits: 3
Intended for students having completed 2 full years of physics and math, this course is designed to develop competency in the applied mathematical skills required of junior and senior level physics majors. Covering topics involving infinite series, power series, complex numbers, and linear algebra along with vector and Fourier analysis, students will be trained with the rigor required to solve a wide range of applications in the physical sciences.
95.383	Astronomy and Astrophysics I	Credits: 3
This course is designed for an interdisciplinary general undergraduate (upperclassmen) audience. Fundamentals of astronomy and astromechanics, introductory survey of astrophysics and the solar system (i.e. planetary astronomy).
96.393	Advanced Experimental Physics Laboratory I	Credits: 2
96.394	Advanced Physics Lab II	Credits: 2
A continuation of 96.393 with experiments selected mainly from condensed matter and nuclear physics. Opportunities for independent work by permission of the instructor.
96.401	Radiation Safety And Control I	Credits: 0
95.401	Radiation Safety and Control I	Credits: 4
Introduction to radiation protection, including radiation sources, radiation dose and dose measurement, radiation exposure, radiation protection techniques, monitoring methods and instruments, contamination control and waste storage, facility design, hazards analysis, and applied health physics techniques for the safe handling and control of radioactive material including laboratory. (offered as 98.501 for graduate credit)
95.402	Radiation Safety and Control II	Credits: 4
A laboratory course giving students experience with equipment and practices of current use in the radiation protection field, and extension of 98.401 giving some of the practical aspects of radiation safety and control. (offered as 98.502 for graduate credit)
96.402	Radiation Safety And Control II	Credits: 0
96.406	Nuclear Instrumentation	Credits: 4
This course provides the operating principles and applications of nuclear radiation detection systems, including detector theory, electronic signal processing, and measurement and data reduction techniques. The systems covered include gas-filled detectors (ion chambers, proportional counters, and Geiger-Mueller counters), inorganic and organic scintillators, and high-purity germanium detectors, for the detection of alpha, beta, gamma, and neuron radiation. This course also covers hypothesis testing, detection limits, and detector dead time (offered as 98.506 for graduate credit).
95.409	Physics with Computers II	Credits: 3
95.411	Physics Perspectives	Credits: 1
Discussions on the role of the professional physicist in society.
96.411	Senior Research In Radiological Sciences	Credits: 3
A research problem related to the field of radiation protection is investigated by the student under the direction of faculty and staff of the Nuclear Center. The student will present a seminar on this research project. Areas of research may include radiation shielding, radiation detection andmeasurement, radiation survey and monitoring, radiation biology, radiation chemistry, radiobiology, radiochemistry, radioecology, natural radioactivity, fallout, analyses and measurement of radioactivity and radiation levels associated with the operation of reactors and accelerators, and radioactive aerosols.
96.412	Senior Research In Radiological Science	Credits: 3
A research problem related to the field of radiation protection is investigated by the student under the direction of faculty and staff of the Nuclear Center. The student will present a seminar on this research project. Areas of research may include radiation shielding, radiation detection andmeasurement, radiation survey and monitoring, radiation biology, radiation chemistry, radiobiology, radiochemistry, radioecology, natural radioactivity, fallout, analyses and measurement of radioactivity and radiation levels associated with the operation of reactors and accelerators, and radioactive aerosols.
95.413	Mechanics	Credits: 3
Newtons laws of motion. Momentum and angular momentum. Energy. Oscillations. Variational principles. Central forces and planetary motion. Non-inertial systems of reference. Rotations of rigid bodies, tensors of inertia. Normal modes of oscillation.
95.421	Statistical Thermodynamics	Credits: 3
An integrated study of the thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, review of the experimental foundations and historical development of classical thermodynamics; probability and statistical methods of studying macroscopic systems; atomic basis of the laws of thermodynamics and microscopic definitions of thermodynamics quantities using the method of ensembles; entropy and related quantities; TdS equations, Maxwell relations, equation of state, and applications: canonical and grand canonical ensembles; phase transitions; quantum statistics; application to radiation, magnetism, specific heats. (offered as 95.521 for graduate credit)
95.422	Environmental Radiation and Nuclear Site Criteria	Credits: 3
Study of sources, distribution, environmental transport and dose projections of environmental impact of nuclear fuel cycle. Offered as 98.522 for graduate credit.
95.435	Introductory Quantum Mechanics I	Credits: 3
De Broglie waves, the Schroedinger equation, wave functions, wave packets, Heisenberguncertainty principle, expectation values, particle in a box, the simple harmonic oscillator, free particles, step barrier, barrier penetration, square well potential, time independent perturbation theory. (offered as 95.535 for graduate credit)
95.436	Introductory Quantum Mechanics II	Credits: 3
The three dimensional Schroedinger equation, the deuteron nucleus, angular momentum, spin, the hydrogen atom, spin-orbit interaction, Zeeman effect, Pauli exclusion principle, atomic structure, multi-electron atoms, the Fermi gas, X-rays. (offered as 95.536 for graduate credit)
95.439	Electro-Optics	Credits: 3
Optical properties of materials, including dispersion, absorption, reflection and refraction at the boundary of two media. Crystal optics and induced birefringence and optical activity. Polarization states and Jones matrices. Applications to electro-optic devices. Experiments and projects involving the study of optical sources and detectors , spectroscopy, polarization, birefringence, pockels' effect, optical fibers, and optical communication. (offered as 95.539 for graduate credit)
95.440	Image Processing	Credits: 4
Basic physics of television and other imaging systems: representation and manipulation of images in digital form; Fourier analysis and filtering of images: detection of image features such as edges and regions; pattern recognition; three-dimensional visual perception in man and machine; examples of image processing tasks from such areas as medicine, industrial inspection and robotics; laboratory exercises with an image processing system utilizing and Octec 2000 image analyzer and a Data General Nova 4/C Computer. Ability to program a computer is required. (offered as 95.540 for graduate credit)
95.441	Radiochemistry	Credits: 3
This course stresses analytical techniques applicable to identification and quantification of radionuclides in various sample types. Considerable time will be spent on review of general chemistry and inorganic analytical chemistry. The theories and applications of various separation techniques including precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange chromatography, and electrodeposition will be discussed with emphasis on separation of radioactive species. Additional material to be covered includes instrumental techniques for analysis of radioactive species, radiotracer and isotope dilution techniques, neutron activation analysis, and sample preparation.
96.445	Characterization of Materials	Credits: 2
A one-semester course designed to teach the student several of the important techniques for characterizing the structural, optical, and electronic properties of materials. Experiments will include x-ray diffractometry, hardness measurements, elipsometry, visible and near infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, and raman spectroscopy.
95.447	Laser Physics and Applications	Credits: 3
Spontaneous and stimulated emission line broadening processing, rate equations, laser oscillation condition, spectral output of lasers. Gaussian beam propagation and resonator design parameters. Key features of ultraviolet through far infrared laser systems. Application to spectroscopy, radar, welding. (offered as 95.547 for graduate credit)
96.451	RadioChemistry Lab	Credits: 4
95.452	Contemporary Physics	Credits: 3
Capstone course for physics majors which uses symmetry principles and conservation laws to unify the physics of atoms, molecules, and solids: nuclei and elementary particles; and relativity and astrophysics. Atoms: review of the hysdrogen atom using Schroedinger theory, many electron atoms including electronic states, addition of angular momenta and spectra; Molecules: the hydrogen molecule ion, H2 molecule and the covalent bond, the ionic bond, molecular vibrations and rotations and molecular spectra; Solids: review of statistical physics both classical and quantum, cohesive energy of both ionic and covalent solids, band theory of solids for metals and semiconductors, application to quantum well devices. Nuclear sizes, shapes, masses and binding energies; nuclear force and models; radiactive decay and conservation laws; nuclear reaction cross sections, reaction kinematics, mechanisms, fission, fusion, particles and fields, conservation laws, families, interactions and decays, quark model and recent developments. Review of special relativity, general relativity, experimental tests of Einstein's theory, stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis; white dwarfs, neutron starts, black holes; structure and distribution of galaxies; cosmological red shift, cosmic microwave background, dark matter, relativistic cosmology, big bang model; formation of nuclei and atoms; Friedmann universes, Einstein-deSitter model, inflationary scenarios, open problems in cosmology.
96.453	Optics Project	Credits: 3
95.454	Physics Capstone	Credits: 3
This course will provide the graduating physics major with a capstone experience through an exposure to the rudiments of independent research; incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, report-writing, and presentation skills learnt in the course of the undergraduate curriculum. Prerequisite: Senior Status.
95.461	Nuclear Physics I	Credits: 3
Nuclear properties including size, mass, binding energy, electromagnetic moments, parity and statistics; nuclear shell model, collective structure, deformed shell model, radioactive decay law and the Bateman equations, radioactive dating, counting statistics, energy resolution, coincidence measurements and time resolution, lifetime measurements; nuclear barrier pentetration; angular momentum, Coulomb barrier, alpha decay and systematics, fission. (offered as 95.561 for graduate credit).
95.462	Radiation Biology	Credits: 3
Study of biological effects and mechanisms of action of ionizing radiations from subcellular through whole organism and ecological levels. (offered as 98.562 for graduate credit)
96.467	Automation Techniques	Credits: 3
Students explore the techniques and sensor technologies of automating measurement acquisition and analysis in a research laboratory. The Labview-based software and hardware tools required to conduct computer-controlled experiments will be presented, demonstrated and then used to acquire, display and analyze data for a number sensors. Students will be expected to master the design of control and acquisition software as well as setting up the experimental hardware. Applications of the automated acquisition environment include AC characterization of operational amplifiers and active filters as well as the RC time characteristics of photoconductors and thermocouples. Advanced projects individualized to the student's field of interest are required.
95.472	Solid State Physics	Credits: 3
Crystal structures, x-ray diffraction, crystal binding, lattice vibrations, free electron and band models of metals. (offered as 95.572 for graduate credit).
95.477	Solid State Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices	Credits: 3
This course is an introduction to solid state electronic and optoelectronic devices for undergraduate science students (i.e. biology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, etc.) graduate students just entering a scientific endeavor which utilizes solid state devices, and practical engineers and scientists whose understanding of modern electronics and optoelectronics needs updating. The course is organized to bring students with a background in sophomore physics to a level of understanding which will allow them to read much of the current literature on new devices and applications. The course will cover fundamental crystal properties, atoms and electrons, energy bands and charge carriers, excess carriers, junctions and p-n junction diodes (includes photodiodes and light-emitting diodes). Three or four practical demonstrations will also be performed with the analysis of the generated data assigned as homework. (offered as 95.577 for graduate credit)
95.478	Intergrated Optics: Wave Guides and Lasers	Credits: 3
This course is a continuation of 95.477 and serves as an introduction to solid state electronic and optoelectronic devices. The course will cover bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, integrated circuits, lasers, switching devices, and negative conductance microwave devices. Three or four practical demonstrations will also be performed with the analysis of the generated data assigned as homework. (offered as 95.548 for graduate credit)
95.481	Mathematical Methods of Radiological Sciences	Credits: 3
An applied course emphasizing the mathematical skills used in radiological sciences/health physics fields, including special techniques used in radiation physics, radiation dosimetry, and radiation shielding. Computer applications will be emphasized. (offered as 98.581 for graduate credit)
95.482	Numerical Methods of Radiological Sciences	Credits: 3
Advanced mathematical treatment of topics covered in 98.481 with extensive application of computer techniques to problem solutions applicable to Radiological Sciences and Protection. (offered as 98.582 for graduate credit)
95.485	Relativity and Cosmology	Credits: 3
96.493	Special Research Problems I	Credits: 3
Special problems in physics assigned to the individual student with emphasis on modern research methods and preparation of results for publication.
96.494	Special Research Problems I	Credits: 4
Special problems in physics assigned to the individual student with emphasis on modern research methods and preparation of results for publication.
96.495	Special Research Problems I	Credits: 3
Special problems in physics assigned to the individual student with emphasis on modern research methods and preparation of results for publication.
96.496	Special Research Problems II	Credits: 3
A continuation of 96.495 for a second semester.
96.497	Senior Thesis in Physics	Credits: 3
96.498	Senior Thesis	Credits: 3