Physics
Sciences 166
541-552-6476
Panos Photinos, Chair
The physics major prepares students for careers in physics, including astronomy; astrophysics; computer physics; cosmology; electronics; elementary particles; environmental and atmospheric physics; forensics; health; high-energy physics; high school teaching; lasers and materials science; medical and nuclear physics; and theoretical, computational, and mathematical physics. A BS or BA in physics is also excellent preparation for careers in law, medicine, or engineering (see the Applied Physics Option and the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option on page 120). Through hands-on training, students acquire skills in computing, computer interfacing, and digital electronics. Our graduates have strong placement records at industries in the state and graduate and professional schools nationwide.
Degrees
BA or BS in Physics with the following options: The standard Option; the Applied Physics Option; the Materials Science Option; the Engineering Physics Option; and the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Program
Co-Major
Business-Physics (see page 47)
Minor
Physics
Engineering
The Department of Physics offers a preprofessional engineering program equivalent to the program at Oregon State University. Students completing this program typically apply for admission to the professional engineering program (junior standing) at Oregon State University in agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, or nuclear engineering. Refer to the Engineering section on page 78 for more details.
Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program
Physics majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program, which enables students to complete the physics degree requirements in three years. For more information, please see page 157 or visit our Web site at: www.sou.edu/admissions/3yb.shtml.
Degree Programs
Five degree options are available for physics majors:
- The Standard Option. Emphasizes the coursework expected of students planning graduate studies in physics or a closely related field. Students have the flexibility to choose upper division electives in physics and related areas.
- The Applied Option. Prepares students for industrial employment or graduate work in applied physics, including biophysics, medical physics, environmental physics, and geophysics.
- The Materials Science Option. Emphasizes the materials aspects of physical science. This option is available through a cooperative agreement between the University of Oregon (UO) Materials Science Institute and SOU.
- The Engineering Physics Option. Prepares students for graduate school or careers at technical companies. Coursework is designed with flexibility that allows students to focus on their engineering emphasis of choice (e.g., biomedical, chemical, electrical/computer, environmental engineering).
- The Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option. Allows a student to earn, in a total of five years, a BA or BS in physics from Southern Oregon University and a BS in engineering from Oregon State University. The first three years are designed to satisfy all of the engineering requirements for admission to the chosen department of the OSU professional engineering program, in addition to most of the requirements for the SOU applied physics option. During their last two years at OSU, students in this program complete SOU's physics degree requirements, along with OSU's professional engineering requirements. Students are eligible to receive a degree from SOU upon completion of the University's requirements and a minimum of 24 credits of upper division engineering at OSU. This program provides many career options for students interested in physics and engineering.
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach physics at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in physics before applying for admission to SOU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program. Interested students should consult the Physics Department chair.
Requirements for Major
Candidates for a bachelor’s degree in physics must:
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 21.
- Complete the core requirements for the physics major.
- Complete the requirements for one of the following options: the Standard Option, the Applied Physics Option, the Engineering Physics Option, the Materials Science Option, or the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option.
- Complete all of the upper division coursework for the major with a GPA of 2.5 or greater.
- Complete the applicable capstone requirements.
Core Requirements
(54 credits)
The following courses are required of all physics majors:
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 |
| General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 |
| Calculus I (Mth 251) | 4 |
| Calculus II (Mth 252) | 4 |
| General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) or General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) and Problem Solving in the Sciences (Ph 220) | 12 |
| General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 6 |
| Methods of Research in Physics (Ph 331, 332) | 2 |
| Modern Physics (Ph 341) and Modern Physics Lab (Ph 344) | 4 |
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 |
| Computer Methods (Ph 380), Computer Applications in Chemistry (Ch 371), or Computational Methods in Engineering (Engr 373) | 3 |
Additional Requirements
Standard Option
BA degree (25 credits)
BS degree (34 credits)
Electives
Electives may be chosen from Ph 333, 336, 339, 354, 361, 362, 416, 417, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 461, and 471. Up to 12 credits may be substituted with departmentally approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics.
Applied Physics Option
Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:
| Engr 201, 211, 212 | 6–9 |
| Engr 311, 322, 323, 333, 336, 339, 461 Ph 416, 417, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 471 | 19–22 |
Up to 10 credits may be substituted with Ph 308, 309, or other departmentally approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics.
Engineering Physics Option
Complete physics core requirements, including Engr 101, 102, 103, 201, 211, 212, 311, 322, and 323.
Complete 24 credits from the following: Ph 333, 336, 339, 416, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 461, 471.
Up to 10 credits may be substituted with approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics.
Complete 6 credits of the engineering practicum (Engr 409) in a departmentally approved engineering capstone project.
Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option
Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:
| Engr 201, 211, 212 | 6–9 |
| Upper division physics electives (choose from Ph 333, 336, 339, 354, 361, 362, 416, 424, 431, 439,441, 461 or departmentally approved upper division engineering or wood science and technology courses at OSU) | 19–22 |
Materials Science Option
Must satisfy all of the following requirements:
| Complete core requirements | |
| Ch 334, Ch 337, Ch 441, Mth 321, and Engr 461 | |
| Two approved summer sessions at UO and SOU, total 12-15 credits. | |
| 42 credits from the following courses: Ch 335, 336, 340, 341, 442, 443 444, 445, 411, 414, 371; Engr 322, 323, 333, 336, 339, 373, 374, 375, 474; Ph 416, 417, 424, 425, 431, 432, 471, and Mth 421 | |
Capstone Experience
The departmental capstone requirement is the culmination of the undergraduate educational experience. In the junior year, students must register for Ph 331 in winter and Ph 332 in spring; these courses will familiarize students with the research of three different faculty members. During the second half of the spring quarter, students submit a capstone proposal for departmental approval after consulting with an appropriate faculty member who has agreed to assume supervisory responsibility. During the senior year, students earn 3–6 credits for the capstone project through approved activities. Possible capstone experiences include an approved independent research project, practicum project, cooperative education experience, or summer internship program. Upon completion, the project should be described and analyzed through a written and oral report to the department and an approved group of peers.
Minor
A total of 51 credits is required for the minor in physics.
Lower Division
(38 credits)
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 |
| General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 |
| Calculus I (Mth 251) | 4 |
| Calculus II (Mth 252) | 4 |
| General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) or | |
Upper Division
(13 credits)
| Modern Physics (Ph 341) | 3 |
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 |
| Physics electives (upper division) | 6 |
Equivalencies for Physics and Engineering Courses
The following courses are cross-listed in Physics and Engineering:
| Engr 221-3 = Ph 221-3 | |
| Engr 224-6 = Ph 224-6 | |
| Engr 311 = Ph 354 | |
| Engr 322 = Ph 362 | |
| Engr 323 = Ph 361 | |
| Engr 333 = Ph 333 | |
| Engr 336 = Ph 336 | |
| Engr 371 = Ph 371 | |
| Engr 373 = Ph 380 | |
| Engr 461 = Ph 461 | |
Engineering Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| Engr 101 Engineering Orientation I: Careers, Skills, and Computer Tools |
| 2 credits |
| Introduces engineering curricula, career paths, ethics, problem solving, communication, and computer programming. This series is required for all areas of engineering. |
| Engr 102 Engineering Orientation II: Careers, Skills, and Computer Tools |
| 2 credits |
| Examines communication and problem solving skills in engineering. Prerequisite: Engr 101. |
| Engr 103 Engineering Orientation III: Careers, Skills, and Computer Tools |
| 2 credits |
| Focuses on problem solving and computer programming skills in engineering. Prerequisite: Engr 102. |
| Engr 201 Electrical Fundamentals |
| 3 credits |
| Examines electrical-theory laws. Includes circuit analysis of DC circuits; natural, step, and sinusoidal responses of circuits; and operational amplifier characteristics and applications. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Mth 252. Corequisite: Engr 201L. |
| Engr 202 Electrical Fundamentals |
| 3 credits |
| Covers steady-state AC circuits, both single and three-phase. Includes resonance, mutual inductance, and operational amplifier applications. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Engr 201 and Mth 321. Corequisite: Engr 202L. |
| Engr 203 Electrical Fundamentals |
| 3 credits |
| Addresses two-port networks, transfer functions, and transient analysis. Includes an introduction to digital systems. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: Engr 202. |
| Engr 211 Statics |
| 3 credits |
| Analyzes forces induced in structures and machines by various types of loading. Prerequisite: Engr 221 or Ph 221. |
| Engr 212 Dynamics |
| 3 credits |
| Explores kinematics, Newtons laws of motion, work-energy theorem, and impulse-momentum relationships as applied to engineering systems. Prerequisite: Engr 211. |
| Engr 213 Strength of Materials |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the properties of structural materials. Analyzes stress and deformation in axially loaded members, circular shafts and beams, and statically indeterminate systems containing these components. Prerequisites: Engr 211 and Mth 252. |
| Engr 221 Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers I |
| 4 credits |
| First part of the general physics series. Entire series required of all pre-engineering students. Introduces statics, equations of linear and rotational motion, and Newtons laws. Examines work and energy for linear and rotational motion and the law of universal gravitation. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisites: Mth 252 or Mth 251 with Ph 190. Corequisite: Engr 224. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 222 Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers II |
| 4 credits |
| Examines simple harmonic motion, fluids, heat, ideal gas law, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, sound, waves, and electric force and potential. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisite: Engr 221. Corequisite: Engr 225. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 223 Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers III |
| 4 credits |
| Covers electrical energy and field, circuits, magnetic force and field, electromagnetic induction and waves, light, optics, and interference. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisite: Engr 222. Corequisite: Engr 226. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 224 General Engineering Laboratory I |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Engr 221. One 3-hour laboratory. Corequisite: Engr 221. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 225 General Engineering Laboratory II |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Engr 222. One 3-hour laboratory. Corequisite: Engr 222. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 226 General Engineering Laboratory III |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Engr 223. One 3-hour laboratory. Corequisite: Engr 223. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Engr 311 Thermodynamics |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the laws of thermodynamics and the fundamental thermodynamics concepts of entropy, internal energy, and chemical potential. Includes applications to ideal and real gases and statistical interpretation of material properties. Prerequisite: Engr 223 or Ph 203. |
| Engr 322 Analog Electronics |
| 4 credits |
| Understand, design, and troubleshoot analog circuits. Topics such as filters, rectifiers, power-supplies and amplifiers will be discussed. Both DC and AC circuits will be covered. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: Mth 252. |
| Engr 323 Digital Electronics |
| 4 credits |
| Understand, design, and troubleshoot digital circuits. Topics such as logic functions, gates, latches, flip-flops, combinational and sequential logic, and interfacing analog and digital circuits will be covered. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: Mth 111. |
Upper Division Courses
| Engr 333 Optics and Waves |
| 3 credits |
| Offers an introduction of optics for science majors. Topics include imaging systems, wave theory, aberrations, diffraction, and interference. Prerequisite: Engr 223. Corequisite: Engr 336. (Cross-listed with Ph 333.) |
| Engr 336 Optics Laboratory |
|
| 1 credit |
| Laboratory course in optics designed to complement Engr 333. Provides practical experience with lasers, optical devices, imaging systems, and fiber optics. One 3-hour laboratory. Corequisite: Engr 333. (Cross-listed with Ph 336.) |
| Engr 339 Lasers |
| 3 credits |
| Designed for physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering majors. Covers the fundamental types of lasers, as well as operational characteristics and applications of lasers in physics, chemistry, communications, engineering, industry, and medicine. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Engr 223. |
| Engr 371 Mathematical Methods for Engineering |
| 4 credits |
| Previews basic, applied mathematical methods for intermediate students in the physical sciences. Covers infinite series, complex functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: Mth 252. |
| Engr 373 Computational Methods in Engineering |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the use of computers in solving science and engineering problems. Applies programming techniques to integration, differentiation, and modeling. Prerequisite: Ph 201 or Ph 221. |
| Engr 374 Introduction to Material Science |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces the science and engineering of materials. Covers metals, ceramics and glasses, polymers, and composites. Topics include crystals, defects, non-crystalline structures, phase diagrams, kinetics, processing degradation, and failure of materials. Prerequisite: Engr 223. |
| Engr 375 Thermodynamics of Materials |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the thermodynamic description and prediction of materials properties. Topics include nonideal gases, solutions, phase equilibria, phase transitions, nucleation, and crystallization. Prerequisite: Engr 223. |
| Engr 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Engr 405 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Engr 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Engr 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Engr 409 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Engr 461 Properties of Solid Materials |
| 4 credits |
| Explores crystal structure and binding; reciprocal lattice; and mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of solids. Prerequisite: Ph 371. |
| Engr 474 Semiconductor Materials |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the electronic properties of materials, growth and structure of semiconductors, thin film deposition, and metallization, with emphasis on silicon technology. Prerequisite: Ph 341 or Ch 441. |
Physics Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| Ph 100 Fundamentals of Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces physics, with an emphasis on the relationship of physics to everyday experience. Uses physics principles to examine common questions about the universe. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 104 is recommended. Three 1-hour lectures. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 104 Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory |
| 1 credit |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 100. One 2-hour laboratory. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 112 Astronomy: The Solar System |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces astronomy, with an emphasis on the solar system. Topics include the origin and history of the solar system; the sun, planets, and moons; comets, meteoroids, and asteroids; a discussion of life in the universe; and the instruments and techniques used in the study of astronomy. Approved for General Education (Explorations) if taken with Ph 114. |
| Ph 113 Astronomy: The Stars |
| 3 credits |
| Introductory stellar astronomy. Explores historical and contemporary ideas about the origin and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe; cosmology; and the techniques and instruments of deep space astronomy. Approved for General Education (Explorations) if taken with Ph 115. Prerequisite: Ph 112. |
| Ph 114 Astronomy Workshop: The Solar System |
| 1 credit |
| Practical exercises to accompany Ph 112. Corequisite: Ph 112. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 115 Astronomy Workshop: The Stars |
| 1 credit |
| Practical exercises to accompany Ph 113. Corequisite: Ph 113. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 151 Fundamentals of Space Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Describes solar-driven processes and their impact on the earth. Discusses effects such as the solar cycle, solar wind, aurora, atmospheric ozone depletion, disruption of electrical power grids, telecommunications systems, and space weather. Prerequisite: Ph 100 or Ph 112. |
| Ph 190 Calculus for Physics |
| 1 credit |
| For students who wish to begin Ph 221 before completing Mth 252 or who need to review calculus while taking Ph 221. Uses an intuitive approach to the calculus of derivatives and integrals. States and uses elementary theorems without proofs. Meets two hours a week for the first five weeks of the term. Offered P/NP only. Prerequisites: Mth 251 and previous or concurrent enrollment in Mth 252. Corequisite: Ph 221. |
| Ph 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 201 General Physics I |
| 3 credits |
| Algebra-based introduction to general physics for science majors. Emphasizes the application of the major concepts of classical and modern physics and the mathematical techniques of problem solving. Topics covered include statics, equations of linear and rotational motion, Newtons laws, work and energy for linear and rotational motion, and the law of universal gravitation. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 224 is recommended and is required for General Education credit. Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Mth 112. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 202 General Physics II |
| 3 credits |
| Topics covered include simple harmonic motion, fluids, heat, ideal gas law, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, sound, waves, and electric force and potential. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 225 is recommended and is required for General Education credit. Prerequisite: Ph 201. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 203 General Physics III |
| 3 credits |
| Studies electrical energy and field, circuits, magnetic force and field, electromagnetic induction and waves, light, optics, and interference. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 226 recommended. Prerequisite: Ph 202. |
| Ph 209 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 220 Problem Solving in the Sciences |
| 3 credits |
| Prepares precalculus students for the Ph 221, 222, 223 sequence. Covers the study of motion and other areas of physics. Required for students from the Ph 201 sequence who plan on pursuing the physics major or minor. Prerequisite: Mth 112. |
| Ph 221 General Physics I |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the principles necessary for further study in the physical sciences, engineering, and modern biology. Calculus-based topics include statics, equations of linear and rotational motion, Newtons laws, work and energy for linear and rotational motion, and the law of universal gravitation. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisite: Mth 252 or Mth 251 with concurrent enrollment in Ph 190. Corequisite: Ph 224. |
| Ph 222 General Physics II |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the physics principles necessary for further study in the physical sciences, engineering, and modern biology. Topics include mechanics, waves, sound, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisite: Ph 221. Corequisite: Ph 225. |
| Ph 223 General Physics III |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the physics principles necessary for further study in the physical sciences, engineering, and modern biology. Topics include mechanics, waves, sound, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Three lectures and one recitation. Prerequisite: Ph 222. Corequisite: Ph 226. |
| Ph 224 General Physics Laboratory I |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 201 or Ph 221. One 3-hour laboratory. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 225 General Physics Laboratory II |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 202 or Ph 222. One 3-hour laboratory. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Ph 226 General Physics Laboratory III |
| 2 credits |
| Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 203 or 223. One 3-hour laboratory. |
Upper Division Courses
| Ph 308 Energy and the Environment |
| 3 credits |
| Offers a systematic study of current energy-related issues, with an emphasis on the environmental impact of energy production and use. Discussions focus on resource limitations, social values, economics, and the politics accompanying energy issues. Offers an introductory-level review of the physics of energy and analysis methods. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Ph 309 Solar Energy |
| 3 credits |
| Explores soft energy paths that have emerged from the general awareness of resource limitations. Studies include solar-related options available to a modern society at both global and local levels. Examines the many facets of solar energy technology, including solar electric, hydrogen production, transportation, energy storage, and conservation. Prerequisites: Ph 100 and upper division standing. |
| Ph 312 Space, Time, and the Cosmos |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the basic concepts of modern physics for non-science majors. Major topics include the theories of relativity, quantum mechanics, particle physics, and cosmology. Covers black holes, curved space, and models of the universe. Prerequisites: Ph 100 or Ph 112; upper division standing. |
| Ph 313 Acoustics, Sound, and Music |
| 3 credits |
| Surveys the production of sound in nature and by musical instruments. Emphasizes the scientific analysis of sound characteristics and sound production, from ancient instruments to synthesizers and computers. Prerequisites: Completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Ph 314 Light, Vision, and Optical Phenomena |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the basic laws of light, optical instruments, natural and optical phenomena, and vision. Covers the production, transmission, and detection of light; photography; and the processing of optical/visual information. Prerequisites: Upper division standing and completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Ph 315 Cosmology |
| 3 credits |
| Discusses cosmological models through the ages and cultures. Covers forces and fields in the universe as well as prevailing theories of cosmology, assumptions, supporting observational evidence, predictions for the future of the universe, and their ancient parallels. Prerequisites: Upper division standing and completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Ph 331 Methods of Research in Physics I |
| 1 credit |
| Introduces ongoing experimental and theoretical research in the department. Juniors should register for this course during winter term. P/NP only. Prerequisite: Ph 344. |
| Ph 332 Methods of Research in Physics II |
| 1 credit |
| Preparation of capstone proposal with a selected mentor. Juniors should register for this course during spring term. P/NP only. Prerequisite: Ph 331. |
| Ph 333 Optics and Waves |
| 3 credits |
| Offers an introduction to optics for science majors. Topics include imaging systems, wave theory, aberrations, diffraction, and interference. Prerequisites: Mth 252; Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| Ph 336 Optics Laboratory |
| 1 credit |
| Laboratory course in optics designed to complement Ph 333. Provides practical experience with lasers, optical devices, imaging systems, and fiber optics. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: Ph 333. |
| Ph 339 Lasers |
| 3 credits |
| Designed for physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering majors. Covers the fundamental types of lasers and operational characteristics and applications of lasers in physics, chemistry, communications, engineering, industry, and medicine. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| Ph 341 Modern Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces special relativity, quantum theory, the electronic structure of atoms, and selected topics, including band theory of solids, nuclear structure, accelerators and elementary particles, and cosmology. Prerequisites: Mth 252; Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| Ph 344 Modern Physics Laboratory |
| 1 credit |
| Includes experiments in modern physics. Emphasizes measurements that give values for the fundamental constants of nature, such as the electronic charge or Plancks constant, along with computer-based data analysis. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ph 226 and previous or concurrent enrollment in Ph 341. |
| Ph 351 Introduction to Space Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Uses physical processes and models to describe the flow of particles and fields from the sun to the earth. Emphasizes processes occurring in the earths magnetosphere. Prerequisites: Mth 252; Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| Ph 354 Thermal Physics |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a statistical approach to thermodynamics. Employs the fundamental ideas of probability for small systems of particles to derive concepts such as entropy, internal energy, and chemical potential. Covers applications to a wide variety of classical and quantum systems. Prerequisites: Mth 252; Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| Ph 361 Digital Electronics |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces digital circuits, with emphasis on applications in scientific instrumentation. Topics include logic functions, gates, latches, flip-flops, combinational and sequential logic, and interfacing analog and digital circuits. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Mth 111. |
| Ph 362 Analog Electronics |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces the design and troubleshooting of AC and DC analog circuits. Topics include filters, rectifiers, power-supplies, and amplifiers. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Mth 252. |
| Ph 371 Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences |
| 4 credits |
| Previews basic applied mathematical methods for intermediate students in the physical sciences. Covers infinite series, complex functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: Mth 252. |
| Ph 380 Computer Methods |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the use of computers for problem solving in science and engineering. Applies programming techniques to integration, differentiation, and modeling. Prerequisites: Mth 252; Ph 201 or Ph 221. |
| Ph 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 401/501 Research |
|
| Credits to be arrangedPrerequisite: Ph 331. |
| Ph 403/503 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Ph 409/509 Practicum |
|
| Credits to be arranged (maximum 15 undergraduate credits) |
| Ph 411/511 Physics Laboratory and Instruction Practices |
| 1 to 3 credits |
| Involves preparation for instruction of general physics laboratory courses. Students intern with a faculty mentor to prepare lower division lab classes or lecture demonstration materials. Students obtain direct, hands-on experience with preparation for K12 or graduate school teaching assignments. Prerequisite: Senior standing. |
| Ph 416/516 Quantum Physics I |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the basic principles of quantum mechanics, including wave-particle duality, the Schrodinger equation for elementary potentials, the interpretation of the wave function, uncertainty relations, and operators. Prerequisites: Ph 341 and Ph 371. |
| Ph 417/517 Quantum Physics II |
| 3 credits |
| Examines principles of quantum mechanics, including the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum, spin and spin systems, perturbation theory, and radiation. Prerequisite: Ph 416. |
| Ph 424/524 Analytical Mechanics I |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the basic laws of motion in the Newtonian formalism. Topics include dynamics of particles, rigid bodies, conservation laws, and oscillations. Prerequisites: Ph 223 and Ph 371. |
| Ph 425/525 Analytical Mechanics II |
| 4 credits |
| Covers generalized coordinates, variational principles, and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. Prerequisite: Ph 424. |
| Ph 431/531 Electricity and Magnetism |
| 4 credits |
| Studies static electricity and magnetism. Topics include Coulombs law, electric field, Gausss law, the scalar potential, electrostatic energy, and interactions with matter. Prerequisites: Ph 223 and Ph 371. |
| Ph 432/532 Electricity and Magnetism |
| 4 credits |
| Examines electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter. Introduces Amperes law, magnetic induction, Faradays law, the vector potential, magnetic energy, Maxwells equations, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: Ph 431. |
| Ph 434/534 Advanced Physics Laboratory (various topics) |
| 1 to 2 credits |
| Selected experiments in classical and modern physics. Students may register for a total of six courses under these numbers. One lecture and one 3-hour laboratory, or one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ph 226. |
| Ph 439/539 Modern Optics |
| 3 credits |
| Involves the analysis and application of Fourier optics, coherence, holography, crystal optics, electro-optics, optical modulation, and nonlinear optics. Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ph 333 or Ph 339. |
| Ph 441/541 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Explores the theory and experimental techniques of nuclear reactions and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: Ph 341. |
| Ph 451/551 Topics in Atmospheric Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Involves studies of the sun-driven processes that occur in space near the earth. Topics include thermodynamic and transport processes, measurement methods, computational modeling, and applications to environmental studies. Prerequisite: Ph 223. |
| Ph 461/561 Solid State Physics |
| 4 credits |
| Explores crystal structure and binding; reciprocal lattice; and mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of solids. Prerequisite: Ph 371. |
| Ph 471/571 Advanced Topics in Mathematical Physics |
| 3 credits |
| Examines tensor analysis, Fourier analysis, analytic function theory, partial differential equations, and integral equations. Strongly recommended for students in physics and engineering who are planning graduate studies. Prerequisite: Ph 371. |
| Ph 499 Capstone Project |
| 1 to 2 credits a term (maximum 6 credits) |
| Involves research inside or outside the department under supervision of a physics faculty member. Project proposals are submitted and reviewed in Ph 331 and 332 during the spring quarter of the students junior year. Requires prior departmental approval, a written progress report each term, and a seminar or symposium presentation at the completion of the project. Prerequisites: Ph 331; Ph 332; and senior standing. |
| Ph 512 Environmental Measurements |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the instruments and techniques of environmental monitoring. Explores the science of measuring such factors as water and air conditions, solar radiation (e.g., ozone and UV), and radioactive levels. Emphasizes hands-on laboratory and field computer data acquisition and analysis. Prerequisite: Ph 223. |
Course Equivalencies for Physics and Engineering Courses
The following courses are cross-listed in Physics and Engineering:
| Engr 221-3 = Ph 221-3 | |
| Engr 224-6 = Ph 224-6 | |
| Engr 311 = Ph 354 | |
| Engr 322 = Ph 361 | |
| Engr 323 = Ph 362 | |
| Engr 333 = Ph 333 | |
| Engr 336 = Ph 336 | |
| Engr 371 = Ph 371 | |
| Engr 373 = Ph 380 | |
| Engr 461 = Ph 461 | |
Physics
