Course Descriptions



Freshman Year

PHGN100. PHYSICS I - MECHANICS (I,II,S)
A first course in physics covering the basic principles of mechanics using vectors and calculus. The course consists of a fundamental treatment of the concepts and applications of kinematics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles, including Newton's laws, energy and momentum, rotation, oscillations, and waves. Prerequisite: MACS111 and concurrent enrollment in MACS112/122 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation; 1.5 hours lab; 4.5 semester hours.
3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation; 1.5 hour lab; 4.5 semester hours

PHGN110. HONORS PHYSICS I - MECHANICS (II)
A course parallel to Physics 100 but in which the subject matter is treated in greater depth. Registration is restricted to students who are particularly interested in physics and can be expected to show above-average ability. Usually an A or B grade in MACS111/121 is expected. Prerequisite: MACS111 and concurrent enrollment in MACS112/122 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation; 1.5 hours lab; 4.5 semester hours.


Sophomore Year

PHGN200. PHYSICS II - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (I,II,S)
Continuation of PHGN100. The fundamental laws of electricity and magnetism, including electromagnetic oscillation and applications to circuits and instruments. Weekly laboratory experiments complement the lecture. Prerequisite: PHGN100 or PHGN110, credit or concurrent enrollment in MACS213/223. 3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation; 1.5 hour lab; 4.5 semester hours

PHGN210. HONORS PHYSICS II: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (I)
Continuation of PHGN100. Introduction to the fundamental laws and concepts of electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic devices, electromagnetic behavior of materials, applications to simple circuits, electromagnetic radiation, and an introduction to optical phenomena. Prerequisite: PHGN100/110, concurrent enrollment in 213/223. 3 hours lecture; 1 hours recitation; 1.5 hours lab; 4.5 semester hours.

PHGN217. SEMICONDUCTOR CIRCUITS-ANALOG (II)
Introduction to methods of electronic measurements, particularly the application of oscilloscopes and computer based data acquisition. Laboratory experiences in the use of basic electronic devices for physical measurements. Topics covered include diodes, transistors (FET and BJT), operational amplifiers, filters, transducers, and integrated circuits. Emphasis on practical knowledge, including prototyping, troubleshooting, and laboratory notebook style. Prerequisite: DCGN381 or concurrent enrollment. 3 hours lab; 1 semester hour.


Junior Year

PHGN300. PHYSICS III/MODERN PHYSICS I (I,II,S)
The third course in introductory physics for scientists and engineers including an introduction to the special theory of relativity, wave-particle duality, the Schroedinger equation, electrons in solids, nuclear structure and transmutations. Prerequisite: PHGN200/210; Concurrent enrollment in MACS315. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

PHGN310. PHYSICS III - MODERN PHYSICS (I,S)
A course parallel to PHGN300 but in which the subject matter is treated in greater depth. Registration is strongly recommended for physics majors or those considering the physics option, but is not required. Prerequisite: PHGN200/210 and concurrent enrollment in MACS315 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

PHGN315. ADVANCED PHYSICS LAB I (I)
Introduction to laboratory measurement techniques as applied to modern physics experiments. Experiments from optics, atomic physics, and solid state physics. A writing intensive course with laboratory and computer design projects based on applications of modern physics. Prerequisite: PHGN300/310 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lab; 1 semester hour.

PHGN317. SEMICONDUCTOR CIRCUITS - DIGITAL (I)
Introduction to digital devices used in modern electronics. Topics covered include logic gates, flip-flops, timers, counters, multiplexing, analog-to- digital and digital-to-analog devices. Emphasis is on practical circuit design and assembly. Prerequisite: DCGN381 and PHGN217 or EGGN250, or consent of instructor. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab; 2 semester hours.

PHGN320. MODERN PHYSICS II (II)
Introduction to the Schroedinger theory of quantum mechanics. Topics include Shroedinger's equation, quantum theory of measurement, the uncertainty principle, eigenfunctions and energy spectra, angular momentum, perturbation theory, and the treatment of identical particles. Example applications taken from atomic, molecular, solid state, or nuclear systems. Prerequisites: PHGN300 or 310 and PHGN311.
4 hours lecture; 4 semester hours

PHGN324. INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS (II)
Celestial mechanics; Kepler's laws and gravitation. Solar system and its contents. Electromagnetic radiation and matter. Stars: distances, magnitude$ spectral classification, structure, and evolution. Variable and unusual stars, pulsars and neutron stars, supernovae, black holes. Models for origin and evolution of universe.
Prerequisite: PHGN200 or PHGN210.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN326. MODERN PHYSICS LAB II (II)
Introduction to laboratory measurement techniques as applied to modern physics experiments. Experiments from optics, solid state, nuclear, atomic physics. Laboratory and computer design projects based on applications of modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHGN315
3 hours lab; 1 semester hours

PHGN333 (BELS333). INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHYSICS (II)
An introduction to the application of physics to biological systems. Topics include energy generation and management in cells, molecular motors, self-organized systems, and nuclear and optical interactions with living matter.
Prerequisite: BELS301
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN340. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (I,II,S)
Supervised, full-time, engineering-related employment for a continuous six-month period (or its equivalent) in which specific educational objectives are achieved. Prerequisite: Second semester sophomore status and a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00.
0 to 3 semester hours
Cooperative Education credit does not count toward graduation except under special conditions.

PHGN341. THERMAL PHYSICS (II)
An introduction to statistical physics from the quantum mechanical point of view. The microcanonical and canonical ensembles. Heat, work and the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell relations; phase transformations. Elementary kinetic theory. An introduction to quantum statistics.
Prerequisite: DCGN209 and PHGN311
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN350. INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS (I)
Begins with an intermediate treatment of Newtonian mechanics and continues through an introduction to Hamilton's principle and Lagrangian dynamics. Includes systems of particles, linear and driven oscillators, motion under a central force, two-particle collisions and scattering, motion in non-inertial reference frames and dynamics of rigid bodies.
Prerequisite: PHGN200 or PHGN210.
Co-requisite: PHGN311.
4 hours lecture; 4 semester hours

PHGN361. INTERMEDIATE ELECTROMAGNETISM (II)
Theory and application of the following: static electric and magnetic fields in free space, dielelectric materials, and magnetic materials; steady currents; scalar and vector potentials; Gauss' law and Laplace's equation applied to boundary value problems; Ampere's and Faraday's laws.
Prerequisite: PHGN200/210 and PHGN311.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN384. APPARATUS DESIGN (S)
Introduction to the design of engineering physics apparatus. Concentrated individual participation in the design of machined and fabricated system components, vacuum systems, electronics and computer interfacing systems. Supplementary lectures on safety and laboratory techniques. Visits to regional research facilities and industrial plants.
Prerequisite: PHGN300/310, DCGN381 and EGGN383.
6-week summer session following junior year; 6 semester hours


Senior Year

PHGN402. GREAT PHYSICISTS (II)
The lives, times, and scientific contributions of key historical physicists are explored in an informal seminar format. Each week a member of the faculty will lead discussions about one or more different scientists who have figure significantly in the development of the discipline.
Prerequisite: None.
1 hour lecture; 1 semester hour

PHGN404. PHYSICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT (II)
An examination of several environmental issues in terms of the fundamental underlying principles of physics including energy conservation, conversion and generation; solar energy; nuclear power and weapons, radioactivity and radiation effects; aspects of air, noise and thermal pollution.
Prerequisite: PHGN200/210 or consent of instructor
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN412. MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
Mathematical techniques applied to the equations of physics; complex variables, partial differential equations, special functions, finite and infinite-dimensional vector spaces. Green's functions.
Prerequisite: PHGN311.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN419. PRINCIPLES OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS (II)
Theory and techniques of insolation measurement. Absorptive and radiative properties of surfaces. Optical properties of materials and surfaces. Principles of photovoltaic devices. Optics of collector systems. Solar energy conversion techniques: heating and cooling of buildings, solar thermal (power and process heat), wind energy, ocean thermal, and photovoltaics.
Prerequisite: PHGN300/310 and MACS315.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN420. QUANTUM MECHANICS (I)
Wave-particle duality; state vectors and operators; measurement; Schroedinger equation; one-dimensional problems; angular momentum and spin; three-dimensional problems; addition of angular momenta; matrix formulation and perturbation theory; identical particles; state of helium; multiplet structure of atoms; time-independent perturbation theory.
Prerequisite: PHGN325, PHGN350.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN421. ATOMIC PHYSICS (II)
Study of the fundamental particles of matter, atomic structure, and spectra. Application of the Schroedinger equation to hydrogen-like atoms.
Prerequisite: PHGN325.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN422. NUCLEAR PHYSICS (I)
Introduction to subatomic (particle and nuclear) phenomena. Characterization and systematics of particle and nuclear states; symmetries; introduction and systematics of the electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions; systematics of radioactivity; liquid drop and shell models; nuclear technology.
Prerequisite: PHGN325.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN423. DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION (I)
Review of basic physical principles; types of power generation treated include fission, fusion, magnetohydrodynamic, thermoelectric, thermionic, fuel cells, photovoltaic, electrohydrodynamic piezoelectrics.
Prerequisite: PHGN300/310.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN424. ASTROPHYSICS (I)
A survey of fundamental aspects of astrophysical phenomena, concentrating on measurements of basic stellar properties such as distance, luminosity, spectral classification, mass and radii. Simple models of stellar structure evolution and the associated nuclear processes as sources of energy and nucleosynthesis. Introduction to cosmology and physics of standard Big-Bang models.
Prerequisite: PHGN325.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN435/CRGN435: Interdisciplinary Microelectronics Processing Laboratory (I)
Application of science and engineering principles to the fabrication and testing of microelectronic devices. Emphasis on specific unit operations and the interrelation among processing steps.
Prerequisites: Seniors in PHGN, CRGN, MTGN, or EGGN. Consent of instructor. Due to lab space the enrollment is limited to 20 students.
1.5 hour lecture, 4 hour lab, 3.0 credit hour (Under the traditional ABET criteria, this course is 3 credit  hours of engineering topics)

PHGN440/MLGN502. SOLID STATE PHYSICS (II)
An elementary study of the properties of solids including crystalline structure and its determination, lattice vibrations, electrons in metals, and semiconductors.
Prerequisite: PHGN325.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN441/MLGN522. SOLID STATE PHYSICS APPLICATIONS
AND PHENOMENA
Continuation of PHGN440/MLGN502 with an emphasis on applications of the principles of solid state physics to practical properties of materials including: optical properties, superconductivity, dielectric properties, magnetism, noncrystalline structure, and interfaces. (Graduate students in physics cannot receive credit for MLGN522, only PHGN441.)
Prerequisite: PHGN440, MLGN502, or equivalent by instructor's permission.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN450. COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
Introduction to numerical methods for analyzing advanced physics problems. Topics covered include finite element methods, analysis of scaling, efficiency, errors, and stability, as well as a survey of numerical algorithms and packages for analyzing algebraic, differential, and matrix systems. The numerical methods are introduced and developed in the analysis of advanced physics problems taken from classical physics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, solid state, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: Introductory-level knowledge of C, Fortran, or Basic; PHGN311.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

PHGN 462. ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETISM (I)
Continuation of PHGN361. The solution of boundary value problems in curvilinear coordinates; solutions to the waves equation including plane waves, refraction, interference and polarization; waves in bounded regions, radiation from charges and simple antennas; relativistic electrodynamics.
Prerequisite: PHGN361.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN460. PLASMA PHYSICS
Review of Maxwell's equations; charged-particle orbit in given electromagnetic fields; macroscopic behavior of plasma, distribution functions; diffusion theory; kinetic equations of plasma; plasma oscillations and waves, conductivity, magnetohydrodynamics, stability theory; Alven waves, plasma confinement.
Prerequisite: PHGN300/310.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours, offered on sufficient demand.

PHGN 462. ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETISM (I)
Continuation of PHGN361. The solution of boundary value problems in curvilinear coordinates; solutions to the waves equation including plane waves, refraction, interference and polarization; waves in bounded regions, radiation from charges and simple antennas; relativistic electrodynamics.
Prerequisite: PHGN361.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours

PHGN471. SENIOR DESIGN (I)
A two semester program covering the full spectrum of experimental design, drawing on all of the student's previous course work. At the beginning of the first semester, the student selects a research project in consultation with the course coordinator and the faculty supervisor. The objectives of the project are given to the student in broad outline form. The student then designs the entire project, including any or all of the following elements as appropriate: literature search, specialized apparatus, block-diagram electronics, computer data acquisition and/or analysis, sample materials, and measurement and/or analysis sequences. The course culminates in a senior thesis. Supplementary lectures are given on techniques of physics research and experimental design.
Prerequisite: PHGN384 and senior standing.
1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab; 3 semester hours

PHGN472. SENIOR DESIGN (II)
Continuation of PHGN471.
Prerequisite: PHGN384 and senior standing.
1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab; 3 semester hours.


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