next up previous contents
Next: Seminars Up: The Department of Physics Previous: Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Curriculum

PHY 504 Advanced Mechanics

A continuation and extension of PHY 404G. Includes dynamics of a particle, rigid bodies, Lagrange's equations, constrained motions, and oscillations. Prereq: PHY 404G, MA214.

PHY 506 Methods of Theoretical Physics I

The course and its sequel (MA/PHY 507) are designed to develop, for first-year graduate students, familiarity with the mathematical tools useful in physics. Topics include curvilinear coordinates, infinite series, integrating and solving differential equations of physics, and methods of complex variables. Work with Green's functions, eigenvalues, matrices and calculus of variations are included as a part of MA/PHY 506 and 507. Prereq: PHY 404G or equivalent. (Same as MA 506.)

PHY 507 Methods of Theoretical Physics II

Continuation of MA/PHY 506. Fourier and Laplace Transforms, the special functions, (Bessel, Elliptic, Gamma, etc.) are described. Work with Green's functions, eigenvalues, matrices and the calculus of variations are included as a part of MA/PHY 506 and 507. Prereq: MA/PHY 506. (Same as MA 507.)

PHY 508 Optics

A lecture and problems course covering the basic phenomena of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include thick lenses, apertures, wave motion, interference, diffraction, polarization, double refraction, and the theory of selected optical instruments. Prereq: PHY 232, 242 or 213; MA 213.

PHY 520 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

A lecture and problem course providing an introduction to quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level. Primary emphasis is on the Schrodinger equation, and its applications. Prereq: PHY 361, MA 214.

PHY 522 Heat and Thermodynamics

A lecture and problem course stressing some of the fundamental principles of heat phenomena, the laws of thermodynamics, equations of state for ideal and real gases, continuity, derivation of thermodynamic relations. Prereq: PHY 361 and MA 214.

PHY 524 and 525 Solid State Physics

Introductory solid state physics with emphasis on the properties of electrons in crystals; crystal structure, crystal diffraction, reciprocal lattice, lattice vibrations and phonons, free electron theory, energy bands in solids, semiconductors. Prereq: (for 524) PHY 520 or consent of instructor. PHY 525 is continuation of PHY 524. Crystal binding; elastic constants and elastic waves; superconductivity; ferromagnetism; optical and transport properties of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and interfaces. Prereq: (for 525) PHY 524.

PHY 530 Experimental Physics: Optics and Spectroscopy

An advanced laboratory course dealing with the wave nature of light, optical systems, interference, diffraction, polarization, and spectroscopy. Prereq: PHY 308 or 508.

PHY 535 Experimental Physics: Atomic and Nuclear

A combined lecture and laboratory course in which the students both learn the statistical methods by which observational data are analyzed and repeat many of the experiments which established the quantum-mechanical behaviour of atomic and nuclear systems. Experiments include the quantization of charge, the energy levels of atomic systems, the wave nature of matter, Compton scattering from electrons, X-ray diffraction, Planck constant. Lecture, one hour; laboratory four hours per week. PHY 361.

PHY 545 Radiation Hazards and Protection

An analysis of common radiation hazards encountered in medicine, research, industry, and the environment. Regulations and procedures for the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two and one-half hours. Prereq: RM/PHY 472G or consent of instructor. (Same as RM/RAS 545.)

PHY 546 General Medical Radiological Physics

The uses and dosimetric aspects of radiation in medicine will be analyzed, including many basic applications in the fields of diagnostic radiology physics, therapy physics and nuclear medical physics. Prereq or concur: PHY/RM 472G or consent of instructor. (Same as RM/RAS 546.)

PHY 554 Fundamental Atomic Physics

Topics covered include electromagnetic radiation atomic spectra and their interpretation in terms of atomic models, the Zeeman and Stark effects. Prereq: PHY 520.

PHY 555 Fundamental Nuclear Physics

Topics covered include nuclear systematics, the nucleon-nucleon-interaction, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion. Prereq: PHY 520.

PHY 556 Fundamental Particle Physics

Introduction to elementary particle physics. Topics include: particle interactions and families, the quark model, symmetries and conservation laws, particle reactions and decays, quark dynamics, and elements of quantum chromodynamics and electroweak interactions. Prereq: PHY 520.

PHY 567 Introduction to Lasers and Masers

Basic principles of laser action, atomic transitions; population inversion; two-and three-level systems; optical resonators; pumping methods; applications. Prereq: Engineering upper division status or consent of instructor. (Same as EE 567.)

PHY/AST 591 Astrophysics I---Stars

Structure of the universe -- an overview: hierarchy of objects, the distance ladder. Stellar structure: hydrostatic equilibrium, energy transport, nuclear energy generation, equilibrium solutions. Stellar evolution: nucleosynthesis, evolution off the main sequence, final stages of stellar life, white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars and black holes. Binary stellar systems. Prereq: PHY 361, PHY 417.

PHY/AST 592 Astrophysics II---The Galaxy

Interstellar matter: gas and dust, interstellar reddening, absorption lines, 21 cm observations. Phases of the interstellar medium: HII regions, atomic and molecular clouds. Star formation. Stellar populations. Galactic structure and dynamics: the galactic nucleus, spiral structure, rotation curve, dark matter. Prereq.: PHY/AST 591.

PHY 600 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics

Topics of an advanced and specialized nature such as the theory of angular momentum, topics in advanced theoretical nuclear physics, topics in advanced statistical mechanics. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours. Prereq: Consent of instructor.

PHY 611 Electromagnetic Theory I

A lecture and problem course treating electrostatics, boundary conditions, potential problems, energy in electric and magnetic fields, magnetic materials and Maxwell's equations. Prereq: PHY 416G; MA 214.

PHY 613 Electromagnetic Theory II

Continuation and extension of PHY 611. Includes theory of electromagnetic waves and applications to optical phenomena and radiation. Special theory of relativity and the covariant treatment of Maxwell's equations will be discussed. Prereq: PHY 611.

PHY 614 Quantum Mechanics I

A lecture and problem course dealing with the description of quantum systems in the forms of wave mechanics, matrix mechanics and state vectors. Also includes angular momentum and its addition, and approximation methods for bound states. Prereq: PHY 520.

PHY 615 Quantum Mechanics II

Continuation of PHY 614 covering time dependent perturbation theory, symmetry and invariance principles, and elementary scattering theory including the method of partial waves. Prereq: PHY 614.

PHY 624 and 625 Theory of the Solid State

A lecture and problem course covering the fundamental theories of the structure and properties of solids, including lattice dynamics, electron propagation, electrical, thermal and optical properties. Prereq: PHY 524, 525 and 614.

PHY 629 Nuclear Physics

A lecture and problem course dealing with the structure of atomic nuclei, nuclear processes, and nuclear radiations. Topics include nuclear shell structure, nuclear properties, inter-nucleon forces, nuclear binding energies, and nuclear reactions. Prereq: PHY 614.

PHY 630 Topics in Nuclear and Intermediate Energy Physics

A lecture-problem course alternately dealing with advanced topics in nuclear and intermediate energy physics. Nuclear physics topics include theories of transition rates and moments, the formal theory of nuclear reactions, microscopic models of nuclear matter, and collective and single particle aspects of nuclear structure. Topics in intermediate energy physics include photonuclear reactions, pion absorption and scattering, the role of spin in nucleon scattering, and the relativistic description of scattering and reactions. (May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when taken under different subtitles.) Prereq: PHY 629.

PHY 632 Statistical Mechanics

A lecture and problem course dealing with the thermal properties of matter from the standpoint of statistical mechanics. Topics include thermodynamic properties, perfect gases, and Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Prereq: PHY 522. PHY 604.

PHY/AST 639 Physical Processes in Astrophysics

A lecture and problem course covering the physical processes encountered in astrophysics. The topics covered include micro-physical processes in stellar atmospheres and the interstellar medium, high energy astrophysics, and basic hydrodynamics and shock waves. Prereq: PHY/AST 592 or consent of instructor. (Same as AST 639.)

PHY/AST 640 Galaxies and Cosmology

A course covering extra-galactic astronomy and cosmology. Topics include properties of galaxies, active galaxies and quasars. The standard big bang model of the universe will be discussed in detail, including observational cosmology, nucleosynthesis in the early universe and formation of large scale structure. Prereq: PHY/AST 592 or consent of instructor. (Same as AST 640.)

PHY 651 Atomic Physics

A lecture and problem course dealing with advanced topics in atomic physics, including atomic structure, spectra, and interactions of atoms with charged particles and electromagnetic fields. Topics include Rydberg atoms, ionization processes, electron correlations, laser techniques and general theoretical methods. Prereq: PHY 554, 611 and 614.

PHY 716 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

A continuation of PHY 615. Topics covered will include the relativistic wave equations, second quantization, quantum electrodynamics. Prereq: PHY 615.

PHY 748 Master's Thesis Research

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters. Prereq: All course work toward the degree must be completed.

PHY 749 Dissertation Research

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters. Prereq: Registration for two full-time semesters of 769 residence credit following the successful completion of the qualifying exams.

PHY 756 Particle Physics

A lecture-problem course on advanced topics in elementary particle physics. Topics include the quark model and group theory, chiral symmetry of the strong interaction, the parton model and scaling, quantum chromodynamics, electroweak theory, grand unification, and the renormalization group. Prereq: PHY 716.

PHY 768 Residence Credit for the Master's Degree

May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours.

PHY 769 Residence Credit for the Doctor's Degree

May be repeated indefinitely.

PHY 770 Colloquium

A weekly meeting of the staff and advanced students for the discussion of recent developments in physics and of work in progress in the department. Credit is given to those who satisfactorily present papers. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credits.

PHY 781 Independent Work in Physics

May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

PHY 790 Research in Physics

May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

PHY 791 Research in Physics

May be repeated to a maximum of 10 credits.

PHY 538 Experimental Physics: Light

An advanced laboratory course dealing with the properties of lenses, mirrors, prisms, gratings, and combinations of these elements in optical systems. The important phenomena of optics are studied experimentally by means of microscope, telescope, spectrometer, interferometer, polarimeter. Prereq: PHY 508.



next up previous contents
Next: Seminars Up: The Department of Physics Previous: Doctor of Philosophy



Jim Trice
Thu Feb 8 16:43:32 EST 1996