enrolled in a starred course numbered below 500 is required to do extra coursework.
@ May be repeated for credit because subject matter varies.
† May be repeated for credit with permission of department chairperson (or dean).
†† May be repeated for credit with permission of department chairperson (or dean) and instructor.
[ ] Former course number or title.
This created in September, 2000.
General
Interest Courses in Physics and Astronomy
Astr
101. Introduction to Astronomy. (3)
The theme is
cosmic evolution. It provides a guided tour of the universe to
find out where and when we are in the cosmos. The
presentation
is descriptive and non-mathematical. It starts with an overview
into people's ideas about the universe. After an
inquiry into
the origin and evolution of the solar system, a study of stars is made
to find the place of the solar system in the Milky
Way
Galaxy. Finally, a history is presented of the physical,
chemical, and biological evolution of the universe, from its beginning
in a big bang
to the possibility of life elsewhere in the Galaxy. Special
topics may include black holes, interstellar
communication,
UFOs, and missions to the planets. No preparation is
assumed. Important concepts of physics, chemistry,
geology and
biology are introduced in the context of the course. See Astr
101L for optional observations. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
Astr 101L. [Astr
111L.] Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Intended as an
adjunct to Astr 101, this course deals with elementary techniques in
astronomical observations.
Pre- or
corequisite: Astr 101. {Fall, Spring}
Astr
109. Selected topics in Astronomy. (1-3 to a maximum of 12)
Designed as a
follow-up course to 101. This course will focus on one topic in
astronomy for an in-depth investigation of its core
concepts and
implications. May be repeated, but topics must be substantially
different from semester to semester.
Prerequisites:
101 and permission of instructor. {Offered upon demand.}
Physcs
102. Introduction to Physics. (3)
Designed for
non-science students in all colleges as well as for students planning
to major in the sciences who want a general
introduction
to the basic phenomena and concepts of physics. The treatment is
primarily descriptive, with practical
demonstrations
and applications and with a minimum of elementary mathematics. No
previous preparation is assumed. Basic
physical
concepts such as energy, momentum, and electric charge are discussed as
well as the properties of gravitational,
electromagnetic
and nuclear forces, and wave phenomena. The basic ideas of
relativity and quantum theory are introduced. See
Physcs 102L
for an optional laboratory. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
Physcs
102L. [112L.] Physics Laboratory. (1)
A physics
laboratory offered in conjunction with Physcs 102 for students desiring
laboratory credit. Experiments and projects
designed to
explain basic physical concepts related to the atom, the environment,
and the universe.
Pre- or
corequisite: 102. 2 hrs. lab. {Fall, Spring}
Physcs
105. Physics and Society. (3)
Intended for
the student with minimum previous exposure to physical science.
The concepts, ideas, and methodology of physics
are developed
as the basis for a discussion of their impact on society and the impact
of society on the development of physics.
Thermal
physics leads to a discussion of meteorology, climatology, pollution,
weather modification, violent storms, aviation
weather and
soaring; energy concepts and special relativity lead to a discussion of
mass energy, nuclear fission and fusion
reactors,
nuclear weapons, science policy and ethics, energy problems and
alternative sources. {Spring}
Physcs
106. Light and Color. (3)
This
elementary course in optics and optical phenomena is intended primarily
for students in the liberal arts, fine arts, and
education.
Light and color and optical systems are explained with demonstrations
and graphical techniques, without formal
mathematics.
The formation of images with mirrors and lenses, wave phenomena, the
eye, rainbows, tricks with polarized light,
lasers and
holography are covered. See Physcs 106L for an optional
laboratory. {Fall}
Physcs
106L. [116L.] Light and Color Laboratory. (1)
A laboratory
offered in conjunction with Physcs 106 for students desiring laboratory
credit. Experiments and demonstrations with
optical
phenomena; lenses, mirrors, the eye, interference, diffraction,
polarization, lasers. Pre- or corequisite: 106. {Fall}
Physcs
107. Problems for Introduction to Physics. (1)
Instructor-led
study session for Physcs 102, including problem solving and
demonstrations. Corequisite: 102. Offered on a CR/NC basis
only. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
Physcs
108. Introduction to Musical Acoustics. (3)
Designed to
provide a physical foundation of understanding the experience of music
and the acoustics of the environment of
music.
It consists of the nonmathematical application of concepts of physics
to sound perception, musical instruments, and to
acoustics of
the auditorium. Most of the topics covered are fully demonstrated
in class. These include the nature of sound and its
sources,
functioning of the ear, harmonics and tone quality, auditorium
response, pitch and musical scales, demonstration and
analysis of
the piano and other stringed instruments, woodwinds, brasses, the
voice, discussion of electronic reproduction and
synthesis of
sound. See Physcs 108L for an optional laboratory. {Spring}
Physcs
108L. [118L.] Musical Acoustics Laboratory. (1)
Intended as an
adjunct to 108, this course emphasizes electronics and electronic
equipment pertaining to acoustics and to
music.
Pre- or corequisite: 108. 2 hrs. lab. {Spring}
Physics
(Physcs)
For Physcs 102
through 108L, see the general interest courses described above.
151.
General Physics. (3)
Mechanics,
sound, heat. The sequence 151, 151L,152, 152L, is required of
pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students.
Only 151 and
152 are required of pharmacy students. Prerequisite: A working
knowledge of algebra at the level of Math 150,
and of
trigonometry. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
151L.
[153L.] General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics,
sound, heat. Pre- or corequisite: 151. 3 hrs. lab.
{Fall, Spring}
152.
General Physics. (3)
Electricity,
magnetism, optics. Prerequisite: 151. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
152L.
[154L.] General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity,
magnetism, optics. Pre- or corequisite: 152. 3 hrs.
lab. {Fall, Spring}
157.
Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem
solving and demonstrations related to 151. Corequisite: 151.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only. {Fall, Spring}
158.
Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem
solving and demonstrations related to 152. Corequisite:
152. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. {Fall, Spring}
160.
General Physics. (3)
Mechanics,
sound. The sequence 160, 160L, 161, 161L, 262, 262L is required
of students planning to major in certain sciences
and in
engineering. Pre- or corequisite: Math 162L. {Summer, Fall,
Spring}
160L.
[163L.] General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics,
sound, heat. Pre- or corequisite: 161. 3 hrs. lab.
{Fall, Spring}
161.
General Physics. (3)
Heat,
electricity, magnetism. Prerequisite: 160; pre- or corequisite:
Math 163L. {Summer, Fall, Spring}
161L.
General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity
and magnetism. Pre- or corequisite: 161. 3 hrs. lab.
{Fall, Spring}
162.
Exploring Physics and Astronomy. (1)
The instructor
meets with the students once per week for a discussion seminar with a
department faculty member or a guided tour
of a physics
and astronomy laboratory. Prerequisite: 160. Offered on a CR/NC
basis only. {Fall, Spring}
167.
Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem
solving and demonstrations related to 160. Corequisite:
160. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. {Fall, Spring}
168.
Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem
solving and demonstrations related to 161. Corequisite: 161.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only. {Fall, Spring}
262.
General Physics. (3)
Optics, modern
physics. Prerequisite: 161; pre- or corequisite: Math 264L.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
262L.
[264L.] General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Optics and
modern physics. Pre- or corequisite: 262. 3 hrs. lab.
{Fall, Spring}
265L.
Individual Laboratory Work in General Physics. (1)
Prerequisite:
permission of instructor. 3 hrs. lab. {Offered upon demand}
267.
Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem
solving and demonstrations related to 262. Corequisite: 262.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only. {Fall, Spring}
290. Computational Physics. (3)
Application of computational techniques to problems in physics and
astronomy. Topics include matrices, interpolation,
fitting of data, Runge-Kutta techniques, complex math, Fourier
techniques. Pre- or corequisite: Math 316. {Spring}
**301.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (3)
Classical
thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; quantum statistical
mechanics. Prerequisite: 330 or equivalent. {Fall}
**302.
Optics. (3)
Geometrical
optics; wave theory of light; Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction;
polarization; interference; dispersion.
{Alternate
Springs}
**303.
Analytical Mechanics. (3)
Statics and
dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, mechanics of continuous media,
Lagange's and Hamilton's equations, small
vibrations.
Pre- or corequisites: Math 316 and 311. {Fall}
**304.
Analytical Mechanics. (3)
Statics and
dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, mechanics of continuous media,
Lagange's and Hamilton's equations, small
vibrations.
Pre- or corequisites: Math 312. {Spring}
**307L.
Junior Laboratory. (3)
Experiments in
modern physics and experimental methods. 1 lecture, 3 hrs.
lab. each semester. {Fall}
308L.
Junior Laboratory. (3)
Contemporary
electronics. 1 lecture, 3 hrs. lab. each semester.
{Spring}
**327.
Geophysics. (3)
(Also offered
as E&PS 427.) Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology,
heat flow to the structure, constitution, and
deformation of
the earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource
exploration. Prerequisites: 262, E&PS 101, Math 264, or permission
of instructor.
**330.
Introduction to Modern Physics. (3)
Special
relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and
subatomic physics; instruments of modern
physics.
Prerequisite: 262 or equivalent. {Spring}
*400.
Seminar. (1 hr. per semester) ††
Student
presentations, both extemporaneous and prepared, of undergraduate
physics problems. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
{Fall, Spring}
**405.
Electricity and Magnetism. (3)
Electrostatics,
theory of dielectric materials; magnetostatics, theory of magnetic
materials; direct and alternating circuit theory;
Maxwell's
equations; propagation, reflection and refraction of plane waves; wave
guides and cavity resonators.
Pre- or
corequisites: Math 311 and 316. {Spring}
**406.
Electricity and Magnetism. (3)
Electrostatics,
theory of dielectric materials; magnetostatics, theory of magnetic
materials; direct and alternating circuit theory;
Maxwell's
equations; propagation, reflection and refraction of plane waves; wave
guides and cavity resonators.
Pre- or
corequisite: Math 312. {Fall}
*430.
Introduction to Solid State Physics. (3)
Free electron
gas, energy bands, crystals, semiconductors, metals, elementary
excitations, superconductivity.
Prerequisite:
491 or equivalent. {alternate Springs}
*432.
Introduction to Hydrodynamics. (3)
(Also offered
as Astr 432.) Basic concepts and principles, rotational and
irrotational flows, momentum equation, stability,
turbulence,
flowpatterns, shocks, applications. {Offered upon demand}
*437.
Introduction to Solar-Terrestrial Physics. (3)
(Also offered
as Astr 437.) The sun as a star, solar activity, acceleration of
particles on the sun and in interplanetary space,
dynamics of
the solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field, magnetosphere of
the earth, ring current, radiation belts,
solar-terrestrial
effects. {Offered upon demand}
*445.
Introduction to Cosmic Radiation. (3)
(Also offered
as Astr 445.) Primary cosmic radiation, Stormer theory,
production and detection of secondary cosmic radiation,
meteorological
and environmental effects, temporal variations, heliospheric transport,
extensive air showers and origin of cosmic
rays.
{Offered upon demand}
*450.
Introduction to Subatomic Physics. (3)
Introductory
topics in nuclear and particle physics; overview of standard
model. Prerequisite: 491 or equivalent. {alternate Springs}
*451.
Problems. (1-3 hrs. per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Offered on a
CR/NC basis only.
*452.
Research Methods. (1-3 hrs. per semester, to a maximum of 6)
456.
Honors Problems (1 hr. per semester, to a maximum of 2)
(Also offered
as Astr 456.) Independent studies course for students seeking
departmental honors (i.e., Senior Thesis project).
*463.
Advanced Optics I. (3)
(Also offered
as EECE 463.) Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics,
Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray
tracing,
aberrations, interference and diffraction. Prerequisite: 302.
{Fall}
*464.
Laser Physics I. (3)
(Also offered
as EECE 464.) Resonator optics; rate equations; spontaneous and
stimulated emission;
gas,
semiconductor and solid state lasers; pulsed and mode-locked laser
techniques. Prerequisite: 406 or EECE
362. {Fall}
*466.
Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (3)
Complex
variables; special functions; ordinary differential equations; integral
transforms; numerical methods. {Fall}
*467.
Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (3)
Partial
differential equations; Green’s function; integral equations; linear
algebra; numerical methods. {Spring}
*476L.
Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction,
interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra,
scattering, optical testing. 1 lecture, 3 hrs. lab.
{Fall}
*477L.
Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction,
interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra,
scattering, optical testing. 1 lecture, 3 hrs. lab.
{Spring}
491.
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Schrödinger
Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac
notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic
oscillator;
angular momentum; H-Atom. Prerequisites: 330 or equivalent, and
Math 321. {Fall}
492.
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
Spin; Pauli
principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum
mechanics. {Spring}
*493L.
Contemporary Physics Laboratory. (3)
Spectrographic
methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural
and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. 1
lecture, 5
hrs. lab. {Spring}
*495.
Theory of Special Relativity. (3)
Relativistic
kinematics and dynamics, relativistic electromagnetism, application to
subatomic physics and astrophysics. {Offered
upon demand}
496.
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics Honors I. (3)
Schrödinger
Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac
notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic
oscillator;
angular momentum; H) atom. {Fall}
497.
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics Honors II. (3)
Spin; Pauli
principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum
mechanics. {Spring}
498L.
Contemporary Physics Honors Laboratory. (3)
Spectrographic
methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural
and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. 1
lecture, 5
hrs. lab. {Spring}
500-501.
Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12, 1-3 to a maximum of
12) @
{Fall, Spring}
503.
Classical Mechanics I. (3)
Review of
Lagrangian dynamics; two-body central force; rigid-body motion; small
oscillations; Hamilton’s equations; canonical
transformations;
Hamilton-Jacobi theory. {Fall}
505.
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. (3)
Review of
thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory;
quantum statistical mechanics with examples.
{Spring}
511.
Electrodynamics. (3)
Review of
electro- and magnetostatics; E & M waves; covariant
electrodynamics; radiation; scattering; diffraction, and collisions.
{Spring}
512.
Selected Topics in E & M. (3)
Prerequisite:
511. {Offered upon demand}
521.
Graduate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Review of
1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and
conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular
momentum and
spin; central potentials; approximation methods. Prerequisites: 491 and
492, or equivalent. {Fall}
522.
Graduate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
More on
angular momentum; scattering; identical particles; relativistic quantum
mechanics; second quantization; introduction
to QED.
Prerequisite: 521, or equivalent. {Spring}
523.
Quantum Field Theory I. (3)
Introduction
to relativistic quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics and quantum
field theory with applications drawn from
quantum
electrodynamics and high-energy physics. Prerequisites: 521 and
522. {Alternate Years}
524.
Quantum Field Theory II. (3)
A continuation
of 523. {Offered upon demand}
529.
Condensed Matter I. (3)
Band concepts;
Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions;
superconductivity. Prerequisites: 430 and 521. {Alternate
Falls}
530.
Condensed Matter II. (3)
Optical
properties; transport theory; excitons; superfluidity. Prerequisite:
529. {Alternate Springs}
531.
Atomic and Molecular Structure. (3)
One-, two-,
and many-electron atoms; interactions with E & M radiation; fine
and superfine structure; external fields; molecular
structure and
spectra; collisions; applications of atomic and molecular physics.
Prerequisite: 521, or equivalent. {Alternate years}
532.
Selected Topics in Atomic and Molecular Structure. (3)
Prerequisite:
521, or equivalent. {Offered upon demand}
534.
Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered
as Astr, Ch-NE, EECE 534.) Plasma parameters, adiabatic
invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations,
hydromagnetic
waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects,
applications. Prerequisite: consent of
nstructor.
{Fall}
535.
Plasma Physics II. (3)
(Also offered
as Ch-NE, EECE 535.) Derivation of fluid equations; CGL, MCD;
equilibrium in the fluid plasma; energy principle;
Rayleigh-Taylor,
two-stream, and firehose instabilities; applications to lCF and open-
and closed-line magnetic confinement
systems;
nonlinear instability theory. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
{Alternate Springs}
536.
Advanced Astrophysics I. (3)
(Also offered
as Astr 536.) Astrophysical problems as illustrations of
classical and statistical mechanics, as well as E&M:
expansion of
the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; interiors of white
dwarfs and neutron stars; supernova
explosions;
formation of galaxies. {Fall}
537.
Advanced Astrophysics II. (3) †
(Also offered
as Astr 537.) Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum
mechanics: H- and other atoms; molecules;
spectral lines
in the astrophysical environment; Doppler effect; ionized regions
surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies;
Lyman alpha
forest; non-Keplerian rotation of galaxies. {Spring}
538L.
[538.] Selected Methods of Theoretical & Computational Physcs.
[Advanced Methods of Theoretical Physics.]
(3-4) [3] †
Selected
topics in methods of theoretical and computational physics.
{Offered upon demand}
540.
Introduction to Nuclear Physics. (3)
Selected
topics within nuclear physics. {Offered upon demand}
542.
Particle Physics I. (3)
Overview of
the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories,
QCD, other selected topics.
Prerequisites:
450, 491 and 492 or equivalent. {Alternate Falls}
543.
Particle Physics II. (3)
Continues 542,
with emphasis on standard model, electroweak interactions, gauge
theories, QCD, and experimental aspects of
particle
physics. {Alternate Springs}
551.
Problems. (1-4 hrs. per semester to a maximum of 16) @
Course may be
repeated with any single faculty member. Offered on a CR/NC basis
only.
552.
Problems. (1-4 hrs. per semester to a maximum of 16) @
Course may be
repeated with any single faculty member.
554.
Advanced Optics II. (3)
(Also offered
as EECE 567.) Coherence theory, fully coherent objects, imaging by
partially coherent objects, partially polarized light. Prerequisite:
463. {Spring}
556.
Optical Coherence Theory. (3)
Time
dependence of coherent and incoherent light beams, intensity
fluctuations of chaotic light, fringe intensity, first order
correlation
function, higher order correlation functions, photo-electron
statistics. Prerequisite: 554. {Offered upon demand}
559.
Internship in Optical Science and Engineering. (3)
(Also offered
as EECE 559.) This C.O.R.E. (NSF/IGERT) course will include student
research and/or development in any area of optical science and
engineering while working at a participating industry or governmental
laboratory.
564.
Laser Physics II. (3) ††
(Also
offered as EECE 564.) Semiclassical laser theory, mode problems, pulse
propagation, self-induced transparency, phase conjugate optics, photon
statistics.
Prerequisite: 464. {Alternate Springs}
566.
Quantum Optics. (3) 1 ††
Research
topics at the frontiers of quantum optics including photon statistics,
superradiance, advanced laser theory, quantum
noise, quantum
nondemolition, and the application of quantum optical techniques to the
foundations of physics.
Prerequisite:
564. {Fall}
568.
Nonlinear Optics. (3)
(Also
offered as EECE 568.) General concepts, microscopic approach, transient
response and pulse propagation, nonlinear processes. Prerequisites:
554, 564. {Alternate Springs}
569.
Advanced Topics in Modern Optics. (3 - repeatable to a maximum of
6)
Possible
topics include dye lasers, solid-state lasers, novel lasers,
interaction between intense lasers and matter, advanced
nonlinear
optics spectroscopy. {Offered upon demand}
570.
Theory of Relativity. (3)
Einstein’s
theory of general relativity both as a theoretical model for
gravitational forces via curved space times and as applied to
various
realistic astrophysical situations such as neutron stars, black holes,
and gravitational waves. Prerequisite: 503. {Offered upon demand}
573.
Classical Mechanics II. (3)
Introduction
to methods and topics of current interest in classical mechanics,
particularly methods of advanced Hamiltonian
mechanics and
topics related to nonlinear dynamics and chaos in Hamiltonian and
dissipative systems. Prerequisite: 503.
{Alternate
years}
576.
Advanced Statistical Mechanics. (3)
Introduction
to topics and methods of current areas of interest in statistical
mechanics, particularly the area of cooperative
phenomena and
the area of nonequilibrium (time-dependent) statistical
mechanics. {Alternate years}
580.
Advanced Plasma Physics. (3)
(Also offered
as Ch-NE, EECE 580.) Plasma kinetics equations, Vlasov theories
of plasma waves and microinstabilities, Landau
damping,
nonlinear evolution of instabilities, turbulence, applications,
transport in fluid plasmas; Fokker-Planck, Krook collision
model.
Prerequisites: 534, 535. {Offered upon demand}
581. Advanced Topics in Physics and Astrophysics. (3 - repeatable to a maximum of 12)
599.
Master's Thesis. (1-6 hrs. per semester)
May be
repeated to a maximum of 12 hours, but only 6 hours will count toward
the program of studies. Offered on a CR/NC
basis only.
650.
Research. (1-12 to a maximum of 24) @
May be
repeated with any single faculty member.
699.
Dissertation. (3-12 hrs. per semester) @
Offered on a
CR/NC basis only.
Astrophysics
(Astr)
For Astr 101
through 109 see the general interest courses described above.
270.
General Astronomy. (3)
Concepts of
astronomy, with emphasis on the Solar System.
Pre- or
corequisites: Math 150 or 162L, and any physics course numbered 150 or
higher. {Fall}
270L.
[272L.] General Astronomy Laboratory I. [General
Astronomy Laboratory I and II.] (1)
Observations
of the moon, planets, and stars. Pre- or corequisite: 270. 3 hrs.
lab. {Fall}
271.
General Astronomy. (3)
Stellar
astronomy, the galaxy, extra-galactic systems, cosmology. Pre- or
corequisites: Math 150 or 162L, and any physics course numbered 150 or
higher. Recommended prerequisite: 270. {Spring}
271L.
[273L.] General Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Observations
of the moon, planets, and stars. Pre- or corequisites: 271. 3
hrs. lab. {Spring} .
*421.
Concepts of Astrophysics. (3)
Radiation
processes, interaction of radiation with matter, simple applications to
a variety of astrophysical problems.
Prerequisites:
Physcs 330 or 491, 492 or their equivalent. {Fall}
*422.
Stars and Stellar Systems. (3) 1 ††
Applications
of advanced astrophysical concepts to single stars and stars in groups
(binaries, clusters, and galaxies).
Prerequisite:
421. {Spring}
*423.
Radio Astronomy. (3)
Single dish
and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio
wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal
bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisites: Physcs 330 or 491 and 492 or their equivalent.
{Offered upon demand}
*424.
Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology. (3) †
Distribution,
properties, and interactions of galaxies and quasars; large scale
clusterings of matter, formation and evolution of the
universe;
physical cosmology. {Offered upon demand}
*425.
Galactic Astronomy. (3)
The observed
and inferred structure, kinematics and macroscopic time-dependent
properties of our galaxy. Considerable
emphasis
placed on the use and interpretation of actual observations.
{Offered upon demand}
*426.
Optics and Instrumentation. (3) †
Principles of
optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical
instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic
wavelengths),
data acquisition and processing. {Offered upon demand}
*427.
Selected Topics in Planetary Astronomy. (3) †
Planetary
physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical
properties of planetary atmospheres. {Offered upon
demand}
*432.
Introduction to Hydrodynamics. (3)
(Also offered
as Physics 432.) Basic concepts and principles, rotational and
irrotational flows, momentum equation, stability,
turbulence,
flowpatterns, shocks, applications. {Offered upon demand}
*437.
Introduction to Solar-Terrestrial Physics. (3)
(Also offered
as Physics 437.) The sun as a star, solar activity, acceleration
of particles on the sun and in interplanetary space,
dynamics of
the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field, magnetosphere of the
earth, ring current, radiation belts,
solar-terrestrial
effects. {Offered upon demand}
*445.
Introduction to Cosmic Radiation. (3)
(Also offered
as Physics 445.) Primary cosmic radiation, Stormer theory,
production and detection of secondary cosmic radiation,
meteorological
and environmental effects, temporal variations, heliospheric transport,
extensive air showers and origin of cosmic
rays.
{Offered upon demand}
*455. Problems. (1-3 hrs. per semester, to a maximum of 6) @
456.
Honors Problems (1 hr. per semester, to a maximum of 2)
(Also offered
as Physcs 456.) Independent studies course for students seeking
departmental honors (i.e., Senior Thesis project).
534.
Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered
as Ch-NE / Physics / EECE 534.) Plasma parameters, adiabatic
invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations,
hydromagnetic
waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects,
applications. Prerequisite: consent of
instructor.
{Fall}
536.
Advanced Astrophysics I. (3)
(Also offered
as Physics 536.) Astrophysical problems as illustrations of
classical and statistical mechanics, as well as E&M:
expansion of
the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; interiors of white
dwarfs and neutron stars; supernova
explosions;
formation of galaxies. {Fall}
537.
Advanced Astrophysics II. (3) †
(Also offered
as Physics 537.) Astrophysical problems as illustrations of
quantum mechanics; hydrogen and other atoms;
molecules;
spectral lines in the astrophysical environment; Doppler effect;
ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active
galaxies;
Lyman alpha forest; non-Keplerian rotation of galaxies.
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