PHY 370 Special Topics in Physics: Principles and Operation of Scanning Electron Microscopy A study of the fundamental principles of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This course balances theory with hands-on practice, preparing students for proficient SEM use in research projects and applications. The laboratory component focuses on image optimization for a variety of sample types and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental analysis.
This course is new for 2024!
PHY 201. General Physics I. Calculus-based introductory physics, first course of a two semester sequence. Topics covered include motion, Newton’s Laws, conservation principles, rotational motion and oscillatory behavior. Problem solving is an integral part of the course. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using interactive computer-based techniques, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences.
PHY 202. General Physics II. Second part of two semester Calculus-based introductory course. Topics include: electricity and magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Problem solving is an integral part of the course. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using interactive computer-based techniques, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences.
PHY 203. Physics I for Physicists. This is an accelerated calculus-based introductory physics course, the first of a two-semester sequence for Physics majors and Honors students. Topics covered include linear and circular motion, Newton’s Laws, linear and angular momentum, conservation of energy, gravitation, oscillations, and fluids. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using extended laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and homework assignments.
PHY 204. Physics II for Physicists. Second part of an accelerated two semester calculus-based introductory course in electricity and magnetism, optics, and topics in thermal physics designed for Physics majors and Honors students. The important laws of physics in these areas and problem solving are emphasized. Problem solving is an integral part of the course. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using interactive computer-based techniques, demonstrations, and extended laboratory experiences.
PHY 306. Mathematical Physics. A study of the mathematical methods used by experimental and theoretical physicists to solve a variety of physical problems. Topics include complex numbers, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, curvilinear coordinates, matrix algebra, vector and tensor calculus, Fourier analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary value problems, special functions and advanced numerical techniques. Mathematica and/or Fortran will be used for both algebraic and numerical computations.
PHY 321. Modern Physics. Study of modern physics concepts pertaining to the microscopic universe, thereby giving the student a better understanding of the macroscopic universe. Fundamental concepts of modern physics are covered, including topics in the special theory of relativity, wave-particle duality, quantization of energy, Schroedinger equation, potential wells, and atomic physics. The experimental basis for modern physics is also discussed.
PHY 421. Electromagnetic Theory I. A study of the theory and laws of classical electromagnetism and development of the basic concepts and equations of electrostatics. Topics to be addressed are: applications of Coulomb’s Law, nature of the electric field, applications of Gauss’ Law, potential, theory, dielectric theory, conductors in electromagnetic fields, energy of the electromagnetic field, and special methods in electrostatics.
PHY 425. Plasma Physics. An introductory course in plasma physics covering topics including characterization of the plasma state, Debye shielding, collisions and transport phenomena, charged particle motion, magnetohydrodynamics, ion and electron diffusion, the two-fluid plasma model, magnetic confinement of charged particles, basic plasma devices, and gas discharges. Mathematical tools including Mathematica and Matlab will be used in problem solving. This is a mid-level writing intensive course and students will write multiple drafts of review papers covering specific topics within this field.
PHY 451. Advanced Experimental Physics. This is a course in experimental physics at an intermediate to advanced undergraduate level. Experiments include specific charge of the electron, nuclear radioactivity, quantum nature of light, optical rotation in solids, measurement of the gravitational constant, phase-sensitive electronic detection, optical polarization and compensation, measurement of electron spin, and measurement of magnetic torque. Students will work in teams to complete approximately 5 experiments over the course of the semester. Some of the learning goals for the course are to become familiar with common experimental techniques, proper laboratory documentation, and error propagation and analysis. Students will perform background reading and pre-lab assignments and design and construct each experiment. In addition to daily writing in a laboratory notebook, students will also produce a final paper on one of their experiments; this course is therefore an upper-level writing intensive course that can serve as a capstone course. Note that this course has an attendance requirement of 12 hours per week in the laboratory.