PHYSICS - PY

PY 101Perspectives on Physics1(1-0-0) F
Preq: Physics Majors
Orientation to the current practice of physics, including discussion of historical background, scientific viewpoint, current topics, and careers in physics. Visits to departmental research laboratories.


PY 123Stellar and Galactic Astronomy3(3-0-0) F,S
Introductory, descriptive survey of stars, galaxies and cosmology, designed primarily for non-science majors. Exotic recent discoveries such as quasars, pulsars, and black holes will be included. Complements PY 124, Solar System Astronomy. Companion laboratory course PY 125.
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PY 124Solar System Astronomy3(3-0-0) F,S
Introductory, descriptive survey of the solar system designed primarily for non-science majors, including current results from space probes, history of astronomy, and the motions of the moon, stars, and planets in the night sky. Complementary course covering stars, galaxies and cosmology (PY 123). Companion laboratory course (PY 125).
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY 125Astronomy Laboratory1(0-2-0) F,S
Coreq: PY 123 or 124
Introduction to astronomical observing. Twelve exercises include astronomical instruments; the nature of light; Kepler's and Newton's laws of motion; the constellations, planets, binary stars, stellar clusters, and galaxies. Use of small telescopes to observe celestial objects.
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY 126Computer-based Astronomy Laboratory1(0-2-0) F,S
Coreq: PY 123 or PY 124
Ten computer-based laboratory exercises in astronomy. Celestial coordinates, motions of celestial objects, and bright stars and constellations. Simulated observing of planets, stars, and galaxies, with data reduction and analysis.


PY 131Conceptual Physics4(3-2-0) F,S,Sum
Fundamentals of physics from a conceptual rather than a mathematical viewpoint. Applications of physics to everyday phenomena and experiences. Numerous demonstrations and discovery-based laboratory. Mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light and relativity.
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY 133Conceptual Physics: Optics4(3-2-0) F,S
Fundamentals of optics from a conceptual rather than a mathematical viewpoint. Applications of optics ranging from everyday phenomena to modern optical devices; from rainbows to lasers. Numerous demonstrations and discovery-based laboratory. Properties of light, color, optical devices, light in the atmosphere, vision in animals and man, light in modern physics, light in the cosmos.
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PY 201University Physics I4(3-2-1) F
Coreq: MA 141
First course of three semester sequence for students majoring in physical and mathematical sciences. Calculus used throughout. Principles of classical Newtonian mechanics covered in detail.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 202University Physics II4(3-2-1) S
Preq: PY 201, MA 141
Coreq: MA 241
Second course of three semester sequence designed primarily for students majoring in physical and mathematical sciences. Calculus used throughout. Principles of electricity and magnetism covered in detail.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 203University Physics III4(3-2-1) F
Preq: PY 202, MA 241
Coreq: MA 242
Third course of three semester sequence designed primarily for students majoring in physical and mathematical sciences. Calculus is used throughout. Principles of wave optics and modern physics are covered in detail.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 204General Physics3(3-0-0)
Preq: MA 141
Introduction to physics, including the study of mechanics, sound, heat, and thermodynamics. The analytical approach is employed with emphasis on problem solving. Identical to PY 205, except that there is no laboratory. Offered only through Independent Study by Extension. Credit cannot be earned for both PY 204 and PY 205


PY 205Physics for Engineers and Scientists I4(3-2-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: MA 141 with a grade of C or better
First semester of a two-semester sequence in introductory physics, with laboratory. A calculus-based study of mechanics, sound and heat.
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 206General Physics Laboratory1(0-2-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: PY 204
Approximately ten experiments taken from the fields of mechanics, sound, heat and thermodynamics. Enrollment subject to approval of Physics Department. Not open to students having credit for PY 205


PY 208Physics for Engineers and Scientists II4(3-1-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: PY 205 (C or better) and MA 241 (C or better)
Second semester of a two-semester sequence in introductory physics, with coordinated laboratory problem-solving experiences. A calculus-based study of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Credit not allowed for more than one of PY 208,PY 202, and PY 212
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 211College Physics I4(3-2-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: MA 107 or MA 111
First semester of a two-semester introductory sequence in non-calculus physics, with laboratory. Mechanics, heat, wave motion and sound. Credit not allowed for more than one of PY 211, PY 201 or PY 205
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 212College Physics II4(3-2-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: PY 211
Second semester of a two-semester introductory sequence in non-calculus physics, with laboratory. Electricity, and magnetism, light, modern physics. Credit not allowed for more than one of PY 212, PY 202, and PY 208
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 299Special Problems in Physics1-3 F,S.Sum
Preq: Departmental approval required
Study in experimental or analytical topics in classical and modern physics.
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 328Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 202 or PY 208
Introduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Stars and stellar evolution; interstellar medium; galaxies and galaxy clusters; cosmology. Recent developments in the understanding of neutron stars, black holes, active galaxies, quasars and inflationary cosmologies.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 341Spacetime Physics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 203 or 407
Introduction to spacetime physics in accordance with Einstein's special theory of relativity; time dilation, twin paradox, Doppler effect, relativistic space travel, four-vectors, relativistic momentum and energy conservation laws in high energy physics. Consequences of Einstein's gravitational theory in cosmology; models of the expanding universe, neutron stars, black holes and the "big bang" hypothesis. .
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 401Quantum Physics I3(3-0-0) F,S
Preq: PY 411
An introduction to the basic principles of quantum physics with an emphasis on selected applications to atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 402Quantum Physics II3(3-0-0) F,S
Preq: PY 411
An introduction to the basic principles of quantum physics with an emphasis on selected applications to atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 407Introduction to Modern Physics3(3-0-0) F,S, Sum
Preq: MA 242, PY 208
Major developments in modern physics: special relativity, origin of the quantum theory, atomic and molecular structure, radioactivity, properties of nuclei. Credit not allowed for both PY 203 and PY 407
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 411Mechanics I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 203 or 208, MA 341
First semester of a two-semester sequence in particle and continuum mechanics at the intermediate level. Focuses on single-particle dynamics: Elementary Newtonian mechanics, harmonic oscillator, central force motion, conservation laws, motion in non-inertial frames, Coriolis and centrifugal forces, Lagrangian dynamics, Hamilton's equations.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 412Mechanics II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 411
Second semester of a two-semester sequence in particle and continuum mechanics at the intermediate level. Focuses on dynamics of systems of particles and continua: Center of mass, collisions, rigid bodies, inertia tensor, principal axes, stress andstrain tensors, mechanical properties of fluids and solids; Waves in discrete and continuum systems, coupled oscillators, normal modes, elements of special relativity.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 413Thermal Physics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 203 or 407, MA 341
An introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The statistical study of physical systems emphasizing the connection between the statistical description of macroscopic systems and classical thermodynamics. Concepts of heat, internal energy, temperature and entropy. Classical and quantum statistical distributions.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 414Electromagnetism I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 203 or 208, MA 341
First semester of a two-semester sequence. An intermediate course in electromagnetic theory using the methods of vector calculus. Electrostatic field and potential, dielectrics, solution to Laplace's and Poisson's equations, magnetic fields of steady currents.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 415Electromagnetism II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 414
A continuation of PY 414. Electromagnetic induction, magnetic fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, wave guides, radiation.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 452Advanced Physics Laboratory3(1-4-0) F,S
Preq: Senior standing, Physics Majors
Introduction to laboratory electronics and instrumentation. Experiments in mechanics; electromagnetism; electronics; optics; and atomic, nuclear, plasma and solid state physics. Senior Physics students only
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY (MEA) 463Fluid Physics3(3-1-0) F
Preq: MA 341 and PY 208
A derivation of the basic equations governing fluid motion in a rotating coordinate system. Equations include conservation of mass or the continuity equation, momentum equations, thermodynamic energy equation and the vorticity equation. Application of equations to simplified oceanic flows which include surface gravity waves, inertial motion, geostrophic motion, Ekman dynamics and vorticity dynamics.


PY 499Independent Research in Physics1-6 F,S,Sum
Preq: Departmental approval required
Study and research in physics. Topics for experimental or theoretical investigation.
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 501Quantum Physics I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 411
Basic principles of quantum physics with emphasis on selected applications to atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles. PY 501 - first semester in two-semester sequence in quantum mechanics; PY 501 - second semester of sequence. Credit for both PY 401 and PY 501 is not allowed
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 502Quantum Physics II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 401
Basic principles of quantum physics with emphasis on selected applications to atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles. PY 502 - second semester in two-semester sequence in quantum mechanics; PY 501, first semester of sequence. Credit for both PY 402 and PY 502 is not allowed.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 506Nuclear and Subatomic Physics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 203 or 407; PY 412
Introduction to nuclear and subatomic phenomena: properties of nuclear radiations and detectors, accelerators, nuclear forces and nuclear structure, elementary particles, fundamental symmetries and conservation laws.
Course Offerings: fall


PY 507Elementary Particle Physics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 401 and PY 506
Introduction to fundamental symmetries and dynamics of quarks and leptons. The Standard Model, Dirac equation, Feynman rules in QED and QCD, the Higgs mechanism and electroweak unification.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 508Ion and Electron Physics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 414
Topics: charged particle dynamics, introduction to plasma physics, processes in ionized gases, electron emission and the physics of electron beams.


PY 509Plasma Physics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 414
Individual and collective motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields and through ionized gases.


PY 511Mechanics I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 203 or 208, MA 341
First semester of two-semester sequence in particle and continuum mechanics at intermediate level. Single-particle dynamics: Elementary Newtonian mechanics, harmonic oscillator, central force motion, conservation laws, motion in non-inertial frames, Coriolis and centrifugal forces, Lagrangian dynamics, Hamilton's equations. Credit for both PY 411 and PY 511 is not allowed.


PY 512Mechanics II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 511
Second semester of two-semester sequence in particle and continuum mechanics at intermediate level. Dynamics of systems of particles and continua: Center of mass, collisions, rigid bodies, inertia tensor, principla axes, stress and strain tensors,mechanical properties of fluids and solids; waves in discrete and continuum systems, coupled oscillators, normal modes, elements of special relativity. Credit for both PY 412 and PY 512 is not allowed.
Course Offerings: fall sprg


PY 514Electromagnetism I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 203 or PY 208, MA 341
First semester of two-semester sequence. An intermediate course in electromagnetic theory using the methods of vector calculus. Electrostatis field and potential, dielectrics, solution to Laplace's and Poisson's equations, magnetic fields of steady currents. Credit for both PY 414 and PY 514 is not allowed.


PY 515Electromagnetism II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 514
Continuation of PY 514. Electromagnetic induction, magnetic fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, wave guides, radiation. Credit for both PY 415 and PY 515 is not allowed.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 516Physical Optics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 415
Physical optics with major emphasis on wave properties of light. Boundary conditions, interference and diffraction, optics of thin films, fiber optics and applications to absorption, scattering and laser operation. A background in Maxwell's equations and vector analysis required.
Course Offerings: fall


PY 517Atomic and Molecular Physics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 401, 412
The quantum mechanical treatment of structure and spectra for atoms and molecules. The hydrogen atom, helium atom, multielectron atoms, selection rules, diatomic and simple polyatomic molecules and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.


PY 525Computational Physics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: MA 341, PY 411, PY 414
Computational approach to physics problem solving using standard software relevant for physicists. Electrostatic potentials, data analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, Fourier optics, particle orbits, Schrodinger's equation. Examples and assignments for each topic chosen to complement other physics courses.


PY (NE) 528Introduction to Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy3(3-0-0) F
Preq: MA 401 and PY 208
Concepts in plasma physics, basics of thermonuclear reactions; charged particle collisions, single particle motions and drifts, radiation from plasmas and plasma waves, fluid theory of plasmas, formation and heating of plasmas, plasma confinement, fusion devices and other plasma applications.


PY 543Astrophysics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 203 or 407; PY 411
Basic physics necessary to investigate, from observational data, internal conditions and evolution of stars. The formation and structure of spectral lines, methods of energy generation and transport, stellar structure, degeneracy, white dwarfs and neutron stars.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY (ECE) 552Introduction To the Structure Of Solids3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 401
Basic considerations of crystalline solids, metals, conductors and semiconductors.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 561Electronics For Physicists3(1-4-0) S
Preq: Graduate standing
Analog and digital electronics laboratory course serving as introduction to use of modern instrumentation required for experimental research in physics. Bipolar and field effect transistors, operational amplifiers, oscillators, power supplies, analog-digital and digital-analog conversion and digital logic circuits.


PY (MA) 575Mathematical Introduction To Celestial Mechanics3(3-0-0) F
Preq: MA 301
Central orbits, N-body problem, 3-body problem, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, perturbation theory, applications to motion of celestial bodies.


PY (MA) 576Orbital Mechanics3(3-0-0) S
Preq: MA 341, 405, knowledge of elementary mechanics and computer programming
Keplerian motion, iterative solutions, numerical integration, differential corrections and space navigation, elements of probability, least squares, sequential estimation, Kalman filter.


PY 581Matter & Interactions for Teachers I3(3-0-0) F, S, Sum1, Sum2
First semester (mechanics) of a two-semester sequence intended to broaden and deepen in high school physics teachers their knowledge of introductory-level physics from a contemporary point of view. Includes an introduction to computational physics.Departmental permission required: normally restricted to in-service high school physics teachers.


PY 582Matter & Interactions for Teachers II3(3-0-0) F, S, Sum1, Sum2
Preq: PY 581
Second semester (electricity and magnetism) of a two-semester sequence intended to broaden and deepen in high school physics teachers their knowledge of introductory-level physics from a contemporary point of view. Includes an introduction to computational physics. Departmental permission required: normally restricted to in-service high school physics teachers. PY 581 prerequisite may be waived with strong background in physics and mathematics.


PY 590Special Topics In Physics1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Departmental approval required
Investigations in physics under staff guidance. May consist of literature reviews, experimental or theoretical projects or special topics lectures. Credits Arranged
Course Offerings: fall sprg


PY 599Special Topics in Physics1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Consent of Instructor
Investigations in physics under staff guidance. May consist of literature reviews, experimental or theoretical projects or special topics lectures. Credits arranged


PY 601Seminar1(1-0-0) F, S
Reports on topics of current interest in physics. Several sections offered so that students with common research interests may be grouped together.
Course Offerings: fall sprg


PY 610Special Topics1-3 F, S
Preq: Departmental approval required
Investigations in physics under staff guidance. May consist of literature reviews, experimental or theoretical projects or special topics lectures. Credits Arranged.
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY 615Advanced Special Topics In Physics1-3 F, S
Preq: Consent of Instructor
Advanced study in astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics or plasma physics. Emphasis on new and rapidly developing research areas.
Course Offerings: sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 660Advanced Placement Physics For Secondary School Teachers6(6-0-0) Sum
Preq: Teaching certificate
A preparation for teaching advanced placement physics to high school students. Review of the physics content on the AP curriculum and discussion of teaching techniques, demonstrations and laboratories for use in such a program.


PY 685Master's Supervised Teaching1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Master's student
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 688Non-Thesis Masters Continuous Registration - Half Time Registration1(1-0-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: Master's student
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain half-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc.


PY 689Non-Thesis Master Continuous Registration - Full Time Registration3(3-0-0) F,S,Sum
Preq: Master's student
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain full-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc. Students may register for this course a maximum of one semester.


PY 693Master's Supervised Research1-9 F, S, Sum
Preq: Master's student
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 695Master's Thesis Research1-9 F, S, Sum
Preq: Master's student
Thesis Research
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 696Summer Thesis Research1(1-0-0) Sum
Preq: Master's student
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.
Course Offerings: sum1


PY 699Master's Thesis Preparation1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Master's student
For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis. Credits Arranged
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg WolfWare Info


PY 711Advanced Quantum Mechanics I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: MA 512, PY 782
Introduction to relativistic quantum theory of Dirac particles and the positron. Other topics including second quantization technique and its application to many-body problems, radiation theory and quantization of the electromagnetic field.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 712Advanced Quantum Mechanics II3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 601, PY 711
A general propagator treatment of Dirac particles, photons and scalar and vector mesons. Applications of Feynman graphs and rules illustrating basic techniques employed in treatment of electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Renormalization theory, the effects of radiative corrections and aspects of the general Lorentz covariant theory of quantized fields.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 721Statistical Physics I3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 401, PY 413
Basic elements of kinetic theory and equilibrium statistical mechanics, both classical and quantum; applications of the techniques developed to various ideal models of noninteracting particles.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 722Statistical Physics II3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 721
A continuation of PY 721, with emphasis on the static and dynamic properties of real (interacting) systems. Topics including equilibrium theory of fluids and linear response theory of time-dependent phenomena.


PY (ECE) 727Semiconductor Thin Film Technology3(3-0-0) S, Alt yrs. even
Preq: ECE 404
Techniques and processes encountered in growth and characterization of epitaxial semiconductor thin films. Interactions of gases at solid interfaces and gas phase dynamics related to epitaxial processes. Example of growth techniques are: solution growth, molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition. Film characterization includes electrical, structural, optical, and chemical techniques. Issues involved in epitaxial growth such as: lattice match, critical layer thickness, heterostructures, superlattices and quantum wells.


PY 730Nuclear Structure Physics I3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 782; PY 506
Advanced description of nuclear models and nuclear reactions. Topics including internucleon forces, compound-nucleus processes, shell model, optical model, R-matrix theory, direct reactions, collective model, electromagnetic transitions, isobaric analog states.


PY 753Introduction To the Structure Of Solids II3(3-0-0) F
Preq: PY 552
The properties of semiconductors, superconductors, magnets, ferroelectrics and crystalline defects and dislocations.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 754Properties of Surfaces and Interfaces3(3-0-0)
Preq: PY(ECE) 552
Properties of surfaces and interfaces of materials. Relation between electronic properties and atomic structure. (A) Surfaces: thermodynamics, experimental techniques, structure and reconstruction.
Course Offerings: fall


PY 755Dielectric Films and their Interfaces3(3-0-0) S
Preq: PY 552
This course addresses: i) local atomic structure of non-crystalline/amorphous dielectrics - experimental methods and theory; ii) classification of dielectric materials - by bond ionicity, bond density and bonding contraints/atom to discriminate between ideal covalent random networks, disrupted networks, and nano-crystallinity; iii) thermally-grown silicon dioxide and its interface with Si - the standard for alternative dielectrics; iv) electronic structure and bonding in transition metal/lathanide rare earth dielectrics; and v) intrinsic limitations on the performance and reliability of metal-oxide-semiconductor devices.
WolfWare Info


PY 781Quantum Mechanics I3(3-0-0) F, S
Preq: MA 512; PY 411 or 414; Graduate standing
Fundamental concepts and formulations, including interpretation and techniques, and the application of theory to simple physical systems, such as the free particle, the harmonic oscillator, the particle in a potential well and central force problems. Other topics including approximation methods, identical particles and spin, transformation theory, symmetries and invariance, and an introduction to quantum theory of scattering and angular momentum.
Course Offerings: fall


PY 782Quantum Mechanics II3(3-0-0) F, S
Preq: MA 512; PY 411 or 414; Graduate standing
Fundamental concepts and formulations, including interpretation and techniques, and the application of theory to simple physical systems, such as the free particle, the harmonic oscillator, the particle in a potential well and central force problems. Other topics including approximation methods, identical particles and spin, transformation theory, symmetries and invariance, and an introduction to quantum theory of scattering and angular momentum.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 783Advanced Classical Mechanics I3(3-0-0) F
Preq: MA 512, PY 412, PY 414; Graduate standing
Introduction to theoretical physics in preparation for advanced study. Emphasis on classical mechanics, special relativity and the motion of charged particles. Topics including variational principles, Hamiltonian dynamics and canonical transformation theory, structure of the Lorentz group and elementary dynamics of unquantized fields.
Course Offerings: fall


PY 785Advanced Electricity and Magnetism I3(3-0-0) F, S
Preq: PY 415; Graduate standing
Topics including techniques for solution of potential problems, development of Maxwell's equations; wave equations, energy, force and momentum relations of an electromagnetic field; covariant formulation of electrodynamics; radiation from accelerated charges.
Course Offerings: fall WolfWare Info


PY 786Advanced Electricity and Magnetism II3(3-0-0) F, S
Preq: PY 415; Graduate standing
Topics including techniques for solution of potential problems, development of Maxwell's equations; wave equations, energy, force and momentum relations of an electromagnetic field; covariant formulation of electrodynamics; radiation from accelerated charges.
Course Offerings: sprg WolfWare Info


PY 801Seminar1(1-0-0) F, S, Sum
Reports on topics of current interest in physics. Several sections offered so that students with common research interests may be grouped together.
Course Offerings: fall sprg


PY 810Special Topics In Physics1-3 F, S
Preq: Departmental approval required
Investigations in physics under staff guidance. May consist of literature reviews, experimental or theoretical projects or special topics lectures. Credits Arranged
Course Offerings: fall sprg WolfWare Info


PY 815Advanced Special Topics In Physics1-3 F, S
Preq: Consent of Instructor
Advanced study in astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics or plasma physics. Emphasis on new and rapidly developing research areas.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 860Advanced Placement Physics For Secondary School Teachers6(6-0-0) Sum
Preq: Teaching certificate
A preparation for teaching advanced placement physics to high school students. Review of the physics content on the AP curriculum and discussion of teaching techniques, demonstrations and laboratories for use in such a program.


PY 885Doctoral Supervised Teaching1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.
Course Offerings: sprg


PY 890Doctoral Preliminary Examination1-9 F, S, Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.


PY 893Doctoral Supervised Research1-9 F, S, Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.
Course Offerings: fall sprg


PY 895Doctoral Dissertation Research1-9 F, S, Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
Dissertation Research
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg


PY 896Summer Dissertation Research1(1-0-0) Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.
Course Offerings: sum1


PY 899Doctoral Dissertation Preparation1-3 F, S, Sum
Preq: Doctoral student
For students who have completed all credit hour requirements, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.
Course Offerings: fall sum1 sum2 sprg