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Course Descriptions

PHY 515. Mathematical Techniques in Physics 3 cr. (Spring)
Complex variables and applications. Infinite series and their uses, particularly in differential equations. Multiple integrals and Fourier series.
Prerequisite: Phy 340, 350; Mth 311


PHY 516-518. Readings in Physics 1-3 cr. each
Prerequisite: Permission of department


PHY 520. Solid State Physics 3 cr.
Crystal structure, quantum theory of the electronic structure of solids, mechanical, electric, magnetic and optical properties of solids.
Prerequisite: Phy 560


PHY 530. Plasma Physics I 3 cr.
Kinetic theory of plasmas, adiabatic motion of charged particles, magnetofluid dynamics, transport properties of plasmas in electromagnetic fields.
Prerequisite: Phy 340, 351, 360


PHY 540. Classical Mechanics II 3 cr. (Fall)
Lagrangian formulation, rigid body dynamics. Topics selected from fluid dynamics, non-linear oscillations, normal modes, phase plane analysis.
Prerequisite: Phy 340


PHY 550. Boundary Value Problems 3 cr.
Boundary value problems in electrostatics, designed to develop skills in the solution of problems.
Prerequisite: Phy 351. Corequisite: Phy 515


PHY 552. Optical Physics 3 cr.
Geometric optics, interference and diffraction, polarized light, optical pumping, coherence phenomena, applications to modern physical research.
Prerequisite: Phy 351, 360


PHY 560. Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics I 3 cr. (Fall)
Introductory theory with applications to simple systems. Perturbation theory and atomic structure.
Pre- or Corequisite: 350


PHY 561. Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics II 3 cr. (Spring)
Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular spectroscopy, quantum statistical mechanics, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: Phy 560


PHY 564. Nuclear Physics 3 cr.
Theoretical and experimental phenomena related to atomic nuclei. General description of nuclear forces, simple scattering, nuclear energy levels. Qualitative description of various nuclear models.
Prerequisite: Phy 560


PHY 601. Condensed Matter Physics Seminar 1 cr.


PHY 602. Optical Physics Seminar 1 cr.


PHY 603. Particle Physics Seminar 1 cr.


PHY 604. Plasma Physics Seminar 1 cr.


PHY 610-612. Special Topics in Physics 1-3 cr. each
Topics are typically selected from fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, particle theory, nuclear physics.


PHY 615. Methods of Mathematical Physics I 3 cr.
Green's functions, Calculus of variations, PDEs, Special functions.
Prerequisite: Phy 515


PHY 616. Methods of Mathematical Physics II 3 cr.
Different topics from Phy 615, including Vector spaces, Operators, Numerical analysis, Statistics
Prerequisite: Phy 515


PHY 620. Advanced Solid State Physics 3 cr.
Electronic structure, electron-electron interactions, phonons, many-body problems, transport properties, magnetism, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: Phy 520, 560


PHY 623. Statistical Mechanics I 3 cr.
Equilibrium state, irreversibility, statistical description of an ensemble, entropy, partition functions.
Prerequisite: Phy 321, 561


PHY 624. Statistical Mechanics II 3 cr.
Statistical description of many body problems, specific heats, Brownian motion in liquids and fields, nonequilibrium states, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: Phy 623


PHY 630. Plasma Physics II 3 cr.
Plasmas oscillations and waves, interaction of electromagnetic waves, with plasmas in magnetic fields, plasma turbulence, beam-plasma interactions, methods of experimental investigation.
Prerequisite: Phy 530


PHY 650. Electromagnetic Theory I 3 cr.
Electrostatics, magnetostatic, Maxwell's equations, continuous media, waves, antennas, resonant cavities, wave guides.
Prerequisite: Phy 560


PHY 651. Electromagnetic Theory II 3 cr.
Relativistic effects, interaction of radiation with matter, multipole radiation, radiation reaction.
Prerequisite: Phy 650


PHY 654. General Relativity Theory 3 cr.
Einstein's theory of gravitation. Includes basic differential geometry and tensor analysis, the Einstein field equations, the motion of particles in gravitational fields, tests of general relativity, black holes, and cosmology.


PHY 666. Elementary Particles 3 cr.
The Standard Model of elementary particles. Classical theory of fields for spin 0, 1/2, 1; Feynman rules. The Standard Model Lagrangian is postulated, and some of its basic consequences are explored.
Prerequisite: Phy 540, 561, 650


PHY 670. Quantum Theory I 3 cr.
Transformation theory, linear operators and vector spaces. Schrodinger's equation, rotation group and angular momentum, statistics (Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac), isotopic spin,


PHY 671. Quantum Theory II 3 cr.
One particle relativistic theory; Lorentz group; symmetries of particles; elementary scattering theory; many body problems; Greens' functions techniques; S-matrix.
Prerequisite: Phy 670


PHY 672. Quantum Field Theory 3 cr.
Canonical and path integral quantization; renormalization; gauge theories.
Prerequisite: Phy 540, 655, 671


PHY 680. Directed Readings or Research 1-4 cr.


PHY 710. Master's Thesis 1-6 cr.
The student working on his/her master's thesis enrolls for credit, in most departments not to exceed six, as determined by his/her advisor. Credit is not awarded until the thesis has been accepted.


PHY 720. Research in Residence 0 cr.
Used to establish research in residence for the thesis for the master's degree after the student has enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in Phy 710 (usually six credits). Credit not granted. May be regarded as full time residence.


PHY 725. Continuous Registration-Master's Study 0 cr.
to establish residence for non-thesis master's students who are preparing for major examinations. Credit not granted. Regards as full time residence.


PHY 730. Doctoral Dissertation 1-12 cr.
Required of all candidates for the PhD. The student will enroll for credit as determined by his/her advisor, but for not less than a total of 12 hours. Up to 12 hours may be taken in regular semester, but not more than six in a summer session.


PHY 740. Research Project 1-6 cr.
Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Arts degree. Student enrolls for credit as determined by advisor. Credit is not a awarded until the doctoral project has been accepted. Total enrollment may not exceed six credits.


PHY 750. Research in Residence 0 cr.
Used to establish research in residence for the PhD. and D.A., after the student has been enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in appropriate doctoral research. Credit not granted. May be regarded as full-time residence as determined by the Dean of the Graduate School.