Requirements for the Major
Undergraduate Colloquium
University Physical Society
Physics Mentor Program
Other Programs
Non-L&S Students Earning a Physics Major
Honors in the Major
Thesis of Distinction
Distinction in the Major
Introductory Courses
Recommended Program for Majors
Courses
2320 Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-4526; www.physics.wisc.edu
Professors Balantekin, Barger, Blick, Bruch, Carlsmith, Chubukov, Coppersmith, DeLuca, B. Durand, Eom, Forest, Gilbert, Halzen, Han, Hegna, Himpsel, Huber, Joynt, Karle, Knutson, Lagally, Lawler, Lin, McCammon, Nickles, Ogelman, Onellion, Pondrom, Prager, Prepost, Ramsey-Musolf, Rzchowski, Schnack, L. Smith, W. Smith, Sovinec, Sprott, Terry, Timbie, Uhlenbrock, Walker, Winokur, Wu, Zweibel; Associate Professors Dasu, Eriksson, Klemm, Pan, Saffman, Shiu; Assistant Professors Boldyrev, Chung, Everett, Hashimoto, Heeger, Herndon, McDermott, Mellado, Montaruli, Petriello, Vavilov, Yavuz
Undergraduate advisors in the major: See the department office for a current listing of undergraduate advisors.
Faculty diversity liaison: Dan McCammon, mccammon@wisp.physics.wisc.edu
The physics curriculum is intended to provide a broad and thorough understanding of the fundamental properties and interactions underlying physical phenomena (including mechanical behaviors, electrical and magnetic sources and interactions, light and optics, heat, relativity of space time, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure, solid state matter, etc). Many students who major in physics as undergraduates enter graduate schools for work leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. Others seek employment in a wide range of fields in government, business, and industry. Since current research, both pure and applied, involves interdisciplinary efforts, the broad training of physics with its stress on fundamentals proves to be a valuable experience.
Students with an interest in physics should obtain a copy of the Physics Majors Handbook from the department. Along with a variety of invaluable information, it provides a detailed description of the requirements and options available. It is important for prospective majors to discuss plans and curriculum with a physics advisor and/or mentor as early as possible, preferably during the first year of undergraduate study.
Students considering the physics major should contact the physics department undergraduate secretary, Mr. W. Klabunde in 2320B Chamberlin Hall, to add their e-mail address to the undergraduate information network.
Forms for declaring a physics major are available in the department office from Mr. W. Klabunde, the department undergraduate secretary in 2320B Chamberlin Hall. To be accepted as a physics major, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in university mathematics and physics taken in the first semester of study.
The major requires 30 credits from selected physics courses to include:
a. 247-248-249;
or
b. 207-208 and (241 or 205 or 244);
or
c. 201-202, and (205 or 241 or 244);
and
311 and 322
Students starting with Physics 103 and 104, or some other preparation, should consult with an advisor. The remaining credits must be from courses numbered above 300 (excluding 371, 472, and any courses used to satisfy the lab requirement). If more than the minimum required credits are taken from among 307, 308, 407, 321, 623, or 625, the additional credit(s) may be counted as part of the remaining 30.
The lab requirement is normally satisfied by additional lab credits from 307 (1 cr), 308 (1 cr), 407 (1 or 2 cr), 321 (1 lab cr), 623 (1 lab cr), and/or 625 (1 lab cr). Students taking Physics 249 (in sequence "a" above) must enroll in Physics 307 lab concurrently and must obtain 2 additional lab credits before graduation. Students taking one of the alternate introductory sequences ("b" or "c" above) also need a total of 2 lab credits, which may include the 307 lab.
Note that equivalent research experience or nonphysics lab courses, if approved in advance by an advisor in the department and an instructor of Physics 407, may be substituted for lab course credit. This is of particular interest to science and engineering students contemplating a second major in physics. (See below for a list of preapproved substitutions.)
The physics department strongly suggests that the student's program include the seminar on Physics Today (301), one course in wave motion/optics (325, 625) and/or one in atomic and quantum physics (448-449 or 531) and/or thermal physics (415). Those considering graduate study in physics should take 448 and 449. Students must obtain approval of their program and changes to it from an undergraduate advisor.
All students must fulfill the L&S requirement of at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. All physics courses numbered above 300, except 371 and 472, count toward this requirement.
Physics majors should obtain approval of their program from an undergraduate advisor. Advice on the choice of nonphysics electives is found in the Physics Majors Handbook, available from the department office.
"Physics Today" is a weekly series of talks during the spring semester. A topic of local research is described by one of the physics faculty or staff. The series is open to anyone, and can also be taken as a course, Physics 301. See the Timetable for location and time.
Physics students may wish to consider joining the University Physical Society (UPS), a physics club that organizes seminars, tours, and other activities, and offers useful information on employment opportunities. UPS is located in 2328 Chamberlin Hall.
Any student contemplating becoming a physics major is encouraged to obtain a faculty mentor. A mentor is a faculty member with whom you can discuss physics, courses, careers, graduate schools, aspirations, etc. Mentors are not primarily academic advisors. Information is available at the department office.
A program in Applied Math, Engineering and Physics (AMEP) is described in its own section of this catalog.
Students interested in an astronomy-physics major should contact the astronomy department.
A student working toward the Bachelor of Science-Education degree may major or minor in physics. (See the School of Education section in this catalog.) Interested students should contact the School of Education. Upon request, the physics department will assign an advisor.
A suggested curriculum for students interested in graduate study in medical physics is available in the medical physics department office.
Students earning an undergraduate degree through another UW-Madison school or college may complete an additional major in physics. Such students complete the major requirements detailed above. See "The Physics Major" section of the Physics Majors Handbook for preapproved alternative laboratories that may be of use.
To earn the B.A. or B.S. with honors, majors in physics must:
a. complete the L&S general degree requirements; and
b. present 35 credits in physics courses with a minimum GPA of 3.3 and an overall GPA of at least 3.3 in all courses taken at UW-Madison at the time of graduation.
The physics courses must include:
(1) core courses
(a) 247-248-249;
or
(b) 207-208, and (241 or 205 or 244);
or
(c) 201-202 and (205 or 241 or 244);
and
311, 322, 448, and 449;
(2) Students following sequence "(1)(a)" above must take 307 (1 lab cr) concurrently with 249 and must obtain an additional 3 credits of lab experience from 308 (1 lab cr), 407 (1 or 2 lab cr), 321 (1 lab cr), 623 (1 lab cr), or 625 (1 lab cr). Students following sequence "(1)(b)" or "(1)(c)" above must obtain 3 credits of lab experience from 307 (1 lab cr), 308 (1 lab cr), 407 (1 or 2 lab cr), 321 (1 lab cr), 623 (1 lab cr), or 625 (1 lab cr). Credits used to satisfy the laboratory requirement do not count toward the 35-credit total.
(3) Senior thesis 681 (for 3 cr) and 682 (for 3 cr), or, with the approval of the chair, an equivalent written report on suitable work done under the supervision of a faculty member.
(4) One or more elective credits in 321, 325, 407, 415, 433, 499 or physics courses numbered 500 or above.
Students should check with the department honors advisor at least once a year regarding current requirements and to discuss their progress. See the department office or the committee assignment list for the name and number of the advisor. Note that a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 is also necessary to earn any honors degree in the College of Letters and Science. This minimum cumulative GPA may be distinct from the minimum GPA requirement for courses in the major.
An exceptional original thesis will be designated as a Thesis of Distinction upon recommendation by the department.
The award "Distinction in the Major" will be recommended by the department to the dean for students who substitute elective physics credits for the thesis.
The Department of Physics offers several introductory courses that differ in emphasis and mathematical prerequisites, and are designed for students with different backgrounds, interests, and needs. Students should take the highest level introductory course for which they have the prerequisites.
Physics 107 and 109 are one-semester courses intended for nonscience majors, and are devoted to bridging the gap between the "two cultures," letters and science, with a minimum of mathematics and technical terminology. Physics 115 is a one-semester introduction focusing on the single concept of energy. It is intended for students with no previous college physics and minimal mathematical preparation. These courses are not appropriate for science majors, and they do not satisfy the admission requirements of the School of Medicine and Public Health.
Physics 103-104 is a two-semester general physics course taught without calculus. This sequence is intended for students who have had high school algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry, and provides a general introduction to physics at the non-calculus level.
There are three introductory course sequences at the calculus level—Physics 201-202, 207-208, and 247-248-249. Physics 201-202 is taken primarily by engineering students. Physics 207-208 is taken primarily by science or math majors. Both 201-202 and 207-208 cover the same material except for an introduction to modern physics which is covered only in 208. For those planning to major in physics, the preferred introductory sequence is 247-248-249. Alternatively, 201-202 or 207-208 followed by 205, 241, or 244 can be used to start the physics major. All three sequences provide roughly the same background.
Completion of either 201-202 or 207-208 is a prerequisite for 205, 241, or 244, and all courses numbered above 300, except 371 and 472. Physics 103-104 plus a course in calculus may be substituted with permission. Physics 247-248-248 also serves as a prerequisite for courses above 300.
Physics 265 (Medical Physics) is a one-semester course concerned with the application of physics to medicine and medical instrumentation, primarily for premeds and other students in the medical and biological sciences.
Physics 371 (Acoustics for Musicians) is a one-semester course concerned with the physics of waves and sound, for advanced students of music.
The recommended introductory sequence is 247-248-249. Alternatively, students may choose the 207-208, 241 sequence. Students who enter with preparation in calculus may start the suggested sequence of physics courses in the first semester of their freshman year with 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics, 5 cr Math 222, 5 cr
248 A Modern Introduction to Physics, 5 cr
Math 234, 3 cr
249 A Modern Introduction to Physics, 4 cr
307 Intermediate Lab, 1 cr Math 319, 320, or 340, 3 cr
308 Intermediate Lab, 1 cr
311 Mechanics, 3 cr
301 Physics Today, 1 cr Math 321, 3 cr
322 Electromagnetic Fields, 3 cr Math 322, 3 cr
325 Wave Motion and Optics, 3 cr
407 Advanced Lab, 1-2 cr
415 Thermal Physics, 3 cr
448 Atomic and Quantum Physics, 3 cr
449 Atomic and Quantum Physics, 3 cr
Electives
Students who wish to begin graduate studies without deficiencies are advised to adhere closely to this program.
The senior year could include electives, such as:
522 Advanced Classical Physics
525 Introduction to Plasmas
535 Introduction to Particle Physics
545 Introduction to Atomic Structure
546 Lasers
551 Solid State Physics
623 Electronic Aids to Measurement
625 Applied Optics
Students who plan to teach in secondary schools or seek employment in government or industrial laboratories may wish to replace the courses suggested for the senior year by Physics 531 and more specialized courses chosen from the electives listed above.
Students are also encouraged to take all three of the laboratory courses (307, 308, 407) if possible, although not all are required. The 307, 308 labs teach the fundamentals of lab technique and provide ex-perience with material covered in the lecture courses. The 407 lab, however, is more like a genuine research experience.
Courses in mathematics or computer sciences other than or beyond those suggested should be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor.
A college course in chemistry is advised for all physics students.
Students should become familiar with scientific programming using FORTRAN (and probably C). The computer sciences department offers introductory courses (such as 302). The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) also offers short courses to introduce programming.
All classes listed in the course descriptions section will be offered regularly unless otherwise noted. Please check with the department office for information on specific courses.
For a complete list of graduate courses and programs see the Graduate School Catalog.
103 General Physics. I, II, SS; 4 cr (r-P-E). Introduction at the non-calculus level. Not recommended for students in the physical sciences and engineering. Principles of mechanics, heat, and sound, with applications to a number of different fields. Three lectures, one discussion section and one two-hour lab per week. P: High school math including some trig; recommended for stdts who do not need a calculus level course. Not open to those who have had Physics 201 or 207. Open to Fr.
104 General Physics. I, II, SS; 4 cr (P-E). Continuation of Physics 103. Principles of electricity and magnetism, light, optics, and modern physics, with applications to a number of different fields. Three lectures, one discussion and one two-hour lab per week. P: Physics 103. Not open to those who have had Physics 202 or 208. Open to Fr.
107 The Ideas of Modern Physics. I, II; 3 cr (r-P-E). For non-science majors. The twentieth century physical world picture and its origins. Selected topics in classical physics: relativity, and the quantum theory with emphasis on the meaning of basic concepts and their broader implications rather than practical applications. Three lectures per week. P: High school alg & geom. Not open to those who have had a 200-level Physics crse. Open to Fr.
109 Physics in the Arts. I, II; 3 cr (r-P-E). A course on sound and light for non-science majors. The nature of sound and sound perception; fundamentals of harmony, musical scales, and musical instruments. Studies of light including lenses, photography, color perception, and color mixing. Two lectures and one two-hour lab per week. P: HS algebra & geometry. Not open to those who have had a 200-level physics course. Open to Fr.
115 Energy. I, II; 3 cr (r-P-E). A one-semester introduction, focusing on a central concept: energy, energy sources, and the environment. Gives students the necessary physics background to form opinions on energy questions. The physical laws of thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism, and nuclear physics in connection with energy related topics such as: thermal pollution, fossil power, fission and fusion, nuclear power, and solar power. Two lectures and one discussion per week. P: Not open to those who have had Physics 103, 201, or 207. Open to Fr.
198 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (E). P: Cons inst. Open to Fr.
199 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (E). P: Cons inst. Open to Fr.
201 General Physics. I, II, SS; 5 cr (r-P-I). Primarily for engineering students. Mechanics and heat. Two lectures, two discussions and one three-hour lab per week. P: Math 211 or 221 or 1 yr HS calc or cons inst. Not open to stdts who have had Physics 207. Degree cr will not be given for both Physics 103 & 201. Open to Fr.
202 General Physics. I, II, SS; 5 cr (P-I). Primarily for engineering students. Electricity, magnetism, light, and sound. Two lectures, two discussions and one three-hour lab per week. P: Physics 201 or equiv. Not open to stdts who have had Physics 208. Degree cr will not be given for both Physics 104 & 202. Open to Fr.
205 Modern Physics for Engineers. I or II; 3 cr (P-I). Introduction to atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics. P: Physics 202 or 208. Not open to those who have had Physics 241 or 244.
206 Special Topics in Physics. I or II or SS; 1-5 cr (I). Special topics in physics at the intermediate undergraduate level. P: Prereqs vary according to topic.
207 General Physics. I, II; 5 cr (r-P-I). Recommended for those majoring in science or mathematics. Also suitable for others who have the math prerequisite. Mechanics, heat and sound. Two lectures, two discussions and one three-hour lab per week. P: Math 221 or 211 or 1 yr HS calc or cons inst. Not open to stdts who have had Physics 201. Degree cr will not be given for both Physics 103 & 207. Open to Fr.
208 General Physics. I, II; 5 cr (P-I). Continuation of Physics 207. Electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics. Two lectures, two discussions and one three-hour lab per week. P: Physics 207. Not open to stdts who have had Physics 202. Degree cr will not be given for both Physics 104 & Physics 208. Open to Fr.
241 Introduction to Modern Physics. I, II; 3 cr (P-I). Kinetic theory; relativity; experimental origin of quantum theory; atomic structure and spectral lines; topics in solid state, nuclear and particle physics. Experiments for this course are covered in Physics 307. P: Physics 202 or 208 & Math 222. Not open to those who have had Physics 205 or 244.
244 Modern Physics (Primarily for ECE Majors). I, II; 3 cr (P-I). Quantum mechanics, atomic structure of matter, physical properties of solids, nuclear physics; emphasis on fundamental concepts to aid the student in engineering applications. P: Physics 202 or 208. Not open to those who have had Physics 205, or 241.
247 A Modern Introduction to Physics. I; 5 cr (P-I). Introduction to physics recommended for students who are considering majoring in physics, astronomy, astronomy and physics, AMEP. Also suitable for those majoring in science or mathematics. Mechanics, relativity, cosmology. Three lectures, two discussions, and one three-hour lab per week. P: Open to Fr. Math 222 or con reg, or cons inst. Intended primarily for physics, AMEP, astronomy-physics majors. Stdts will receive degree cr for only one of the following crses: Physics 103, 201, 207, 247.
248 A Modern Introduction to Physics. II; 5 cr (P-I). Continuation of Physics 247. Electricity, magnetism, and topics from thermodynamics, radiation, plasma physics, and statistical mechanics. Three lectures, two discussions, and one three-hour lab per week. P: Open to Fr. Physics 247, Math 234 or con reg. Intended primarily for physics, AMEP, astronomy-physics majors. Not open to stdts who have had Physics 202 or 208; stdts will receive degree cr for only one of the following crses: Physics 104, 202, 208, 248.
249 A Modern Introduction to Physics. I; 4 cr (P-I). Continuation of Physics 248. Modern physics: introduction to quantum mechanics, topics from nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, and atomic physics. Three lectures and two discussions per week. P: Open to Fr. Physics 248 & Math 234, or cons inst; con reg in Physics 307 required. Intended primarily for physics, AMEP, astronomy-physics majors. Stdts will receive degree cr for only one of the following crses: 205, 241, 244, 249.
265 Introduction to Medical Physics. (Crosslisted with Med Phys) II; 2 cr (P-I). Primarily for premeds and other students in the medical and biological sciences. Applications of physics to medicine and medical instrumentation. Topics: biomechanics, sound and hearing, pressure and motion of fluids, heat and temperature, electricity and magnetism in the body, optics and the eye, biological effects of light, use of ionizing radiation in diagnosis and therapy, radiation safety, medical instrumentation. Two lectures with demonstrations per week. P: A yr crse of college level intro physics.
298 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (I). P: Intro physics and cons inst.
299 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (I). P: Intro physics and cons inst.
301 Physics Today. II; 1 cr (I). A series of weekly presentations and discussions of current research topics in physics, by scientists directly involved in those studies. Provides undergraduates with access to the topics and excitement of the research frontier in a manner not possible in normal subject courses. P: Physics 208 or equiv.
306 Special Topics in Physics. I or II or SS; 1-4 cr (A). Special topics in physics at the advanced undergraduate level. P: Physics 241 or cons inst.
307 Intermediate Laboratory-Mechanics and Modern Physics. I; 1 cr (P-A). Experiments in mechanics and modern physics, mainly associated with the subject matter of Physics 241 and 311. P: Physics 202 or 208. Physics 205, 241, or 244 or con reg recommended.
308 Intermediate Laboratory-Electromagnetic Fields and Optics. II; 1 cr (P-A). Experiments in electromagnetic fields and optics, mainly associated with the subject matter of Physics 322 and 325. P: Physics 202 or 208. Physics 205, 241, or 244 recommended. Physics 322 and 325 or con reg recommended.
311 Mechanics. I, II; 3 cr (P-A). Origin and development of classical mechanics; mathematical techniques, especially vector analysis; conservation laws and their relation to symmetry principles; brief introduction to orbit theory and rigid-body dynamics; accelerated coordinate systems; introduction to the generalized-coordinate formalisms of Lagrange and Hamilton. P: Physics 202 or 208, & Math 320 or 319 or cons inst.
321 Electric Circuits and Electronics. I; 4 cr (P-A). Direct current circuits, circuit theorems, alternating current circuits, transients, non-sinusoidal sources, Fourier analysis, characteristics of semiconductor devices, typical electronic circuits, feedback, non-linear circuits; digital and logic circuits; three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. P: Physics 202 or 208, & Math 320 or 319 or cons inst.
322 Electromagnetic Fields. I, II; 3 cr (P-A). Electrostatic fields, capacitance, multi-pole expansion, dielectric theory; magnetostatics; electromagnetic induction; magnetic properties of matter; Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves; relativity and electromagnetism. Experiments for this course are covered in Physics 308. P: Physics 311.
325 Wave Motion and Optics. II; 3 cr (P-A). Wave phenomena with specific applications to waves in media and electromagnetic phenomena. Wave equations, propagation, radiation, coherence, interference, diffraction, scattering. Light and its interactions with matter, geometrical and physical optics. Experiments for this course are covered in Physics 308. P: Physics 205, 241, or 244, Physics 311, and 321 (or equiv intro to Fourier analysis). Physics 322 or con reg recommended.
371 Acoustics for Musicians. II; 3 cr (r-P-I). Intended for music students who wish to learn about physical basis of sound, sound perception, musical scales, musical instruments, and room acoustics. May not be taken by Physics majors to count as physics credit. P: Undergrad or Grad st in music, HS algebra. Degree cr not given for both Physics 109 & 371.
406 Special Topics in Physics. I or II; 1-4 cr (A). Special topics in physics at the advanced undergraduate level. P: Physics 241 or cons inst.
407 Advanced Laboratory. II; 1-2 cr (P-A). Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics, many associated with the subject matter of Physics 415, 448, 449. Possible experiments include beta decay, muon lifetime, nuclear magnetic resonance, Stern-Gerlach atomic beam, Mossbauer scattering, velocity of light, Zeeman effect, and Compton scattering. Techniques for the statistical analysis of experimental data are emphasized. One (two) credit students will typically perform 4 (8) experiments. P: Physics 307 or 308 or cons inst.
415 Thermal Physics. I, II; 3 cr (P-A). Thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, and statistical mechanics. P: Physics 241, 244, or 205 & 311.
448 Atomic and Quantum Physics. I; 3 cr (P-A). First semester of a two-semester senior course. Review of atomic and other quantum phenomena and special relativity; introduction to quantum mechanics treating the more advanced topics of atomic physics and applications to molecular, solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics and quantum statistics. Experiments underlying this course are covered in Physics 407. P: Physics 205, 241, or 244, and Physics 311 and 322. Not open to those who have had Physics 531.
449 Atomic and Quantum Physics. II; 3 cr (P-A). A continuation of 448. P: Physics 448.
463 Radioisotopes in Medicine and Biology. (Crosslisted with Med Phys) I; 2-3 cr (P-I). Physical principles of radioisotopes used in medicine and biology and operation of related equipment; lecture and lab. P: Intro physics.
472 Scientific Background to Global Environmental Problems. (Crosslisted with Atm Ocn, Envir St) Irr.; 3 cr (P-D). A one-semester course designed to provide those elements of physics, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, biology and geology which are essential to a scientific understanding of global environmental problems. Specific examples of such problems include global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain and environmental toxins. Three lectures per week. P: HS algebra & 1 sem college level chem or physics, or cons inst.
498 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
499 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
501 Radiological Physics and Dosimetry. (Crosslisted with Med Phys, H Oncol, BME) I; 3 cr (A). Interactions and energy deposition by ionizing radiation in matter; concepts, quantities and units in radiological physics; principles and methods of radiation dosimetry. P: Calculus and modern physics.
505 Topics in Physics. Irr.; 1-3 cr (P-A). Discussions of recent research. To be offered as need and opportunity arise. Different sections may be offered simultaneously in two or more areas of physics. May be repeated for credit. P: Cons inst.
507 Graduate Laboratory. II; 2 cr (A). Students perform typically advanced modern physics experiments and utilize advanced statistical techniques for data analysis. Scientific writing is emphasized and one scientific paper is required. P: Physics 307 or 407 or equiv or cons inst.
522 Advanced Classical Physics. Irr.; 3 cr (P-A). Selected topics in classical physics such as vibrations, non-linear mechanics, elasticity, hydrodynamics, acoustics, chaos, and electromagnetic theory. P: Physics 311 and 322 or equiv.
525 Introduction to Plasmas. (Crosslisted with NE, ECE) I, II; 3 cr (P-A). Basic description of plasmas: collective phenomena and sheaths, collisional processes, single particle motions, fluid models, equilibria, waves, electromagnetic properties, instabilities, and introduction to kinetic theory and nonlinear processes. Examples from fusion, astrophysical and materials processing plasmas. P: One crse in electromagnetic fields beyond elem physics.
527 Plasma Confinement and Heating. (Crosslisted with ECE, N E) Irr.; 3 cr (P-A). Principles of magnetic confinement and heating of plasmas for controlled thermonuclear fusion: magnetic field structures, single particle orbits, equilibrium, stability, collisions, transport, heating, modeling and diagnostics. Discussion of current leading confinement concepts: tokamaks, tandem mirrors, stellarators, reversed field pinches, etc. P: NEEP/Phys/ECE 525 or equiv.
531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. II; 3 cr (P-A). Historical background and experimental basis, de Broglie waves, correspondence principle, uncertainty principle, Schrodinger equation, hydrogen atom, electron spin, Pauli principle; applications of wave mechanics. P: Physics 311 & 322 & a course in modern physics, or equiv, or cons inst. Not open to those who have had Physics 448.
535 Introduction to Particle Physics. I; 3 cr (P-A). Introduction to particles, antiparticles and fundamental interactions; detectors and accelerators; symmetries and conservation laws; electroweak and color interactions of quarks and leptons; unification theories. P: Physics 531 or equiv.
545 Introduction to Atomic Structure. I; 3 cr (P-A). Nuclear atom; hydrogen atom; Bohr-Sommerfeld model, wave model, electron spin, description of quantum electron spin, description of quantum electrodynamic effects; external fields; many-electron atoms; central field, Pauli principle, multiplets, periodic table, x-ray spectra, vector coupling, systematics of ground states; nuclear effects in atomic spectra. P: A course in quantum mechanics or cons inst.
546 Lasers. (Crosslisted with ECE) Alt yrs.; 2-3 cr (P-A). General principles of laser operation; laser oscillation conditions; optical resonators; methods of pumping lasers, gas discharge lasers, e-beam pumped lasers, solid state lasers, chemical lasers, and dye lasers; gain measurements with lasers; applications of lasers. P: Physics 322 or ECE 420 or equiv; Physics 545, or 449 or 531.
551 Solid State Physics. I, II; 3 cr (P-A). Mechanical, thermal, electric, and magnetic properties of solids; band theory; semiconductors; crystal imperfections. P: A course in quantum mechanics or cons inst.
561 Introduction to Charged Particle Accelerators. (Crosslisted with NE, ECE) Irr.; 3 cr (P-A). Charged particle accelerators and transport systems, behavior of particles in magnetic fields, orbit theory, stability criteria, acceleration theory. Applications to different types of accelerators. P: Math 322, EMA 202 or Phys 311, Phys 322 or cons inst.
619 Microscopy of Life. (Crosslisted with Anatomy, BME, Chem, Med Phys, Phmcol-M, Radiol) II; 3 cr (I). Survey of state of the art microscopic, cellular and molecular imaging techniques, beginning with subcellular microscopy and finishing with whole animal imaging. P: 2nd semester intro physics including light & optics (e.g. 104, 202, 208) or cons inst.
623 Electronic Aids to Measurement. (Crosslisted with Atm Ocn) I; 4 cr (P-A). Fundamentals of electronics, electronic elements, basic circuits; combinations of these into measuring instruments. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. P: Physics 321 or cons inst.
625 Applied Optics. II; 3-4 cr (P-A). Optical methods in research and technology. Reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering. Imaging. Sources and sensors. Schlieren methods. Interferometry. Instrumental spectroscopy. Fourier optics, image processing, holography. Laser technology, Gaussian beams, nonlinear optics. P: Three semesters of calculus level physics or equiv. Sr or Grad st or cons inst.
651 Science for Critical Technologies. (Crosslisted with Chem, MS&E) Irr.; 3 cr (P-A). Explores how basic science impacts cutting-edge technology, using specific examples taken from technologies of critical importance to the US economy. Speakers from industry and academia. P: Chem 561, Chem 310, MS&E 350 or cons inst.
681 Senior Honors Thesis. 2-3 cr (P-A).
682 Senior Honors Thesis. 2-3 cr (P-A).
691 Senior Thesis. 2 cr (P-A).
692 Senior Thesis. 2 cr (P-A).