The scope of physics is so vast and plays such a fundamental, important role in all engineering and science disciplines that it is difficult to define physics without limiting its breadth. For example, astrophysicists have the largest possible laboratory‹the universe. Elementary-particle physicists are interested in what happens inside the atomic nucleus. They learn about nature's fundamental building blocks that make up nuclear particles. Although these two extremes may seem unrelated, new discoveries on the subnuclear scale are now thought to be keys that will unlock the mysteries of the universe on the grandest scale. Because of their diversified interests, physicists become involved in a wide variety of research areas one cannot list them all. Because physics is used in many different ways, it is impossible to describe the physics career.

The principles of physics form the basis of all of the other natural sciences. In particular, disciplines such as chemistry, meteorology, and engineering require a good physics background for success. Students planning to major in these areas should take the relevant physics courses as early as possible in their careers. Students interested in a medical career should consider physics as an undergraduate major.

Undergraduate Program

Degrees. B.A., B.S.

Departmental Advising. Physics majors and minors should see the department adviser, Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB, to be assigned a faculty member for counseling and schedule planning. (Students can easily waste a year by not obtaining proper counseling.) The Physics Undergraduate Handbook is available to all potential physics majors.

Preparation. The time and effort needed to finish the physics degree depends on the student's precollege preparation. The best high school preparation is to take all mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and English courses offered. Many high schools offer advanced placement (AP) physics. A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam may provide eight hours of credit, but waiving of the PHYCS 2210 or 2220 requirement may be done only with departmental approval. Hours of AP credit received upon admission do not automatically release a student from a course requirement. Requests to exempt a class must be approved by the department adviser or associate chair. Students who took AP physics in high school and receive a 4 or 5 on the AP test are urged to start with the PHYCS 2210 series. Entering freshmen normally begin mathematics studies in the MATH 1210, 1220 sequence, depending upon preparation. Students should refer to the placement and prerequisites listing under Mathematics elsewhere in this section of the catalog to determine appropriate placement in math courses.

Many students have been able to get both physics and mathematics degrees with only minor changes in a typical program. If interested, see Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB, for details.

Physics classes numbered below the PHYCS 2210, 2220 sequence do not count toward the 30 hours required for a physics degree. Students who have not taken high school physics should consider taking PHYCS 1100 to prepare for PHYCS 2210.

PHYCS 3060, 3110, and 3129 do not carry credit toward the physics degree. Physics majors and minors must complete all general education and College of Science requirements and have a GPA of at least 2.0 in physics courses combined. All required physics, math, and chemistry classes must be passed with at least a C- grade. The CR/NC option may not be elected for any course used to fulfill the degree requirements for a physics major or minor.

All beginning or transfer physics majors must meet before registration with Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB, to work out individual programs and be assigned a faculty adviser.

Although more frequent counseling is recommended, students must meet with their adviser at least one semester before graduation for an exit interview and to ensure their program meets all requirements. Before final graduation approval can be given, an exit interview form must be completed. The form can be picked up in 201E JFB and returned to Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB.

Two emphases are offered at the undergraduate level: the preprofessional and applied options. The preprofessional program is designed to serve either as preparation for graduate study in physics or related sciences, or as preparation for industry and research after receipt of the bachelor's degree. This program has proven to be an excellent premedicine or prelaw major. The applied program is designed for students who want considerable knowledge of physics but do not plan a research-oriented career in that field. This approach requires fewer courses in physics and provides time for more courses in other areas. This program is an excellent preparation for a career in medicine, law, secondary school science teaching, science- or technology-related administration, technical writing, or business. Several dual major programs are also available.

The preprofessional technical curriculum consists approximately of the following:

1. One-fourth mathematics beyond algebra and trigonometry, chemistry, and other sciences;
2. One-fourth general education courses; and
3. One-half physics from the introductory level through specialized courses in particular fields. Many of these include laboratory work.

The physics bachelor's degree normally requires four years. Both programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved physics courses. PHYCS 1100, 2010, 2110 and all courses listed under physics courses for nonscientists do not count toward the 30 hours. Note: Only 40 hours of physics courses may count toward the 122 hours required for a degree.

Preprofessional Program
The preprofessional program is a rigorous one designed for students intending to go on to a doctoral program in physics or a closely related discipline. However, this program has also been taken by students with majors such as premedicine and prelaw.
Many students in the preprofessional program are also in the Honors Program.

I. Course Requirements
PHYCS 2210, 2220 Physics for Scientists
PHYCS 2219, 2229 Physics for Scientists Laboratory
PHYCS 3310 Introduction to Classical Physics
PHYCS 3730 Introduction to Computing in Physics
PHYCS 3740 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
PHYCS 5110 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHYCS 3760 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYCS 4410 Classical Physics I
PHYCS 4420 Classical Physics II
PHYCS 3719 Undergraduate Laboratory
PHYCS 5450 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYCS 5460 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics
A suggested model sequence of recommended courses for the well prepared student would also include, in order of importance:
PHYCS 3610 Electronics I
PHYCS 3410 Modern Optics I & II
PHYCS 3620 Electronics II

Preprofessional Program
First Year
Fall Semester
CHEM 1210 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 1230 General Chemistry Lab I (1)
MATH 1260 **Honors Calculus (4)
PHYCS 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (4)
PHYCS 2219 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I (1)
PHYCS 1970 Undergraduate Seminar (1)
Total Hours: 15
Spring Semester
CHEM 1220 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 1240 General Chemistry Lab II (1)
MATH 2250 Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (3)
PHYCS 2220 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (4)
PHYCS 2229 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II (1)
PHYCS 1980 Undergraduate Seminar (1)
Total Hours: 14

Second Year
Fall Semester
MATH 3150 Partial Differential Equations (2)
MATH 3160 Complex Variables (2)
PHYCS 3730 Introduction to Computing in Physics (4)
PHYCS 3760 Principles of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (6)
Total Hours: 17
Spring Semester
PHYCS 3310 Introduction to Classical Physics (4)
PHYCS 3740 Introduction to Quantum Theory and Relativity (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 16

Third Year
Fall Semester
PHYCS 3719 Undergraduate Physics Lab (4)
PHYCS 4410 Classical Physics I (4)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 17
Spring Semester
PHYCS 4420 Classical Physics II (4)
PHYCS 5110 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 16

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
PHYCS 5450 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (4)
General education requirements and technical elective (12)
Total Hours: 16
Spring Semester
PHYCS 5460 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics (4)
General education requirements and technical elective (12)
Total Hours: 16
** Assumes student has a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP calculus BC test. The starting course in math depends on the AP calculus score. Other math starting courses may work. See department adviser.
Note: This model program assumes a well-prepared student who has had AP physics in high school. Less well prepared students are encouraged to major in physics, but should start with Physics 1100 the first year. Students should see an adviser to make appropriate adjustments to the program.

Variations are possible. Consult with Mr. Higgs. This model program contains 60 hours required by the Physics Department. The remaining 62 hours need to be selected to fill general education requirements. Check with the University College, 450 SSB, to make certain all University general requirements are filled.

Applied Program
The Applied Physics Program is for those who in all likelihood will stop their formal education at the bachelor level or who will continue their training in some other field. However, this program leads naturally into the master's of instrumentation physics degree. It is an excellent program for premedicine and prelaw students.

I. Course Requirements
PHYCS 2210, 2220 Physics for Scientists
PHYCS 2219, 2229 Physics Laboratory
PHYCS 3410 Modern Optics I & II
PHYCS 3610 Electronics I
PHYCS 3719 Undergraduate Lab
PHYCS 3730 Introduction to Computing in Physics
PHYCS 3740 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
PHYCS 5110 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHYCS 3760 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYCS 5010 Theoretical Physics Mechanics
PHYCS 5020 Theoretical Physics, Electricity and Magnetism

Applied Program
First Year
Fall Semester
CHEM 1210 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 1230 General Chemistry Lab I (1)
MATH 1210 Calculus I (4)
PHYCS 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (4)
PHYCS 2219 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I (1)
PHYCS 1970 Undergraduate Seminar (1)
Total Hours: 15
Spring Semester
CHEM 1220 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 1240 General Chemistry Lab II (1)
MATH 1220 Calculus II 1 (4)
PHYCS 2220 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (4)
PHYCS 2229 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II (1)
PHYCS 1980 Undergraduate Seminar (1)
Total Hours: 15

Second Year
Fall Semester
MATH 2210 Calculus III (Multvariate Calculus) (3)
PHYCS 3410 Modern Optics I & II (4)
PHYCS 3610 Electronics I (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (6)
Total Hours: 16
Spring Semester
MATH 2250 Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (3)
PHYCS 3620 Electronics II (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 15

Third Year
Fall Semester
MATH 3150 Partial Differential Equations (2)
MATH 3160 Complex Variables (2)
PHYCS 3730 Introduction to Computing in Physics (4)
PHYCS 3760 Principles of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (6)
Total Hours: 17
Spring Semester
PHYCS 3740 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (12)
Total Hours: 15

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
PHYCS 3719 Undergraduate Physics Lab (4)
PHYCS 5010 Theoretical Mechanics (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 16
Spring Semester
PHYCS 5020 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism and Statistical Physics (3)
PHYCS 5110 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (3)
General education requirements and technical elective (9)
Total Hours: 15
Note: This model program assumes the student has had AP calculus and AP physics in high school. Less prepared students are encouraged to major in physics, but should start with Physics 1100 and Mathematics 1060 the first year. Students should see an adviser to make appropriate adjustments to the program.

Additional Requirements for Both Applied and Preprofessional Degrees

Exit Interview. Graduating undergraduates must meet with the administrative manager at least one semester before graduation to have their programs checked to see that they meet all the requirements. Students must also fill out an exit interview form. Exit interview forms may be picked up in 201D JFB, or call the records secretary at 581-5697. In addition to the exit interview, all students are encouraged to make suggestions or comments at any time to the administrative manager or to the department chairperson.

Engineering Physics Programs. Variations in the applied physics and preprofessional programs to allow preparation for specific graduate engineering programs may be arranged. See the department adviser.

Allied Work. The minimum mathematics requirements for a physics major are MATH 1210, 1220, 2250, 2260, 3150, and 3160. Substitutions are possible with prior written approval from the assigned faculty adviser. Computer science literacy is important for the physics major. Students are also encouraged to take PHYCS 5730 in addition to PHYCS 3730 for greater depth.

CHEM 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 are required. Courses in allied fields such as chemistry, computer science, and mathematics are recommended, particularly advanced courses in mathematics, in addition to the prerequisites for individual physics courses. All students are required to have 40 hours of course work above the 3000 level. The outlined applied program only provides 37 of those hours. Students must plan on taking an additional three hours of upper-division course work.

Several special double-major programs are available (for example, physics/geophysics, physics/materials science). For details, see the department adviser. A few physics courses are listed under the general education program. (See courses for nonscientists listed among physics courses.)

Requirements for the Minor
Physics majors and minors must complete all general education and College of Science requirements and have a GPA of at least 2.0 in physics courses combined. All physics, math, and chemistry classes must be passed with at least a C-grade. The credit/no-credit option may not be elected for any course used to fulfill the degree requirements for a physics major or minor.

To obtain an undergraduate minor in physics, a student must complete at least 16 hours of approved course work, including four semesters from the following sets of sequences:
PHYCS 2210, 2220; 3310
PHYCS 3740, 3760, 5110
PHYCS 4410, 4420; or 5010, 5020
The different sequences cover essentially the same material at a somewhat different level or with a slightly different emphasis. Two essentially similar courses (e.g., PHYCS 4410 and 5010) cannot both be counted toward a minor. Additional recommended courses include PHYCS 3180, 3410, 3730, 5450, 5460 and 5510, 5520. Courses that may not be counted for a physics minor include courses lower than the PHYCS 2210, 2220; PHYCS 3060, 3110, 3129 and PHYCS 3970 and their quarter-course versions. Students may obtain proposed minor approval from Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB.

Teaching Major, Minor, Certification. Please refer to Education in the Colleges section for information on teaching major and minor course requirements and state secondary teacher certification.

Graduate Program

Degrees. M.A., M.S., M.Phil, Ph.D. in physics. See also the Graduate Information section of this catalog.
Detailed information about the graduate programs, examinations, financial aid, and research areas is found in the department's Graduate Student Handbook or the Graduate Studies in Physics brochure, available in the department office. For more information, contact Lynn Higgs, 201 JFB.

Areas of Specialization. Areas include the theoretical and experimental study of condensed-matter physics; cosmic rays and fundamental particles and their interactions; general relativity and cosmology; and laser physics. A Ph.D. in physics with a medical physics emphasis is available. A specialty at the master's level in instrumentation physics is also offered. Interdisciplinary studies are available in chemical physics and other fields by special arrangement.

Admission to Candidacy. The GRE Advanced Test in Physics is required of all incoming graduate students.

A written and oral common examination is given at the beginning of graduate study. It includes material from general physics, PHYCS 3760, 4410, 4420, 5450, 5460. Students must pass this exam before candidacy in the physics Ph.D. program.

Master's Degree. A supervisory committee is appointed to guide the study and thesis research of acceptable candidates. The final examination is usually oral, but a written part may be required. The thesis is optional. Early consultation with the supervisory committee is extremely important.

Instrumentation Specialty. This program qualifies those with training in science and engineering fields to work with and develop modern instrumentation and control. Study includes numerical analysis by computer, electronics, microprocessor and minicomputer data acquisition and control techniques, and the physical principles of the operation of various measurement transducers. The student takes part in developing an instrumentation project selected from a variety of research and industrial test areas. In many cases, the project occurs in disciplines other than physics.

Computational Physics Specialty. This new master's of science program provides interdisciplinary training in the use of computers to solve problems in physics and related disciplines. Courses are selected primarily from physics, computer science, and mathematics. With advice and assistance from the supervisory committee, the student selects a computational project connected with ongoing campus research or with his/her employment. The project report and documentation constitute the master's thesis.

Ph.D. Degree. Those who perform satisfactorily on the common examination may arrange for a physics thesis supervisor through the director of graduate studies. Ph.D. candidates must pass a specialized examination and publish results of research. The Chemical Physics Executive Committee chair acts as graduate adviser for those in this interdisciplinary program. Those interested in interdisciplinary study in other specialized areas should contact the director of graduate studies.

Medical Physics Program. The new medical physics program is designed to give an appropriate education to physics Ph.D. students desiring to specialize in some branch of medical physics. This program will provide students with a solid physics background (through core and elective courses) but will still allow enough flexibility for students to perform research in medical and other interdisciplinary areas (through elective courses in these areas). The research will normally be supervised jointly by faculty from the Physics Department and from medical departments. The program has recently been initiated, and it is expected to evolve with time as increasing numbers of students enroll in it.

PHYCS Course Descriptions
Physics Teaching Major and Minor