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Disclaimer: The course information below is current as of Feb 28, 2008, is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute a legal contract between the University of Utah and any person or entity.
This Web document is updated twice a year, on or about the first day of registration for Fall and Spring semesters.
1010 Elementary Physics: The Way Things Work
(3)
Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Conceptual Physics course which satisfies a General Education requirement for majors outside the science and engineering disciplines. The primary objective is to provide a solid foundation in physics principles, focusing on fundamental concepts and logical rather than numerical problem solving. Connections between abstract concepts and familiar objects or phenomena help students develop their physical intuition and demonstrate that the universe is predictable rather than magical.
1050 The Solar System
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 1050.
Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Astronomy--from ancient to modern times. Central theme will be the attempt to understand the nature and origin of our solar system starting with early ideas of the cosmos, proceeding through investigations that led to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and culminating with the observations and discoveries made by the 20th-century space program. Topics will include apparent motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars; seasons and eclipses; principles of light and telescopes. Films of the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, Galileo, and Pathfinder missions and the latest Hubble images will be included.
1060 The Universe
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 1060.
Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Modern astronomy--central theme will be modern science's attempt to understand the nature and origin of the universe at large, including the matter and radiation that make it up. Specific topics include stars, exotic stellar objects (white dwarfs, red giants, neutron stars and black holes), supernova explosions, the origin of atomic elements, galaxies, giant radio sources, quasars, clusters of galaxies, the fabric of space and time, and Big Bang cosmology.
1080 Does Extraterrestrial Intelligence Exist?
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 1080.
Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Most arguments for the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) rest on the Principle of Mediocrity, which asserts that on the cosmic scale there is nothing special about either the earth or the human beings who inhabit it- so intelligent extraterrestrials ought to exist. We will discuss the possibility of finding them by radio searches currently in progress, or by direct contact via future space exploration. If we're nothing special, then ETIs should have developed millions of solar systems long before ours did and the presence should already be known to us. Yet, we've never seen a single shred of evidence to support the existence of ETI, so where are they? This seemingly innocuous question represents a paradox whose scientific and philosophical implications will be fully explored. We will make reasonable estimates of the number of ETIs that co-inhabit our galaxy based upon our current understanding of cosmology, stellar and planetary evolution, anthropology, the nature of life, and evolutionary processes that have produced the human species, the probable sociology and philosophy of intelligent civilizations, and the possible evolution of noncarbon-based ETI. If we conclude that the number of ETIs is small then we must explain the uniqueness of our existence, given the Principle of Mediocrity. But, if we conclude that the number is large, then we must ask the question, so where are they? Either conclusion has profound consequences for the continued existence of the human species. All speculation is based on sound scientific principles and current theories and facts drawn from a highly diverse set of scientific principles.
1090 Introduction to the Tools of Scientific Computing
(2)
Introduction to scientific computing on the Physics Department UNIX workstations: spreadsheets, text editing, computer algebra, elementary programming, scientific report writing, and Internet resources.
1330 Physics of Audio and Video (Analog to Digital)
(3)
Fulfills Applied Science.
Principles of physics are illustrated through application to hi-fidelity sound reproduction systems. Concepts are presented with demonstrations rather than mathematical analysis. Topics include waves and interference, resonant frequencies, sound quality and intensity, wow and flutter, electricity and magnetism, and harmonic analysis. Laboratory demonstrations include loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, and tuners.
1500 Prep for College or University Physics
(3)
A one-semester preparation for one of the introductory physics sequences starting with 2010, 2110, 2210. Covers mechanics; electricity and magnetism, wave motion; and light. The course emphasized problem-solving techniques and a particular format for working and presenting problems. No formal prerequisites, but basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required.
1809 Elementary General Physics Laboratory
(1)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2210. Recommended Co-requisite: PHYS 2220.
Teaches basic laboratory skills needed by engineers. Measurement, data analysis, computer graphics display, experimental design and report writing, experimental procedures and results. Experiments in mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Laboratory designed to accompany the PHYS 2210 and PHYS 2220 sequence.
1905 Einstein's Legacy: physics in the 20th century...and beyond
(3)
Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Consideration of Einstein's life and thought allows us to address some of humanity's most persistent and profound concerns: the nature of space and time, the structure and evolution of the Universe, war and peace, the role of the individual in society. We will discuss Einstein's great contributions to modern physics, as well as his role as a citizen-scientist on the world stage. We will conclude by examining the exciting implication of Einstein's ideas for 21st century science, including black holes, gravitational wave astronomy, dark energy, and the origin of the Universe itself.
1970 Undergraduate Seminar I
(1 to 3)
1980 Undergraduate Seminar II
(1 to 3)
2010 General Physics I
(4)
Prerequisite: MATH 1050 and 1060. Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
For students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, humanities, and behavioral and social sciences. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Mechanics and heat. Those wishing to take this course as a lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2019.
2015 General Physics Laboratory I
(1)
Recommended Co-requisite: PHYS 2010 or 2110.
Laboratory experiences in mechanics and thermal physics to accompany PHYS 2010 or 2110.
2020 General Physics II
(4)
Prerequisite: MATH 1050 and 1060. Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Second semester of physics for students of health occupations, humanities, and behavioral and social sciences. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Heat, electricity, and magnetism; waves, sound, light, and modern physics. Those wishing to take this course as a lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2025.
2025 General Physics Laboratory II
(1)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2010 or 2110 and 2019.
Continuation of PHYS 2015. Electric circuits, electronic instrumentation, computer interfacing, and optics.
2060 Popular Observational Astronomy
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 2060.
Prerequisites: Elementary Algebra, PHYS 1060 or 1070.
This course will serve as an introduction to the tools and techniques used in optical and radio astronomy. Using the facilities at the University of Utah Observatory, we will explore the cosmos and study the Sun, planets, asteroids, stars and galaxies. Measurements of basic properties of astronomical objects will be performed. Quantitative analysis of these measurements will enable us to determine such things as the mass of jupiter as well as the ages of stars.
2110 General Physics with Calculus I
(4)
Prerequisite: MATH 1210.
For students planning to attend professional schools requiring college physics preparation and who want to learn physics in greater depth than is possible in a non-calculus physics sequence. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Students may be required to have use of a high-powered hand calculator.
2120 General Physics with Calculus II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2110.
Second semester of physics for students planning to attend professional schools requiring college physics preparation and who want to learn physics in greater depth than is possible in a non-calculus physics sequence. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Students may be required to have use of a high-powered hand calculator.
2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
(4)
Prerequisite: MATH 1210.
Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Designed to give science and engineering students a thorough understanding of the basic physical laws and their consequences. Classic mechanics will be introduced, including methods of energy, momentum, angular momentum, and Newtonian gravity. Applications will include mechanical oscillations, sound, and wave motion. Those engineering students who have not had calculus before (high school or college-level course), need to see an engineering advisor.
2215 Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers I
(1)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2210.
Teaches laboratory skills needed by scientists and engineers. Measurement, data analysis, computer graphics display, experimental design and report writing, experimental procedures and results. Experiments in mechanics and waves. Laboratory designed to accompany PHYS 2210.
2220 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
(4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2210 and MATH 1220.
Three lectures and two recitations weekly. The continuation of PHYS 2210. Electrostatics, electric fields, and potential. Magnetic fields and Faraday's law. Current flow, resistance, capacitance and inductance. Electric circuits and electromagnetic oscillations. Electromagnetic waves, geometric and physical optics.
2225 Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers II
(1)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2210 and 2219. Recommended Co-requisite: PHYS 2220.
Continuation of PHYS 2215. Standing waves, sounds, electric circuits, electronic instrumentation, and optics. Some modern physics.
3060 Intro to Astrophysics
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 3060.
Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 1210 and PHYS 2010 and 2020. Fulfills Physical/Life Science Exploration.
An introductory course in astrophysics including observational astronomy (celestial coordinates, astronomical instruments, stellar magnitudes and spectra) and stellar astrophysics (radiation and energy transport, stellar evolution, star formation). Discusses novae and supernovae, white dwarves, neutron stars, and black holes. The course will introduce concepts of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and general relativity as needed to help explore the course topics.
3110 Physics of the Human Body
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: Either both PHYS 2010 and 2020 or both PHYS 2110 and 2120 or both 2210 and 2220. Fulfills Applied Science.
The purpose of this course is to show how physics is applied in health sciences. Topics include muscles: force and energy; bones: mechanical and electrical properties; physics of the heart: the cardiovascular system; fluid flow in elastic tubes; the nerve impulse: action, potential, and transmission; Newtonian field flow: respiration and micturition; physics of speech, hearing, and ultrasonic probes; physics of the eyes: vision and laser probes; nuclear medicine: tracers and radiotherapy.
3111 Physics of the Body II
(4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220, PHYS 3110, CHEM 2320, BIOL 2020
A comprehensive capstone survey of science governing systems of the human body, particularly suited for students preparing for the medical profession, integrating material drawn from undergraduate courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. Problem solving strategies in medical applications are emphasized.
3150 Energy and Sustainability: A Global Perspective
(3) Cross listed as ENVST 3150.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2010 or 2020 or 2110 or 2120, and MATH 1210. Fulfills International Requirement.
An introduction to the global issues of environment and sustainability for students in science and engineering. This course addresses the relationship between energy use and the environment through the fundamental laws of physics. This quantitative course is meant to provide a scientific foundation for understanding the energetic and environmental issues facing our country and world so that students can make informed contributions to the ever-evolving debate surrounding this important global issue.
3160 Renewable Energy in Costa Rica
(3)
This course will be offered as part of a study abroad program in Costa Rica. (The program also includes a course in Anthropology.) PHYS 3160 cannot be applied toward a major or minor in Physics. The course will provide a general overview of current technologies, status, and prospects for five specific renewable energy sources in Costa Rica: hydro-energy, geothermal, biomass, wind and solar. More information provided in course syllabus.
3210 Physics for Scientists I (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 1210.
Introductory physics for students planning graduate studies in physics or related field. Mechanics, sound, and wave motion. Preprofessional program.
3220 Physics for Scientists II (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3210 and MATH 1220.
Second semester of introductory physics for students planning graduate studies in physics or related field. Electromagnetism and optics. Preprofessional program.
3330 Digital Audio and Video
(3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2010 and 2020 or equivalent 2-semester physics series.
A course which covers the physics phenomena used in digital audio and video recording and playback. Recent advances in this area have opened the international scene, as to communications and exchange of cultural aspects, and they invite a study of the science involved.
3375 Women in Physics and Their Scientific Contributions
(3)
Prerequisite: MATH 1210, HONOR 2201 or equivalent (Calculus). Fulfills Diversity & Physical/Life Science Exploration.
Meets with HONOR 3375. This course will make a survey of the lives and works of important women physicists of the past. We will start with the first woman faculty member in a European university: Laura Bassi (University of Bologna, 1732). Others to be included are Curie, Meitner, Franklin, Wu. The course will attempt to teach, mostly at a conceptual level, the basic physics topics associated with the achievements of these women, and to seek to place their contributions in the larger context of the advent of Modern science and Technology.
3410 Modern Optics I & II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220.
Wave optics and application of lasers, and modern optical instrumentation and techniques.
3411 Modern Optics I
(2)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220.
Essentials of geometric optics.
3610 Electronics for Scientific Instrumentation
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2229 and 2220.
Meets with PHYS 6610. Basic components and introductory integrated-circuit electronics. Noise and noise reduction. Transmission lines.
3620 Data Acquisition for Scientific Instrumentation
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2229 and 2220.
Meets with PHYS 6620. Use of PCs in data collection and analysis, and in process control; interfacing to real-world equipment; sophisticated 32-bit processors used; hardware and software treated.
3680 Scientific Writing & Speaking
(3)
Students will learn writing and speaking skills appropriate for careers in technical fields. The course will emphasize general skills that are important for scientific writing and speaking. Students will also learn skills that are specific to future careers in physics and related professions.
3719 Undergraduate Laboratory
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3740 . Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Individual experiments in classical and modern physics.
3729 Physics Undergraduate Laboratory (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3740.
Meets with PHYS 3719. Individual experiments in classical and modern physics. This is the honors version of PHYS 3719. Completion of additional material and/or assignments will be required for credit.
3730 Introduction to Computing in Physics
(4)
Meets with PHYS 6720. Brief introduction to computing tools for science and engineering work on modern workstations. Topics include Unix (file structures, commands, scripts, etc.), editing (especially with emacs), spreadsheets, technical document preparation (LaTeX, Postcript), symbolic manipulation (Maple), use of library routines (LAPACK), Programming in C++, and organizing large codes with makefiles. These tools will be illustrated by applying them to scientific and engineering problems.
3740 Introduction to Quantum Theory and Relativity
(3) Cross listed as ECE 3740.
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 and MATH 2250. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Introduction to Special Relativity: time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transforms. Introduction to classical and quantum statistics. Maxwell-Beltzman, Fermi-Diraz, Bose-Einstein, Pauli principle with emphasis on relativistic energy and momentum. The quantization of light: Planck black body radiation, the photoelectric effect and x-rays, and Bragg diffraction. Basic quantum ideas: wave-particle duality, uncertainty relations, and wave packets. Introduction to quantum mechanics: Schrodinger equation in one, two, and three dimensions. Squarewells barriers, harmonic oscillator, and hydrogen atom. Quantum properties of spin and angular momentum: Zeeman effect, Stern-Gerlach experiment, atomic and molecular structure, and covalent bonding. Multi-electron atoms and the Periodic Table. Applications to solid-state physics, particle physics, and nuclear physics per instructor and time permitting.
3760 Principles of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 and MATH 2250.
Principles of thermodynamics, including laws of thermodynamics, reversible and irreversible processes, entropy,TdS equations, phase transitions, Clapeyron's equation, electric and nuclear magnetism, adiabatic demagnetization, and negative temperatures. Introduction to classical statistical mechanics, basic ideas, simple applications, and the relation of microscopic dynamics to thermodynamics
3910 Basic Applied Electricity and Magnetism
(3)
Prerequisite: Department consent required.
In this course topics in advanced undergraduate electricity and magnetism (cf.PHYS 4420) are covered with an emphasis on the connection to technology. The course is taught with an innovative approach in which lectures, laboratories, and computation are integrated.
3920 Basic Applied Modern Physics
(3)
Prerequisite: Department consent required.
In this course topics in undergraduate quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and thermal physics are covered with an emphasis on the connection to technology. The course is taught with an innovative approach in which lectures, laboratories, and computation are integrated.
3949 Special Laboratory Topics in Physics
(1 to 4)
3970 Special Reading Topics in Physics
(1 to 4)
4060 Observational Astronomy for Scientists
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 4060.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers, PHYS 1060 or PHYS 1070, and PHYS 2220.
This course will serve as an introduction to the tools and techniques used in optical and radio astronomy. Using the facilities at the University of Utah Observatory, we will explore the cosmos and study the Sun, planets, asteroids, stars and galaxies. Measurements of basic properties of astronomical objects will be performed. Quantitative analysis of these measurements will enable us to determine such things as the mass of jupiter as well as the ages of stars.
4080 Introduction to Cosmology
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 4080.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 or equiv, PHYS 3760, 4420, 3740 or equivalent.
An introductory course which explores modern cosmological concepts. Discusses formation of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies, the expansion and the age of the Universe. Topics include the existence and properties of the cosmic microwave background, the origin of the light elements, cosmological inflation, and the role of dark matter and dark energy in the formation and expansion of the Universe. The course will introduce concepts of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, special and general relativity as needed to explore the course topics.
4410 Classical Physics I (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3220 and MATH 2250. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Advanced undergraduate mechanics, relativity, preprofessional program.
4420 Classical Physics II (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 4410. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Advanced undergraduate electricity and magnetism, preprofessional program.
4800 Undergraduate Research (Honors)
(1 to 6)
This course is for undergraduate physics majors who are doing faculty directed research. Since variable credit is assigned to the course, students must meet with the faculty research supervisor of the project to establish credit hours before registering for the class. This course does not substitute for required primary curricula.
4910 Technical Communication & Scientific Judgement (Honors)
(4)
Prerequisite: Department consent required. Fulfills Upper Division Communication/Writing.
Skills needed for approaching and communicating technical problems. Technical writing, oral presentation, statistical analysis, preparation of proposals, collaborative work, etc.
4999 Senior Honors Project
(1 to 3)
Restricted to students in the Honors Program working on their Honors degree.
5010 Theoretical Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 or 3220 and MATH 3150. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Applied program: advanced undergraduate mechanics, electrostatics, and magnetostatics.
5020 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism and Statistical Physics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 5010 and 3740. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Applied program: advanced undergraduate electrodynamics and elementary quantum mechanics.
5070 Physics Teaching Methods
(3)
Discussion, development, performance, and evaluation of science teaching activities with emphasis on physical concepts and ideas. Intense student participation involving simple experimental materials and classroom simulations.
5110 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3740 or equivalent. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
Intended for scientists, engineers, and students completing a Physics minor. An introduction to nuclear physics, including issues related to energy production and radiation safety and to elementary particle physics with emphasis on key discoveries and outstanding questions.
5450 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 4420 and MATH 2250 and 3150 and 3160.
Basic ideas and techniques of quantum mechanics, Preprofessional program.
5460 Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics (Honors)
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 5450.
Continuation of topics in Quantum Mechanics and an introduction to classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Preprofessional program.
5510 Solid-State Physics I (Honors)
(3)
Prerequisite: CHEM 3060 and PHYS 3740 or equivalent.
Introductory survey of solid-state physics for senior and first- and second-year graduate students in science and engineering.
5520 Solid-State Physics II (Honors)
(3)
Continuation of PHYS 5510.
5530 Introduction to Disordered Solids (Honors)
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: Physics 5510 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
This course is designed to follow a one semester 5000 level introduction to solid state physics. The course should be of interest to a wide range of students studying disordered solids, including those in Materials Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, and Chemistry. It will cover general material properties and calculational methods that transcend individual material systems.
5580 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology (Honors)
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 5580.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3740, 3760, 4410, 4420 and MATH 2250 or equivalent.
A core course that explores modern cosmological concepts. Develops a mathematical formalism necessary to understand the formation of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, large scale structure and the expansion and the age of the Universe. Topics include the existence and properties of the cosmic microwave background, the origin of the light elements, cosmological inflation, and the role of dark matter and dark energy in the formation and expansion of the Universe.
5590 Stellar Astrophysics and Compact Objects (Honors)
(3) Cross listed as ASTR 5590.
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3760, 4420, 3740, or equivalent.
A core course which develops a physical methodology to understand the origin and evolution of stars. Discusses formation of stars, stellar evolution, star clusters, novae and supernovae, white dwarves, neutron stars, and black holes. Topics include Cepheid variables, Wolf-Rayet Stars, binary stellar systems and accretion disks.
5719 Fundamental Lab Techniques
(3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 or consent of instructor.
Lab safety, etiquette, chemical practices, wiring, compressed gases, cryogenic liquids, principles and practice of vacuum systems, thermodynamics of chemistry and material science, temperature measurement and control. Numerous demonstrations will illuminate concepts. Experiments will give students hands-on experience with concepts and techniques.
5739 Fundamentals Microscopy: Electron and Optical
(2 to 4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 or consent of instructor.
Review of vacuum technology, electron sources and electron optics. Components of the electron microscope, their principles of operation and failure modes. Aspects of image quality and their optimization. Review of atomic physics and characteristic x-ray emission. Principles and operation of instrumentation for Elemental Determination by Analysis of X-rays. Generation and calibration of standards.
5810 Nanoscience: Where Biology, Chemistry and Physics Intersect
(3) Cross listed as BIOL 5810, CHEM 5810.
An introduction to the emerging fields o nanoscience and nanotechnology. Concepts from biology, chemistry and physics will be used to explore the special features of phenomena at the nanometer scale, and current developments in the design and construction of nanoscale devices will be discussed. Course requirements include a research paper.
6071 Science Teaching Methods (Elem)
(2)
One week workshop intended for practicing elementary teachers. This course will focus on the physical science elements of the Utah State Core Curriculum in elementary grades. The course is designed as an intensive one-week summer workshop. In particular, the targeted areas addressed will be those specific items in physical science taught in Utah's public schools as required by the core curriculum document. In addition, emphasis will also be placed on the prefatory document in the core curriculum entitled "Intended Learning Outcomes" in terms of the development of course materials and how they are to be used by the participants in the course in their own classrooms. An additional focus of the course will be creative problem solving in which course participants will learn how to couch numerous science lessons as problem solving opportunities for their students. Course structure is essentially lab oriented occasionally punctuated with short lectures, participant presentations, problem-solving sessions, computer-related opportunities, and interactive exchange sessions.
6072 Science Teaching Methods (Elem)
(3)
Two week workshop intended for practicing elementary teachers. This course will focus on the physical science elements of the Utah State Core Curriculum in elementary grades. The course is designed as an intensive one-week summer workshop. In particular, the targeted areas addressed will be those specific items in physical science taught in Utah's public schools as required by the core curriculum document. In addition, emphasis will also be placed on the prefatory document in the core curriculum entitled "Intended Learning Outcomes" in terms of the development of course materials and how they are to be used by the participants in the course in their own classrooms. An additional focus of the course will be creative problem solving in which course participants will learn how to couch numerous science lessons as problem solving opportunities for their students. Course structure is essentially lab oriented occasionally punctuated with short lectures, participant presentations, problem-solving sessions, computer-related opportunities, and interactive exchange sessions.
6073 Science Teaching Methods (Sec)
(2)
One week workshop intended for practicing secondary teachers. This course will focus on the physical science elements of the Utah State Core Curriculum as they pertain to the physical sciences in the secondary grades. The course is designed as an intensive one-week summer workshop. In particular, the targeted areas addressed will be those specific items in physical science taught in Utah's public schools as required by the core curriculum document for those grades. In addition, emphasis will also be placed on the prefatory document in the core curriculum entitled "Intended Learning Outcomes" in terms of the development of course materials and how they are to be used by the participants in the course in their own classrooms. An additional focus of the course will be creative problem solving in which course participants will learn how to couch numerous science lessons as problem solving opportunities for their students. Course structure is essentially lab oriented occasionally punctuated with short lectures, participant presentations, problem-solving sessions, computer-related opportunities, and interactive exchange sessions.
6074 Science Teaching Methods (Sec)
(3)
Two week workshop intended for practicing secondary teachers. This course will focus on the physical science elements of the Utah State Core Curriculum as they pertain to the physical sciences in the secondary grades. The course is designed as an intensive one-week summer workshop. In particular, the targeted areas addressed will be those specific items in physical science taught in Utah's public schools as required by the core curriculum document for those grades. In addition, emphasis will also be placed on the prefatory document in the core curriculum entitled "Intended Learning Outcomes" in terms of the development of course materials and how they are to be used by the participants in the course in their own classrooms. An additional focus of the course will be creative problem solving in which course participants will learn how to couch numerous science lessons as problem solving opportunities for their students. Course structure is essentially lab oriented occasionally punctuated with short lectures, participant presentations, problem-solving sessions, computer-related opportunities, and interactive exchange sessions.
6110 Theoretical Mechanics
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 4410 and 4420.
Advance theoretical mechanics.
6510 Physics of Semiconductors I
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 5460 and 5520.
Semiconductor theory and recent developments.
6520 Physics of Semiconductors II
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 6510.
Continuation of PHYS 6510.
6610 Electronics for Scientific Instrumentation
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2229 and 2220.
Meets with PHYS 3610. Basic components and introductory integrated circuit electronics. Noise and noise reduction. Transmission lines.
6620 Data Acquisition for Scientific Instrumentation
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2229 and 2220 and 5610.
Meets with PHYS 3620. Use of PCs in data collection and analysis, and in process control; interfacing to real-world equipment; sophisticated 32-bit processors used; hardware and software treated.
6710 Technical Communication and Scientific Judgment
(4)
Prerequisite: Department consent required.
Meets with PHYS 4910. This course teaches skills needed for approaching and communicating technical problems; technical writing, oral presentation, statistical analysis, preparation of proposals, collaborative work, etc.
6719 Graduate Laboratory
(3)
Graduate research lab techniques and procedures.
6720 Introduction to Computing in Physics
(4)
Meets with PHYS 3730. Brief introduction to computing tools for science and engineering work on modern workstations. Topics include Unix (file structures, commands, scripts, etc.), editing (especially with emacs), spreadsheets, technical document preparation (LaTeX, Postcript), symbolic manipulation (Maple), use of library routines (LAPACK), Programming in C++, and organizing large codes with makefiles. These tools will be illustrated by applying them to scientific and engineering problems.
6730 Computational Physics 2
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 3150 and 3160 and either PHYS 3730, 6720 or CP SC 3200.
Survey of modern numerical methods with programming exercises in C++ and Maple on Unix workstations. Topics include root finding, solving linear systems by direct and iterative methods, eigenvalue problems, interpolation and extrapolation, differentiation and integration, solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, elementary statistics, linear and nonlinear optimization, Fourier transforms.
6740 Computational Physics II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 6730.
Statistics: Maximum-likelihood nonlinear optimization and advanced data fitting; wavelet transforms, Monte Carlo integration, Monte Carlo simulation, partial differential equations, parallel computation.
6750 Applied Modern Optics I & II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220.
Polarization, coherence, interference, and diffraction phenomena. Fourier transform spectroscopy, intensity correlation interferometry, spatial filtering, and holography. Selected topics on lasers, light scattering, and quantum optics as time permits.
6751 Modern Optics I
(2)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 2220.
Essentials of geometric optics.
6760 Physical Measurement and Sensor Systems
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: Engineering Physics sequence or instructor's consent.
Physical principles and practical use of modern sensors and measurement systems. Quantitative characterization of measurement systems, noise reduction, statistical analysis of measurement data. Physical basis for various types of measurement sensors including: mechanical (position, velocity, acceleration, force, pressure, strain), thermal (temperature, thermal expansion, thermoelectric, thermoresistive), electric (capacitive, piezoelectric) and magnetic (Hall, NMR, superconductive). Laboratory provides hands on experience with these sensors and measurement systems.
6770 Optical Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation
(3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2210, 2220, 3410.
Physical principles and practical use of optical measurement techniques and instrumentation. Photodetectors, lasers, optical ranging, interferometry, acousto-optic modulation, ellipsometry, optical pyrometry, optical spectroscopy, fibers and optical microscopy. Topics include fundamental sensing limits, noise sources, system characterization, error analysis, signal averaging/filtering, impedance loading, and frequency/time analysis. Laboratory provides hands on experience with these optical techniques and measurement systems.
6771 Ionizing Radiation
(2)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 3740 or equivalent.
Sources of radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, biological effects and tolerances of radiation, uses of radioactive substances; properties of gaseous, organic, and inorganic radiation detectors; time of flight, range, and other experimental techniques.
6775 Optical Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation Laboratory
(2)
Prerequisite: PHYS 6770.
The purpose of this lab class is to enable the students to handle optical equipment and to apply the knowledge that they have acquired in the PHYS 6770 class. The laboratory contains seven experiments which last between one and two weeks. Among the equipment that is used for these experiments are: Photodetectors, lasers, interferometers, acousto-optic modulators, ellipsometers, optical spectoscopes, optical fibers, lock-in amplifiers.
6800 Physics Colloquium (M.S.)
(2)
Prerequisite: Must be a student of the Physics M.S. degree program.
Weekly colloquia and reports on presentations.
6810 Graduate Seminar: Master's
(1 to 2)
6849 Physics Masters Project
(1 to 12)
6859 Instrumentation Project
(1 to 9)
Development, testing, and calibration of an instrumentation system. Student chooses and develops project in consultation with faculty (in or out of department). Project may be in connection with student employment or other interests, or suggested by local industry.
6910 Advanced Applied Electricity and Magnetism
(4)
Prerequisite: Department consent required.
In this course topics in advanced electricity and magnetism (cf. PYHS 7110) are covered with an emphasis on the confection to technology. The course is taught with an innovative approach in which lectures, laboratories, and computation are integrated.
6920 Advanced Applied Modern Physics
(4)
Prerequisite: Department consent required.
Advanced topics in quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and thermal physics are covered with an emphasis on the connection to technology. The course is taught with an innovative approach in which lectures, laboratories, and computation are integrated.
6950 Special Reading Topics: Master's
(1 to 6)
6970 Thesis Research: Master's
(1 to 12)
6980 Faculty Consultation
(1 to 12)
7110 Electrodynamics I
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 4410 and 4420.
7120 Electrodynamics II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7110.
Continuation of PHYS 7110.
7220 Quantum Theory I
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 5450 and 5460 and 7110.
Nonrelativistic and relativistic quantum theory with applications to atoms, molecules, scattering, and radiation.
7230 Quantum Theory II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7220.
Continuation of PHYS 7220.
7310 Statistical Mechanics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7220.
7510 Advanced Solid-State Physics I
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7230 and 5520.
Subjects of PHYS 551, 552 at more advanced theoretical level. Group theory, second quantization, elementary excitations, and many-body techniques applied to areas of solid-state physics important in current research.
7520 Advanced Solid-State Physics II
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7510.
Continuation of PHYS 7510.
7530 Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7120 and 7230.
The fundamental concepts and experimental techniques of NMR. Topics include the Bloch equations, quantum mechanical treatment of nuclear spins in static and time-dependent magnetic fields, the spin echo, dipolar broadening of resonance lines, spin-lattice relaxation, spin temperature, nuclear quadrupole resonance, double resonance, and applications to selected problems in solid-state physics and medical physics.
7550 Physical Applications of Group Theory
(3)
Group theory applied to molecules and solids.
7640 Quantum Field Theory I
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7220 and 7230.
Introduction to quantum field theory and second quantization. Nonrelativistic applications and quantum electrodynamics.
7650 Quantum Field Theory II
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 7640.
Continuation of PHYS 7640. Path integral spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum chromodynamics and renormalization group.
7720 General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics
(3)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 6410.
Continuation of PHYS 6410.
7740 Mathematical Methods of Physics I
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 2210 and 2250 and 3150 and 3160.
Advanced mathematics and its application to problem-solving. Topics include: complex analysis, differential equations, special functions, linear algebra.
7750 Mathematical Methods of Physics II
(4)
Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 6740.
Continuation of PHYS 7740. Advanced mathematics and its application to problem-solving. Topics include: variational calculus, tensor calculus, group representations.
7800 Physics Colloquium (Ph.D.)
(2)
Prerequisite: Ph.D. students only.
Weekly colloquia and reports on presentations.
7810 Graduate Seminar for Ph.D. Students
(1 to 2)
Attend seminar program including Physics Department Colloquia.
7910 Special Reading Topics: Ph.D.
(1 to 6)
7970 Thesis Research: Ph.D.
(1 to 12)
7980 Faculty Consultation
(1 to 12)
7990 Continuing Registration: Ph.D.
(0)
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