Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program
The Department of Physics has six program concentrations which provides students with a Bachelors of Science in Physics:
1. PHYSICS
2. ENGINEERING PHYSICS
3. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCES
4. SPACE SCIENCE
5. INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS
6. SECONDARY EDUCATION

PHYSICS is designed to prepare students for graduate study in physics. This degree provides the background for graduate and professional studies in medicine, law and other scientific fields.

ENGINEERING PHYSICS is a curriculum based on a core of courses in physics and specialized courses in engineering. Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers in industry, government, the military, business and other technical areas.

PHYSICS SECONDARY EDUCATION leads to teacher certification in Physics and Mathematics at the high school level. The Physics Secondary Education program is accredited by the National council of Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction.

SPACE SCIENCE is a curriculum that is designed to prepare students for a career in space sciences.

INTERDISCIPLINARY allows a student the flexibility to take physics courses and concentrate in another physical science.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS prepares students for professions in geosciences and environmental sciences.

Graduate Program
The School of Graduate Studies through the Department of Physics offers a program leading to the Masters of Science in Physics and a Masters of Science in Computational Sciences with a physics concentration:

The M.S. in Physics provides the comprehensive preparation needed for the pursuit of a Ph.D. in physics or related areas.

The M.S. in Physics degree program offers three options: the thesis option, the course work option and the project option. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours which includes 6 semester hours of thesis. The course work option requires a minimum of 33 semester hours plus a comprehensive examination. The project option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours plus 3 semester hours of special project. The department participates in the Ph.D. program in Energy and Environmental Sciences.

Graduate student support is provided by both the University and the Department. Funding is derived from a number of sources including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. The financial support offered most incoming students is in the form of a teaching assistantship and requires up to 20 hours per week of instructional-related service.

Courses & Descriptions

PHYS-101. Introduction to Astronomy Credit 3(3-0) Fundamentals of astronomy with emphasis on methods of observation and the solar system. Astronomical instruments including optical and radio telescopes. The nature of the sun, moon, planets and other objects of the solar system.

PHYS-102. Physics Orientation Credit 1(1-0) Lectures, seminars, and laboratory demonstrations. Orientation to the Physics Department. Presentation of selected topics, student participation, and discussions.

PHYS-110. Survey of Physics Credit 2(2-0) A one-semester study of selected topics in physics from each of the following: Newtonian mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, atomic, and nuclear physics, and relativity. Prerequisite: Math 102, 111. Corequisite: PHYS 111.

PHYS-111. Survey of Physics Lab Credit 1(0-2) A laboratory course to be taken concurrently with PHYS 110, Survey of Physics. Students will perform experiments designed to verify and/or clarify physics concepts. Corequisite: PHYS 110.

PHYS-211. Technical Physics I Credit 3(4-0) A study of basic principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Emphasis is placed on applications of physics in modern technology. Prerequisite: MATH 111. Corequisite: MATH 112, and PHYS 216.

PHYS-212. Technical Physics II Credit 3(4-0) A continuation of Physics 211. Prerequisite: PHYS 211. Corequisite: PHYS 217.

PHYS-216. Technical Physics I Laboratory Credit 1(0-2) A qualitative and quantitative study of certain physical systems; critical observations and codifications of data are emphasized. Corequisite: PHYS 211.

PHYS-217. Technical Physics II Laboratory Credit 1(0-2) A continuation of PHYS 216. Corequisite: PHYS 212.

PHYS-225. College Physics I Credit 3(3-0) A study of the fundamental principles of mechanics, properties of motion, heat and thermometry, electromagnetism, wave motion, sound, light, and modern physics. Calculus is not used, however, a knowledge of analytical geometry is required. Prerequisite: MATH 111. Corequisite: PHYS 235.

PHYS-226. College Physics II Credit 3(3-0) A continuation of PHYS 225. Prerequisite: PHYS 225. Corequisite: PHYS 236.

PHYS-235. College Physics I Laboratory Credit 1(0-2) A course which will emphasize the importance of experimentation and observations in the development of a physical science. A selected group of experiments will be undertaken. Corequisite: PHYS 225.

PHYS-236. College Physics II Laboratory Credit 1(0-2) A continuation of PHYS 235. Corequisite: PHYS 226.

PHYS-241. General Physics I Credit 3(3-1) This is a calculus based study of physics which covers the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, wave motion, sound, and optics. Corequisite: MATH 132, PHYS 251.

PHYS-242. General Physics II Credit 3(3-1) This course is a continuation of Physics 241 and continues coverage of the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, wave motion, sound, and optics. Corequisite: PHYS 252.

PHYS-251. General Physics I Lab Credit 1(0-2) This is a laboratory course where a selected group of physics experiments will be performed. Emphasis is placed on the development of experimental technique, analysis of data, and physical interpretation of experimental results. Corequisite: PHYS 241.

PHYS-252. General Physics II Lab Credit 1(0-2) This is a continuation of Physics 251. Corequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS-400. Physical Mechanics I Credit 3(3-0) This is a course in Newtonian mechanics which along with Physics 401 includes particle dynamics, conservation laws, vibrational motion, central field motion, rigid body dynamics, Hamilton's principle and Lagrange's equation, and Hamilton's equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 242, MATH 231.

PHYS-401. Physical Mechanics II Credit 3(3-0) This course is a continuation of Physics 400 and continues coverage of particle dynamics, conservation laws, vibrational motion, central field motion, rigid body dynamics, Hamilton's principle and Lagrange's equation, and Hamilton's equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 400.

PHYS-405. Mathematical Physics Credit 3(3-0) This is a course in the applications of mathematics to solutions of physical problems. It covers selected topics in vector analysis, differential equations, special functions, calculus of variations, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, and matrices. Prerequisite: MATH 231.

PHYS-406. Introduction to Modern Physics Credit 3(3-1) A study of the basics of special relativity, quantum, atomic, molecular, statistical, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 242, or 226, MATH 132.

PHYS-415. Electromagnetism I Credit 3(3-0) This is an intermediate course in electromagnetism which along with Physics 416 includes the study of electric fields and potentials, electric current and magnetic fields, solutions to Maxwell's equations, plane waves, polarization, propagation in media, waveguides and resonant cavities, refraction, and dispersion. Prerequisites: PHYS 242, MATH 231.

PHYS-416. Electromagnetism II Credit 3(3-0) This course is a continuation of Physics 415. Prerequisite: PHYS 415.

PHYS-420. Quantum Physics I Credit 3(3-0) This course presents mathematical introduction required for understanding of quantum mechanics. The solutions of the Schrodinger equation for free particle and a particle a particle in one-dimensional potentials (square, barrier, etc.), and the postulates of quantum mechanics are presented. Eigenvalue equations, eigenfunctions, and commutation relations will be introduced. Time development of the state function and the time development of expectation values that lead to the concept of constants of motion are developed. The simple harmonic oscillator eigenstates are constructed using the operator method and by solving the Schrodinger equation.

PHYS-422. Quantum Physics II Credit 3(3-0) This course is a continuation of Physics 420. Topics include: angular momentum, basic properties and eigenvalues of angular momentum operator, addition of angular momentum, the two particle problem and the hydrogen atom, hydrogenic wave functions, elements of matrix mechanics, spin wave functions, basis and representations, energy representations, angular momentum matrices, Pauli spin matrices, magnetic moment of an electron, angular momentum of an electron, addition of spins, time-independent perturbation theory, fine structure of hydrogen atom, Zeeman effects, time dependent perturbation theory, two-level system, emission and absorption of radiation, spontaneous emission, the variational principle and scattering theory.

PHYS-430. Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics Credit 3(3-0) This course reviews the principles of thermodynamics which include macroscopic variables, thermodynamic equilibrium, the thermodynamic laws, and kinematic theory. The fundamentals of statistical mechanics are covered which include microcanonical and canonical ensembles, partition functions, Bose and Fermi statistics, and the Boltzmann equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 400.

PHYS-450. Waves and Optics Credit 3(3-1) This course explores wave phenomena. It covers the propagation, reflection, refraction of light, and includes studies of lenses and optical instruments, interference, diffraction, polarization, line spectra, and thermal radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS-451. Introduction to Astrophysics Credit 3(3-0) This course is a study of radiation from stars and nebulae to determine the basic stellar characteristics, the composition and physical conditions of matter in and between the stars. It also investigates the structural properties of our Milky Way galaxy, as evidenced by the spatial distribution of dust, gas, stars, and magnetic fields. Prerequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS-457. Electromagnetism III Credit 3(3-0) This course is an extended study of electromagnetism which covers simple radiating systems, multipole radiation, and radiation by moving charges, and relativistic kinematics. Prerequisite: PHYS 416.

PHYS-465. Atomic, Molecular, & Laser Physics Credit 3(3-0) This is a study of one-electron atoms, interaction of one-electron atoms, molecular structure, molecular spectra, emission, absorption and rate equations, laser oscillations, multi-mode and transient oscillations, specific lasers, laser resonators, and laser applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 406.

PHYS-467. Solid State Physics Credit 3(3-0) This is a study of the basics of the topics of binding, crystal structure, the reciprocal lattice, phonons, free and nearly-free electron gas models, energy bands, metals, semiconductors, insulators, superconductors, and magnetic properties. Prerequisite: PHYS 406.

PHYS-468. Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles Credit 3(3-0) This is a study of the properties of the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, elementary particles, and particle accelerators. Prerequisite: PHYS 406.

PHYS-500. Special Topics in Physics Variable Credit 1-3 A junior-senior level course on selected topics in physics not covered in other courses. A descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit will have received departmental approval before scheduling. Students records will carry both course number and descriptive title. The course may be repeated to earn a maximum of six credits.

PHYS-510. Physics Seminar Variable Credit 1-3 This is a study of current developments in physics. The topics and the amount of credit will be determined before the beginning of the course. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

PHYS-520. Advanced Laboratory Credit 2(1-3) This is a laboratory course which emphasizes performing selected experiments in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics. This course may be repeated to earn a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS-530. Computational Techniques in Physics Credit 3(2-3) This course is an application of numerical methods to solve problems in physics. It includes root finding, systems of equations, integration, differentiation, boundary-value problems, and Monte Carlo methods. Prerequisite: PHYS 405.

PHYS-531. Experimental Physics Credit 3(2-3) This course surveys experimental methods in physics. It involves experiment development, including techniques in instrumentation design, and data acquisition. Also it involves oral and written presentations of experimental results. Prerequisite: PHYS 242.

PHYS-550. Undergraduate Research Variable Credit 1-3 This course involves student participation in research conducted by faculty. Topics may be analytical and/or experimental and encourage independent study. The amount of credit will be determined before the beginning of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

PHYS-600. Classical Mechanics Credit 3(3-0) This course is a theoretical treatment of particle and rigid body dynamics. Topics included are: variational principles, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, the physics of rotation, oscillations, canonical transformations and Hamilton's equations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Prerequisites: PHYS 401 or Graduate Standing.

PHYS-605. Mathematical Methods Credit 3(3-0) This course covers topics in mathematical physics. Physical problems are solved using various methods: vector calculus, complex variables, Fourier theory, special functions and boundary value problems, variational methods, and Green functions. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or Consent of Instructor.

PHYS-615. Electromagnetic Theory I Credit 3(3-0) This course is an advanced study of electromagnetic phenomena which along with Physics 715 covers : electromagnetic properties of matter; propagation, radiation, and absorption of electromagnetic waves; simple radiating systems, special relativity; covariant electrodynamics; radiation by moving charges. Prerequisites: PHYS 416 or Graduate Standing.

PHYS-620. Quantum Mechanics I Credit 3(3-0) This is an advanced study of quantum theory which along with Physics 720 covers the fundamental concepts and formulations: theory of measurement with application to simple physical systems, operator formalism, symmetries and invariance, system of identical particles, angular momentum and the theory of spin, variational and pertubation approximation technique, time-dependent perturbation theory and radiation, scattering theory with applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 421 or Graduate Standing.

PHYS-630. Statistical Mechanics Credit 3(3-0) This course covers fundamentals of classical and quantum statistical mechanics: statistical ensembles and distributions functions, non-interacting particles, ideal Fermi and Bose system, treatment of interacting systems, phase transitions, approaches to collective phenomena. Prerequisite: PHYS 430 or Graduate Standing.

PHYS-715. Electromagnetic Theory II Credit 3(3-0) This course continues the study of electromagnetic phenomena which along with Physics 615 covers: electromagnetic properties of matter; propagation, radiation, and absorption of electromagnetic waves; simple radiating systems; special relativity; covariant electrodynamics; radiation by moving charges. Prerequisite: PHYS 615.

PHYS-720. Quantum Mechanics II Credit 3(3-0) This course continues the study of quantum theory which along with Physics 620 covers: theory of measurement with application to simple physical systems, operator formalism, symmetries and invariance, system of identical particles, angular momentum and the theory of spin, variational and pertubation approximation technique, time-dependent pertubation theory and radiation, scattering theory with applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 620.

PHYS-730. Optical Properties of Matter Credit 3(3-0) This course covers the classical wave properties of light and the quantum mechanical treatment of the interaction of light and matter. Topics included are: interference, diffraction, absorption, scattering, and polarization of light, interaction with atoms, atomic structure, optical absorption and emission, laser theory.

PHYS-735. Atomic & Molecular Physics Credit 3(3-0) This is an advanced study of atomic and molecular systems. Topics include many-electron atoms, Hartree-Fock and self-consistent field method, interaction of many electron atoms with electromagnetic fields; diatomic molecules, Born Oppenheimer approximation, rotation and vibration and electronic spectra of diatomic molecules, polyatomic systems, laser spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics.

PHYS-737. Physics of Solids Credit 3(3-0) This is an advanced study of the physics of solids with applications to metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Topics include electronic structures, dynamics of electrons in solids, transport properties, optical properties, magnetic properties, and superconductivity.

PHYS-738. Nuclear Physics Credit 3(3-0) This course covers descriptions of properties of the nuclear structure: nucleon-nucleon scattering, nuclear scattering theory, phenomenological potential models, the shell model, collective motion, giant resonances, direct and compound reactions, few body systems, and heavy ion physics.

PHYS-739. High Energy Physics Credit 3(3-0) This course covers theoretical and experimental concepts in high energy physics. Topics include elementary particles, conservation laws; strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions; particle accelerators; beams and detectors; strange particles; and quark models. Prerequisite: PHYS 738.

PHYS-740. Graduate Seminar Variable Credit 1-3 This course is a survey of current developments in physics. The topics will be selected before the beginning of the course and will be pertinent to the programs of enrolled students.

PHYS-743. Experimental Methods in Physics Credit 3(2-3) This course covers theory and technique of measurement in experimental physics: experimental design, detector development, signal processing techniques, data acquisition, error analysis, statistics and the treatment of experimental data.

PHYS-745. Computational Physics Credit 3(2-3) This course explores computational approaches to advanced physical problems. It includes ordinary differential equations, boundary value and eigenvalue problems, matrix operations, Monte Carlo methods, nonlinear equations, curve-fitting, and approximation of functions.

PHYS-750. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics I Credit 3(3-0) This course along with Physics 751 covers the Dirac equation and elementary mass renormalization, the propagator theory, second quantization, the quantization of the electromagnetic field, Feynman graphs, calculations in quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics, gauge theories, models of electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions. Prerequisite: PHYS 720.

PHYS-751. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics II Credit 3(3-0) This course is a continuation of Physics 750 and continues coverage of the following: the Dirac equation and elementary mass renormalization, the propagator theory, second quantization, the quantization of the electromagnetic field, Feynman graphs, calculations in quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics, gauge theories, models of electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions. Prerequisite: PHYS 750.

PHYS-760. Special Topics Variable Credit 1-3 This course provides studies in physics under staff guidance.

PHYS-770. Research Variable Credit 1-9 This course is graduate level research in selected areas of physics. Topics may be analytical and/or experimental and encourage independent study. The amount of credit will be determined before the beginning of the course.

COURSES AND DESCRIPTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS PROGRAM
PHYS-705. Physics for Science Teachers I Variable Credit 1-6 For inservice teachers. Course covers fundamentals of astronomy and earth science. Full descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit will have received departmental approval before scheduling. Prerequisites: MATH 111 or equivalent.

PHYS-706. Physics for Science Teachers II Variable Credit 1-6 For inservice teachers. Lecture and integrated lab study of the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Full descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit will have received departmental approval before scheduling. Focus: Mechanics and Thermodynamics. Prerequisites: MATH 111 or equivalent.

PHYS-707. Physics for Science Teachers III Variable Credit 1-6 A continuation of PHYS 706. Focus: Wave motion and electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 706 or equivalent.

PHYS-708. Physics for Science Teachers IV Variable Credit 1-6 A continuation of PHYS 707. Focus: Optics and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 707 or equivalent.

PHYS-709. Physics for Science Teachers V Variable Credit 1-6 A continuation of PHYS 708. Focus: Modern Physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 708 or equivalent.

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