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Physics and Astronomy

Information

Carey Woodward, Chairperson

Department Office: Halsey Science 337
Department Telephone: (920) 424-4433
PHYS SCI, or PHY/AST

Faculty

Beaver
Kaltcheva
Lattery
Pritzl
Reilly
Rioux
Stojilovic
Woodward

Degrees

  • Undergraduate: A major in Physics can lead to the degree(s): Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Education. Students who complete the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree program will receive a Bachelor of Science from UW Oshkosh and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from either UW Milwaukee or UW Madison.

Summary of Fields of Study

1.  Goal(s)
  • Upon completion of a Physics major, students will be able to determine specified information about a physical system using basic physics principles, mathematical representations, laboratory methods and instruments, and computer and graphical techniques; find and retrieve published or computer archived information; communicate physics concepts and results of scientific work in written and oral form.In addition to the above goals:
    • Professional Emphasis majors will be able to use integrated principles of physics and advanced analytic and computational methods to study physical systems.
    • Applied Physics Emphasis majors will be able to use computers and electronics in the laboratory to improve and analyze digitized data.
    • Secondary Education Emphasis majors will be able to use appropriate apparatus and computers to teach physics concepts to high school students.
    • Physics-Engineering Dual Degree majors will be able to use physics and engineering principles and methods to solve real-world problems.
2. The Majors
    • The Department offers a major in Physics with three possible emphases—Professional, Applied, and Secondary Education—plus a Physics-Engineering Dual Degree option.
3. The minors
    • The Department offers three minors: Astronomy, Physics (Liberal Arts), and Physics (Secondary Education).

Admission/Graduation Requirements

  • To be eligible for graduation, students must meet all requirements for the degree being sought in addition to earning a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses required for the Physics and Astronomy major or minor. Refer to the following for complete major/minor course requirements.
  • Those students seeking Wisconsin teacher certification must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in all courses required for their majors and minors in order to meet requirements of the College of Education and Human Services.

Required Core Courses

  • Course groupings (as used by the majors and minors)
    • Foundations group
      • PHYS/AST 191 University Physics I 5 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 192 University Physics II 5 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 206 Introductory Modern Physics 3 cr.
    • Core group
      • PHYS/AST 222 Physics Laboratory I 2 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 307 Physical Optics 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 320 Classical Physics 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 322 Physics Laboratory II 2 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 408 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics 3 cr.
    • Electives group
      • Astronomy cluster
      • PHYS/AST 203 Introduction to Astrophysics 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 310 Stellar Structure and Evolution 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 313 Galaxies, the Interstellar Medium, and Star Formation 3 cr.
      • Applied cluster
      • PHYS/AST 305 Electronic Circuits and Devices 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 311 Digital Instrumentation 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 319 Digital Signal Processing 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 335 Demonstration and Laboratory Techniques in Physics 3 cr.
      • Upper level cluster
      • PHYS/AST 417 Electricity and Magnetism 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 419 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 422 Physics Lab III 2 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 446 Independent Study 1–3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 451 Special Topics 1–3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 456 Related Readings 1–3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 474 Honors Thesis 1–6 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 491 Senior Research Project 1–4 cr.
    • Mathematics group
      • MATH 171 Calculus I 5 cr.
      • MATH 172 Calculus II 4–5 cr.
      • MATH 273 Calculus III 3–4 cr.
      • MATH 371 Differential Equations 3 cr.

 The Major(s), with Emphases and Options

1.  Physics Major

  • Professional Physics Emphasis
    Recommended for students who seek employment in the field of Physics or Astronomy or who are preparing for graduate studies in Physics, Astronomy or related fields.
    • Required credits: 37 minimum, from among the PHYS/AST courses listed below (not including any math courses).
    • Required Courses:
      • All courses in the Foundations group: 13 cr. total
      • All courses in Core group: 13 cr. total
      • PHYS/AST 417 Electricity and Magnetism 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 419 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 491 Senior Research Project 1–4 cr.
      • All courses in Mathematics group: 15–17 cr. total
      • MATH 375 Vector & Complex Analysis: 3 cr.
      • MATH 376 Partial Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems: 3 cr.
    • Elective courses: Sufficient courses from Electives groups (other than those already required) to meet the minimum credit requirement above.
  • Applied Physics Emphasis
    Recommended for students who seek employment in the application of physics and computing to scientific and technical areas.
    • Required Credits: 38 minimum from among the courses listed below (including math and computer science electives, but not including the required math courses).
    • Required Courses:
        • All courses in the Foundations group: 13 cr. total
        • All courses in the Core group: 13 cr. total
        • PHYS/AST 305 Electronic Circuits and Devices: 3 cr.
        • All courses in the Mathematics group: 15–17 cr. total

        Elective courses: Nine credits (or more), chosen from among the following:

        • Any courses in the Electives group that are not already required
        • COMP SCI 216† Problem Solving and Programming Techniques in C++
        • COMP SCI 221† Object-Oriented Design and Programming I
        • COMP SCI 251 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
        • COMP SCI 310 Computer Organization and Design
        • MATH 355 Introduction to Numerical Analysis

        *Note: PHYS/AST 310 and PHYS/AST 313 may not both be counted as electives.
        †Note: COMP SCI 216 and COMP SCI 221 may not both be counted as electives.
         Note: Students taking multiple 200-level electives are cautioned to ensure that they take sufficient total upper-level courses to meet UWO graduation requirements.

  • Secondary Education Emphasis Recommended for students who plan to teach Physics at the secondary school level.
    • Required Credits: 38 minimum from among the PHYS/AST courses listed below (not including the Mathematics group courses).
    • Required Courses: 
      • All courses in the Foundations group 13 cr. total
      • All courses in the Core group: 13 cr. total
      • PHYS/AST 305 Electronic Circuits and Devices: 3 cr.
      • PHYS/AST 335 Demonstration and Laboratory Techniques in Physics 3 cr.
      • All courses in the Mathematics group: 15–17 cr. total

      Elective courses: Six or more credits from the Electives group (excluding courses that are already required).

  • Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Emphasis
    Recommended for students who seek a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics degree and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering degree with a major in a selected engineering field from either UW Milwaukee or UW Madison.  Specific UW Oshkosh course requirements (before transferring to a partner university to complete an engineering degree) are outlined below.

    Note: Completion of the program will normally take a minimum of five years: three (or more) years at UW Oshkosh to complete the physics major and the College of Letters and Science B.S. requirements; and two (or more) years at the engineering school of choice to complete the engineering degree requirements.

    Students must meet the course requirements for the University Studies Program (USP, general education) and for a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters and Science at UW Oshkosh. Credits to satisfy general education requirements may be transferred back from the engineering school, but students are responsible for ensuring that they meet requirements.

    Students must meet the GPA requirement of UW Oshkosh with regard to USP courses. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or above (cumulative, and in specified mathematics, science, and engineering courses). Students must meet the UW Oshkosh requirement for 35 upper level course credits. Courses designated as upper level by the engineering school to which the student has transferred will be included in the upper level credit count to meet the UW Oshkosh requirement.

    Normally, students will complete about 90 credits at UW Oshkosh before transferring to their engineering school of choice. If a student transfers courses into UW Oshkosh, the student will still be required to complete 30 credits of UW Oshkosh courses to qualify for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics from UW Oshkosh. The UW Oshkosh residency requirement stating that 15 of the student’s last 30 credits must be taken at UW Oshkosh will be waived for these students. Note that the destination engineering schools may have additional requirements for admission (e.g., a minimum grade point average). Consult with an adviser in Physics & Astronomy for a list of current requirements.

    The B.S. degree with a major in Physics will be awarded after the student has transferred the necessary courses from the destination engineering school and has met the requirements for a B.S. degree from UW Oshkosh and the requirements for the physics major specified above.

    Required credits: 29 minimum from PHYS/AST courses, plus a variable number from other departments; see below for details.

    Required courses:

    • All courses in the Foundations group: 13 cr. total
    • PHYS/AST 222 Physics Lab I: 2 cr.
    • PHYS/AST 320 Classical Physics: 3 cr.
    • All courses in the Mathematics group: 15–17 cr. total
    • CHEM 105 General Chemistry I 5 cr.
    • CHEM 106 General Chemistry II 5 cr. [required for transfer to UW—Madison only]

    Elective courses:

    • One of the following (3 cr. each):
    • PHYS/AST 417 Electricity and Magnetism
    • PHYS/AST 419 Introductory Quantum Mechanics
    • At least 8 credits from among the following:
    • The Core group (excluding courses already required)
    • The Electives—Astronomy cluster (except that PHYS/AST 310 and PHYS/AST 313 may not both be counted)
    • Any courses in the Electives—Applied cluster except PHYS/AST 335.
    • PHYS/AST 451 Special Topics 1–3 cr.
    • PHYS/AST 491 Senior Research Project 1–4 cr.

    Additional requirements:

    • A minimum of 30 credits applied to the degree must be earned in UW Oshkosh courses.
    • Within the course credits transferred back from the destination engineering school to UW Oshkosh, there must be:
      • Sufficient approved upper division engineering and physics course for the student to have at least 36 credits in physics and engineering courses, including the minimum 29 UWO physics credits listed above.
      • Sufficient credits to meet the requirement of 120 total credits and 35 upper division credits for graduation at UWO.

The Minor(s)

1.  Astronomy Minor

Recommended for science students (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics) who have an interest in Astronomy.

  • Required Credits: 22 minimum
  • Required Courses:
      • All courses in the Foundations group except PHYS/AST 206: 10 cr. total
      • All courses in the Electives—Astronomy cluster: 9 cr. total

      Elective courses: Three or more credits from among the following courses:

      • PHYS/AST 206 Introductory Modern Physics [recommended]
      • Any 300 or 400 level PHYS/AST course (except those already required, above).
      • CHEM 235 Organic Chemistry I
      • CHEM 311 Analytical Chemistry I
      • CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry II
      • GEOLOGY 326 Geophysics & Geotectonics

2.  Physics (Liberal Arts) Minor

  • Required Credits: 21 minimum
  • Required Courses: All courses in the Foundations group: 13 cr. total
  • Electives: Eight or more credits from courses in the Core and/or  Electives group.

3.  Physics (Secondary Education) Minor

Recommended for students who plan to complete a broad field science major in Secondary Education.

  • Required Credits: 23 minimum
  • Required Courses:
      • All courses in the Foundations group: 13 cr. total
      • PHYS/AST 335 Demonstration and Laboratory Techniques in Physics 3

      Electives: Seven or more credits from the Core and/or Electives groups (except PHYS/AST 335, which is already required).

      Note: Secondary Education students completing this minor must also complete a licensable major.

 

Course Offering(s)

Physical Science    101 1 – 4 (crs.)
Workshop Physical Science (XL)
A hands-on course covering basic concepts in physical science through active engagement with guided computer-based laboratories, student-directed projects, interactive demonstrations, and class discussions. Emphasis on the nature and limits of science. For elementary education majors and non-science majors. (3+2)
 
 
Physical Science    101Q1 1 – 4 (crs.)
Workshop Physical Science (XL)
A hands-on course covering basic concepts in physical science through active engagement with guided computer-based laboratories, student-directed projects, interactive demonstrations, and class discussions. Emphasis on the nature and limits of science. For elementary education majors and non-science majors. (3+2)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    100 3 (crs.)
Survey of Astronomy
A descriptive survey of astronomy for students with minimal background in mathematics and science. Topics include the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, cosmology, and astronomical methods. Credits may not be earned both for this course and for any Physics/Astronomy course numbered between 103 and 114 inclusive. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    103 4 (crs.)
The Solar System (XL)
The astronomer’s understanding of the earth, moon and planets. Explores the basic nature of science and the scientific method. Intended for non-science majors and science majors having an interest in astronomy. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam (3+2) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    104 4 (crs.)
Stars, Galaxies and the Universe (XL)
Universe beyond the solar system. Methods of science applied to classification of stars, galaxies, nebulae, and exotic objects such as pulsars, quasars, and black holes. Intended for non-science majors and science majors having an interest in astronomy. May be taken to satisfy the general education lab science requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam. (3+2) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    105 4 (crs.)
Basic Acoustics of Music
A course designed in cooperation with the music department principally for music majors interested in the acoustical foundation of this subject. Emphasis throughout is on the needs and interests of the music student. May not be counted toward a Physics major or minor. (3+2)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    112Q1 4 (crs.)
Energy in Today’s World (XL)
Focus is on the physics of energy, energy production, and energy consumption, conservation practices and alternative energy sources. Prerequisites: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    113 3 (crs.)
The Solar System – no lab (XN)
The astronomer’s understanding of the earth, moon and planets. Explores the basic nature of science and the scientific method. May be used to satisfy laboratory science requirement only if Physics 123 is taken during a later term. Credit may not be earned for both Physics 113 and Physics 103. Prerequisites: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam or competency at high school algebra or geometry (3+0) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    114 3 (crs.)
Stars, Galaxies and the Universe -no lab (XN)
Identical to Physics 104 except no laboratory experience is included. May be used to satisfy laboratory science requirement only if Physics 124 is taken during a later term. Credit may not be earned for both Physics 114 and Physics 104. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam or competency at high school algebra and geometry. (3+0) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    115Q1 4 (crs.)
Space Exploration and Science (XL)
Have you ever dreamed of going into space? We will use basic physics concepts and algebra to study space exploration. How can we reach other planets? What do humans need to survive in space? In what ways does sustainability play a role in our ability to live on other planets? In addition, we will examine basic space, science and rocketry. Prerequisites: Mathematics 103 or higher level math.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    123 1 (crs.)
Solar System Laboratory
This course is a hands-on, activity-based laboratory courses that covers selected topics on the Solar System. Topics covered both complement and overlap the content of Phys/Ast 113 with an emphasize on experiential learning. Prerequisite: Competency at high school algebra and geometry. (0+2) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    124 1 (crs.)
Stars, Galaxies and the Universe Laboratory
This course is a hands-on, activity-based laboratory course that covers selected topics on the Stars, Galaxies and the Universe course. The topics covered both complement and overlap the content of Phys/Ast 114 with an emphasize on experiential learning. Prerequisite: Competency at high school algebra and geometry. (0+2) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    125 3 (crs.)
Planetary Geology
This is an introductory course covering various subjects related to geology of planets, moons, and other small bodies in our solar system. In this course, students will learn formation, evolution and present nature of these planetary bodies using a geologic and astrophysical approach. To understand other planetary bodies, or our solar system as a whole, it is essential to examine geological processes occurring in Earth, then generalize how such processes can be applied to other planets. Therefore, a brief overview on these processes will be given during the beginning stage of the course. The course will also cover smaller planetary bodies such as asteroids, comets and meteorites, which are very important in understanding geological process in our solar system.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    133 1 (crs.)
The Solar System Laboratory
Laboratory component of The Solar System, Physics 103. This course is for transfer students only. Prerequisite: Completion of equivalent of the lecture part of Physics 103 at another university.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    134 1 (crs.)
Stars, and Galaxies and the Universe Laboratory (XL)
Laboratory component of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe, for Physics 104. This course is for transfer students only. Prerequisite: Completion of equivalent of the lecture part of Physics 104 at another university.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    136 3 (crs.)
Energy and the Environment
Intended for non-science majors, this course will give students the necessary physics background to form opinions on energy questions The physical laws of thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics will be discussed in connection with energy related topics such as thermal pollution, fossil fuels, nuclear power, solar power and other alternative energy sources. Some elementary calculations (at the level of high school algebra) are included in the material, but the emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of the energy-related issues affecting society today.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    140 4 (crs.)
Physics for the Health Sciences (XL)
A descriptive introduction to those basic concepts of physics which have application to human health in general and to the medical and paramedical professions in particular. Primary attention will be paid to the physics of various functions of the human body (e.g., muscular and skeletal motions, the several senses and neural processes) and to the physics of commonly used instruments and equipment.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    145 1 – 3 (crs.)
Introduction to Topics in Physics
A general introduction to various current topics in physics and astronomy. Topics may also include research done by faculty and staff. Course is open to anyone interested in physics and astronomy. Highly recommended for anyone considering majoring in physics or minoring in physics or astronomy. Prerequisite: Completion of the minimal University general education math requirement or qualifying for Mathematics 104 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Exam.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    150 4 (crs.)
Foundations of Physics (XL)
Selected topics from physics, geology, and astronomy. Not intended for those planning to major in a physical science; does not fulfill the prerequisites for any more advanced courses. May be offered without a laboratory for three credits or with a laboratory for four credits. Not open to students who have completed Physics 171 or Physics 191.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    171 1 – 5 (crs.)
College Physics I (XL)
A survey of mechanics and properties of matter. Recommended for liberal arts majors and pre-professionals. Not recommended for physics majors and minors and pre-engineers. Prerequisite: Mathematics 106, Mathematics 108 or equivalent. (3+1+2) (Fall) Special fees may apply.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    172 5 (crs.)
College Physics II (XL)
A survey of waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear radiation. Recommended for liberal arts majors and pre-professionals. Not recommended for physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 171. (3+1+2) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    191 5 (crs.)
University Physics I (XL)
A survey of mechanics, sound, and heat providing a background for advanced work in these fields. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in or previous completion of Mathematics 171. (4+2) (Fall) Special fees may apply.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    192 5 (crs.)
University Physics II (XL)
A survey of electricity, magnetism, and light providing a background for advanced work in these fields. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. Prerequisite: Physics 191 and concurrent registration in or previous completion of Mathematics 172. (4+2) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    201 3 (crs.)
Statics for Engineering
The action of forces on bodies at rest or in equilibrium. For pre-engineering students and not ordinarily taken by physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 171 or 191 (may be taken concurrently) and Mathematics 171. (3+0) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    202 3 (crs.)
Dynamics for Engineering
Motion and the action of forces that produce or modify the motion of bodies. For pre-engineering students and not ordinarily taken by physics majors and minors. Prerequisite: Physics 201 and Mathematics 172 (may be taken concurrently). (3+0) (Spring)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    203 3 (crs.)
Introduction to Astrophysics
A systematic introduction to the concepts and methods of astrophysics, astronomical measurements and units, astrophysical nature of radiation, stellar structure, and cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 172 and Math 171 or Physics 192.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    206 3 (crs.)
Introductory Modern Physics
Twentieth century physics; emphasis on atomic and sub-atomic phenomena. Normally acceptable for pre-engineering students. Prerequisite: Physics 172 or 192 and Mathematics 171. (3+0) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    222 2 (crs.)
Physics Lab I
An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with modern physics and classical mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Physics 206 and concurrent registration in Physics 320.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    291 1 – 5 (crs.)
Topics in Physics
An extended coverage of one or more topics in physics such as environmental physics, energy, biophysics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, electro-magnetic radiation, statistical physics, solid state physics, relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic and nuclear physics.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    299 1 – 3 (crs.)
Intermediate Independent Study
Independent study under the supervision of an instructor. The work may, for example, consist of advanced laboratory investigation into a particular topic or library research and writing of a paper on some subject of interest.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    305 3 (crs.)
Electronic Circuits and Devices
DC and AC circuit theory with emphasis placed on the external electrical properties of analog electronic devices and their practical applications. Prerequisite: Physics 172, 192 or consent of instructor. 305/505 (2+2)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    307 3 (crs.)
Physical Optics
Review of geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, double refraction, electromagnetic theory of light, introduction to quantum optics and lasers. Prerequisite: Physics 192 and Mathematics 172. 307/507 (3+0)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    310 3 (crs.)
Stellar Structure and Evolution
A systematic study of stellar atmospheres and interiors, stellar evolution and variable stars. Prerequisite: Completion of Physics 203 with a grade of C or better.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    311 3 (crs.)
Digital Instrumentation
Fundamentals and applications of combinational and sequential digital circuits, memory and storage, microprocessors, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, emphasizing use in measurement and instrumentation. Prerequisite: Previous physics course or electronics course or Mathematics 212 or consent of instructor. 311/511 (3+2)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    313 3 (crs.)
Galaxies, the Interstellar Medium and Star Formation
A systematic study of galactic components and structure, physics of the interstellar medium and star formation. Prerequisite: Completion of Physics 203 with a grade of C or better.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    319 3 (crs.)
Digital Signal Processing
The fundamentals of digital signal processing techniques with an emphasis on their computer implementation: linear shift-invariant systems, the Z-transform, the discrete and continuous Fourier transforms, digital filter design, and inverse filters. Familiarity with calculus, complex numbers, and BASIC or FORTRAN is assumed. 319/519 (3+0)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    320 3 (crs.)
Classical Physics
The physical and mathematical concepts associated with one-dimensional motion, two and three-dimensional motion including the use of different coordinate systems and accelerating reference frames. Analytical, numerical and graphical methods using modern computer technology will be used. Prerequisite: Physics 191 and Mathematics 172. (3+0) (Fall)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    322 2 (crs.)
Physics Lab II
An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with physical optics and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent registration in Physics 307 and Physics 408.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    335 3 (crs.)
Demonstration and Laboratory Techniques in Physics
A laboratory course to provide the high school physics teacher with opportunities to handle the physical apparatus used in modern physics curricula. Prerequisite: A two-term sequence in General Physics. 335/535 (1+3)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    408 3 (crs.)
Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
Temperature, entropy, and other thermal quantities introduced from microscopic considerations and related to macroscopic thermodynamic variables. Calculation of macroscopic properties of matter from microscopic models. Prerequisite: Physics 320. 408/608 (3+0)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    417 3 (crs.)
Electricity and Magnetism
An advanced treatment of important topics in electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite or corequisite of Phy/Ast 320. 417/617 (3+0)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    419 3 (crs.)
Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Development of quantum mechanics principles and application to important simple physical systems. Prerequisite or corequisite of Physics/Astronomy 320. 419/619 (3+0)
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    422 2 (crs.)
Physics Lab III
An experimental treatment of concepts and theories associated with electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. Emphasis is placed on developing experimental skills and techniques appropriate for advanced laboratory work. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent registration in Physics 417 and Physics 419.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    446 1 – 3 (crs.)
Independent Study
See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    451 1 – 3 (crs.)
Special Topics
A Physics/Astronomy course on a topic not covered in the department’s curriculum. This course may be repeated with different content. Each time it is offered, the topic will be announced in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    456 1 – 3 (crs.)
Related Readings
See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    474 3 – 6 (crs.)
Honors Thesis
The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce a substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective department or unit. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status.
 
 
Physics/Astronomy    491 1 – 4 (crs.)
Senior Research Project
Independent research arranged with a faculty supervisor. A contract must be arranged with the faculty member and approved by the department chairman prior to registration. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Minimum of 15 units (crs.) of physics completed.