Physics, Courses Summer 2000

Summer 2000 Course Descriptions
Key to Course Descriptions

Courses listed below are approved UA courses as of Summer 2000. Not all approved courses will be offered during this term. For course offerings/availability during a specific term, see the Schedule of Classes. Each course number below links to the Schedule of Classes.

Physics (PHYS) Dept Info - College Info

PHYS 102 Introductory Physics I (3) I II CDT Designed for liberal arts and life science majors with no calculus background. Survey of the basic fields of physics, with emphasis on applications to other fields and historical development.

PHYS 103 Introductory Physics II (3) I II CDT Continuation of 102. P, PHYS 102, lecture-lab combination requires co-registration with PHYS182. Credit will be allowed for only one of the following sequences of courses; PHYS 102-103-181-182, 131-132-181-182, 141-142-241-242, 151-152-251-252.

PHYS 107 The Physics of Music (4) I CDT Sound production, musical instruments, frequency analysis, physics of hearing, psychological and physiological effects, harmony and scales, hall acoustics, electronic production and recording. 3R, 3L.

PHYS 131 Introductory Physics with Calculus I (4) I Designed for liberal arts and life science majors with calculus background. Principles of kinematics, dynamics, wave motion and acoustics. P, MATH 125; CR, MATH 129. Lecture-lab combination requires co-registration with PHYS181. Credit will be allowed for only one of the following sequences of courses; PHYS 102-103-181-182, 131-132-181-182, 141-142-241-242, 151-152-251-252.

PHYS 132 Introductory Physics with Calculus II (4) II Designed for liberal arts and life science majors with calculus background. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, optical instruments, atomic and nuclear physics.

PHYS 141 Introductory Mechanics (4) I II CDT Vector concepts; kinematics, statics and dynamics for point masses, particle systems and rigid bodies; conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum; fluid static's and dynamics. 4R, 2L. P, MATH 125; CR, MATH 129.

PHYS 141H Honors Introductory Mechanics (4) I II Kinematics and dynamics of point masses, particle systems and rigid bodies; conservative laws of energy momentum and angular momentum; fluid statics and dynamics. P, MATH 125; CR, MATH 129.

PHYS 142 Introductory Optics and Thermodynamics (2-3) I II CDT Temperature scales, heat, thermodynamics, heat engines and kinetic theory; geometrical optics, lenses, mirrors and optical instruments; physical optics, diffraction, interference and wave theory.

PHYS 142H Honors Introductory Optics and Thermodynamics (2-3) I II Temperature scales, heat, thermodynamics and heat engines; kinetic theory and statistics of many particle systems; geometrical optics, lenses, mirrors and optical instruments; physical optics, diffraction, interference and wave theory.

PHYS 151 Introduction to Mechanics (4) I Kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, conservation laws. 4R, 2L. P, or CR, MATH 125.

PHYS 152 Introduction to Thermodynamics and Relativity (4) II Continuation of 151. Fluid statics and dynamics, first and second laws of thermodynamics and special theory of relativity. 4R, 2L. P, PHYS 151; CR, MATH 125. Credit will be allowed for only one of the following sequences of courses; PHYS 102-103-181-182, 131-132-181-182, 141-142-241-242, 151-152-251-252.

PHYS 181 Introductory Laboratory I (1) I II Quantitative experiments in physics, both illustrative and exploratory. Designed to accompany 102 or 131; sections are established corresponding to each course.

PHYS 182 Introductory Laboratory II (1) I II Quantitative experiments in physics, both illustrative and exploratory. Designed to accompany 103 or 132; sections are established corresponding to each course.

PHYS 195A Creation of the Universe (1) I

PHYS 199 Independent Study (1-4) [Rpt./]

PHYS 199H Honors Independent Study (1-4) [Rpt./] I II

PHYS 201 How Things Work: Physics through Everyday Tools and Devices (3) I II A study of everyday devices, emphasizing the use of principles of physical science to understand their operation. Devices ranging from gears and pulleys to satellites and CAT scanners will be used to illustrate principles of mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, etc. 1D, 2L, 2R. P, two courses from Tier One, Natural Sciences (NATS 101, 102, 104). Approved as Tier Two - Natural Sciences.

PHYS 205 Computational Physics (3) I II Introduction to numerical techniques for solving physics problems. Includes introduction to programming. Sample problems might include chaotic motion, nonlinear mechanics, particle trajectories, Monte Carlo simulation of phase transitions or stellar structure. P, PHYS 142 or PHYS 152. (Identical with ASTR 205).

PHYS 241 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (4) I II CDT Field concepts, electrostatics, magnetostatics, currents, electromagnetic phenomena and electromagnetic waves. 4R, 2L.

PHYS 241H Honors Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (4) I II Electrostatic forces, fields, and potentials; magnetostatics; dynamics of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields; electrical currents and circuit analysis, electromagnetic phenomena associated with time-dependent electric and magnetic fields; Maxwell's equations in differential form and electromagnetic waves. Methods of vector calculus are used extensively. 3R, 3L.

PHYS 242 Introductory Relativity and Quantum Physics (3) I II CDT Introduction to 20th century concepts. Relativity and quantum theory will be emphasized. Other topics may be chosen from the following list: atomic and molecular structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, quantum statistics and condensed matter.

PHYS 242H Honors Introductory Relativity and Quantum Physics (3) I II Special relativity, including Lorentz transformations, invariant intervals, relativistic dynamics, electricity and magnetism; old quantum theory; modern quantum mechanics including uncertainty principles, Schrodinger equation, simple one-dimensional problems, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, hydrogen atom and spin. P, PHYS 141H, PHYS 142H, PHYS 241H or PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 241 with consent of instructor; MATH 223.

PHYS 251 Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism (4) I Laws of electric and magnetic fields, DC and AC circuits, Maxwell's equations. 4R, 2L.

PHYS 252 Introduction to Optics and Quantum Theory (4) II Continuation of 251. EM waves, physical and geometrical optics, and quantum theory. 4R, 2L.

PHYS 299 Independent Study (1-4) [Rpt./]

PHYS 299H Honors Independent Study (1-3) [Rpt./] I

PHYS 320 Optics (3) I II Electromagnetic waves; rays, interference, diffraction, scattering; applications to imaging systems, Fourier methods, holography, and crystal optics.

PHYS 321 Theoretical Mechanics I (3) I II CDT Newton's laws; rectilinear and rotational motion; simple, damped and rotational oscillators; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations; central forces and orbital motion; noninertial reference frames; rigid bodies; coupled oscillators. P, PHYS 241H or PHYS 251; MATH 223; CR, MATH 254.

PHYS 325 Thermodynamics (3) I II Approximately equal time spent on classical and statistical thermodynamics; basic laws of thermal equilibrium; heat engines; ideal and non-ideal gases; phase transitions; irreversible processes, kinetic theory and statistical thermodynamics. P, PHYS 242 or PHYS 252; MATH 223.

PHYS 331 Electricity and Magnetism I (3) I Electromagnetic phenomena leading to Maxwell's equations; static and time-dependent solutions. P, PHYS 321 or MATH 442A.

PHYS 332 Electricity and Magnetism II (3) II Continuation of 331. Transmission lines and wave guides; radiation theory, 4-vector formulation of special relativity.

PHYS 371 Quantum Theory (3) I II Introductory quantum mechanics; Schroedinger's Equation, one-dimensional problems, operators and matrices, three-dimensional problems, two particle problems, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom and spin.

PHYS 381 Methods in Experimental Physics I (2) I II Designed to develop experimental skills and to demonstrate important concepts in classical and modern physics. Writing Emphasis Course. P, two upper-division courses in physics, or co-registration. PHYS 205 is recommended for students without programming experience.

PHYS 382 Methods of Experimental Physics II (2) I II Continuation of PHYS 381. Both PHYS 381 and PHYS 382 are offered each semester, but students are encouraged not to enroll simultaneously. Writing Emphasis Course.

PHYS 396H Honors Proseminar (3)

PHYS 399 Independent Study (1-6) [Rpt./]

PHYS 399H Honors Independent Study (1-3) [Rpt./] I II

PHYS 402 Medical Physics (3) I CDT Basic physics of the human body: the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics light and radiation, with emphasis on their role in biological systems and biomedical applications. Writing Emphasis Course. (Identical with MCB 402). May be convened with PHYS 502.

PHYS 405 Digital Electronics Techniques (3) II This course is an introduction to electronic techniques used in experimental physics. Topics include op-amps, logic elements and proceed to the use of programmable logic. A large emphasis of this course will be on computer-aided schematic capture and simulation. The course will have a two-hour lecture each week accompanied by a three hour lab. May be convened with PHYS 505.

PHYS 422 Theoretical Mechanics II (3) II Advanced classical mechanics and modern dynamical systems. Topics include: canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics and nonlinear systems. Special topics covered in the latter may include discrete maps, fractals, chaos, differential flows and solutions.

PHYS 423B Philosophy of the Physical Sciences (3) I (Identical with PHIL 423B, which is home).

PHYS 430 Introduction to Biophysics (2) I CDT Concepts and experimental techniques of molecular biophysics; physical properties of biological macromolecules and cell organelles, optical interactions, macromolecular transitions, molecular mechanism or regulation. (Identical with MIC 430). May be convened with PHYS 530.

PHYS 433 Physics Demonstration (1-3) II Introduction to teaching materials and laboratory demonstrations illustrating principles of classical and modern physics, with emphasis on inexpensive techniques and direct experience. May be convened with PHYS 533.

PHYS 445A Experimental Spectroscopy (1) I II Laboratory experiments with spectroscopic sources, spectrometers, instrument functions, detectors, light collection optics, spectral recording and analysis. Students select one to three sections from the five-week lectures listed as PHYS 445A through 445D. Credit can only be given once for each topic. P, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 241 or PHYS 151, PHYS 152, PHYS 251 or consult department before enrolling. PHYS 445A is not prerequisite to PHYS 445B-C or D. May be convened with ARCH 270.

PHYS 445B Experimental Acoustics (1) I II Laboratory experiments with sound sources, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, sound level meters. Filters, musical instruments, recording, room acoustics. Students select one to three sections from the five-week lectures listed as PHYS 445A through 445D. Credit can only be given once for each topic. P, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 241 or PHYS 151, PHYS 152, PHYS 251 or consult department before enrolling. PHYS 445A is not prerequisite to PHYS 445B-C or D. May be convened with PHYS 545B.

PHYS 445C Experimental Microscopy (1) I II Laboratory experiments with microscopes and polarized scattered light to characterize small particles and surfaces, optical constants, lasers, remote sensing. Students select one to three sections from the five-week lectures listed as 445A through 445D. Credit can only be given once for each topic. P, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 241 or PHYS 151, PHYS 152, PHYS 251 or consult department before enrolling. PHYS 445A is not prerequisite to PHYS 445B-C or D. May be convened with PHYS 545C.

PHYS 445D Experimental Geometrical and Physical Optics (1-3) I II Experimental measures of geometrical and optical properties of basic optical elements: lenses, prisms, gratings, optical fibers, etc. Students select one to three sections from the five-week lectures listed as PHYS 445A through 445D. Credit can only be given once for each topic. P, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 241 or PHYS 151, PHYS 152, PHYS 251 or consult department before enrolling. PHYS 445A is not prerequisite to PHYS 445B-C or D. May be convened with PHYS 545D.

PHYS 450 Nuclear and Particle Physics (3) II Nuclear forces; nuclear phenomenology. Reactions and stability; nuclear models. Radiation and decay. The structure of nucleons; particle phenomenology; the standard model.

PHYS 460 Solid-State Physics (3) II Modern theory of crystalline solids. Topics include free electron theory of metals, crystals, x-ray diffraction, phonons, band theory, Fermi surfaces, semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. May be convened with PHYS 560.

PHYS 472 Quantum Theory II (3) II Continuation of 371. Applications of quantum mechanics: fine structure of atomic spectra, addition of angular momentum, molecules, perturbation theory, transition rates, special topics in nuclear, elementary particle and condensed matter physics. May be convened with PHYS 572.

PHYS 473 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy for Experimentalists I (3) I Experimental techniques to generate, analyze and detect photons from X-ray to infrared; interpretation of spectra from gases, liquids, solids and biological macromolecules; light scattering, polarization. (Identical with OPTI 473). May be convened with PHYS 573.

PHYS 474 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy for Experimentalists II (3) II Continuation of 473. (Identical with OPTI 474). May be convened with PHYS 574.

PHYS 475 Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3) I Mathematical techniques and their physical applications. Vector and tensor analysis; differential equations, complex variable theory, Green's functions. May be convened with PHYS 575.

PHYS 476 Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3) II Continuation of 475. Special functions, transform theory, integral equations, variational techniques. May be convened with PHYS 576.

PHYS 481 Methods of Experimental Physics III (2) I II Continuation of 382, with emphasis on individual work. P, PHYS382, 10 units of upper-division physics. Both PHYS 481 and 482 are offered each semester, but students are encouraged not to enroll simultaneously.

PHYS 482 Methods of Experimental Physics IV (2) I II Continuation of 481, with heavy emphasis on individual work. Both 481 and 482 are offered each semester, but students are encouraged not to enroll simultaneously.

PHYS 494 Practicum (3) [Rpt./]

PHYS 498 Senior Capstone (1-3) I II

PHYS 498H Honors Thesis (3) [Rpt./ 2] I II

PHYS 499 Independent Study (1-5) [Rpt./]

PHYS 499H Honors Independent Study (3) [Rpt./] I II

PHYS 502 Medical Physics (3) I For a description of course topics see PHYS 402. Graduate-level requirements include an original report demonstrating the ability to construct mathematical models related to one of the diagnostic or therapeutic modalities discussed in the course. (Identical with MCB 502). May be convened with PHYS 402.

PHYS 505 Digital Electronics Techniques (3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 405. Graduate students will complete a final project including programmable logic and at least one of the following components in its design: state machine, tri-state logic, memory or FIFOs, arithmetic units. May be convened with PHYS 405.

PHYS 511 Analytical Mechanics (3) II Laws of motion as developed by Newton, d'Alembert, Lagrange and Hamilton; dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. P, PHYS 410.

PHYS 513 Topics in Advanced Mechanics (3) I Modern topics in classical mechanics, including canonical perturbation theory, invariant mappings, nonintegrated system stochastic behavior and applications to semi-classical quantum theory. P, PHYS 511.

PHYS 515A Electromagnetic Theory (3) I Theory of classical electromagnetic phenomena, including time-dependent and static solutions of Maxwell's equations, radiation theory and relativistic electrodynamics.

PHYS 515B Electromagnetic Theory (3) II Theory of classical electromagnetic phenomena, including time-dependent and static solutions of Maxwell's equations, radiation theory and relativistic electrodynamics.

PHYS 528 Statistical Mechanics (3) I Physical statistics; the connection between the thermodynamic properties of a macroscopic system and the statistics of the fundamental components; Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, Einstein-Bose statistics. P, PHYS 476.

PHYS 529 Information and the Foundation of Physics (3) I P, OPTI 501 or PHYS 325 or equivalent. (Identical with OPTI 529, which is home).

PHYS 530 Introduction to Biophysics (2) I For a description of course topics see PHYS 430. Graduate-level requirements include extra assignments. (Identical with MBIM 530). May be convened with PHYS 430.

PHYS 531 Biophysical Theory (2) II Physical concepts and theories describing biomolecular structure and function, molecular evolution, limits to structure, symmetry, oligomer and virus structure, organelle structure and function. (Identical with MBIM 531).

PHYS 533 Physics Demonstration (1-3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 433. Graduate-level requirements include assisting with undergraduate lecture planning and demonstrations. May be convened with PHYS 433.

PHYS 535 Advanced Atomic Physics (3) II Details of atomic structure; interactions of atoms with electromagnetic fields, electrons and ions; techniques for calculating unperturbed and perturbed energy levels, transition probabilities and atomic interaction cross sections.

PHYS 545A Experimental Spectroscopy (1) I II For a description of course topics see PHYS 445A. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth report on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 445A.

PHYS 545B Experimental Acoustics (1) I II For a description of course topics see PHYS 445B. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth report on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 445B.

PHYS 545C Experimental Microscopy (1) I II For a description of course topics see PHYS 445C. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth report on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 445C.

PHYS 545D Experimental Geometric and Physical Optics (1-3) I II For a description of course topics see PHYS 445D. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth report on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 445D.

PHYS 550 Introduction to Nuclear Physics (3) II Nuclear forces; nuclear phenomenology. Reactions and stability; nuclear models. Radiation and decay. The structure of nucleons; particle phenomenology; the standard model.

PHYS 551 Nuclear Physics (3) I Theory of nuclear systems, including stability, decay, nuclear forces, scattering, reactions, structure and interaction with electromagnetic radiation.

PHYS 552 The Many-Body Problem in Nuclear Physics (3) [Rpt./ 1] II Fermi gas model, Green's functions, Wick's and Goldstone's theorems, theory of nuclear matter, microscopic theory of finite nuclei.

PHYS 556 Electrodynamics of Conducting Fluids and Plasmas (3) II (Identical with PTYS 556, which is home).

PHYS 560 Solid-State Physics (3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 460. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth paper on a topic in solid-state physics. May be convened with PHYS 460.

PHYS 561 Physics of Semiconductors (3) I Elementary excitations in solids, phonons, electrons and holes, dielectric formalism of optical response, many-body effects in a Coulomb system. P, PHYS 570 or OPTI 507 recommended but not formally required, PHYS 460. (Identical with OPTI 561).

PHYS 562 Theory of Condensed Matter (3) I Quantum theory of solids. Elementary excitations. Electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions. Spins and magnetism. Metal-insulator transitions. Basic concepts in superconductivity.

PHYS 563 Experimental Condensed Matter Physics (3) II Topics in experimental condensed matter physics; will include thin film theory, methods, characterization; high vacuum deposition technologies; evaporation sputtering, MBE, CVD, LPE, Ion Beam Deposition; epitaxial films; diffraction theory; x-ray, electron probes: RBS, XPS, Auger; magnetic films; super-conductivity.

PHYS 570A Quantum Mechanics (3) I Principles of quantum mechanics; wave mechanics and matrix mechanics; applications to atomic structure and spectroscopy. P, PHYS 475; PHYS 476 recommended but not required.

PHYS 570B Quantum Mechanics (3) II Principles of quantum mechanics; wave mechanics and matrix mechanics; applications to atomic structure and spectroscopy.

PHYS 570C Intermediate Quantum Mechanics (3) II Formal quantum mechanics; scattering theory; relativistic wave equations; applications of DIRAC equation; angular momentum; symmetry; optical theorem; dispersion relations and path integral formulations.

PHYS 571 General Relativity and Cosmology (3) I II (Identical with ASTR 571, which is home).

PHYS 572 Quantum Theory II (3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 472. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework problems. May be convened with PHYS 472.

PHYS 573 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy for Experimentalists I (3) I For a description of course topics see PHYS 473. Graduate-level requirements include homework problem assignments at an advanced level. (Identical with OPTI 573). May be convened with PHYS 473.

PHYS 574 Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy for Experimentalists II (3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 474. Continuation of 573. Graduate-level requirements include homework problem assignments at an advanced level. (Identical with OPTI 574). May be convened with PHYS 474.

PHYS 575 Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3) I For a description of course topics see PHYS 475. Graduate-level requirements include advanced examinations, as determined by the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 475.

PHYS 576 Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3) II For a description of course topics see PHYS 476. Graduate-level requirements include advanced examinations, as determined by the instructor. May be convened with PHYS 476.

PHYS 577 Gravitation and Cosmology (3) I Review of Special Relativity; theory of general relativity; tensor calculus; introduction to relativistic astrophysics and cosmology.

PHYS 579A Advanced Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (3) I Continuous groups; scattering theory; relativistic wave equations; quantum electrodynamics, Feynman diagrams, dispersion theory, renormalization; strong and weak interactions.

PHYS 579B Advanced Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (3) II Continuous groups; scattering theory; relativistic wave equations; quantum electrodynamics, Feynman diagrams, dispersion theory, renormalization; strong and weak interactions.

PHYS 581 Elementary Particle Physics (3) I Production, interaction, and decay of mesons, baryons and leptons; high energy scattering of elementary particles; particle classification and symmetries; theoretical interpretation.

PHYS 582 High Energy Astrophysics (3) II (Identical with ASTR 582, which is home).

PHYS 586 Techniques in Particle Physics (3) II Classification of elementary particles and their interactions with matter, relativistic kinematics, detectors, data acquisition techniques, statistical techniques, analysis of experiments, cosmic radiation and accelerators.

PHYS 587 Nuclear Astrophysics (3) I (Identical with ASTR 587, which is home).

PHYS 589 Topics in Theoretical Astrophysics (3) [Rpt./ 1] I Current topics in theoretical astrophysics in depth, with emphasis on the methodology and techniques of the theorist and the cross-disciplinary nature of astrophysics theory. Example subjects are nuclear astrophysics, hydrodynamics, transient phenomena, planetary interiors and atmospheres, neutron stars, jets and the evolution of star clusters. (Identical with ASTR 589, PTYS 589).

PHYS 591 Preceptorship (1-3) [Rpt./] I II

PHYS 596A Current Problems in Molecular Biophysics (1) I II (Identical with MBIM 596A).

PHYS 596B Methods in Computational Astrophysics (3) II (Identical with ASTR 596B, which is home).

PHYS 596E Issues in Science and Technology Policy (3) II (Identical with OPTI 596E).

PHYS 596F Topics in Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (3) I II Cosmography, dynamical models of general relativity (Einstein, Yilmaz, Quantum Field Theory), Evolution of Cosmic Big Bang.

PHYS 596H Philosophy of Physical Science (3) [Rpt./ 2] I II (Identical with PHIL 596H, which is home).

PHYS 599 Independent Study (1-6) [Rpt./]

PHYS 685 Graduate Physics Laboratory (3) [Rpt./ 2] II Introduction to modern research methods and experiments. Problems in low-temperature physics; solid-state, atomic, and nuclear spectroscopy; computer-based data acquisition and analysis; solar-energy physics; and others.

PHYS 695A Current Problems in Physics (1) [Rpt./ 1] I II

PHYS 697A Problems in Computational Science (3) [Rpt./ 1] I II (Identical with MATH 697A, which is home).

PHYS 697B Applied Mathematics Laboratory (3) II S (Identical with MATH 697B, which is home).

PHYS 699 Independent Study (1-3)

PHYS 900 Research (1-4) [Rpt./]

PHYS 909 Master's Report (1-9) [Rpt./] I II

PHYS 910 Thesis (1-4) [Rpt./]

PHYS 920 Dissertation (1-9) [Rpt./]

PHYS 930 Supplementary Registration (1-9) [Rpt./]

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