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Offered by Department of Physics and Physical Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences

PHYS Courses

PHYS 800 - Advanced Physical Science - 3 hours
An inquiry-oriented course involving the study of selected areas of physics, such as motion, electricity, light, and heat. This course will allow the student to learn science content by working with concrete materials as well as acquaint the student with teaching strategies and materials. Students will be required to complete a project for the course. Summer only.
PHYS 801 - Earth Science for High School Teachers - 3 hours
The basic laws of physics, chemistry and geology are investigated and applied to earth science, meteorology and astronomy. Student interaction is used to sharpen the ability to observe, reason and communicate. Summer only.
PHYS 802 - Applied Physical Science - 3 hours
An inquiry oriented course designed to enhance process skills and critical thinking ability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the physical principles in the areas of mechanics, optics, electronics, electromagnetism, and microchemistry. Computer activities will be utilized in many of these areas.
PHYS 809 - Meteorology - 3 hours
An investigation and application of the basic principles of physics and chemistry to the understanding of weather including a study of the atmosphere's origin, composition, circulation patterns, energy budget and its role in the hydro-logic cycle. Topics include: instruments for observation, precipitation process, wave cyclones, jet streams, weather forecasting, weather modification and applications of meteorology to air pollution, agriculture, and aviation. Summer only.
PHYS 810P - Mathematical Techniques in the Physical Sciences - 4 hours
Prereq: MATH 260* or permission of instructor
A formal development of selected topics from infinite series, determinants and matrices, partial differentiation, vector analysis, Fourier series, functions of a complex variable, and coordinate transformations, calculus or residues, and calculus of variations. Fall only.
PHYS 811 - Astronomy for High School Teachers - 3 hours
The basic principles of astronomy are studied and applied through research and observation to topics ranging from sunspots and meteors, to quasars, pulsars and black holes. Summer only.
PHYS 817P - Quantum Mechanics - 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 416 or permission of instructor
A formal development of the principles of quantum mechanics. The mathematics of Hamiltonian Mechanics are presented as a bridge from Classical Physics to Quantum Physics. Topics are selected to extend the treatment given in Modern Physics II. Fall only, odd years.
PHYS 822 - Topics in Physical Science - 1-4 hours
The following special subjects which are not covered in traditional 800 level courses will be discussed here at the graduate level.
PHYS 823P - Electronics - 4 hours
Prereq: PHYS 323* or equivalent
Operational amplifiers, their use in instrumentation and analog computer, logic circuits, digital electronics, applications to computer and control systems.
PHYS 825 - Classical Mechanics - 3 hours
Prereq: permission of instructor
The Newtonian, Langranian, and Hamiltonian formulation of the laws of motion, including the dynamics of rigid bodies.
PHYS 830P - Optics - 4 hours
Prereq: PHYS 276*, MATH 202* parallel or prerequisite
Geometric and wave optics including optical instruments. Spring only, odd years.
PHYS 840P - Heat and Thermodynamics - 4 hours
The study of temperature, heat, and work, the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, Maxwell's relations and an introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Spring only, even years.
PHYS 846P - Modern Physics for High School Teachers I - 4 hours
An advanced study of selected topics in electricity and modern physics including introductory concepts in atomic and nuclear physics. Research or design of educational projects will be used to aid in explaining these areas.
PHYS 847 - Modern Physics for High School Teachers II - 4 hours
Prereq: PHYS 346* or PHYS 446* or PHYS 846P or permission of instructor
A continuation of PHYS 846P. Introductory concepts in quantum mechanics and quantum statistics will be treated. Other areas of emphasis will include atomic structure, solid state, and nuclear physics. Research or design of educational projects will be used to aid in explaining these areas.
PHYS 856P - Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours
Includes visits to specialized research or scientific centers, or expeditions to observe or study special events such as solar eclipses
PHYS 871P - Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours
Prereq: 10 hours of work in Chemistry or Physics
Included in this course will be a study of curriculum, teaching techniques, and materials. Fall only.
PHYS 872P - Science Curricula - 1-3 hours
Involves the history of science curricula, introduction to the specifics of selected science curricula, and experience working with science curricula materials in elementary, junior high, or senior high school.
PHYS 895P - Research in Physics - 1-3 hours
Prereq: one senior level physics course and permission of the instructor
Approximately five hours per week for each semester hour of credit. A student may accumulate a total of nine hours.
PHYS 896 - Thesis - 6 hours
PHYS 899P - Problems in Physical Science - 1-3 hours
Prereq: Elementary courses necessary for the problem to be undertaken, and permission of instructor
Independent investigation of physical science problems. Three hours of laboratory work each week for each hour of credit.

* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.

30 Nov 2006