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 Physics - 4 hours
- Prereq: MATH 202* 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 411* 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*
Geometric and wave optics including optical instruments. Spring only, even-numbered years.
- PHYS 840P - Heat and Thermodynamics - 4 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
The study of temperature, heat, and work, the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, Maxwell's relations and an introduction to
statistical thermodynamics. Spring only, odd years.
- PHYS 846P - Modern Physics for High School Teachers I - 4 hours
- Prereq: PHYS 206* or PHYS 276* or permission of instructor
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, 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 - 1-6 hours
- PHYS 899P - Problems in Physical Science - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: elementary courses necessary for the problem to be undertaken, 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.
