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 813 - Introduction to Analog and Digital Electronics - 4 hours
Prereq: PHYS 206*, PHYS 206L OR PHYS 276*, PHYS 276L OR permission of instructor
An introduction to the analysis and design of analog and digital electronic circuits. Basic analysis and design are covered. Laboratory activities are designed to support the lectures. Applications to computers, television, radio, and automobiles are discussed.
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*, PHYS 276L, 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*, PHYS 206L, OR PHYS 276*, PHYS 276L 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.

26 Oct 2011

gradcat@unk.edu