Astromomy
Physics, Geology, and Astronomy
Professor Churnet, Head
The Department of Physics, Geology, and Astronomy offers two degree programs for its majors: the B.S. in physics, and the B.S. in geology. The department also contributes to programs leading to degrees in other sciences, engineering, and paraprofessional areas. In addition, the department offers minors in geology, physics, and health physics. The geology program emphasizes hands-on experience. Many courses are supported by field examination of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. The geology curriculum is designed to train students to pursue graduate degrees or enter the work force, particularly in the area of environmental geology.
As a fundamental science, physics is required for the education of students in many disciplines. The physics program emphasizes mathematics, but to accommodate students in less quantitative disciplines the department also offers introductory algebra-based physics. Physics majors are qualified to seek opportunities in graduate school, education, government, and industrial research.
The astronomy program is augmented by specialized equipment for astrophotography. The off-campus UTC Clarence T. Jones Observatory provides astronomy presentations to the community at large. The department offers several introductory courses which fulfill the natural science requirement. Physics 103 & 183, 104 & 184, 230 & 280, 231 & 281, Geology 111 & 181, 112 & 182,116, General Science 111 & 181, and Astronomy 102 &182 all contain a strong laboratory emphasis, and are excellent choices to increase one's appreciation of nature and the physical universe.
Geology (B.S.) General Education (see pages 29-31 for list of approved courses)
| Rhetoric and Composition: Two approved courses in rhetoric and composition (6 hours) |
| Intensive Writing: English 278 (3 hours ) |
| Oral Communication: One approved course in oral communication (3 hours) |
| Computer Literacy: Computer Science 110 (3 hours) |
| Cultures and Civilizations: Option (a) Western Humanities I and II (6 hours) and Nonwestern |
| Cultures and Civilizations (3 hours) or option (b) World Civilization I, II, III (9 hours) |
| Humanities and Fine Arts: Two
approved humanities and fine arts courses, one from fine arts and one from either (6 hours) |
| Behavioral & Social
Sciences: Two approved behavioral or social science courses in two
different disciplines. (6 hours) |
Natural Sciences: Two approved natural science courses, at least on including a laboratory component (7-8 hours) |
Mathematics: One approved mathematics course (3 hours; approved related courses below will apply) |
| Statistics: One approved statistics course (3 hours) |
| Exercise Science, Health and
Leisure Studies 021 plus one additional semester exercise science activity. |
Major and related courses
Geology 111 & 181, 112 & 182, 241, 242, 303, 451, 480, 490
Any two of the following sequences: Biology 121-122, Chemistry 121
&123-122 &124, Physics 103 & 183,
104 & 184 or Physics 230 & 280-231 & 281
Recommended: Astronomy 101 & 181 or 102 & 182, Environmental
Science 150, Math 161 & 162,
Physics 230 & 280, 231 & 281, 232 and Chemistry 341, 351
2.0 average in all geology courses
Minimum of 30 hours of 300 and 400 level courses
Electives to complete 128 hours
Each geology major must also complete the requirements for either the
Geology option or the
Environmental Geology option:
Geology option: Geology 321, 452, plus 7 hours of geology electives,
including at least one course
at the 400-level; Mathematics 151/152.
Environmental Geology option: Geology 123, 445, plus 8 hours of geology
electives, including at
least one course at the 400-level; Mathematics 1362 or 151/152.
Field work
Geology majors are encouraged to enroll in a field geology course (field
camp) during the summer
following the junior or senior year. In the latter case, graduation will
be postponed until August
and the requirement that the last 30 hours be completed at UTC will be
waived. It is still required,
however, that at least 30 hours be completed at UTC.
Graduate study preparation
Most graduate schools in geology require a minimum of 1 year of calculus,
1 year of
calculus-based physics, and a good background in courses from biology,
chemistry, and computer
science, and a geology field camp. Therefore, students intending to pursue
a graduate degree in
geology should take those courses that will best prepare them
for the graduate program of their choice. It is strongly recommended that
the prospective graduate
student also take Geology 497r.
Typical course of study in geology (B.S.)
First Semester Second Semester
FRESHMAN
Geology 111 & 181 4 Geology 112 $ 182 4
Chemistry D121 & 123 4 Chemistry 122 & 124 4
General Education Category A 3 General Education Category A 3
University Studies 101 3 General Education Category B 3
EHLS 021 1 EHLS Activity 1
Total 15 Total 15
SOPHOMORE
Geology 241 4 Geology 242 4
Elective 2 Geology Elective 3
Computer Science 110 or 118 3 General Education Category B 3
Mathematics F151 & 152 4 Elective (or Mathematics 161 $ 162) 4
General Education Category G 3 English 278 3
Total 16 Total 17
JUNIOR
Geology 303 (or 351) 4 Geology 321 (or 352) 4
Geology Elective 2 Geology 480 1
Physics D103 or 230 4 Physics 104 $184 or 231 $ 281 4
General Education Category C 3 General Education Category C 3
Biology D121 4 Biology 122 4
Total 17 Total 16
SENIOR
Geology 351 (or 303) 4 Geology 352 (or 321) 4
Geology 490 2 Geology 497r 2
Geology Elective 4 Geology Elective 3
Geology 474 3 Elective 4
Elective 3 General Education Category B 3
Total 16 Total 16
TOTAL HOURS 128
Mathematics 106, 144, and 145 may be recommended to precede Mathematics
151/152, depending
on preparation of the individual student. Students taking the
Environmental Geology option may
substitute Mathematics 136 for Mathematics 151/152.
Mathematics 106 and 131 may be recommended to precede Mathematics 136,
depending on the
preparation of the individual student.
Take any two of the following sequences: Biology 121 & 123 -122 &
124; Chemistry 121 &
123-122 & 124; Physics 103 & 183-104 & 184 (or Physics 230
& 280-231 & 281)
The Environmental Geology option requires Geology 123 in place of Geology
321
The Environmental Geology option requires Geology 445 in place of Geology
452
Geology Minor
18 hours of geology including 111 & 181, 112 & 182, and 407. At
least 8 hours 300 level or
above.
Minimum 2.0 average in all geology courses.
Geology Courses
100 Earth Science (4)
Interdisciplinary overview of the planet Earth, including the origin and
evolution of its physical
features, the role of modern technology in refining plate tectonic theory,
and a look toward Earth's
future. On demand. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.
108 Geomorphology (3)
Scientific account of the general configuration of Earth's surface and the
evolution of land forms.
On demand. Lecture 3 hours.
111 Physical Geology (3)
Introduction to geology with emphasis on the origin of Earth, geological
materials (minerals,
rocks), geological process and events (mountain building, erosion,
earthquakes, volcanic activity)
and geological features ( oceans, landforms). Field trips. Every semester.
Prerequisite: math
placement level 20 or Mathematics 106. Corequisite: Geology 181
laboratory, or permission of the
head of the department.
112 Historical Geology (3)
Geologic history of Earth, with emphasis on geologic time and the
evolution of life as gleaned
from the fossil record. Field trips. Every semester. Prerequisite: Geology
111 & 181 or permission of the
instructor. Co-requisite: Geology 182 laboratory, or permission of the
head of the department.
116 Current Geologic Perspectives of Earth (3)
Geologic perspectives of Earth and the ways in which it enhances and
limits our life styles, including natural
disaster and basic issues of sustainability. Promotes an understanding of
Earth and the insights necessary to
making conscientious decisions. Specific topics may vary in keeping with
current issues. On demand.
Prerequisites: math placement level 20 or mathematics 106. Credit may not
apply for a geology degree.
123 Environmental Geology (4)
Natural, mining, and industry-related environmental hazards, including
interactions of water, rock,
and air, and the attempts of humanity to remedy these problems. On demand.
Lecture 3 hours,
laboratory 1 hour.
181 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Geology 111. Laboratory studies of minerals and
rocks, topographic and
geologic process and events. Every semester. Two hours per week.
Corequisite: Geology 111 or permission of
the head of the department.
182 Historic Geology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Geology 112. Laboratory studies of rocks, geologic
maps and geologic
structures, stratigraphic data sets, selected fossil and recent specimens
of major taxonomic groups
of organisms. Every semester. Two hours per week. Corequisite: Geology
112, or permission of
the head of the department.
199r Special Projects (1-4)
Individual or group projects. On demand. Prerequisites: receipt of an
acceptable proposal, and
permission of the instructor and department head. Graded on a
satisfactory/no credit basis.
Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
225 Oceanography (3)
Study of the oceans, including chemical and physical properties of sea
water, patterns of sea-water
circulation, life zones, origin and physiography of ocean basins, and
mineral and energy resources
of the oceans. On demand. Lecture 3 hours. May be registered as
Environmental Science 225.
226 Oceanography Laboratory (1)
Laboratory exercises in oceanography. On demand. Corequisite: Geology 225.
241 Mineralogy (4)
Crystallography, descriptive and determinative mineralogy, mineral
chemistry, and methods of
chemical analysis. Fall semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisites: Geology 111
& 181, Chemistry 121. Formerly Geology 341.
242 Petrology (4)
In-depth study of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including classification,
genesis, and evolution.
Field trips. Spring semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisite: Geology 241.
Formerly Geology 342.
303 Sedimentary Rocks and Stratigraphy (4)
Sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic correlation with emphasis on the
classic stratigraphy of eastern
North America, the facies concept, and paleogeographic reconstruction of
the continents. Field
trips. Fall semester, alternate years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3
hours. Prerequisite: Geology
112. & 182.
307 Geology of Tennessee (3)
Geologic resources, structure, and history of Tennessee and adjacent
areas. Lecture and field trips.
On demand. Prerequisite: a previous course in geology.
321 Paleontology (4)
Study of animals that are preserved in the fossil record, particularly
taxonomy and population,
interpretation of faunal assemblages, and the concept of biostratigraphy.
Laboratory exercises
emphasize morphology and time ranges of major fossil groups. Field trips.
Spring semester,
alternate years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite:
Geology 112 &182.
330 Sedimentation (4)
Interpretation of ancient depositional environments from outcrop
observations, well logs, and
modern-day analogs. Extensive field work. On demand. Lecture 3 hours,
laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisite: Geology 303 or permission of the instructor.
405 Principles of Geochemistry (4)
Origin, distribution, and behavior of chemical elements on Earth.
Applications of chemistry to
geologic problems. On demand. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory and recitation 2
hours. Prerequisites:
Geology 111 & 181 and 1 year of college chemistry. Calculus level math
is highly recommended.
406 Lithology: Study of Rocks (4)
Identification and study of common rocks and their plate tectonic
environments. On demand .Lecture 3 hours,
laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
407 The Dynamic Earth (3)
History, theory, and application of plate tectonics models to explain the
dynamic character of the
Earth. On demand. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Geology 111 & 181 or
approval of instructor.
431 Sedimentary Petrology (3)
In -depth study of sedimentary rocks, including genesis and classification
of clastic and chemical
varieties. Field work. On demand. Variable lecture and laboratory time
dependent on topic.
Prerequisite; Geology 330.
436 Fossil Fuels (3)
Stratigraphic and sedimentological study of fossil-fuel deposits and the
scientific basis for
fossil-fuel exploration, including interpretation of gamma-ray well logs
and preparation of panel
diagrams, structure contour maps and isopach maps. On demand.
Prerequisite: Geology 111 &
181.
445 Hydrology (3)
Occurrence and behavior of water in the geologic environment, including
drainage systems,
erosional and depositional processes, causes and controls of flooding,
ground-water systems, and
water quality problems. Field work. On demand. Prerequisites: Geology 111
& 181; Chemistry
121.
450 Economic Geology (4)
Origin, distribution, and classification of mineral deposits found in
igneous, sedimentary, and
metamorphic rocks with an introduction to methods of exploration and
mining. On demand.
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: Geology 342; Chemistry
122.
451 Structural Geology (4)
Theory and principles of rock deformation, description and classification
of common geologic
structures, and laboratory methods to solve structural problems. Field
trips. Fall semester,
alternate years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite:
Geology 242. Formerly
Geology 351.
452 Field Methods in Structural Geology (4)
Methods of gathering data in the field and interpretation of field
relationships, as necessary to
geologic mapping and analysis of geologic structures. Extensive field
work. Spring semester,
alternate years. . Lecture 3 hours , laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite:
Geology 351. Formerly
Geology 352.
454 Geologic Mapping (3)
Mapping of lithology and structural features in sedimentary and
crystalline rocks. Extensive field
work. On demand. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 340 or Geology 352
and permission of
the instructor. Formerly Geology 404.
474 Water Quality Survey (3)
Concepts of water quality, including sampling methods, units of
concentration, and simple
analytical procedures. Concepts are augmented by field and laboratory
studies of ground and
surface water. Field work. On demand. Prerequisites: Geology 111 & 181
or 123; Chemistry 121,
122; senior standing, and permission of the instructor. Chemistry 351 and
Geology 341 are
recommended.
480 Geology Seminar (1)
Seminar and discussion of topics of current interest in the earth
sciences. Student presentations
required. Spring semester. Prerequisite: Upper level or graduate standing.
490 Senior Seminar (2)
Culminating senior experience giving students an opportunity to design and
conduct research
related to geologic problems. Fall semester. Prerequisites: Geology 480,
and permission of the
instructor.
495r Departmental Honors (1-3 hours per term, 4
hours for the two terms)
On demand. Graded on a satisfactory/no credit basis. See
"Departmental Honors," page 36.
496r Geology Field Experience (1-4)
Participation in the examination of the geology of a region based on a
department-sponsored
geologic expedition. Pre and post-trip written reports are required. On
demand. Prerequisites:
introductory course in the natural sciences, and permission of the
instructor.
497r Research (1-4)
On demand. Prerequisites: receipt of acceptable research proposal, and
permission of the instructor
and department head. Graded on a satisfactory/no credit basis. Cumulative
limit of 4 hours.
498r Individual Studies (1-4)
On demand. Consent of instructor, receipt of an acceptable proposal, and
permission of the
department head. Graded on a satisfactory/no credit basis. Cumulative
limit of 4 hours.
499r Group Studies (1-4)
On demand. Consent of instructor. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
Physics (B.S.) General Education (see pages 29-31 for list of approved courses)
| Rhetoric and Composition: Two approved courses in rhetoric and composition (6 hours) |
| Intensive Writing: One approved course in intensive writing (3 hours ) |
| Oral Communication: One approved course in oral communication (3 hours) |
| Computer Literacy: One approved course in computer literacy (3 hours) |
| Cultures and Civilizations:
Option (a) Western Humanities I and II (6 hours) and Nonwestern Cultures and Civilizations (3 hours) or option (b) World Civilization I, II, III (9 hours) |
| Humanities and Fine Arts: Two
approved humanities and fine arts courses, one from fine arts and one from either (6 hours) |
| Behavioral & Social
Sciences: Two approved behavioral or social science courses in two
different disciplines. (6 hours) |
| Natural Sciences: Two approved
natural science courses, at least one including a laboratory component (7-8 hours) |
| Mathematics: One approved
mathematics course (3 hours; approved related course below will apply) |
| Statistics: One approved statistics course (3 hours) |
Exercise Science, Health and Leisure Studies 021
plus one additional semester exercise science
activity.
Major and related courses
One of the following options:
1. Two semesters of French or German
2. Computer Science 118 or Engineering 124
Mathematics 151/152, 161/162, 212, 245, 255
Chemistry 121, 122
Physics 230 (or 103 and 104)
Physics 231 and 232
Physics 341, 342, and 411
6 hours from Physics 381r, 382r, 481r, and 482r
30 additional hours from physics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, or
mathematics at the 200
level or above or from geology and biology or other fields with prior
approval by the department.
Recommended: Physics 303, 307, 310, 412, and 414r are recommended for
students who plan on
graduate study in physics /astronomy.
At least 30 hours of physics and astronomy at the 300 and 400 level
2.0 average in all physics courses
Electives to complete 128 hours
Typical course of study in physics (B.S.)
First Semester Second Semester
FRESHMAN
Chemistry D121 $ 123 4 Physics 230 $ 280 4
Mathematics F151 & 152 4 Chemistry 122 $ 1 24 4
General Education Category A 3 Mathematics 161 & 162 4
General Education Category B 3 General Education Category A 3
Elective 3 EHLS 021 1
Total 17 Total 16
SOPHOMORE
Physics 231 & 232 4 Physics 232 $ 282 4
Mathematics 212 3 Mathematics 255 3
Mathematics 245 3 General Education Category B 3
General Education Category B 3 General Education Category C 3
General Education Category C 3 Computer Science 118 or
Engineering 124 3
EHLS activity 1
Total 16 Total 17
JUNIOR
Physics 341 4 Physics 342 4
Physics 307 (or 310) 4 Physics 303 4
Physics 381r 2 Physics 382r 2
General Education Category G 3 Elective 3
Foreign Language* 3 Foreign Language* 3
Total 16 Total 16
SENIOR
Physics 411 3 Elective 3
Physics 310 (or 307) 4
Physics 481r 2 Electives 12
Electives 6
Total 15 Total 15
TOTAL HOURS 128
Physics Minors
Physics:
Required courses: Physics 230 & 280 (or 103 or Engineering 103 and
104), Physics 231, Physics
232 (or 104).
Elective courses: A planned program of at least 12 hours of physics at the
300-400 level selected
with the prior approval of the department.
Minimum 2.0 average in the minor.
Health Physics:
19 hours of physics including:
A. One of the following introductory options: 103 &183 and 104; or 230
& 280, 231, and 232; or
Engineering 103, 104, Physics 231, and 232.
B. Physics 441, 442, 482r and 3 hours from 318, 412, 419, or
departmentally approved special
projects.
Minimum 2.0 average in the minor.
Astronomy Courses
101 Introduction to Astronomy - The Solar System (4
with lab, 3 without)
Descriptive and conceptual introduction to the nature and origin of the
solar system. Optional
2-hour laboratory illustrates concepts of practical astronomy. On demand.
Lecture 3 hours.
102 Introduction to Astronomy-Stars to Galaxies
(3)
Nature of stars and galaxies; evolution and structure of the observable
universe with emphasis on
the experimental foundations of the science Fall semester. Prerequisites:
math placement level 20
or mathematics 106. Corequisite: Astronomy 182 laboratory or permission of
the head of
the department.
181 Astronomy Laboratory - The Solar System (1)
Optional laboratory to accompany Astronomy 101. illustrates concepts of
practical astronomy,
such as measuring planetary rotation rate and mass, using telescopes, deep
sky observation session.
On demand. Two hours per week. Corequisite: Astronomy 101 or permission of
the head of the department.
182 Astronomy Laboratory - Stars to Galaxies (1)
Laboratory to accompany Astronomy 102. Exercises and observations include
learning to set up
and use a telescope, spectroscopy, a deep sky observing session, a visit
to Jones Observatory and
Planetarium, photometry, and the Hubble Redshift-Distance relation. Fall
semester. Two hours per
week. Corequisite: Astronomy 102 or permission of the head of the
department.
199r Special Projects (1-4)
Individual or group studies. On demand. Prerequisites: permission of the
instructor and head of the
department. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
300r Advanced Astronomy Laboratory (1)
Laboratory techniques in astronomy. Applications of spectroscopy, optics,
modern photographic
techniques, and photometry to observational astronomy. Use of the
university's observatory. On
demand. Prerequisite: Astronomy 101 or 102, & 182 or permission of the
instructor. Cumulative
limit of 2 hours.
401 Solar System Astrophysics (3)
Application of basic physical laws to the problem of the origin and
evolution of the solar system.
Solar structure and energy sources, radiative transfer, the solar magnetic
field, the interplanetary
medium, celestial mechanics, comets, meteors, asteroids, the planets, and
their satellites. On
demand. Prerequisite: Physics 342 or permission of instructor.
498r Individual Studies (1-4)
On demand. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and head of the
department.
499r Group Studies (1-4)
On demand. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and head of the
department.
General Science Courses
111 The Physical Environment: Atoms to Galaxies (3)
Description of physical science from three view points: its historical and
sociological significance,
the processes of science, and the present content of scientific fact and
theory. Topics include
physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy. Prerequisites: math placement
level 20 or mathematics
106, or permission of the head of the department. Corequisite: General
Science 181 Laboratory,
or permission of the head of the department.
GNSC 112, Science and Society (3)
Explores the interrelationship of science and
society through discussion of scientific issues that are
vitally important to our society and everyday life. Specific topics may
vary in keeping with current
issues, but are likely to include the energy crisis, the application of
high technology and its social
implications, the current status of space science, the importance of
science to economy and defense.
On demand.
Prerequisite : Mathematics Placement Level 20 or Math 106.
181 General Science Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany general science 111. Studies involve error
analysis, circuits, optics,
nuclear radiation, heal and temperature, pH Measurements, astronomy
measurements, identification
of minerals, a geological field trip, and a visit to Jones Observatory.
Every semester. Two hours
per week. Corequisite: General Science 111 or permission of the head of
the department.
Physics Courses
103 General Physics - Mechanics and Heat (3)
Algebra-based introduction to forces and uniform motion, conservation
principles, sound and
thermodynamics, with applications to problems of modern science and
technology. Every
semester. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: 3 units of college preparatory
mathematics or Math 105 or
equivalent; Corequisite: Physics 183 laboratory, or permission of the head
of the department.
104 General Physics-Electromagnetism and Optics
(3)
Algebra-based introduction to classical electricity and magnetism, optics,
and the concepts of
modern physics. Required in premedical, predental, prepharmacy, and
physical therapy programs.
Every semester. Lecture 3 hours laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Physics
103 & 183 or
permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Physics 184 laboratory or
permission of the head of the
department.
183 Principles of Physics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Physics 103. Experiments investigate various
aspects of forces and
uniform motion, conservation, principles, sound and thermodynamics. Every
semester. Two hours
per week. Corequisite: Physics 103, or permission of the head of the
department.
184. General Physics Laboratory -
Electromagnetism and optics (1)
Laboratory to accompany Physics 104. Experiments investigate various
aspects of electromagnetism,
electrical currents, instrumentation, optics, and radioactivity. Every
semester. Two hours per week.
Corequisite: Physics 104 or permission of the head of the department.
199r Special Projects (1-4)
Individual or group projects. On demand. Prerequisites: permission of the
instructor and head of
the department. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
230 Principles of Physics - Mechanics and Heat
(3)
Calculus-based introduction to the laws of classical dynamics, kinematics,
and thermodynamics,
with applications to simple physical systems. Every semester. Lecture 3
hours, Pre- or Corequisite:
Mathematics 161 /162 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Physics
280 laboratory, or
permission of the head of the department.
231 Principles of Physics-Electricity and
Magnetism (3)
Calculus-based introduction to electric and magnetic fields, electric
currents, electromagnetic
induction and waves. For all engineering students. Every semester. Lecture
3 hours, laboratory 2
hours. Prerequisites Engineering 103, 104; or Physics 103 & 183, 104
&184; or Physics 230 &
280; Mathematics 151/152; 161/162, or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite: Physics 281
laboratory or permission of the head of the department.
232 Principles of Physics ? Optics and Modern
Physics (4)
Calculus-based survey of principles of optics, and of the early conceptual
advances in 20th-century
physics: the Bohr atom, quantum theory, relativity, nuclear physics and
elementary particles. For
all engineering students. Every semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2
hours. Prerequisites:
Engineering 103 and 104, or Physics 103 & 183 and 104 & 184, or
230 and 280; Mathematics 151/152,
161/162, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Physics 282
laboratory or permission of the
head of the department.
280 Principles of Physics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Physics 230. Experiments investigate basic laws of
motion, conservation
principles, waves and oscillations, and heat measurements with emphasis
given to error analysis.
Every semester. Two hours per week. Corequisite: Physics 230, or
permission of the head of the
department.
281 Principles of Physics Laboratory -Electricity
and magnetism (1)
Laboratory to accompany Physics 231. Experiments investigate basic
electronic circuitry and
electromagnetic induction, with emphasis given to error analysis. Every
semester. Two hours per
week. Corequisite: Physics 231 or permission of the head of the
department.
282 Principles of Physics Laboratory - Optics and
Modern Physics (1)
Laboratory to accompany Physics 232. Experiments investigate geometrical
optics, interference and
diffraction, and radioactivity, with emphasis given to error analysis.
Every semester. Two hours
per week. Corequisite: Physics 232 or permission of the head of the
department.
303 Basic Electronics (4)
Review of simple DC and AC circuitry; applications of diodes, transistors,
and operational
amplifiers; introduction to digital electronics using TTL integrated
circuits and their applications.
Spring semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisites:
Physics 103 & 183 and 104, or
231; Mathematics 161/162; or permission of the instructor.
304 Electronic Circuits (4)
Theory and use of basic electronic instruments for electrical measurement
or control. Multi-stage
amplification, feedback, oscillators, and digital/logic circuitry treated
with varying emphasis. On
demand. Lecture 3 hours laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Physics 303 or
permission of the
instructor.
307 Optics (4)
Basic aspects of geometrical and physical optics, including interference,
diffraction, and
polarization; optical systems; wave equations and superposition; laser
basics. Fall semester alternate
years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisites: Physics 230
& 280, 231, 232 or Physics
103 & 183, 104; Mathematics 161/162; or permission of the instructor.
310 Introduction to Thermal Physics (4)
Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics with
applications to basic
thermodynamic systems. Fall semester alternate years. Lecture 3 hours,
recitation 2 hours.
Prerequisites: Physics 230 & 280, 231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183,
104; Mathematics 161/162.
Corequisite: Mathematics 255; or permission of the instructor.
318 Radiation Physics and Introductory
Health Physics (3)
Introduction to ionizing radiation, its production and interaction with
matter, its biological effects
and its measurement. Radiation protection practices and regulatory
guidelines. The uses of
radiation and radioisotopes in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences,
and medicine. Benefits
and hazards of nuclear energy. Nuclear weapons and the effects of nuclear
warfare. On demand.
Prerequisite: Physics 104 or 232; or permission of the instructor.
341 Classical Mechanics (4)
Dynamics of particles and continuous media; Newton's law of motion,
conservation laws,
generalized coordinates, Lagrange's equations, and the principle of least
action; the mechanics of
continuous media, wave motion, sound, hydrostatics, rotational and
irrotational flow, the equation
of continuity, Laplace's equation. Fall semester. Lecture 3 hours,
recitation 2 hours. Prerequisites:
Physics 230 & 280, 231 or 103 and 183, 104; or permission of the
instructor. Corequisite:
Mathematics 245 or 255.
342 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Basic laws of electromagnetism, electric and magnetic properties of
materials, Maxwell's equations,
boundary value problems, electromagnetic waves. Spring semester. Lecture 3
hours, recitation 2
hours. Prerequisite: Physics 341; Mathematics 245, 255; or permission of
the instructor.
381r Methods of Experimental Physics (2)
Introduction to experimental design and techniques in areas such as
harmonic motion, gravitation,
timing and timing coincidence measurements, measurement of thermodynamic
properties,
electrical and magnetic measurements. Fall semester. Lecture 1 hours,
laboratory 2 hours.
Prerequisites: Physics 230 & 280, 231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183,
104. Corequisite: Physics 341
or 342, 307 or 310; or permission of the instructor. Cumulative limit of 4
hours.
382r Classical Physics Laboratory (2)
Advanced laboratory course emphasizing the measurement and analysis of the
properties of
classical physical systems in optics, mechanics, electricity and
magnetism, thermodynamics and
materials science. Spring semester. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours.
Prerequisites: Physics 230
& 280, 231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183, 104. Corequisite: Physics
341 or 342, 307 or 310; or
permission of the instructor. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
400r Physics Seminar (1)
Reports and reviews of selected physics research, including the
abstracting of publications. On
demand. Enrollment limited to juniors or above or permission of the
instructor. Cumulative limit
of 2 hours.
411 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Basic elements and principles of quantum physics: probability waves, the
Schrodinger equation,
expectation values and operator formalism, the hydrogen atom, radiation
processes. Fall semester.
Prerequisites: Physics 230 & 280, 231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183,
104; Mathematics 245 or 255;
or permission of the instruction.
412 Nuclear Physics (3)
Theory of nuclear structure; nuclear radiation characteristics; the
interaction of radiation with
matter; nuclear binding forces; the control and use of nuclear radiation.
Spring semester.
Prerequisites: Physics 230 & 280, 231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183,
104; Mathematics 245 or 255;
or permission of the instructor.
414r Advanced Modern Physics (3)
One topic selected from biophysics, elementary particles, quantum
mechanics, relativity, solid state
physics, statistical mechanics, or superconductivity. Emphasis on the
relation of the assumptions
and predictions of the theories to the experimental evidence. Consequences
of the theories illustrate
the nature of physics and its applications in modern science. On demand.
Prerequisites: Physics
341; Mathematics 245, 255; or permission of the instructor. Cumulative
limit of 9 hours.
419 Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics (3)
Nuclear reactions and radiation; fission processes, neutron diffusion,
reactor design variables,
reactor materials and shielding, reactivity coefficients. On demand.
Prerequisite: Physics 412 or
equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
424 Instrumentation, Interfacing, and
Microcomputers (3)
Interfacing instruments, measuring devices, and controls to mini and
microcomputers. Includes
voltmeters, counters, timers, temperature and other sensors, CRTs,
floppy-disks, keyboards, music
synthesizers, and control devices such as relays, thermostats, stepper
motors, oscillators, and power
supplies. Considers standard S100, IEE-488, and RS232C bus structures.
Survey of microcomputer
applications. Projects involving interfacing instruments with
microcomputers. On demand. Lecture
2 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisites: Physics 104, 232 or
equivalent; Computer Science 110
or equivalent; or permission of the instructor.
425 Computer-Based Materials Development in
Science (3)
Basic principles and practice of developing computer-based materials for
science education.
Projects to be chosen from a pool of topics in a specific area of science.
Each module to include
documentation, a tutorial, a pretest, a post test, explanatory material, a
question set, a problem set,
a graphics segment, etc. Modules to be prepared to publication standards.
Prerequisite: CPSC 102
or equivalent. Enrollment limited to juniors or above or permission of the
instructor.
430 Physics of Living Systems (3)
Introduction to basic biophysical processes occurring at the cellular
level. Emphasis on energy
transformations, and experimental techniques of biophysics. On demand.
Prerequisites: Physics 230
& 280, 231, 232, 310; or permission of the instructor.
441 Radiation Dosimetry (3)
Introduction to the theory and methodology of determining exposure and
dose from ionizing
radiation. Topics include: radioactivity and radioactive decay processes;
the interaction of ionizing
radiation with matter; exposure, dose and KERMA; cavity chamber theory;
and instrumentation
for radiation and dose measurement. On demand. Prerequisites: Physics 104
or 232, or permission
of the instructor.
442 Radiation Biology (3)
Molecular effects of ionizing radiation and the relationship between
molecular events and the acute
and chronic effects of ionizing radiation. The human data base for
estimates of the effects of low
levels of ionizing radiation. Risk assessment of exposure to populations.
On demand. Prerequisites:
Physics 104 or 232, or permission of the instructor.
481r Atomic Physics Laboratory (2)
Advanced laboratory on experimental methods used in atomic physics.
Possible laboratory
experiments include emission and absorption spectra of atoms and atomic
ions, the Franck-Hertz
experiment, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron-spin resonance, and
nuclear magnetic
resonance. Analysis of experimental results will be used to study
theoretical models of physical
processes. Fall semester. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours.
Prerequisites: Physics 230 & 280,
231, 232; or Physics 103 & 183, 104; Mathematics 245; or permission of
the instructor.
Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
482r Nuclear and Health Physics Laboratory (2)
Laboratory course in nuclear physics emphasizing the use of modern
detection and counting
equipment. Laboratory exercises include radiation dosimetry, radioisotope
techniques, neutron
scattering, gamma-gamma correlation, and the study of nuclear radiation
detection. Spring
semester. Maximum credit 4 hours. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours.
Prerequisites: Physics 230
& 280, 231, 232 ; or Physics 103 & 183, 104, 318; Mathematics 245,
or permission of the
instructor. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
495r Departmental Honors (1-3 hours per term, 4
hours for the two terms)
On demand. See "Departmental Honors," page 36.
497r Research (1-4)
On demand.
498r Individual Studies (1-4)
On demand.
499r Group Studies (1-4)
On demand.