Courses in Physics and Astronomy

Astronomy and Astrophysics (Astro)

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

120. The Sky and the Solar System.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. For the nonscientist. The sky: constellations; motions of the sun, moon, and planets; seasons and the calendar; eclipses. The solar system: origin and evolution; characteristics of the sun, planets, satellites, comets, meteorites, and asteroids. Extensive use of the planetarium is included.
150. Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. For the nonscientist. Observational aspects of stellar astronomy: motions, distances, sizes, spectra; types of stars; variability; binary systems. Stellar evolution: the birth, life, and death of stars, including supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes. The Milky Way Galaxy: clouds of matter in space, the structure and evolution of our galaxy. Other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, quasars. Theories of the origin of the universe.
290. Independent Study.
Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken. Prereq: Permissionof instructor.
342. Introduction to Solar System Astronomy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Phys 222. Analytical and comparative studies of solar system objects-planets, satellites, rings, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and interplanetary dust-with emphasis on the physical processes affecting them, their interactions, and their evolution. Orbital mechanics, including perturbations, stability, and resonances. Tidal forces and effects. Radiation laws and thermal physics with applications. Brief study of the sun as a star, and of stellar evolution. Origin and evolution of the solar system. The possible formation of other planetary systems; detection methods.
344L. Astronomy Laboratory.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Phys 222. Experiments in optical astronomy. Observational techniques, ranging from stellar photometry to astrophotography. Available instruments include 8" Mead, 14" Celestron and Schmidt cameras. Class meets at Fick Observatory south of Boone.
346. Introduction to Astrophysics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Phys 222. Introduction to celestial mechanics. Basic radiation theory; spectra. Observational determination of stellar properties; spectral classification. Binary systems. H-R diagram. Stellar populations. Stellar structure and evolution: white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes. The Galaxy: structure and composition; the interstellar medium. Other galaxies; active galaxies. Cosmology.
*405. (505 DL) Astrophysics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 342 or 346; Math 266. Physics of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Stellar spectra, structure and evolution. Origin of the elements. Black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs. Large scale structure of the universe, dark matter, Big Bang Cosmology.
450, 450L. Undergraduate Research.
Cr. 1 to 6 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: 450: Permission of instructor; 450L: 344L and permission of instructor. 450: Research under supervision of astronomy faculty. 450L: Laboratory or observational project under supervision of astronomy faculty.
490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken. Prereq: 6 credits in astronomy, permission of instructor. No more than 9 credits of Astro 490 may be counted toward graduation. H. Honors

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, major or minor, open to qualified undergraduates

*505. (405 DL) Astrophysics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 342 or 346; Math 266, permission of instructor. Physics of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Stellar spectra, structure and evolution. Origin of the elements. Black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs. Large scale structure of the universe, dark matter, Big Bang Cosmology.
510. Observational Astrophysics.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 1996. Prereq: 405 or 505. Techniques in optical and near-IR astronomy, including spectro-scopy and photometry with both single channel and 2-dimensional array detectors. Emphasis on projects involving proficiency in the use of small telescopes and modern instrumentation. Project topics range from spectroscopic and photometric studies of pulsating and binary star systems to deep photo-graphic and CCD imaging of faint nebulae and galaxies.
518. Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics
(E E 518) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: Phys 365 or E E 313. Radio astronomy fundamentals; wave polarization and measurement; radio telescope receivers and antennas; wave propagation in plasmas; synchrotron emission; continuum and line spectra; physical conditions in radio sources.
575. Radiative Transfer, Stellar Atmospheres, and Spectroscopy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F, offered 1995. Prereq: 405 or 505. Radiative transfer with applications to stellar interiors, atmospheres, and the interstellar medium. Interaction of radiation and matter; line and continuum processes. Statistical equilibrium. Line profiles. Interpretation of stellar spectra: temperature, pressure, and abundance determinations. Dynamic and extended atmos-pheres, chromospheres, coronae, and stellar winds.
580. Stellar Structure and Evolution.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: 405 or 505. Stellar structure equations and constitutive relations: energy generation, energy transport by radiation and convection; equation of state. Solutions to the equations: general theorems, analytic approxima-tions, numerical techniques and results. Stellar evolution from formation to final phases. Nucleo-synthesis; recycling of material to the interstellar medium. Evolution in interacting binaries. Variable stars.
590. Special topics.
Cr. var.
599. Creative Component.
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Individually directed study of research-level problems for students electing the nonthesis M.S. option in astronomy.

Courses for Graduate Students, major or minor

615. Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S, offered 1997. Prereq: 405 or 505. The interstellar medium, galactic structure, dynamics of external galaxies, evolution and classification of galaxies, extragalactic radio sources, quasars, cosmological models.
650. Advanced Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Topics of current interest in astronomy and astrophysics. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
660. Advanced Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S. Topics in stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy, including stellar evolution, solar physics, variable stars, compact objects, the interstellar medium, active galaxies and quasars, formation and evolution of galaxies, cosmology, high energy astrophysics, advanced observational techniques, and astrophysical applications of hydrodynamics.
699. Research.

Physics (Phys)

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

100. Introductory Seminar.
(1-1) Cr. R. F. Survey of current research and other interests of physics and astronomy faculty. Discussion of careers based on a major in physics. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
101. Physics for the Nonscientist.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Survey of the principal areas of both classical and modern physics. Emphasis on the nature of the physical universe and the application of physical principles to life in the modern world.
106. The Physics of Common Experience.
(4-2) Cr. 4. F.S. Elementary topics from mechanics, heat, electricity, sound, and light, emphasizing the use of basic principles to understand everyday experience. Includes practical problem exercises and a coordi-nated laboratory.
111, 112. General Physics.
(4-2) Cr. 4 each. 111: F.S.SS.; 112: F.S.SS. Prereq: 111: 11/2 years of high school algebra, 1 year of geometry, 1 semester of trigonometry; 112: 111. General background in physical concepts, principles, and methods for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. 111: Mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics, vibrations, waves, sound. Materials fee. 112: Electricity and magnetism, ray and wave optics, topics in modern physics. Materials fee.
198. Physics of Music.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Introductory-level course for nonphysics majors. Properties of sound; human perception of sound; room acoustics; musical scales; production and analysis of musical sounds by voice, string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.
221. Introduction to Classical Physics I.
(4.5-1) Cr. 5. F.S.SS. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in Math 166. For engineering and science majors. 3 hours of lecture each week plus 3 recitations and 1 laboratory every 2 weeks. Elementary mechanics, including kinematics and dynamics of particles, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, conservation laws, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation. Electric forces and fields. Electrical currents; DC circuits. Materials fee. H. Honors. S.
222. Introduction to Classical Physics II.
(4-2) Cr. 5. F.S.SS. Prereq: 221, Math 166. Magnetic forces and fields: LR, LC, LCR circuits; Maxwell's equations; waves and sound; ray optics and image formation; wave optics; heat, thermo-dynamics, kinetic theory of gases; topics in modern physics. Materials fee. H. Honors. F.
232. Computational Methods of Physics.
(0-2) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 222. Techniques in the use of personal computers in physics, including numerical modeling and integration, and the processing of large data sets. Experience in the use of statistical techniques to analyze data and to model physical events. Programming experience is helpful but not necessary.
290. Independent Study.
Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
298, 398, 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; 298: sophomore classification; 398: junior classification; 498: senior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for these courses prior to commencing each work period.
302. The Challenge of Contemporary Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Sophomore classification. A largely nonmathematical but intellectually challenging exploration of physics which assumes no previous work in the field. Selected material from classical and modern physics establishes the conceptual framework for the study of a major area of contemporary physics, culminating in the discussion of topics at the frontier of present knowledge. Research topics may vary from year to year and may include new particles, quarks, superconductivity, lasers, nuclear fusion, liquid crystals, solid state devices, gravitational waves.
304. Thermal Physics. (3-0)
Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 222, Math 266. Concepts of temperature, entropy, and other characteristic thermodynamic functions, with application to macroscopic properties of matter. The laws of thermodynamics. Introduction to statistical mechanics, including quantum statistics. Application to black body radiation, crystalline vibrations, magnetic ions in solids, electronic heat capacity of metals. Phase transformations and chemical reactions.
306. Physics of Wave Motion.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 222, credit or enrollment in Math 267. Oscillating systems including damped and forced oscillations; fluids, geometric optics, water waves, the wave equation, Fourier and Laplace transforms, non-uniform media, cylindrical and spherical waves, polarization, interference and diffraction trans-mission lines, non-linear waves.
310. Electronic Instrumentation for Experimental Physics.
(2-4) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: 222; Math 166. Common electrical instruments; power supplies; transducers; passive and active devices, analog integrated circuits, including filters and amplifiers; digital integrated circuits; signal transmission and enhancement.
311. Intermediate Laboratory.
(0-3) Cr. 1 or (0-6) Cr. 2 each time taken. S. Prereq: 322 or 324. Experiments in classical and modern physics performed independently by each student.
311T. Intermediate Laboratory.
(0-6) Cr. 3 each time taken. S. Prereq: 112 or 222. Experiments in classical and modern physics performed independently by each student. For students preparing for a career in high school teaching.
321. Introduction to Modern Physics I.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 222, credit or enrollment in Math 266. Quantum nature of matter: photons, Bohr model of hydrogen, deBroglie wavelength of matter and wave packet description of particles. Schrodinger wave equation in one dimension: energy quantization; detailed solutions for potential steps, barriers and wells. One-electron atoms, spin, and transition rates; x-ray and optical excitations of multi-electron atoms.
321L. Introductory Laboratory in Modern Physics.
(0-2) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 321 and credit or enrollment in 232 or equivalent experience. Experiments related to the foundations of modern physics. The dual wave and particle character of electrons and photons, statistics, interferometry and x-ray spectroscopy.
322. Introduction to Modern Physics II.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 321. Quantum statistics; lasers; physics of molecules. Properties of solids, including electron band structure, superconductivity and magnetism. Nuclear physics, including nuclear sizes and masses, stability, decay modes, reactions, fission and fusion. Elementary particles, including strangeness, charm, and quarks. Fundamental forces of nature.
322L. Introductory Laboratory in Modern Physics II.
(0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 322. Experiments related to the foundations of modern physics. Radioactive decay, elementary particles, Hall effect, spectroscopy and instrumentation.
324. Elementary Modern Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 222, credit or enrollment in Math 266. For students desiring a one-semester introduction to modern physics following Phys 222; students desiring a more comprehensive treatment should consider Phys 321-322. Quantization of light and energy, the nuclear atom, Schrodinger equation, atomic physics, molecular structure and spectra, properties of solids.
361. Classical Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 222, Math 266. Newtonian mechanics including forced oscillations, central forces and orbital motion, collisions, moving frames of reference, Lagrange's equations.
362. Intermediate Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 361. Applications of Lagrange's equations, inertial and stress tensors, rigid body motion, small oscillations. Special relativity including length contraction, time dilation, simultaneity, Lorentz transformation, 4-vector covariant formalism, relativistic mechanics.
364. Electricity and Magnetism I.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 222, Math 385. Static electric and magnetic fields, potential theory; electromagnetism, Maxwell's equations.
365. Electricity and Magnetism II.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 364. Relativistic electromagnetic theory; radiation and propagation of electromagnetic waves; interaction with matter.
396. Modern Optics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 222, Math 266, credit or enrollment in 365. Review of wave and electromagnetic theory; topics selected from: reflection/refraction, interference, geometrical optics, Fourier analysis, dispersion, coherence, Fraunhoffer and Fresnel diffraction, holography, nonlinear optics.
399. Seminar on Secondary School Physics.
Cr. 1 to 2 each time taken; maximum of 2. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Review of materials and curricula for secondary school physics presented and discussed by members of the class. Required for approval to teach physics in secondary schools.
450, 450L. Undergraduate Research.
Cr. 1 to 6 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: 450: Permission of instructor; 450L: 311, permission of instructor. 450: Experimental or theoretical research under super-vision of physics faculty. 450L: Laboratory project under supervision of physics faculty.
480. Quantum Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 322, Math 385. A systematic development of quantum mechanics, including differential and operator solutions of the Schrodinger equation, matrix formulation of eigenvalue problems, the hydrogen atom, electron spin, identical particles, and angular momentum.
481. Applied Quantum Mechanics.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 480. Electrons in electromagnetic fields, Pauli spin matrices, two-state systems, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, perturbation theory, fine structure of the hydrogen atom, helium atom, Hartree equation, time-dependent perturbations, radiation of atoms.
489. Tutorial Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. For junior and senior physics majors. Topics of interest in physics discussed in small groups. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken. Prereq: 6 credits in physics, permission of instructor. No more than 9 credits of Phys 490 may be counted toward graduation. H. Honors

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, major or minor, open to qualified undergraduates

500. Introductory Research Seminar.
(1-1) Cr. R. F. Discussion by research staff of their research areas, expected thesis research work, and opportunities in the field. For graduate physics majors only. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
501. Oral Communication of Physics Seminar.
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F. Prereq: Graduate classification. Practice in communication of physics and astronomy in typical college classroom settings and professional meetings. Skills emphasized include selection of physical examples and analogies, presentation styles of topics, scientific dialogue, organization of physics topics, and classroom technique. The teaching proficiency of each student is evaluated in detail. For graduate physics majors only. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
511, 512. Solid State Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3 each. 511: S.; 512: F. Prereq: 511: 304, 322; 512: 511. Free electron model; crystal symmetry; band theory of solids; transport properties; Fermi surface; phonons; semiconductors; crystal surfaces; magnetism; superconductivity.
515. Physical Processes in Plasma.
(E E 515) See Electrical Engineering.
524. Nuclear Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 480. Basic properties and structure of atomic nuclei, introduction to nuclear models, nuclear reactions, decay and stability; electromagnetic interactions, accelerators and detectors; high energy nuclear scattering at the quark and gluon level.
528. Atmospheric Physics.
(Mteor 528) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1997. Prereq: 304, 322, 361, and 364. Physics of fluids as applied to the atmosphere: equations of motion, conservation laws; atmospheric waves, small to planetary scale; remote sensing by satellites.
531. Statistical Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 304, Math 465, credit or enrollment in Math 365 or 426. Thermodynamic properties of systems of many particles obeying Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics; microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles and their application to physical problems; density matrices; introduction to phase transitions; renormalization group theory; kinetic theory and fluctuations.
535. Physics of Semiconductors.
(E E 535) See Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
536. Physics of Semiconductor Devices.
(E E 536) See Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
537. High Energy Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 480. Survey of particle physics; covariant kinematics and Lagrangians; the Standard Model and the Higgs mechanism, W and Z production and decay; hadron spectroscopy, structure functions; running coupling constants; the CKM matrix; selected topics beyond the Standard Model such as supersymmetry and grand unification.
541. General Relativity.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: 362 or Math 465. Tensor analysis and differential geometry developed and used to formulate Einstein field equations. Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions. Other advanced topics may include gravitational radiation, particle production by gravitational fields, alternate gravitational theories, attempts at unified field theories, cosmology.
551. Computational Physics.
(0-4) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 365, 480. Use of modern computational techniques to analyze topics in classical and modern physics. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
564. Advanced Classical Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 361, Math 426, 465. Variational principles, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's canonical equations, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, infinitesimal transformations, classical field theory.
571, 572. Advanced Electricity and Magnetism.
(3-0) Cr. 3 each. Yr. Prereq: 571: 365, Math 426; 572: 571. 571: Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems, Maxwell's equations, wave phenomena in macroscopic media, wave guides. 572: Special theory of relativity, least action and motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, radiation, collisions between charged particles, multipole fields, radiation damping.
590. Special Topics.
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Topics of current interest. A. Nuclear Physics B. Condensed Matter Physics C. High Energy Physics D. Physics E. Applied Physics
591, 592. Quantum Physics.
(4-0) Cr. 4 each. 591: S.; 592: F. Prereq: 591: 480; 592: 591. Time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations for one-, two-, and three-dimensional systems; bound systems; methods of quantum scattering; linear vector spaces; angular momentum theory and intrinsic spin; perturbation methods; identical particles and exchange effects; symmetries; applications in physics and chemistry.
599. Creative Component.
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Individually directed study of research-level problems for students electing the nonthesis M.S. degree option.

Courses for Graduate Students, major or minor

611. Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 512, 681. Quasiparticles in condensed matter: phonons, magnons, photons, electrons. Quantum theory of interacting many body systems: Green's functions and diagrammatic techniques.
624. Advanced Nuclear Physics I.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 1996. Prereq: 524 and 592. Microscopic few-body and many-body theory; theory of effective Hamiltonians; relativistic nuclear physics; high-energy hadron-nucleus, lepton-nucleus, and nucleus-nucleus reactions.
625. Advanced Nuclear Physics II.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1997. Prereq: 624. Quantum field theory applied to nuclear structure and reactions; tests of the standard model in nuclei; phase transitions in hot and dense hadronic matter; quark-gluon plasma.
632. Semiconductor Physics.
(E E 632) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: 480, 481, 511. Band structure; statistical mechanics of electrons and holes; galvano-magnetic effects, magnetoresistivity, cyclotron resonance; transport properties; principles of junctions and heterostructures; optical properties; amorphous semiconductors; quantum well structures.
637, 638. Elementary Particle Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3 each. 637: Alt. F., offered 1995; 638: Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: 637: 537, 592; 638: 637. Properties of leptons, bosons, and quarks and their interactions; quantum chromodynamics, Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model, grand unification theories, supersymmetry, and superstring theory; modern theoretical techniques.
650. Advanced Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Topics of current interest. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. A. Nuclear Physics B. Condensed Matter Physics C. High Energy Physics D. Physics E. Applied Physics
660. Advanced Topics in Physics.
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S. Courses on advanced topics and recent developments. A. Nuclear Physics B. Condensed Matter Physics C. High Energy Physics D. Physics E. Applied Physics
674. Applications of Group Theory to Physics: Condensed Matter Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 1995. Prereq: 592. Theory of groups and group representations; point, space, and rotation groups; applications to molecular and crystal structures, crystal field and spin-orbit interactions, energy bands and phonon dispersion relations. Applications to modern materials.
675. Applications of Group Theory to Physics: Nuclear and High Energy Physics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 1996. Prereq: 592. Theory of Lie groups, Lie algebras, and their representations. Survey of the Lorentz group, Poincare group, SU(N), and other Lie groups of physical importance. Applications to nuclear and elementary particle physics.
681. Advanced Quantum Mechanics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 592. Relativistic quantum mechanics, second quantization; introduction to quantum electrodynamics.
682. Quantum Field Theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 1996. Prereq: 681. Field quantization, function integrals, Feynman rules and renormal-ization. Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories.
699. Research.
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy