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Undergraduate Course Descriptions +
For information about current physics courses or other LS&A courses, please visit the: LSA Undergraduate Course Guide
◊Physics 105- Origin, and Fate of Life, Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Minicourse, Theme
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 106- Everyday Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Credit Exclusions: It is recommended that School of Education students take Physics 420
Consent: With permission of Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Lab Fee: $25
*It is recommended that School of Education Students take PHYSICS 420
◊Physics 107- 20th Century Concepts of Space, Time and Matter
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Theme
Advisory Pre-Requisites: High School Algebra and Geometry
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 112- Cosmology: The Science of the Universe
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: FYSem, Theme
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Although no science courses are required, high school physics would be helpful. Enrollment restricted to first-year students, including those with sophomore standing.
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 116- From Quarks to Cosmos
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Theme
Advisory Pre-Requisites: N/A
Consent: With permission of Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science degree.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
Sample Syllabus for 116
◊Physics 119- The Physical World
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/2
Other: Theme
Advisory Pre-Requisites: High School Algebra
Consent: With permission of Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Cross-Listed Classes: CHEM 108-Phys World
GEOSCI 130- Phys World
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 120- Foundations of Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Theme
Advisory Pre-Requisites: High School Algebra
Consent: With permission of Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Description: This is an introductory course on the foundations of physics tailored for students seeking to be better prepared for success in the core introductory courses (PHYSICS 135, for life/health sciences and kinesiology, or PHYSICS 140, for science and engineering fields). It aims to develop skills and abilities needed for problem-solving within the conceptual framework of introductory physics. The course will concentrate on consolidating mathematical skills within the practical context of problems and concepts from entry-level physics (mostly mechanics) which will include vectors, linear motion, projectiles, relative motion, circular motion, dynamics, work, energy, momentum, torque, gravitation, oscillators, fluids, waves and sound.
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Summer
◊Physics 135- Physics for the Life Sciences I
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 125, 140, or 160.
Advisory Pre-Requisites: High School Calculus
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This two-course sequence is an introduction to physics from the perspective of the life sciences. It introduces many of the physical processes which govern the workings of life, and teaches students how to analyze the physical circumstances of life in a quantitative way.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall/Winter/Spring
Subsequent Courses: Physics 235
Sample Syllabus for 135
◊Physics 136- Life Sciences Lab I
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 141
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election with PHYSICS 135 is strongly recommended
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Laboratory course to be elected concurrently with PHYSICS 135. Lab Meets two hours per week.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Subsequent Courses:
Lab Fee: $25
◊Physics 140- General Physics I
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 125, 135 or 160 or have posted AP credit
Advisory Pre-Requisites: MATH 115 or equivalent. PHYSICS 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently.
Lab: PHYSICS 140 students elect PHYSICS 141 LAB
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: The traditional course format consists of two lectures and two discussions each week. This is the first of a three-term sequence in general physics for scientists and engineers. Covers topics from classical mechanics, including vectors, motion in dimension, circular motion, projectile motion, relative velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear momentum, torque, angular momentum of a particle, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, planetary motion, pressure and density of fluids, and Archimedes principle.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Subsequent Courses: Physics 240, 260, 290
◊Physics 141- Elementary Laboratory I
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 127
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election with PHYSICS 140 or 160 is strongly recommended
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: One two-hour period of Lab work each week and designed to accompany PHYSICS 135 or 140
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Subsequent Courses:
Lab Fee: $25
Intro Lab Information
◊Physics 160- Honors Physics I
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Honors, Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 125, 135 or 140
Advisory Pre-Requisites: MATH 115 or AP equivilant. Students should elect PHYSICS 141 Concurrently
Lab: PHYSICS 160 students elect PHYSICS 161 Lab
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: covers the fundamental principles of mechanics using a modern perspective. It emphasizes the applicability of these laws in systems ranging from binary stars to nuclear collisions. This class will be different, and more interesting, than any physics course you have taken yet.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: Physics 240, 260, 290
Sample Syllabus for 160
◊Physics 161- Honors Introductory Mechanics Lab
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 136 or 141
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election with PHYSICS 160 is strongly recommended
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Lab Fee: $25
Intro Lab Information
◊Physics 204- Great Books in Physics
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Theme
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Cross-Listed Classes: GTBOOKS 204- Great Books in Phys
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 235- Physics for the Life Sciences II
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 126, 240 or 260
Advisory Pre-Requisites: MATH 115, 120, 185, 285, or 295 with a C or better. Concurrent enrollment in PHYSICS 236.
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This two-course sequence is an introduction to Physics from the perspective of the life sciences. It introduces many of the physical processes which govern the workings of life, and teaches students how to analyze the physical circumstances of life in a quantitative way.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall/Winter/Spring
Subsequent Courses: Physics 340
Sample Syllabus for 235
◊Physics 236- Life Sciences Lab II
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Theme
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 241
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election with PHYSICS 235 is strongly recommended
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Lab Fee: $25
Intro Lab Information
◊Physics 240- General Physics II
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 126, 235 or 260
Advisory Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 140 or 160 and Math 116. PHYSICS 240 and 241 are elected concurrently
Lab: Students elect PHYSICS 141 Lab
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This is the second of a three term sequence in general physics for scientists and engineers. The following topics are covered: electricity and magnetism: charge, Coulomb’s law, electric fields, Gauss’ law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, EMF and circuits, magnetic fields, Biot-Savart law, Amperes law, Faraday’s Law of Induction, and simple AC circuits.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Subsequent Courses: Physics 340,
Sample Syllabus for 240
◊Physics 241- Elementary Laboratory II
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 236
Consent: With department permission
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: One two-hour period of Lab work each week and designed to accompany PHYSICS 235 or 240
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
Subsequent Courses: Physics 341
Lab Fee: $25
Intro Lab Information
◊Physics 260- Honors Physics II
Credits: 4
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/1
Other: Honors
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 126, 235 or 240
Advisory Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 140 or 160 and MATH 115.
Lab: PHYSICS 260 students elect PHYSICS 261 Lab
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: is a continuation of PHYSICS 160 and introduces the theory of electromagnetic phenomena. This course will introduce you to, the deeper physical meaning of the concepts, arigorous mathematical approach, using vector calculus when applicable, problem solving including computer use and contemporary applications.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: Physics 340
◊Physics 261- Honors Electricity and Magnetism Lab
Credits: 1
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS
Other: Honors
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 236 or 241
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election with PHYSICS 260 or permission of instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: Physics 361
Lab Fee: $25
Intro Lab Information
◊Physics 290- Physics of the Body and Mind
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, NS, QR/2
Advisory Pre-Requisites: MATH 115 or equivalent AP credits
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Cross-Listed Classes: BIOPHYS 290- Physics Body and Mind
Course Description: This course, which employs extensive A/V and CAI material, is intended for students interested in the application of physics to biology, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, genetics, medicine, bioengineering and related life sciences. It provides an introduction to topics in biomechanics, biophysics, and medical physics including biosensors.
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 333- Physics 140 Tutor
Credits: 1-3
Other: Experiential
Enforced Pre-Requisites: Instructor permission
Consent: With instructor permission
Grading: Mandatory credit/ no credit
Course Description: Students enrolled in this experiential course serve as peer leaders in PHYSICS 140. Peer leaders conduct study group sessions under the direction of the course lecturer after receiving training from the staff at the Science Learning Center.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
◊Physics 334- Physics 240 Tutor
Credits: 1-3
Other: Experiential
Enforced Pre-Requisites: Instructor permission
Consent: With instructor permission
Grading: Mandatory credit/ no credit
Course Description: Students enrolled in this experiential course serve as peer leaders in PHYSICS 240. Peer leaders conduct study group sessions under the direction of the course lecturer after receiving training from the staff at the Science Learning Center.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
◊Physics 340- Waves, Heat and Light
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Theme
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 235, 240, or 260 and MATH 215 or 255 or 285
Advisory Pre-Requisites: concurrent election of PHYSICS 341 is strongly recommended
Lab: Students elect PHYSICS 341 LAB
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This is the third term of the introductory physics sequence. The topics covered in the course include thermodynamics, light and optics, the wave equation, and special relativity. Students should take the lab PHYSICS 341 concurrently.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 390, PHYSICS 401, PHYSICS 405, PHYSICS 417
◊Physics 341- Waves, Heat and Light Lab
Credits: 2
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Concurrent election of PHYSICS 340 is strongly recommended
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Consent: With department permission
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Lab Fee: $25
◊Physics 390- Introduction to Modern Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 340 and one of: MATH 216, 256, 286, or 316
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics, followed by a survey of several of the sub-fields of physics, usually including atomic, solid state, nuclear and particle physics.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: Physics 406, 435, 453
Sample Syllabus for 390
◊Physics 401- Intermediate Mechanics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, QR/1
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 340 and MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 316 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics: Kinematics and dynamics in one, two and three dimensions, vector analysis; motion under gravity, planetary motion; free and forced, damped and undamped harmonic oscillators; the conservation laws of mechanics; inertial and accelerated frames of reference, fictitious forces; rigid body mechanics; coupled oscillators.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 411, 413, 435
◊Physics 402- Optics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 340; and MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 316
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: The phenomena of physical optics, reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization interpreted in terms of the wave theory of light.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 405- Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYSICS 451 recommended
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 340 and MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 316 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Emphasis is placed upon the basic physical principles including electrostatics, magnetostatics, time-dependent electromagnetic fields and the effect of fields on dielectric and magnetic media. An introduction to Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic radiation is included. Other topics may include AC circuits and superconductivity.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Sample Syllabus for 405
◊Physics 406- Statistical and Thermal Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 390 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Introduction to thermal processes including the classical laws of thermodynamics and their statistical foundations: basic probability concepts; statistical description of systems of particles; thermal interaction; microscopic basis of macroscopic concepts such as temperature and entropy; the laws of thermodynamics; and the elementary kinetic theory of transport processes
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 433
◊Physics 411- Introduction to Computational Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Advisory Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 401 and MATH 216 MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 296 or 316. Some familiarity with a computer language.
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Introduction to techniques of computational physics with applications in optics, atomic, solid-state, nuclear and particle physics. Topics covered include motion in a force filed, calculation of electric and magnetic fields, optical and ion-optical ray tracing, quantum mechanical (QM) bound states (Schrodinger Equation) and QM barrier penetration and scattering.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 413 / CMPLXSYS 541- Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and the Physics of Complexity
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 401
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: An introduction to non-linear science with an elementary treatment from the point of view of the physics of chaos and fractal growth.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 415- Special Problems for Undergraduates
Credits: 1-6
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Independent
Consent: Permission of Instructor
Course Description: Experimental or theoretical research under the supervision of a staff member. Generally a small facet of a large research undertaking is investigated in detail.
Repeatability: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring
◊Physics 417- Dynamical Processes in Biophysics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 316, and PHYSICS 340 or CHEM 463
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: An introduction to non-linear science with an elementary treatment from the point of view of the physics of chaos and fractal growth.
Cross-Listed Classes: BIOPHYS 417- Dyn Proc Biophys, CHEM 417- Dyn Proc Biophys
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 433
◊Physics 420- Physics for the Elementary Classroom
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 106
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Elementary education concentrators
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: PHYSICS 420 is a survey course for students preparing to teach at the elementary classroom level. The goal of the course is to provide a good and practical appreciation of the basic laws that govern our universe. In addition to homework questions, there will be a variety of hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the rules of physics in action which might be adapted for use in elementary classrooms.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 424- Physics in action
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Advisory Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 125, 135, 140, or 160 or graduate standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: provides elementary pre-service teachers with the opportunity to develop a deeper conceptual understanding of the basic laws of the universe and skills for teaching and assessing these understanding to elementary students.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 435- Gravitational Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 390 and 401
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: The Einstein theory of general relativity for gravitation is discussed with implications for astrophysical observations and cosmology. In particular, the experimental tests of general relativity in the past as well as the significance of pulsars, black holes, supernovae, cosmic background radiation and gravitational wave detection are described.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 441- Advanced Laboratory I
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 390 and any 400-level PHYSICS Course
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This is an advanced laboratory course. A wide selection of individual experiments is offered. Students are required to select five experiments in consultation with the lab instruction. Experiments are to be selected from several different areas of Physics.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
◊Physics 442- Advanced Laboratory II
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, ULWR
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 390 and any 400-level PHYSICS Course
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This is an advanced laboratory course. A wide selection of individual experiments is offered. Students are required to select five experiments in consultation with the lab instruction. Experiments are to be selected from several different areas of Physics.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
Advanced Lab Information
◊Physics 351- Methods of Theoretical Physics I
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: MATH 215 or 255 or 285; and MATH 216 or 256 or 286 or 316
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This course covers the essential elements of mathematical physics for students majoring in physics. A variety of topics are covered, including: (1) vectors, fields, and differential operators in generalized coordinate systems; (2) vector spaces, tensors, and manifolds; (3) asymptotic analysis of integrals and differential equations; (4) complex analysis; (5) introductory group theory; and (6) further methods in differential equations.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 452
Sample Syllabus for 351
◊Physics 452- Methods of Theoretical Physics II
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 351
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Applications of matrix theory and vector and tensor analysis; boundary value problems; approximation and variational methods; applications from theory of analytic functions; Fourier series and integrals; eigenvalue problems; spherical harmonics; Bessel functions and other special functions of mathematical physics; and Green’s functions. Other topics may include an introduction to integral equations or group theory, with applications to physical problems.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
Subsequent Courses:
◊Physics 453- Quantum Mechanics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 390 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: An introduction to quantum mechanics that emphasizes the description of physical situations in one, two, and three dimensions as they occur in atoms, molecules and nuclei.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 457, 460, 463
◊Physics 457- Subatomic Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 453 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This course is an introduction to nuclear and elementary particle physics. Topics include (1) nuclear structure: binding energies, size and shape; angular momentum, parity, isopin, magnetic moments, electric quadrupole moments; models for the nucleus; (2) the quark model of elementary particles: the standard model; the neutron and proton; mesons; gluons; resonant states; (3) nuclear and particle decays: radioactivity; barrier penetration and alpha-particle decay; the weak interaction and beta-decay; electromagnetic transitions (4) nuclear and quark-quark interactions: basic properties of the strong force; scattering; reactions and reaction models; and (5) experimental techniques: interaction of charged particles, gamma-rays and neutrons with matter; particle and radiation detectors; accelerators. The basic elements of quantum mechanics are used.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 460- Quantum Mechanics II
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Enforced Pre-Requisites: PHYSICS 453 or Graduate Standing
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Develops the quantum description of phenomena at the scale of atoms and molecules
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 463- Introduction to Solid State Physics
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS, ULWR
Enforced Pre-Requisites: Junior or senior physics concentrators
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Structure and physical properties of crystalline solids. Ionic crystals, free electron theory of metals, band theory of solids, effects of impurities and imperfections, and theories of magnetism. Introduction to the concept of phonons, polarons, plasmons, etc. Interaction of radiation with crystalline materials.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 465- Senior Seminar
Credits: 2
Requirements and Distribution: BS, ULWR
Enforced Pre-Requisites: Junior or senior physics concentrators
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Seminar dealing with selected topics of current physics designed to give physics concentrators and acquaintance with the principle fields of modern research.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 481- Science, Technology and Public Policy
Credits: 3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Junior standing; introductory physics courses preferred
Course Attributes: May not be included in a concentration plan in physics
Course Description:
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Cross-Listed Classes:PUBPOL 481- Sci, Tech and Pub Pol
Course Offerings: Winter
◊Physics 496- Senior Thesis I
Credits: 2-3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Independent
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Consent of departmental concentration advisor and Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Other Course Information: This is a continuing course. Y grade can be reported at end of the first-term to indicate work in progress. At the end of the second term of PHYSICS 497, the final grade is posted for both term’s elections.
Course Description: Students get introductory experience and research work with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for a senior thesis project. If work is not completed in the Fall term, student would register for PHYSICS 497 in the Winter term.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 497
◊Physics 497- Senior Thesis II
Credits: 2-3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Independent
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Consent of departmental concentration advisor and Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: This is a continuation of PHSYICS 496. Students who do not complete their thesis research in PHYSICS 496 may continue to PHYSICS 497. If continuing, a grade of Y is given for PHYSICS 496 and a final senior thesis grade given upon completion of the research.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall,Winter
◊Physics 498- Introduction to Research for Honors Students
Credits: 2-3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Independent
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Consent of departmental concentration advisor and Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Other Course Information: This is a continuing course. Y grade can be reported at end of the first-term to indicate work in progress. At the end of the second term of PHYSICS 499, the final grade is posted for both term’s elections.
Course Description: Honors students do research under the supervision of a faculty member. The results can provide a basis for an Honors thesis. If work is not completed during the Fall Term, the student must register for PHYSICS 499 in Winter term.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Fall, Winter
Subsequent Courses: PHYSICS 499
◊Physics 499- Introduction to Research for Honors Students
Credits: 2-3
Requirements and Distribution: BS
Other: Independent
Advisory Pre-Requisites: Consent of departmental concentration advisor and Instructor
Course Attributes: This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science Degree
Course Description: Honors students do research under the supervision of a faculty member. The results can provide a basis for an Honors thesis.
Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit
Course Offerings: Winter
Class Schedule & Textbook List +
Winter 2013 (Please refer to the LSA Course Guide for the most up to date list. Graduate course listings can be found here)
Labs +
Introductory Physics Labs (136/141/161/236/241/261)
A round-the-clock educational resource for students taking the physics courses 136/141/161 and 236/241/261.
Advanced Physics Labs (441/442)
A two-semester sequence of courses (Physics 441 and 442) on the experimental foundations of modern physics, presented using a survey of instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis methods employed in contemporary research and industrial laboratories.
Physics Department Wait List Policy
Information on how to receive an override for a lab
Policies & Procedures +
- Drop/Add Policy (For LS&A students)
- If you are in another college, please contact the advising center of your school or program and ask them about their drop/add policy.
- If you are in another college, please contact the advising center of your school or program and ask them about their drop/add policy.
- Physics Grade Grievance Procedures
