Undergraduate Courses in Physics SUBJECT=PHYSICS (Division 444) Search the Course Database PHYSICS 102. The Physical Universe: motors, magnets & magnifiers. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 126 or 240. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($10) required. Physics 102 is a conceptual introduction to how simple electromagnetic devices work. The class is discussion-based, with supporting hands-on activities. Among the topics considered are circuits, magnets, motors and the eye. PHYSICS 103. The Physical Universe: Relativity and Quanta. High School geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1). (NS). (BS). A review of the discovery and content of the fundamental laws of nature from Newton through Einstein and to the present day. Emphasis on observational data. PHYSICS 104. The Physical Universe: What Einstein Never Knew. PHYSICS 103. (1). (NS). (BS). A review of the discovery and content of the fundamental laws of nature from Newton through Einstein and to the present day. Emphasis on observational data. PHYSICS 105. Origin, and Fate of Life, Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe. (1). (NS). (BS). Origin and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe, and life in the universe. PHYSICS 106. Everyday Physics. It is recommended that School of Education students take PHYSICS 420. (3). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. This course examines everyday phenomena and current technology in terms of physical concepts and laws. The subjects examined are wide ranging and the discussion focuses on discovering common underlying themes. PHYSICS 107. 20th Century Concepts of Space, Time, and Matter. High school algebra and geometry. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). The course is intended to acquaint students with some of the most important conceptual developments in physics in the 20th century. PHYSICS 109 / CHEM 109. Natural Science: Bridging the Gaps. (3). (NS). (BS). An interdisciplinary, team-taught introduction to the scientific method, involving subject matter from physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, biology, and ethics. Demonstrations provide nearly hands-on experience with relevant phenomena. PHYSICS 111. The Evolutions of Scientific Thought. High school algebra and trigonometry. Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/2). Traces the evolution of scientific thought from antiquity to the early 20th century. Emphasis on physics and astronomy, but selected topics in medicine, mathematics, biology, and chemistry are covered. PHYSICS 112. Cosmology: The Science of the Universe. Although no science prerequisites are required, exposure to physics at high school level would be helpful. Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS). What else is there in the universe besides stars? Why do we think there was a big bang? How big is a galaxy and how might they have formed? This course provides answers to such questions, stressing conceptual understanding and simple calculational problem solving. PHYSICS 119 / GEOSCI 130 / CHEM 108. The Physical World. High-school algebra. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2). A lecture course which introduces physics, chemistry and algebraic concepts of Earth and Planetary Science on a quantitative basis. PHYSICS 125. General Physics: Mechanics and Sound. Two and one-half years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry. PHYSICS 125 and 127 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 140, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). Physics 125 is the first of a two-term sequence offered primarily for students concentrating in the natural sciences, architecture, pharmacy, or natural resources, and for preprofessional students preparing for medicine, dentistry or related health sciences. Physics 125 and 126 are an appropriate sequence for any student wanting a quantitative introduction to the basic principles of physics but without the mathematical sophistication of Physics 140 and 240. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving, and skills in rudimentary algebra and trigonometry are assumed. While a high school level background in physics is not assumed, it is helpful. Topics covered during the first term include vectors, one- and two-dimensional motion, Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, rotational motion, momentum, energy, pressure in fluids, oscillations, and waves. The course is based on three one-hour examinations, class performance and a final examination. Physics 125 students elect Physics 127 (lab). PHYSICS 126. General Physics: Electricity and Light. PHYSICS 125. PHYSICS 126 and 128 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 240 or 260. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). Physics 126 is a continuation of Physics 125 and covers electricity and magnetism, the nature of light, and briefly introduces atomic and nuclear phenomena. Physics 126 students elect Physics 128 (lab). PHYSICS 127. Mechanics and Sound Lab. Concurrent election with PHYSICS 125 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 141. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. Laboratory course to be elected concurrently with Physics 125. Meets two hours per week. PHYSICS 128. Electricity and Light Lab. Concurrent election with PHYSICS 126 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 241. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. Laboratory course to be elected concurrently with Physics 126. PHYSICS 140. General Physics I. MATH 115. PHYSICS 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 125, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). The traditional course format consists of two lectures and two discussions each week. However, there are Keller sections available which meet four hours each week in two-hour sessions. 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 one 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. PHYSICS 141. Elementary Laboratory I. Concurrent election with PHYSICS 140, 160, or 145 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 127. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. One two-hour period of laboratory work each week and designed to accompany Physics 140. PHYSICS 160. Honors Physics I. MATH 115. Students should elect PHYSICS 141 concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 125, 140, or 145. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). A rigorous introduction to particle mechanics and the motion of extended objects. Particular topics include vectors, one and two dimensional motion, conservation laws, linear and rotational dynamics, gravitation, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. PHYSICS 240. General Physics II. PHYSICS 140, 145 or 160; and MATH 116. PHYSICS 240 and 241 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 126 or 260. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). The traditional course format consists of two lectures and two discussions each week. However, there are Keller sections available which meet four hours each week in two-hour sessions. 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. PHYSICS 241. Elementary Laboratory II. Concurrent election with PHYSICS 240 or 260 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 128. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. One two-hour period of laboratory work each week and designed to accompany Physics 240. PHYSICS 260. Honors Physics II. PHYSICS 140, 145, or 160; and MATH 116. Students should elect PHYSICS 241 concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 240. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). A rigorous introduction to the theory of electromagnetic phenomena. Topics include electric and magnetic fields and potentials, DC and AC circuits, inductance and Maxwell's equations. PHYSICS 264 / CMB 264 / UC 264. Introduction to Sensory Systems: Sound, Hearing, and Deafness. (4). (NS). (BS). This course is wide-ranging, from the physics of sound propagation to gene therapy approaches and designs of cochlear implants in humans. PHYSICS 281. Physics and National Science Policy. Junior standing; introductory physics courses preferred. (3). (Excl). This course (1) addresses some of the contemporary issues affecting the environment in which physics education and research take place, and (2) reviews current major technical and policy challenges facing science. Additional emphasis on the issue of ethics in science and how unethical behavior impacts science and national policy. PHYSICS 288. Physics of Music. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 489. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/1). The various connections between physics and music are explored: (1) The physics of musical sounds: vibrations, resonance, overtones, and musical scales; (2) The physics of the musical instruments: strings, winds, brass, percussion; (3) The physics of hearing, auditorium acoustics, and sound reproduction; (4) The depiction of physical events in music; (5) Analogies between the structure of music and the structure of physics. No previous expertise in either physics or music is required; lectures and demonstration experiments constitute the backbone of the course. PHYSICS 290. Physics of the Body and Mind. PHYSICS 125 or 140 or 160, and prior or concurrent enrollment in 126 or 240 or 260. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/2). Application of physics to biology, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, genetics, medicine, bioengineering, and related life sciences. Extensive A/V and CAI materials are used, provides an introduction to topics in biomechanics, biophysics, and medical physics including biosensors (EKG, EMG, ...) and imaging (X-rays, CT, PET, MRI, ultrasound, ...) PHYSICS 333. Keller Tutor 140. Permission of instructor. (1-3). (Excl). This is a graded course. (EXPERIENTIAL). Students work as tutors in Physics 140 Keller sections. PHYSICS 334. Keller Tutor 240. Permission of instructor. (1-3). (Excl). This is a graded course. (EXPERIENTIAL). Students work as tutors in Physics 240 Keller sections. PHYSICS 340. Waves, Heat, and Light. PHYSICS 240 or 260, and MATH 215. Concurrent election of PHYSICS 341 is strongly recommended. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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 341 concurrently. PHYSICS 341. Waves, Heat, and Light Lab. PHYSICS 240 or 260. Concurrent election of PHYSICS 340 is strongly recommended. (2). (Excl). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required. This lab course accompanies physics 340. Six experiments are performed on topics such as temperature measurement, black body radiation, optics, interference, diffraction and the speed of light. PHYSICS 390. Introduction to Modern Physics. PHYSICS 340 and MATH 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 401. Intermediate Mechanics. PHYSICS 126/128 or 240 (or 260)/241, and MATH 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). (QR/1). 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. PHYSICS 402. Optics. PHYSICS 126/128 or 240 (or 260)/241, and MATH 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). The phenomena of physical optics, reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction, and polarization interpreted in terms of the wave theory of light. PHYSICS 405. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism. PHYSICS 126/128 or 240 (or 260)/241, and MATH 216. Prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYSICS 451. PHYSICS 340 recommended. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 406. Statistical and Thermal Physics. PHYSICS 126/128 or 240 (or 260)/241, and MATH 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 410. Energy Systems. MATH 216; concentration in physical science or engineering, and senior standing. (4). (Excl). The subject matter for the proposed course starts with reasons for public, business and individual concern about energy, and the basic science and history of energy extraction, conversion to convenient energy carriers, and final use. Detailed examples involve energy use and efficiency in manufacturing and use of automobiles. PHYSICS 413 / CMPLXSYS 541. Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and the Physics of Complexity. PHYSICS 401. (3). (Excl). (BS). An introduction to non-linear science with an elementary treatment from the point of view of the physics of chaos and fractal growth. PHYSICS 415. Special Problems for Undergraduates. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits. Experimental or theoretical research under the supervision of a staff member. Generally a small facet of a large research undertaking is investigated in detail. PHYSICS 417 / CHEM 417. Dynamical Processes in Biophysics. MATH 216, and PHYSICS 340 or CHEM 463. (3). (Excl). (BS). The physical basis of diffusive processes in biology and biochemistry, and optical spectroscopic means for measuring its rates. Topics include: membrane electrical potentials, nerve impulses, synaptic transmission, the physics of chemoreception by cells, motion and reaction kinetics of membrane components, optical microscopy, visible and UV light absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence, quasielastic light scattering, mathematics of random fluctuations, and chaotic processes in biology. PHYSICS 419 / RCNSCI 419 / NRE 574 / PUBPOL 519. Energy Demand. Basic college economics and senior standing. (3). (Excl). May not be included in a concentration plan in physics. Analysis and methods of analysis of energy use from physical, economic, behavioral and policy perspectives, emphasizing the projection of future demands for energy. PHYSICS 420. Living with Physics for Elementary Teachers. Open only to elementary education concentrators. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 106. (3). (Excl). Laboratory fee ($25) required. An introduction to basic ideas of physics as an experimental science. PHYSICS 435. Gravitational Physics. PHYSICS 390 and 401. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 441. Advanced Laboratory I. PHYSICS 390 and any 400-level Physics course. (2). (Excl). (BS). This is an advanced laboratory course. A wide selection of individual experiments is offered. Students are required to select 5 experiments in consultation with the lab instruction. Experiments are to be selected from several different areas of physics. PHYSICS 442. Advanced Laboratory II. PHYSICS 390 and any 400-level Physics course. (2). (Excl). (BS). This is an advanced laboratory course. A wide selection of individual experiments is offered. Students are required to select 5 experiments in consultation with the lab instruction. Experiments are to be selected from several different areas of physics. PHYSICS 451. Methods of Theoretical Physics I. MATH 215 and 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). This course covers (1) vectors, fields, and differential operators; (2) vector spaces, PHYSICS 452. Methods of Theoretical Physics II. PHYSICS 451. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 453. Quantum Mechanics. PHYSICS 390. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 455. Electronic Devices and Circuits. PHYSICS 240 (or 260) and 241. (3). (Excl). (BS). An introduction to DC and AC circuits; equivalence theorems; introduction to diodes, bipolar transistors (BJT), field effect transistors (J-FET, MOSFET, IGFET); transistor amplifiers (frequency and pulse response via circuit simulation with SPICE); transistors as switches; integrated circuits (operational amplifiers and logicgates); Computer based circuit testing. PHYSICS 457. Subatomic Physics. PHYSICS 453. (3). (Excl). (BS). The 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. PHYSICS 460. Quantum Mechanics II. PHYSICS 453. (3). (Excl). (BS). Develops the quantum description of phenomena at the scale of atoms and molecules. PHYSICS 463. Introduction to Solid State Physics. PHYSICS 453. (3). (Excl). (BS). 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. PHYSICS 465. Senior Seminar. Open to junior and senior physics concentrators. (2). (Excl). (BS). Meets the Upper-Level Writing Requirement. Seminar dealing with selected topics of current physics designed to give physics concentrators an acquaintance with the principal fields of modern research. PHYSICS 481. Physics and National Science Policy. Junior standing; introductory physics courses preferred. (3). (Excl). May not be included in a concentration plan in physics. This course (1) addresses some of the contemporary issues affecting the environment in which physics education and research take place, and (2) reviews current major technical and policy challenges facing science. Additional emphasis on the issue of ethics in science and how unethical behavior impacts science and national policy. PHYSICS 489. Physics of Music. Permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSICS 288. (3). (Excl). (BS). (QR/1). May not be included in a concentration plan in physics. This course includes all material covered in Physics 288 and, in addition, a theoretical or experimental project in which student works independently. PHYSICS 496. Senior Thesis, I. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). 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 497 in Winter term. PHYSICS 497. Senior Thesis, II. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). A continuation of Physics 496. Students who do not complete their thesis research in Physics 496, may continue to 497. If continuing, a grade of Y is given for Physics 496 and a final senior thesis grade given upon completion of the research. PHYSICS 498. Introduction to Research for Honors Students. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). 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 499 in Winter Term. PHYSICS 499. Introduction to Research for Honors Students. Permission of physics concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). Honors students do research under the supervision of a faculty member. The results can provide a basis for an Honors thesis. Graduate Course Listings for PHYSICS. This page was created at 8:23 AM on Mon, Apr 15, 2002. University of Michigan | College of LS&A | Student Academic Affairs | LS&A Bulletin Index | Department Homepage This page maintained by LS&A Academic Information and Publications, 1228 Angell Hall Copyright © 2002 The Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA +1 734 764-1817 Trademarks of the University of Michigan may not be electronically or otherwise altered or separated from this document or used for any non-University purpose.