This is a list of all courses offered in the program. Visit the Upcoming Courses page for a list of courses offered for the current and next semester (when available).
- PHYSICS 100 Quantitative Preparation for Physics
- 2 cr. Undergraduate.
- Introductory course in general physics designed for the student with little or no previous science training.
- Prerequisites: Math Placement Level 10.
- Course Rules: Fee for 3 cr assessed. Not open to students w/cr in Physics 110(ER), 120(ER), or 209(ER).
- Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014.
- PHYSICS 107 Physics in Everyday Life
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Selected topics for citizens in a technological world. Emphasis on those aspects of science important to an understanding of our surroundings. For non-science majors.
- Prerequisites: Math Placement Level 10 or consent of instructor.
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: May not be taken conc with or after having taken PHYSICS 120(ER) or PHYSICS 209(ER).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 108 Laboratory for Physics in Everyday Life
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Experiments correlated with Physics 107.
- Prerequisites: Physics 107(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 110 Physics for the Health Professions
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- An introductory course without laboratory for students in health-related pre-professional programs. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, electrical devices, optics, and radioactivity. 3 hrs lec, 1 hr dis.
- Prerequisites: H.S. general science; Math Placement Level 20.
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: May not be taken conc with or after having taken Physics 120(ER) or 209(ER).
- Last Taught: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019.
- PHYSICS 120 General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment)
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- Mechanics, wave motion, heat, and sound. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis.
- Prerequisites: Math Placement Level 30 or grade of C or better in Physics 100(P); HS trig or Physics 100 strongly recom.
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 121 General Physics Laboratory I (Non-Calculus Treatment)
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Experiments correlated with lecture material of Physics 120.
- Prerequisites: Physics 120(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 122 General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment)
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- Electricity, optics, modern physics. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis.
- Prerequisites: Physics 120(NP).
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 123 General Physics Laboratory II (Non-Calculus Treatment)
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Experiments on topics related to the lecture material of Physics 122.
- Prerequisites: Physics 122(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 185 Basic Physics for Teachers
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Simple machines; work, energy and power; heating and cooling; static electricity and elementary electrical circuits; waves. 2 hrs lec; 2 hrs lab/dis.
- Prerequisites: Math 175(P) & cons instr.
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Not open for cr to students with cr in Physics courses numbered 110 or above.
- Last Taught: Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Spring 2011.
- PHYSICS 194 First-Year Seminar:
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- The specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
- Prerequisites: none.
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
- Last Taught: Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2015.
- PHYSICS 199 Independent Study
- 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
- For further information, consult dept chair.
- Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
- Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.
- Last Taught: Spring 2016, Spring 2008, Fall 2003.
- PHYSICS 209 Physics I (Calculus Treatment)
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- Selected topics in mechanics, wave motion, sound, and heat. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis.
- Prerequisites: Math 227(C), 228(C), or 232(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 210 Physics II (Calculus Treatment)
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- Continuation of Physics 209. Electromagnetic field theory and optics. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis.
- Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in Physics 209(NP); Math 229(C) or 233(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 214 Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment)
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Experiments in mechanics, wave motion, heat, and thermodynamics. 3 hrs lab.
- Prerequisites: Physics 209(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries 5 cr max toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 215 Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment)
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. 3 hrs lec.
- Prerequisites: Physics 210(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- PHYSICS 219 Physics I: Calculus-Based, Studio Format
- 5 cr. Undergraduate.
- Basic kinematics; Newton. Selected topics in mechanics, wave motion, sound, and heat. 8 hrs lec/lab.
- Prerequisites: Math 227(C), 228(C), or 232(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Not open to students w/cr in Physics 209. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
- PHYSICS 220 Physics II: Calculus-Based, Studio Format
- 5 cr. Undergraduate.
- Electromagnetic field theory and optics.
- Prerequisites: grade of C or better in Physics 219(NP); Math 229(C) or 233(C).
- General Education Requirements: NS+
- Course Rules: Not open to students w/cr in Physics 210. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries max 5 cr toward graduation.
- Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
- PHYSICS 265 Physics and the Energy Problem
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Study of how the laws of physics (particularly 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics) limit society's options in dealing with scarcity of utilizable energy.
- Prerequisites: H.S. algebra; Physics 107(P), 110(P), 120(P), or 209(P).
- PHYSICS 270 Introduction to Computational Physics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Use of computers to solve physics problems, including particle collisions, chaotic systems, planetary motion, and other topics related to relativity and quantum mechanics.
- Prerequisites: Physics 209(P); Math 233(C).
- Last Taught: Spring 2008, Fall 2006, Fall 2005, Fall 2004.
- PHYSICS 289 Internship in Physics, Lower Division
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
- Application of basic principles of physics in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
- Prerequisites: introductory course in physics; 2.25 GPA and consent of supervising faculty member.
- Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
- PHYSICS 296 UROP Apprenticeship
- 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.
- Prerequisites: acceptance into UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.
- Course Rules: One cr for 45 hrs research. May be retaken to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses.
- Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
- PHYSICS 297 Study Abroad:
- 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
- Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
- Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
- Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
- Last Taught: Spring 2015, Summer 2011, Spring 2010, Fall 2009.
- PHYSICS 299 Ad Hoc:
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
- Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
- Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
- Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
- Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 1994, Fall 1991, Spring 1991.
- PHYSICS 305 Medical Physics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Applications of physics to living systems & medical diagnostics. 3 hrs lec.
- Prerequisites: grade of B+ or better in Physics 209(P). (Conc reg in Physics 210 strongly recom).
- Course Rules: Primarily for premed students and others in the medical & biological sciences. Approved for Premed Stds Cert Prog.
- Last Taught: Spring 2011, Fall 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2002.
- PHYSICS 306 Introduction to Biophysics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Physical foundations of cellular phenomena; physical laws of complex biological systems; imaging and instrumentation for biophysics. 3 hrs lec.
- Prerequisites: Physics 122(P) or 210(P); Chemistry 104(P) or 105(P).
- Course Rules: Approved for Premed Stds Cert Prog.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Fall 2017.
- PHYSICS 308 Introduction to Experimental Approaches in Biophysics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Combined lectures about techniques in biophysics with statistical analysis, basic computer programming, and some lab work.
- Prerequisites: none.
- PHYSICS 309 Physics III: Modern Physics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Elementary quantum physics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state and nuclear physics.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, a grade of B- or better in PHYSICS 210(NP) or PHYSICS 220(NP); a grade of B- or better in MATH 233(P); and MATH 234(C) or ELECENG 234(C); or consent of instructor.
- General Education Requirements: QLB
- Course Rules: Not open for cr to students who have cr in PHYSICS 341.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.
- PHYSICS 317 Thermodynamics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Classical thermodynamics, including entropy, the use of thermodynamic potentials, and applications to pressure-volume and other systems. Some basic statistical physics may be included.
- Prerequisites: Physics 210(NP).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
- PHYSICS 325 Optics
- 4 cr. Undergraduate.
- Geometric and physical optics, image formation, interference, diffraction, polarization, optical instruments, resolving power, coherence, lasers, holography. Selected experiments in optics. Studio-format course.
- Prerequisites: MATH 234(P) and PHYSICS 309(C); or consent of instructor.
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of PHYSICS 325 & 2 cr of PHYSICS 410.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
- PHYSICS 351 Basics of Condensed Matter Physics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Basic principles of condensed-matter physics. Crystals and amorphous materials; bonding; magnetic, thermal, and transport properties; band theory.
- Prerequisites: Physics 309(P) or Chem 311(P).
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of Physics 499 w/same topic.
- PHYSICS 370 Analytical and Numerical Methods in Physics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Solutions to various physics problems. Applications (both analytical and numerical) from mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics.
- Prerequisites: B- or better in either Physics 210(NP) or Physics 220(NP); B- or better in Math 233(P); Math 234(C) or ElecEng 234(C); or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.
- PHYSICS 381 Honors Seminar:
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Selected topics concerning history and the nature of physics as an intellectual discipline.
- Prerequisites: sophomore standing, HONORS 200(P), and consent of Honors College director.
- General Education Requirements: NS
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max. No cr toward major.
- Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2013, Fall 2011.
- PHYSICS 391 Undergraduate Research Participation
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
- Independent research for undergraduates on faculty-supervised research projects.
- Prerequisites: PHYSICS 309(P) and 3.25 GPA in physics courses; or consent of instructor.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max; non-repeatable for change of grade.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.
- PHYSICS 406 Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Microscopy and spectroscopy methods for identification of chemical composition introducing interdisciplinary opportunities in fundamental and industrial applications.
- Prerequisites: Bio Sci 150(P) & 152(P); or Physics 209(P) & 210(P); or Chem 102(P) & 104(P); or Chem 105(P).
- Last Taught: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014.
- PHYSICS 407 Computational Physics Laboratory
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Python programming, LaTeX typesetting, numerical methods, data analysis, hands-on computational experiments.
- Prerequisites: PHYSICS 210(P).
- PHYSICS 408 Experiments in Linear Electronics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Transistor and integrated circuit characteristics; electronic measurement and control.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P).
- Course Rules: No cr for students w/cr in ElecEng 330(R).
- Last Taught: Fall 2020, Fall 2015.
- PHYSICS 408G Experiments in Linear Electronics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Transistor and integrated circuit characteristics; electronic measurement and control.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P).
- Course Rules: No cr for students w/cr in ElecEng 330(R).
- Last Taught: Fall 2020, Fall 2015.
- PHYSICS 409 Modern Physics Laboratory
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Selected experiments in modern physics using advanced lab instrumentation.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 309(P) or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.
- PHYSICS 411 Mechanics
- 4 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Kinematics, vector analysis, conservation laws, oscillations, variational methods, chaos, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and PHYSICS 210(NP).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 411G Mechanics
- 4 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Kinematics, vector analysis, conservation laws, oscillations, variational methods, chaos, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and PHYSICS 210(NP).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 420 Electricity and Magnetism I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Electrostatics, capacitance, boundary value problems, mulipole expansion, dielectrics, magnetostatics, vector potential, magnetic properties of matter, motional emf, inductance, Maxwell's equations in differential form.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, PHYSICS 210(NP), and a grade of B- or better in MATH 325(P); or MATH 325(P) and a grade of B- or better in PHYSICS 370(P); or graduate standing.
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of 2 cr of PHYSICS 421.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 420G Electricity and Magnetism I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Electrostatics, capacitance, boundary value problems, mulipole expansion, dielectrics, magnetostatics, vector potential, magnetic properties of matter, motional emf, inductance, Maxwell's equations in differential form.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, PHYSICS 210(NP), and a grade of B- or better in MATH 325(P); or MATH 325(P) and a grade of B- or better in PHYSICS 370(P); or graduate standing.
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of 2 cr of PHYSICS 421.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 422 Electricity and Magnetism II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Conservation laws in electrodynamics, Maxwell's stress tensor, electromagnetic waves, absorption, dispersion, reflection and transmission of plane electromagnetic waves, wave guides, retarded potentials, radiation, electrodynamics and relativity.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and a grade of C or better in PHYSICS 420(P); or graduate standing.
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of 2 cr of PHYSICS 421.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 422G Electricity and Magnetism II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Conservation laws in electrodynamics, Maxwell's stress tensor, electromagnetic waves, absorption, dispersion, reflection and transmission of plane electromagnetic waves, wave guides, retarded potentials, radiation, electrodynamics and relativity.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and a grade of C or better in PHYSICS 420(P); or graduate standing.
- Course Rules: Counts as repeat of 2 cr of PHYSICS 421.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 441 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
- 4 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Historical background and experimental basis, De Broglie waves, correspondence principle, uncertainty principle, Schroedinger equation; hydrogen atom, electron spin, Pauli Principle, applications of wave mechanics.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, PHYSICS 309(NP), and MATH 325(C); or graduate standing.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 441G Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
- 4 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Historical background and experimental basis, De Broglie waves, correspondence principle, uncertainty principle, Schroedinger equation; hydrogen atom, electron spin, Pauli Principle, applications of wave mechanics.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, PHYSICS 309(NP), and MATH 325(C); or graduate standing.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 442 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Continuation of PHYSICS 441, emphasizing perturbation theory and applications to multi-electron systems, including atoms, molecules, and solids.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and a grade of C or better in PHYSICS 441(NP); or graduate standing.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 442G Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Continuation of PHYSICS 441, emphasizing perturbation theory and applications to multi-electron systems, including atoms, molecules, and solids.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and a grade of C or better in PHYSICS 441(NP); or graduate standing.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- PHYSICS 489 Internship in Physics, Upper Division
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
- Application of advanced principles of physics in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
- Prerequisites: junior standing; 300-level or above course in physics; 2.25 GPA and consent of supervising faculty member.
- Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hrs in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
- PHYSICS 497 Study Abroad:
- 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
- Last Taught: Fall 2014, Spring 1998.
- PHYSICS 497G Study Abroad:
- 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
- Last Taught: Fall 2014, Spring 1998.
- PHYSICS 498 Undergraduate Physics Seminar
- 1 cr. Undergraduate.
- Talks by faculty, visitors, and students on topics of current interest in physics, astronomy, and other science and engineering fields.
- Prerequisites: sr st; Physics 411(C), 421(C), or 441(C).
- Course Rules: Cr/no cr only.
- Last Taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009.
- PHYSICS 499 Ad Hoc:
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
- Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires department and associate dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one additional semester.
- Prerequisites: junior standing; additional prerequisites may be assigned to specific topic.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
- Last Taught: Spring 2013, Spring 2011, Spring 2007, Spring 2004.
- PHYSICS 501 Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Selected topics in mathematics for study of the techniques and procedures for stating physical problems in mathematical terms and the physical interpretation of mathematical solutions.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 501G Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Selected topics in mathematics for study of the techniques and procedures for stating physical problems in mathematical terms and the physical interpretation of mathematical solutions.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 502 Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- More selected topics in mathematical models.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P). Physics 501(R).
- Last Taught: Spring 2007, Spring 2006.
- PHYSICS 502G Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- More selected topics in mathematical models.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P). Physics 501(R).
- Last Taught: Spring 2007, Spring 2006.
- PHYSICS 515 Statistical Mechanics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Brief survey of thermodynamics; statistical mechanics; classical and quantum gases.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 317(P) & 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 515G Statistical Mechanics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Brief survey of thermodynamics; statistical mechanics; classical and quantum gases.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 317(P) & 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024.
- PHYSICS 517 Special Relativity
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Relativistic kinematics, the Lorentz transformation, tensor calculus, applications to motion of particles, electromagnetism.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 411(R) & 421(R).
- Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2014.
- PHYSICS 517G Special Relativity
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Relativistic kinematics, the Lorentz transformation, tensor calculus, applications to motion of particles, electromagnetism.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 411(R) & 421(R).
- Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2014.
- PHYSICS 531 Principles of Quantum Mechanics I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Vector and Hilbert spaces; Schroedinger equation in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions; systems of many particles; symmetries; angular momentum.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 531G Principles of Quantum Mechanics I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Vector and Hilbert spaces; Schroedinger equation in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions; systems of many particles; symmetries; angular momentum.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 532 Principles of Quantum Mechanics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Continuation of PHYSICS 531. Spin; hydrogen atom; variational methods; WKB approximation; perturbation theory; scattering theory; Dirac equation.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and PHYSICS 531(P).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024.
- PHYSICS 532G Principles of Quantum Mechanics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Continuation of PHYSICS 531. Spin; hydrogen atom; variational methods; WKB approximation; perturbation theory; scattering theory; Dirac equation.
- Prerequisites: junior standing and PHYSICS 531(P).
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024.
- PHYSICS 541 Elementary Particles
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Accelerators and detectors; special unitary groups; quark model of hadrons; Feynman diagrams; electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions of quarks and leptons; Higgs boson.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2011, Fall 2009.
- PHYSICS 541G Elementary Particles
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Accelerators and detectors; special unitary groups; quark model of hadrons; Feynman diagrams; electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions of quarks and leptons; Higgs boson.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2011, Fall 2009.
- PHYSICS 551 Introduction to Solid State Physics I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice; crystal binding; elastic waves; phonons, lattice vibrations; thermal properties of insulators; free electron Fermi gas. Band structure; semiconductor crystals; Fermi surface.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P) or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Fall 2020, Fall 2018.
- PHYSICS 551G Introduction to Solid State Physics I
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice; crystal binding; elastic waves; phonons, lattice vibrations; thermal properties of insulators; free electron Fermi gas. Band structure; semiconductor crystals; Fermi surface.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P) or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Fall 2020, Fall 2018.
- PHYSICS 575 Vacuum Science and Technology
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Viscous and molecular flow, vacuum materials and seals, metal-to-ceramic seals, evaporation and vapor pressures, vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, mass spectrographs, chemical reactions at surfaces, outgassing.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Spring 2011, Fall 2003.
- PHYSICS 575G Vacuum Science and Technology
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Viscous and molecular flow, vacuum materials and seals, metal-to-ceramic seals, evaporation and vapor pressures, vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, mass spectrographs, chemical reactions at surfaces, outgassing.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 441(P).
- Last Taught: Spring 2011, Fall 2003.
- PHYSICS 606 Molecular, Cellular, and System Biophysics
- 3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Cell structure and the molecular basis of life. Molecular and cellular interactions. Supracellular organization, signaling, and communication. Selfsimilarity and cooperativity.
- Prerequisites: jr st, Physics 210(P), & writ cons instr; or grad st.
- PHYSICS 610 The Art and Science of Teaching Physics
- 1 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Participants critique lectures, videotapes of experienced teachers, each other; address conceptual problems facing beginning students; gain familiarity with demonstrations, classroom technology; discuss their own classes.
- Prerequisites: appt as undergrad TA or grad st.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 610G The Art and Science of Teaching Physics
- 1 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Participants critique lectures, videotapes of experienced teachers, each other; address conceptual problems facing beginning students; gain familiarity with demonstrations, classroom technology; discuss their own classes.
- Prerequisites: appt as undergrad TA or grad st.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023.
- PHYSICS 651 Introduction to Solid State Physics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Transport, superconductivity, dielectric properties, ferroelectric crystals, magnetism, magnetic resonance, optical phenomena in insulators, nanostructures, non-crystalline solids, point defects, alloys, dislocations.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 551(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2021, Spring 2019.
- PHYSICS 651G Introduction to Solid State Physics II
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Transport, superconductivity, dielectric properties, ferroelectric crystals, magnetism, magnetic resonance, optical phenomena in insulators, nanostructures, non-crystalline solids, point defects, alloys, dislocations.
- Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 551(P).
- Last Taught: Fall 2021, Spring 2019.
- PHYSICS 670 Electron Microscopy Laboratory
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopy methods for study of morphology, crystallinity, and composition of solids in a transmission electron microscope.
- Prerequisites: sr st; Physics 551(P) or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Fall 2012, Fall 2009.
- PHYSICS 670G Electron Microscopy Laboratory
- 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopy methods for study of morphology, crystallinity, and composition of solids in a transmission electron microscope.
- Prerequisites: sr st; Physics 551(P) or cons instr.
- Last Taught: Fall 2012, Fall 2009.
- PHYSICS 698 Research Experience for Teachers
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Enrichment of students' physics background. Work with faculty mentor to develop an innovative teaching program for use in students' own classroom.
- Prerequisites: sr st; current teaching contract.
- Course Rules: Open only to practicing science teachers with demonstrable expertise in physics. May be retaken to 9 cr max.
- Last Taught: Summer 2010, Summer 2009.
- PHYSICS 698G Research Experience for Teachers
- 1-6 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
- Enrichment of students' physics background. Work with faculty mentor to develop an innovative teaching program for use in students' own classroom.
- Prerequisites: sr st; current teaching contract.
- Course Rules: Open only to practicing science teachers with demonstrable expertise in physics. May be retaken to 9 cr max.
- Last Taught: Summer 2010, Summer 2009.
- PHYSICS 699 Advanced Independent Reading
- 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
- Independent reading or research under supervision of faculty member. Study proposal required. For further information, consult dept chair or undergrad advising coord.
- Prerequisites: junior standing, 2.0 GPA, and consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.
- Last Taught: Summer 2018, Fall 2016, Summer 2015, Fall 2008.