Courses Offered

Astronomy Courses

ASTRON 103 Survey of Astronomy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
History of astronomy; planets; stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis; death of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes; galaxies and quasars; expansion of the universe, dark matter; the big bang.
Prerequisites: math placement level 10.
General Education Requirements: NS
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

ASTRON 104 Astronomy Laboratory
1 cr. Undergraduate.
Observations of planets, stars, stellar clusters, and galaxies; related experiments. Correlated with Astron 103.
Prerequisites: Astron 103(C) or Astron 211(C).
General Education Requirements: NS+
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

ASTRON 175 Cosmic Origins
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The science of life in the universe. Our cosmic origins in the Big Bang and stars, the origin and evolution of life on Earth, searching for life elsewhere in the solar system and on exoplanets.
Prerequisites: math placement level 10.
General Education Requirements: NS+
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 1995, Fall 1993.

ASTRON 185 Astronomy for Pre-Education Majors
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Space: how we know and what we know; the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. 2 hrs lec, lab.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: NS+
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.

ASTRON 194 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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: Spring 2006, Fall 2001, Spring 2001, Fall 2000.

ASTRON 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.

ASTRON 211 Principles of Astronomy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Light and matter; planets; stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis; death of stars; white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes; galaxies, quasars; expansion of universe, dark matter; big bang.
Prerequisites: Physics 120(P) or 209(P) or cons instr.
General Education Requirements: NS
Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Fall 2017.

ASTRON 289 Internship in Astronomy, Lower Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of astronomy in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: intro course in astron; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.

ASTRON 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. May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2007.

ASTRON 400 Astrophysics I
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introductory astrophysics for students with junior-/senior-level background in mathematics and physics. Light and matter; stars and the sun; extrasolar planets; compact objects.
Prerequisites: Astron 103(P) or 211(P) or cons instr; Physics 309(P); Physics 317(R) recom.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2018.

ASTRON 401 Astrophysics II
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of Astron 400; for students with junior-/senior-level background in mathematics and physics. The Milky Way Galaxy; galactic evolution; structure of the Universe; cosmology.
Prerequisites: Astron 400(300)(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2019.

ASTRON 489 Internship in Astronomy, Upper Division
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of advanced principles of astronomy in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: jr st; 300-level or above course in astron; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.

ASTRON 499 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: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2006.

Physics Courses

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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 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: intro course in physics; 2.25 gpa; cons 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: jr st; B- or better in either PHYSICS 210(NP) or PHYSICS 220(NP); B- or better in MATH 233; 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) & Physics 309(C) or cons instr.
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)); 3.25 GPA in physics courses; cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg 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: jr st; 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: jr st; 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: jr st, C or better in PHYSICS 420(P); or grad st.
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: jr st, C or better in PHYSICS 420(P); or grad st.
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: jr st; C or better in PHYSICS 441(NP); or grad st.
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: jr st; C or better in PHYSICS 441(NP); or grad st.
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: jr st; 300-level or above course in Physics; 2.25 gpa; cons 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: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg 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: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg 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 531. Spin; hydrogen atom; variational methods; WKB approximation; perturbation theory; scattering theory; Dirac equation.
Prerequisites: jr st; Physics 531(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024.

PHYSICS 532G Principles of Quantum Mechanics II
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Continuation of 531. Spin; hydrogen atom; variational methods; WKB approximation; perturbation theory; scattering theory; Dirac equation.
Prerequisites: jr st; 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: jr st; 2.0 GPA; 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.