Astronomy Courses

ASTRON 103 - Survey of Astronomy (3 units; U)

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. Prereq: math placement level 10.

ASTRON 104 - Astronomy Laboratory (1 units; U)

Observations of planets, stars, stellar clusters, and galaxies; related experiments. Correlated with Astron 103. Prereq: Astron 103(C) or Astron 211(C).

ASTRON 185 - Astronomy for Pre-Education Majors (3 units; U)

Space: how we know and what we know; the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. 2 hrs lec, lab. Prereq: none.

ASTRON 194 - First-Year Seminar: (3 units; U)

Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered. Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194). Prereq: none.

ASTRON 199 - Independent Study (1-3 units; U)

For further information, consult dept chair. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: 2.5 gpa; writ cons instr, dept chair & asst dean for SAS.

ASTRON 211 - Principles of Astronomy (3 units; U)

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. Prereq: Physics 120(P) or 209(P) or cons instr.

ASTRON 289 - Internship in Astronomy, Lower Division (1-6 units; U)

Application of basic principles of astronomy in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting. One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: intro course in astron; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.

ASTRON 299 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

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. Prereq: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

ASTRON 400 - Astrophysics I (3 units; U)

Introductory astrophysics for students with junior-/senior-level background in mathematics and physics. Light and matter; stars and the sun; extrasolar planets; compact objects. Prereq: Astron 103(P) or 211(P) or cons instr; Physics 309(P); Physics 317(R) recom.

ASTRON 401 - Astrophysics II (3 units; U)

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. Prereq: Astron 400(300)(P).

ASTRON 489 - Internship in Astronomy, Upper Division (1-6 units; U)

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

ASTRON 499 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

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. Prereq: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

Physics Courses

PHYSICS 100 - Quantitative Preparation for Physics (2 units; U)

Introductory course in general physics designed for the student with little or no previous science training. Fee for 3 cr assessed. Not open to students w/cr in Physics 110(ER), 120(ER), or 209(ER). Prereq: Math Placement Level 10.

PHYSICS 107 - Physics in Everyday Life (3 units; U)

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. May not be taken conc with or after having taken Physics 120(ER) or 209(ER). Prereq: none.

PHYSICS 108 - Laboratory for Physics in Everyday Life (1 units; U)

Experiments correlated with Physics 107. Prereq: Physics 107(C).

PHYSICS 110 - Physics for the Health Professions (4 units; U)

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. May not be taken conc with or after having taken Physics 120(ER) or 209(ER). Prereq: H.S. general science; Math Placement Level 20.

PHYSICS 120 - General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) (4 units; U)

Mechanics, wave motion, heat, and sound. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: Math Placement Level 30 or grade of C or better in Physics 100(P); HS trig or Physics 100 strongly recom.

PHYSICS 121 - General Physics Laboratory I (Non-Calculus Treatment) (1 units; U)

Experiments correlated with lecture material of Physics 120. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: Physics 120(C).

PHYSICS 122 - General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment) (4 units; U)

Electricity, optics, modern physics. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation. Prereq: Physics 120(NP).

PHYSICS 123 - General Physics Laboratory II (Non-Calculus Treatment) (1 units; U)

Experiments on topics related to the lecture material of Physics 122. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation. Prereq: Physics 122(C).

PHYSICS 185 - Basic Physics for Teachers (3 units; U)

Simple machines; work, energy and power; heating and cooling; static electricity and elementary electrical circuits; waves. 2 hrs lec; 2 hrs lab/dis. Not open for cr to students with cr in Physics courses numbered 110 or above. Prereq: Math 175(P) & cons instr.

PHYSICS 194 - First-Year Seminar: (3 units; U)

The specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered. Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194). Prereq: none.

PHYSICS 199 - Independent Study (1-3 units; U)

For further information, consult dept chair. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: 2.5 gpa; writ cons instr, dept chair & asst dean for SAS.

PHYSICS 209 - Physics I (Calculus Treatment) (4 units; U)

Selected topics in mechanics, wave motion, sound, and heat. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: Math 227(C), 228(C), or 232(C).

PHYSICS 210 - Physics II (Calculus Treatment) (4 units; U)

Continuation of Physics 209. Electromagnetic field theory and optics. 3 hrs lec, 2 hrs dis. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: grade of C- or better in Physics 209(NP); Math 229(C) or 233(C).

PHYSICS 214 - Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment) (1 units; U)

Experiments in mechanics, wave motion, heat, and thermodynamics. 3 hrs lab. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries 5 cr max toward graduation. Prereq: Physics 209(C).

PHYSICS 215 - Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment) (1 units; U)

Experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. 3 hrs lec. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries 5 cr max toward graduation. Prereq: Physics 210(C).

PHYSICS 219 - Physics I: Calculus-Based, Studio Format (5 units; U)

Basic kinematics; Newton. Selected topics in mechanics, wave motion, sound, and heat. 8 hrs lec/lab. Not open to students w/cr in Physics 209. Any combination of Physics 120, 121, 209, 214, 219 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: Math 227(C), 228(C), or 232(C).

PHYSICS 220 - Physics II: Calculus-Based, Studio Format (5 units; U)

Electromagnetic field theory and optics. Not open to students w/cr in Physics 210. Any combination of Physics 122, 123, 210, 215, 220 carries max 5 cr toward graduation. Prereq: grade of C or better in Physics 219(NP); Math 229(C) or 233(C).

PHYSICS 265 - Physics and the Energy Problem (3 units; U)

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. Prereq: H.S. algebra; Physics 107(P), 110(P), 120(P), or 209(P).

PHYSICS 270 - Introduction to Computational Physics (3 units; U)

Use of computers to solve physics problems, including particle collisions, chaotic systems, planetary motion, and other topics related to relativity and quantum mechanics. Prereq: Physics 209(P); Math 233(C).

PHYSICS 289 - Internship in Physics, Lower Division (1-6 units; U)

Application of basic principles of physics in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting. One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: intro course in physics; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.

PHYSICS 296 - UROP Apprenticeship (1-3 units; U)

Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff. One cr for 45 hrs research. May be retaken to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses. Prereq: acceptance into UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.

PHYSICS 297 - Study Abroad: (1-12 units; U)

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. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.

PHYSICS 299 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

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. Prereq: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

PHYSICS 305 - Medical Physics (3 units; U)

Applications of physics to living systems & medical diagnostics. 3 hrs lec. Primarily for premed students and others in the medical & biological sciences. Approved for Premed Stds Cert Prog. Prereq: grade of B+ or better in Physics 209(P). (Conc reg in Physics 210 strongly recom).

PHYSICS 306 - Introduction to Biophysics (3 units; U)

Physical foundations of cellular phenomena; physical laws of complex biological systems; imaging and instrumentation for biophysics. 3 hrs lec. Approved for Premed Stds Cert Prog. Prereq: Physics 122(P) or 210(P); Chemistry 104(P) or 105(P).

PHYSICS 309 - Physics III: Modern Physics (3 units; U)

Elementary quantum physics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state and nuclear physics. Not open for cr to students who have had Physics 341. Prereq: Physics 210(NP); Math 234(C).

PHYSICS 317 - Thermodynamics (3 units; U)

Classical thermodynamics, including entropy, the use of thermodynamic potentials, and applications to pressure-volume and other systems. Some basic statistical physics may be included. Prereq: Physics 210(NP).

PHYSICS 325 - Optics (4 units; U)

Geometric and physical optics, image formation, interference, diffraction, polarization, optical instruments, resolving power, coherence, lasers, holography. Selected experiments in optics. Studio-format course. Counts as repeat of Physics 325 & 2 cr of Physics 410. Prereq: Math 234(P) & Physics 309(C) or cons instr.

PHYSICS 351 - Basics of Condensed Matter Physics (3 units; U)

Basic principles of condensed-matter physics. Crystals and amorphous materials; bonding; magnetic, thermal, and transport properties; band theory. Counts as repeat of Physics 499 w/same topic. Prereq: Physics 309(P) or Chem 311(P).

PHYSICS 370 - Analytical and Numerical Methods in Physics (3 units; U)

Solutions to various physics problems. Applications (both analytical and numerical) from mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics. Prereq: Physics 309(P); Math 234(P) or ElecEng 234(P); or cons instr.

PHYSICS 381 - Honors Seminar: (3 units; U)

Selected topics concerning history and the nature of physics as an intellectual discipline. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. No cr toward major. Prereq: soph st; Honors 200(P); cons Honors College dir.

PHYSICS 391 - Undergraduate Research Participation (1-6 units; U)

Independent research for undergraduates on faculty-supervised research projects. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max; non-repeatable for change of grade. Prereq: Physics 309(P)); 3.25 GPA in physics courses; cons instr.

PHYSICS 406 - Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy (3 units; U)

Microscopy and spectroscopy methods for identification of chemical composition introducing interdisciplinary opportunities in fundamental and industrial applications. Prereq: Bio Sci 150(P) & 152(P); or Physics 209(P) & 210(P); or Chem 102(P) & 104(P); or Chem 105(P).

PHYSICS 408 - Experiments in Linear Electronics (3 units; U/G)

Transistor and integrated circuit characteristics; electronic measurement and control. No cr for students w/cr in ElecEng 330(R). Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(P).

PHYSICS 409 - Modern Physics Laboratory (3 units; U)

Selected experiments in modern physics using advanced lab instrumentation. Prereq: jr st; Physics 309(P) or cons instr.

PHYSICS 411 - Mechanics (4 units; U/G)

Kinematics, vector analysis, conservation laws, oscillations, variational methods, chaos, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(NP).

PHYSICS 420 - Electricity and Magnetism I (3 units; U/G)

Electrostatics, capacitance, boundary value problems, mulipole expansion, dielectrics, magnetostatics, vector potential, magnetic properties of matter, motional emf, inductance, Maxwell's equations in differential form. Counts as repeat of 2 cr of Physics 421. Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(NP); a grade of B- or better in Math 321(P); or Math 321(P) and a grade of B- or better in Physics 370(P); or grad st.

PHYSICS 422 - Electricity and Magnetism II (3 units; U/G)

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. Counts as repeat of 2 cr of Physics 421. Prereq: jr st, Physics 420(P); or grad st.

PHYSICS 441 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I (4 units; U/G)

Historical background and experimental basis, De Broglie waves, correspondence principle, uncertainty principle, Schroedinger equation; hydrogen atom, electron spin, Pauli Principle, applications of wave mechanics. Prereq: jr st; Physics 309(NP); Math 321(C).

PHYSICS 442 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II (3 units; U/G)

Continuation of Physics 441, emphasizing perturbation theory and applications to multi-electron systems, including atoms, molecules, and solids. Prereq: jr st; Physics 441(NP).

PHYSICS 463 - Introduction to Atmospheric Physics (3 units; U/G)

Atmospheric phenomena not directly linked with the general circulation: refraction and scattering, visibility, radiation transfers, optics, aerosols and cloud particles, acoustics, radar, atmospheric electricity. Not available for grad cr at this time. Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(P), Math 232(P), or Atm Sci 350(P).

PHYSICS 489 - Internship in Physics, Upper Division (1-6 units; U)

Application of advanced principles of physics in a research, business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting. One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hrs in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: jr st; 300-level or above course in Physics; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.

PHYSICS 497 - Study Abroad: (1-12 units; U/G)

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. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.

PHYSICS 498 - Undergraduate Physics Seminar (1 units; U)

Talks by faculty, visitors, and students on topics of current interest in physics, astronomy, and other science and engineering fields. Cr/no cr only. Prereq: sr st; Physics 411(C), 421(C), or 441(C).

PHYSICS 499 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

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. Prereq: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

PHYSICS 501 - Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems I (3 units; U/G)

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. Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P).

PHYSICS 502 - Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems II (3 units; U/G)

More selected topics in mathematical models. Prereq: jr st; Physics 210(P); Math 234(P). Physics 501(R).

PHYSICS 515 - Statistical Mechanics (3 units; U/G)

Brief survey of thermodynamics; statistical mechanics; classical and quantum gases. Prereq: jr st; Physics 317(P) & 441(P).

PHYSICS 517 - Special Relativity (3 units; U/G)

Relativistic kinematics, the Lorentz transformation, tensor calculus, applications to motion of particles, electromagnetism. Prereq: jr st; Physics 411(R) & 421(R).

PHYSICS 531 - Principles of Quantum Mechanics I (3 units; U/G)

Vector and Hilbert spaces; Schroedinger equation in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions; systems of many particles; symmetries; angular momentum. Prereq: jr st; Physics 441(P).

PHYSICS 532 - Principles of Quantum Mechanics II (3 units; U/G)

Continuation of 531. Spin; hydrogen atom; variational methods; WKB approximation; perturbation theory; scattering theory; Dirac equation. Prereq: jr st; Physics 531(P).

PHYSICS 541 - Elementary Particles (3 units; U/G)

Accelerators and detectors; special unitary groups; quark model of hadrons; Feynman diagrams; electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions of quarks and leptons; Higgs boson. Prereq: jr st; Physics 441(P).

PHYSICS 551 - Introduction to Solid State Physics I (3 units; U/G)

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. Prereq: jr st; Physics 441(P) or cons instr.

PHYSICS 575 - Vacuum Science and Technology (3 units; U/G)

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. Prereq: jr st; Physics 441(P).

PHYSICS 606 - Molecular, Cellular, and System Biophysics (3 units; U)

Cell structure and the molecular basis of life. Molecular and cellular interactions. Supracellular organization, signaling, and communication. Selfsimilarity and cooperativity. Prereq: jr st, Physics 210(P), & writ cons instr; or grad st.

PHYSICS 610 - The Art and Science of Teaching Physics (1 units; U/G)

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. Prereq: appt as undergrad TA or grad st.

PHYSICS 651 - Introduction to Solid State Physics II (3 units; U/G)

Transport, superconductivity, dielectric properties, ferroelectric crystals, magnetism, magnetic resonance, optical phenomena in insulators, nanostructures, non-crystalline solids, point defects, alloys, dislocations. Prereq: jr st; Physics 551(P).

PHYSICS 670 - Electron Microscopy Laboratory (3 units; U/G)

Diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopy methods for study of morphology, crystallinity, and composition of solids in a transmission electron microscope. Prereq: sr st; Physics 551(P) or cons instr.

PHYSICS 698 - Research Experience for Teachers (1-6 units; U/G)

Enrichment of students' physics background. Work with faculty mentor to develop an innovative teaching program for use in students' own classroom. Open only to practicing science teachers with demonstrable expertise in physics. May be retaken to 9 cr max. Prereq: sr st; current teaching contract.

PHYSICS 699 - Advanced Independent Reading (1-3 units; U)

Independent reading or research under supervision of faculty member. Study proposal required. For further information, consult dept chair or undergrad advising coord. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Prereq: jr st; 2.5 GPA; writ cons instr, dept chair, & asst dean for SAS.