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A student who intends to pursue graduate
studies in physics also should complete at least
PH315, 421, and 422. Other electives may be
advised by the department in consideration of a
student’s individual career plans. Consideration
should be given to the requisites for each course
in both math and physics. MA106, 107, and
208 are prerequisites for most 300-level physics
courses. Students wishing to pursue a career in
astronomy and astrophysics should combine
the physics degree with the astronomy minor.
Requirements for the Physics Minor
• PH201 and PH202, Introduction to
Analytical Physics
• PH301, Modern Physics
• PH303, Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
• PH311, Experimental Modern Physics
• PH321, Intermediate Classical Mechanics
Requirements for the Astronomy
Minor
• AS102, Modern Astronomy with
Laboratory
• PH201, 202, Introduction to Analytical
Physics
• AS301, Modern Astronomical Techniques
• AS311, Astrophysics I
• AS312, Astrophysics II
Note that MA106 and MA107 are prerequisites
to the upper-division astronomy courses.
Core Courses Offered by Physics
NW262-PH, The Physical World: A onesemester
study of selected topics in physics,
astronomy, chemistry, and other related fields,
and the mathematical analysis of physical
problems. Some mathematical tools will be
introduced as needed. Four lecture periods and
two hours of laboratory per week. (U)(5) Fall
and Spring.
Physics Courses
PH107, 108, Elementary Physics: A twosemester
course based on algebra and elementary
trigonometry. This course is suitable
preparation to meet the entrance requirements
of most dental, medical and pharmacy schools.
Three class periods and two hours of laboratory
per week. PH108 must be preceded by PH107.
(U)(4, 4). Fall only, Spring only.
PH201, 202, Introduction to Analytical
Physics: An introduction to Newtonian
mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electromagnetism
and optics using calculus. Familiarity
with algebra, trigonometry and calculus is
assumed. Four lectures and two hours of
laboratory per week, plus one hour of recitation
per week. PH202 must be preceded by PH201.
Prerequisite: MA106 (may be concurrent) or
permission of instructor. (U)(5, 5). Fall only,
Spring only.
PH301, Modern Physics: An introduction
to special relativity and quantum mechanics
emphasizing fundamental principles. Topics
include Lorentz transformations, relativity,
blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect,
Compton effect, Schrödinger equation,
quantum statistics, lasers, superconductivity,
nuclear properties and reactions, and elementary
particle properties. Prerequisites: MA208 (may
be concurrent) and PH202 or permission of
instructor. (U)(4). Fall only.
PH303, Electromagnetic Waves and Optics:
A study of geometric and wave optics,
interference, diffraction and polarization of
electromagnetic waves. Two lectures and two
hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites:
MA208 (may be concurrent) and PH202 or
permission of instructor. (U)(3). Fall only.
PH311, Experimental Modern Physics: The
student performs a series of experiments to
explore and verify experimental implications of
relativity and quantum mechanics. Experiments
include determination of Planck’s constant,
speed of light, charge-to-mass ratio of electron,
Franck-Hertz experiment, Bragg scattering,
Rutherford scattering and radioactive decay
processes. Prerequisite: PH301 or permission
of instructor. (U)(3). Spring only.
PH315, 316, Mathematical Methods for
Physics: Differential equations; coordinate
systems and differential geometry; special
functions; linear operators, groups and
representation theory; complex analysis; Fourier
series and integral transforms. Applications to
problems in electromagnetic theory, classical
mechanics and quantum mechanics will be
presented. Four lectures per week. Prerequisite:
MA208, PH201, and PH202. (U)(4, 4).
Occasionally.
PH 321, Intermediate Classical Mechanics:
A study of the classical dynamics of oscillators,
gravitational systems, calculus of variations,
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