UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS The - University of Rhode Island

306 Elementary Modern Physics (3)
Introduction to relativistic and quantum physics: special
relativity theory, structure of atoms, molecules,
nuclei, and solids including semiconductor devices;
wave and particle properties (Lec. 3) Pre: 204 and
205.
322 Mechanics (3)
Introduction to Newtonian statics and dynamics
using vector analysis; particle motion, Lagrange’s
equations; rigid body motion. Application to various
topics in physical mechanics. (Lec. 3) Pre: 204 and
MTH 244.
331 Electricity and Magnetism (3)
Electrostatic fields and dielectric materials; magnetic
fields, magnetic induction, and magnetic materials;
introduction to Maxwell’s equations. (Lec. 3) Pre:
204 and MTH 243.
334 (or AST 334) Optics (3)
Geometrical and physical optics; thick lens optics,
interference, diffraction, polarization. (Lec. 3) Pre:
112 or 205.
381, 382 Advanced Laboratory Physics (3 each)
Key experiments covering a wide range of disciplines
including nuclear physics, properties of the electron,
magnetism thermodynamics, and optics. Quantitative
analysis is stressed, including statistics and curve
fitting. Technical skills are developed. (Lab. 6) Pre:
204 and 205.
401, 402 Seminar in Physics (1 each)
Preparation and presentation of papers on selected
topics in physics. (Seminar) Required of all undergraduate
and graduate students in physics; one
semester required for all senior physics majors.
410 Computational Physics (3)
Development and application of computer techniques
to classical and quantum physics problems.
Emphasis will be on approximation techniques and
numerical methods for solving matrix, integral, and
differential equations arising in physics. (Lec. 2, Lab.
3) Pre: MTH 215 and CSC 200 or CSC 201 or CSC
211; credit or concurrent enrollment in MTH 244
and PHY 306.
420 Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical
Mechanics (3)
Emphasis on laws of thermodynamics and properties
of thermodynamic systems, kinetic theory of gases,
molecular velocity distributions, transport phenomena,
Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. (Lec. 3) Pre: 205
and MTH 243.
430 Modern Biological Physics (3)
Quantitative representation of the structure and
organization of biological molecules (DNA, RNA,
proteins, membranes), the forces that stabilize biomolecules,
cooperative transitions, protein folding,
membrane physics, energy transduction in biological
systems, molecular motors, and ratchet models. Pre:
MTH 244. Not for graduate credit.
451 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Particle-wave duality, uncertainty principle;
Schrödinger equation: eigenvalues, wavefunctions,
time dependence; Dirac notation; Heisenberg representation:
operators, matrices, eigenvectors; angular
momentum: spin and polarization, Pauli matrices,
hydrogen atom, application to quantum computation;
symmetries: conservation laws, fermions and
bosons. (Lec. 3) Pre: 306, and 322, and MTH 215,
and 244.
452 Quantum Mechanics: Techniques and Applications
(3)
Approximation techniques including time-dependent
and time-independent perturbation theory, WKB,
variational method, Born, Hartree, and computational
techniques. Applications to atomic and molecular
structure, model potentials, radiative transitions, and
scattering. (Lec. 3) Pre: 451 and MTH 461.
455 Introduction to Solid-State Physics (3)
Crystal structure, thermal, electrical, and magnetic
properties of solids. Electron gas theory of metals,
band theory of solids. Semiconductors. (Lec. 3) Pre:
451 and MTH 243.
483, 484 (or AST 483, 484 or OCG 483, 484) Laboratory
and Research Problems in Physics (3 each)
Research in current areas of physics. Students perform
research projects with individual faculty members.
Students in physics and physical oceanography
may coordinate their research project with a faculty
member of the Graduate School of Oceanography.
(Lec. 1, Lab. 6) Pre: 381 and 382.
491, 492 (or AST 491, 492) Special Problems (1–6
each)
Advanced work under the supervision of a faculty
member arranged to suit the individual requirements
of the student. (Independent Study)
510 Mathematical Methods of Physics I (3)
Topics designed to include applications in physics.
Vector and tensor analysis; linear algebra; coordinate
systems. Determinants, matrices; introductory group
theory. Infinite series, complex analysis, analytic
properties, conformal mapping, calculus of residues.
Fourier analysis and Laplace transforms. (Lec. 3) Pre:
permission of chairperson.
520 Classical Dynamics (3)
Newton’s laws. Conservation theorems and symmetry
properties. Lagrangian mechanics. Central
force motion. Dynamics of rigid bodies. Hamiltonian
mechanics. Canonical transformations. Action-angle
coordinates. Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Deterministic
chaos. Relativistic mechanics. (Lec. 3) Pre: credit or
concurrent enrollment in 510.
PHYSICAL THERAPY/PHYSICS
281
525 Statistical Physics I (3)
Equilibrium thermodynamics. Thermodynamics of
phase transitions. Elements of kinetic theory. Statistical
ensembles and partition functions. Classical and
quantum equilibrium statistical mechanics. (Lec. 3)
Pre: 420 or equivalent, 510.
530 Electromagnetism I (3)
Electrostatics, including boundary value problem.
Multipoles, electrostatics of macroscopic media,
dielectrics. Magnetostatics. Time-varying fields,
Maxwell equations, conservation laws. Plane electromagnetic
waves, wave propagation. Wave guides,
resonant cavities. Magnetic materials. (Lec. 3) Pre:
credit or concurrent enrollment in 510 and 520.
540 Modern Biological Physics (3)
Quantitative representation of biological molecules
(DNA, RNA, proteins, membrane) structure and organization,
forces stabilized biomolecules, cooperative
transitions, protein folding, membrane physics,
energy transduction in biological systems, molecular
motors, ratchet models. Pre: MTH 244.
545 Nanotechnology in Imaging and Therapy (3)
Nanomaterials: physical properties, application in
drug delivery and diagnostics, nanodevices, nanooncology.
Pre: MTH 244.
550 Introduction to Radiation Physics and Dosimentry
(3)
Basic principles of radiation physics: radioactivity, the
physics of ionizing radiation, radiation dosimetry,
imaging equipment, radiation therapy equipment,
and radiation detectors. Pre: 210 or permission of
instructor.
552 Radiobiology (3)
Basic principles of radiation biology: factors that
modify radiation response; linear energy transfer;
relative biological effectiveness; tissue radiosensitivity;
time-dose and fractionation; radiobiological
modeling. Pre: 210 or permission of the instructor.
555 Radiation Oncology (3)
Practical aspects of radiation oncology medical physics:
operation of radiotherapy equipment and dose
measuring devices; radiation beam measurement
techniques; commissioning and quality assurance for
clinical radiation equipment. Pre: 550 and 552.
560 Experimental Methods in Condensed Matter
Science (3)
Fundamental experiments on topics related to departmental
research. Experimental methodology.
(Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: 484 or equivalent.
565 Photomedicine (3)
Interaction of light with matter, use of light in the
diagnosis and treatment of diseases, physical principles
of optical imaging with biomedical applications,
photodynamic therapy. Pre: PHY 322 and PHY 331
or permission of instructor.
COURSES