University of Delaware 1995-1996 Undergraduate Catalog 1995-1996 Courses Physics and Astronomy PHYS 104 Elementary Physics 3 Overview of the principles of physics and their applications. Course is designed for beginners with no previous exposure to physics. RESTRICTIONS: Requires working knowledge of algebra and the use of scientific notation. Only one course among PHYS101, PHYS104, PHYS201, PHYS207 and SCEN101 can count toward graduation. PHYS 133 Introduction to Astronomy 4 Objects of the universe from the earth to galaxies. How the universal laws that govern them; e.g., gravity and electromagnetic radiation, permit us to learn their nature from quantitative observations. Telescopic observations, visual and electronic, included in the laboratory. PHYS 139 Star and Constellation Identification 1 Familiarity with the sky, its changing aspects, constellations, mythology, bright stars, and planets. Topics will include use of sky maps and coordinates, how to estimate directions and time from knowledge of the sky, and the use of binoculars and small telescopes. PHYS 140 Great Concepts of Physics 3 Designed for non-science majors, will concentrate on understanding both the content and impact of five great concepts of physics: the Newtonian Universe, Conservation of Energy, Entropy, Relativity, and Wave-Particle Duality. The influence of these concepts in other areas of human concern, e.g., philosophy, art, history, politics, medicine, etc. will be an important feature. PHYS 141 Light, Lasers, Cameras, Perception 3 Introduction to the phenomena of light, optics and perception for non- science majors. Topics include: nature of light, sources of light and shadows, rainbows, mirages and other atmospheric phenomena, cameras, telescopes, microscopes, color creation and observation, physics influences in art, the human eye and perception. PHYS 143 Energy Technology and Society 3 Basic principles of physics are applied to discuss forms of energy (mechanical,thermal, chemical, electrical and nuclear), and how energy is derived from sources such as coal, petroleum, solar, nuclear fission and fusion. Environmental consequences of energy use are treated. PREREQ: College algebra. PHYS 144 Concepts of the Universe 3 Survey of astronomy emphasizing early and modern concepts. Stars, planets, galaxies, cosmic evolution and intelligent life are studied in the context of physical principles which describe the dynamics of the universe. Scientific process is used to interpret observations that shape our perceptions of the cosmos. RESTRICTIONS: Not for credit to students who have taken PHYS133 or PHYS134. PHYS 145 Quasars, Black Holes and the Universe 3 A non-mathematical course focusing on the role of explosions and other violent events in the universe. The major topics are Einstein's theory of special relativity, black holes, galaxies, exploding galaxies, quasars, the expanding universe, pulsars, supernovae and x-ray stars. PHYS 146 Quarks, Gluons, and the Big Bang: Particles and Cosmology 3 Non-mathematical course focusing on the elementary particles and their influence on the early evolution of the universe. Major topics are quarks and the forces they feel, Einstein's theory of relativity, Quantum Mechanics made fairly simple, and the Inflationary Universe. RESTRICTIONS: High School Algebra. PHYS 201 Introductory Physics I 4 First course in a two-part sequence with PHYS202 which provides a comprehensive introduction to physics for students in physical, biological, health, and environmental sciences. Topics include: geometrical optics, rectilinear mechanics, fluid, and thermodynamics. PREREQ: MATH115. RESTRICTIONS: Requires a grade of "C" or better in MATH115 and strong mathematics background in geometry, algebra and trigonometry. MATH221 strongly recommended. Recommended for pre-dentistry students. Only one course among PHYS104, PHYS201, PHYS207 and SCEN101 can count toward graduation. PHYS 202 Introductory Physics II 4 Second course in a two-part sequence with PHYS201 which provides a comprehensive introduction to physics for students in physical, biological, health, and environmental sciences. Topics include: rotational and oscillatorymotion, waves, electricity and magnetism, structure and properties of nuclei, atoms, molecules and solids. PREREQ: MATH115 and PHYS201. RESTRICTIONS: Requires a grade of "C" or better in MATH115 and strong mathematics background in geometry, algebra and trigonometry. MATH221 strongly recommended. Recommended for pre-dentistry students. Only one course from among PHYS102, PHYS202 and PHYS208 can count toward graduation. PHYS 207 Fundamentals of Physics I 4 Calculus-based introduction to physics, with primary emphasis on mechanics. Integrates conceptual understanding with extensive problem solving and laboratory experience. COREQ: MATH242. RESTRICTIONS: Only one course from among PHYS101, PHYS104, PHYS207 and SCEN101 can count toward graduation. PHYS 208 Fundamentals of Physics II 4 Calculus-based introduction to physics, with primary emphasis on electricity and magnetism. Integrates conceptual understanding with extensive problem solving and laboratory experience. PREREQ: PHYS207. COREQ: MATH243. PHYS 209 Fundamentals of Physics III 3 Calculus-based introduction to waves and quantum physics. Material on waves will include the damped and undamped harmonic oscillator, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and the basics of Fourier series. The quantum physics material will include the Bohr model, diffraction and interference of electrons, photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, and the interpretation of the Schrodinger equation. PREREQ: PHYS208. PHYS 313 Physical Optics 4 Introduction to optics at an intermediate level with emphasis on physical concepts and the properties of waves. Appropriate for physics as well as engineering students and others with a physical science background. PREREQ: MATH302. RESTRICTIONS: Requires a strong mathematics background. PHYS 366 Independent Study 1-3 PHYS 419 Classical Mechanics I 3 Intermediate course which emphasizes the fundamental principles of classical mechanics. Treats in detail and with mathematical rigor, particle mechanics, conservation laws, harmonic oscillation, motion under central force, rigid body dynamics, and moving coordinate systems. COREQ: MATH302. PHYS 422 Quantum Mechancis 3 Introduces quantum mechanical concepts by reviewing experiments which cannnot be explained by classical physics. The Schrodinger equation is solved for simple cases such as free-particle motion, the simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom, with a basic treatment of angular momemtum. PREREQ: PHYS209, MATH302, and MATH349. PHYS 442 Quantum Mechanics 0-0 Introduces quantum mechanical concepts by reviewing experiments which cannot be explained by classical physics. Schrodinger equation is solved for simple cases such as free-particle motion, the simple harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom, with a basic treatment of angular momentum. The material is fundamental to almost all physics developed in the 20th-century. PREREQ: PHYS209, MATH302, and MATH349. PHYS 449 Introduction to Research 1-6 Undergraduate research on an assigned problem carried out under the supervision of the staff. PHYS 466 Independent Study 1-3 PHYS 600 Physics Research Talks 1 PF Lectures by Physics faculty describing their current research to aid graduate students in selection of an area of thesis research. PHYS 601 Introduction to Teaching Physics and Astronomy 1 PF Introduction to the methods and techniques of teaching and tutoring physics at a level appropriate for teaching assistants and tutors of undergraduate courses in Physics and Astronomy. Discussion and workshop formats will be used during the course. PHYS 603 Electricity and Magnetism I 3 First course in a two-part sequence with PHYS604 which provides a detailed treatment of electrostatics and magnetostatics at the intermediate level. Topics include: Maxwell's equations in the static limit, multipile expansions, capacitors and electrostatic energy, analytical and numercial solutions to boundary-value problems, dielectric and magnetic media, and steady currents. PREREQ: PHYS208 or PHYS202. COREQ: MATH503 or MATH601. PHYS 604 Electricity and Magnetism II 3 Second course in a two-part sequence with PHYS603 which provides a detailed treatment of electromagnetic theory at the intermediate level. Maxwell's equations are developed and applied to electromagnetic waves in vacuum, material media, and wave guides, includes application to electromagnetic radiation, and special relativity. PREREQ: PHYS208 or PHYS202, and PHYS603. PHYS 607 Methods of Mathematical Physics 3 Mathematical subjects commonly employed in physics with examples taken from physics. Linear vector spaces. Fourier series, orthogonal function expansions and eigenvalue problems. PREREQ: PHYS620, MATH302 and MATH602. PHYS 608 Methods of Mathematical Physics 3 Mathematical subjects commonly employed in physics with examples taken from physics. Complex variables and asymptotic analysis. PREREQ: PHYS620, MATH302 and MATH602. PHYS 610 Quantum Mechanics 3 Wave-particle duality. The Schrodinger equation. One-dimensional problems. Spherically symmetric potentials. Orbital angular momentum. Applications including hydrogenic atoms. PREREQ: PHYS622. PHYS 616 Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics 3 Elements of the kinetic theory of gases, a treatment of thermodynamic principles and introduction to statistics. PREREQ: MATH243 and PHYS209. PHYS 620 Classical Mechanics II 3 Topics covered are Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, dynamics of systems of particles, rigid bodies and fluids, oscillations of systems of coupled particles, oscillations and waves in continuous systems. Provides a classical introduction to techniques that are used extensively in quantum and statistical physics. PREREQ: MATH302 and PHYS419. PHYS 621 Fundamentals of Modern Physics I 3 Comprehensive and critical discussion of the phenomenological bases of atomic, electronic, and nuclear physics and their assimilation into a wave mechanical view of the microscopic world. PREREQ: MATH302. PHYS 6211 Introduction to Modern Physics 0-0 PHYS 622 Fundamentals of Modern Physics II 3 Application of wave mechanical and quantum statistical ideas to elucidate fine structures in atomic and molecular spectra, thermal and electrical properties of metals and semiconductors, superfluidity, nuclear reactions, and elementary particles. PREREQ: PHYS209 and MATH302. PHYS 624 Introduction to Solid State Physics 3 X-ray diffraction, structure and properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors, and band theory of solids; includes electrical, optical, magnetic and thermal properties. PREREQ: PHYS616 and PHYS621. PHYS 631 Acoustics 3 Vibrations of particles, strings and membranes; acoustic waves; radiation of sound; room acoustics; and acoustic measurements. PREREQ: MATH302. PHYS 632 Astrophysics 3 Survey of diverse astronomical objects and the physical principles used in modeling them. Emphasis on the observational basis and foundations of astrophysics. Stellar magnitudes, colors and spectra; the HR diagram; solar and stellar activity; binary stars; the phenomena of galactic and extragalactic astronomy. PREREQ: MATH302 plus 14 hours of physics. PHYS 633 Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics 3 Introduction to the physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres. The evolution of stars is explored by studying the changes in internal composition due to nuclear reactions. The physical processes underlying stellar spectra are investigated. Computer simulations of stars and their atomspheres may be used. PREREQ: PHYS632 and MATH302. PHYS 638 Selected Topics in Physics 3 Treatment of a specialized subject, taken from the following list: low- temperature physics, advanced experimental physics in research areas active in the department, cosmology, elementary particles, lasers and Fourier optics and plasma physics. RESTRICTIONS: May be repeated for credit when topics vary. PHYS 645 Electronics for Scientists 3 Fundamentals of analog and digital electronics, with emphasis on applications in science. Circuit analysis, operational amplifiers, filters, gates, flip-flops, counters, analog to digital and digital to analog converters. PREREQ: PHYS208 or equivalent. PHYS 646 Instrumentation for Scientists 3 Electronic measurements and instrumentation with emphasis on applications in science. Amplification, noise, low-level signal recovery, lock-in amplifiers, digital signal averaging, frequency and time measurements, transducers, bridges, interfacing to laboratory computers and automation of experiments. PREREQ: PHYS208 and PHYS645 or equivalents. PHYS 647 Modern Physics Laboratory 3 Introduction to modern experimental methods and techniques. Consists of a variety of experiments for the study of the structural, transport, magnetic, optical and nuclear properties of matter. Covers basic experimental techniques involved in materials preparation, vacuum design and measurement, and temperature control and measurement. PREREQ: PHYS209 and PHYS621. PHYS 803 Solid State Physics 3 Crystal structure; mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, optical and magnetic properties of solids; and imperfections in crystals. PREREQ: PHYS624. PHYS 804 Solid State Physics 3 Crystal structure; mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, optical and magnetic properties of solids; and imperfections in crystals. Continuation of PHYS803. PREREQ: PHYS803. PHYS 809 Electromagnetic Theory 3 Review of statics; Maxwell's equations, physical optics and wave guides. PREREQ: PHYS604. PHYS 810 Electromagnetic Theory 3 Geometric optics limit of Maxwell's equations, Lienard-Wiechert fields, Radiation fields, Radiation damping, Wheeler-Feynman theory. PREREQ: PHYS604 and PHYS809. PHYS 811 Quantum Mechanics 3 Continuation of PHYS610. Approximation methods. Introductory scattering theory. Spin matrix formulation of quantum mechanics. Applications to atoms, molecules, nuclei and crystals. PREREQ: PHYS607 and PHYS610. COREQ: PHYS608. PHYS 812 Quantum Mechanics 3 Continuation of PHYS811. Approximation methods. Symmetries. Semi- classical radiation theory. Identical particles and many-particle wave functions. Collision theory. Applications to atoms, molecules, nuclei and crystals. PREREQ: PHYS811. PHYS 813 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics 3 Review of equilibrium thermodynamics and probability theory; kinetic theory including the Boltzmann equation and an introduction to fluid mechanics, Gibbsian ensemble theory in classical and quantum statistical mechanics, the ideal Bose and Fermi gases with elementary applications, the statistical aspects of light, electrical noise and irreversible thermodynamics. PREREQ: PHYS616. PHYS 815 Theory of Relativity 2-3 Critique of the special theory introductory to the general theory; physical basis of the general theory; Einstein's field equations; and problems of gravitational motion and radiation. PREREQ: PHYS809. PHYS 817 Advanced Classical Dynamics 3 Theoretical treatment of classical dynamics. PHYS 834 Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics 3 A theoretical and analytic treatment (contrasted with the largely phenomenological approach of PHYS632) of non-stellar astrophysics, including cosmic rays, inter-stellar medium, atomic astrophysics, plasma astrophysics, galactic structure, active galaxies and quasars, and cosmology. PREREQ: PHYS632. PHYS 838 Advanced Treatment of Selected Topics 3 Selected topics taken from the following list: molecular biophysics, theory of relativity, nuclear theory, elementary particles, magnetic resonance, quantum mechanics, applications of group theory in physics, and quantum electronics. RESTRICTIONS: May be repeated for up to six credit hours when topics vary. PHYS 839 Advanced Solid State Physics 3 Selected topics in solid state physics, taken from the following list: electronic conductivity, optical properties, crystal imperfections, magnetism, irreversible thermodynamics, mathematical methods, and band theory. RESTRICTIONS: May be repeated for up to nine credit hours when topics vary. PHYS 862 Solid State Seminar 1 Lectures and discussions by faculty and students on specialized topics in solid state physics. PHYS 863 Theoretical Physics Seminar 1 PF Lectures and discussions on specialized topics in theoretical physics. PHYS 868 Research 1-9 PHYS 869 Master's Thesis 1-6 PHYS 964 Pre-Candidacy Study 3-12 PF Research and readings in preparation of dissertation topic and/or qualifying examinations for doctoral students before admission to candidacy but after completion of all required course work. RESTRICTIONS: Not open to students who have been admitted to candidacy. PHYS 969 Doctoral Dissertation 1-12 PF