Course Offerings

2 Credits Physics: the Genesis of Technology PH-UY 1002

This course introduces contemporary topics in physics, along with readings and discussions of topics with technological implications.
Prerequisite: Only first-year students are permitted to enroll in this introductory level course.

3 Credits Mechanics PH-UY 1013

This course is the first of a three-semester lecture sequence in general physics for science and engineering students. Motion of particles and systems of particles. One-dimensional motion. Vectors and two-dimensional motions. Forces and acceleration. Conservation of energy and momentum. Rotations. The free and driven harmonic oscillator. Gravitation. (This class meets four hours per week for lectures and recitation.)
Prerequisites: MA-UY 1024 or an approved equivalent. Corequisites: MA-UY 1124 or approved equivalent, and EX-UY 1

3 Credits Motion and Sound PH-UY 1213

PH-UY 1213 Motion and Sound. (3:0:1:3) First of a two courses introductory sequence in general physics for majors other than science or engineering. (Not an acceptable substitute for PH-UY 1013) One-dimensional motions. Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motions. Newton's Laws of motion. Conservation Laws of Energy and Momentum. Collisions. Rotational motions. Gravity. Statics and Elasticity. Fluids. Oscillations. Mechanical Waves. Superposition and Standing Waves. Sound and Acoustics.
Co-requisite: EX-UY, Anti-requisite: PH-UY 1013

3 Credits Electricity and Light PH-UY 1223

Second of two introductory courses in general physics for non science or engineering majors. (Not an acceptable substitute for PH-UY 2023 or PH-UY 2033) Electric forces and fields. Electric potential and capacitance. Electric current. Magnetic forces and fields. Faradays law and inductance. Maxwell's Theory of Electromagnetism. Electromagnetic waves. Light and Color. Geometrical optics. Image Formation. Interference and diffraction.
Prerequisite(s): PH-UY 1213 or PH-UY 1013; Co-requisite: EX-UY 1.

2 Credits Introduction to Quantum Science PH-UY 2002

This course offers an introduction to the essential concepts of quantum mechanics. Topics covered include basic principles like superposition, measurement and entanglement, along with elementary mathematical models such as wave functions and probability amplitudes. While the course does involve mathematical descriptions, the emphasis is on developing an intuitive understanding of quantum principles.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 1013 and MA-UY 1124

2 Credits Introduction to Quantum Programming PH-UY 2012

This course offers an accessible introduction to quantum programming. Students will explore fundamental quantum algorithms and learn to implement them using popular quantum programming languages and frameworks, with a particular focus on Python-based tools. Topics will include qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and essential quantum algorithms like Deutsch-Josza and Grover's algorithm.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2002 and CS-UY 1114

1 Credits General Physics Laboratory I PH-UY 2121

PH-UY 2121 General Physics Laboratory I (0.5:1:0:1). An introductory level experimental course. Fundamental laboratory experiments in classical mechanics and electrostatics. Stresses basic experimental techniques, error analysis, and written presentation of experiment results. Experiments require progressively more detailed and sophisticated analysis. This laboratory class meets for three hours on alternate weeks.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 1013 and MA-UY 1124 or equivalent. Co-requisite: PH-UY 2023.

3 Credits Electricity, Magnetism, & Fluids PH-UY 2023

This is the second course of a three-semester lecture sequence in general physics for science and engineering students. Fluids at rest and in motion. An introduction to electric and magnetic forces and fields. Electric charge density. Electric fields from simple charge distributions. Electric potential. Capacitance. Magnetic forces. Magnetic field from a current loop. Inductance. Magnetism in matter. Current and resistance. (This class meets four hours per week for lectures and recitation.)
Prerequisites: PH-UY 1013 and MA-UY 1124 or an approved equivalent. Co-requisite: EX-UY 1

1 Credits General Physics Laboratory II PH-UY 2131

PH 2131 General Physics Laboratory II (0.5:1:0:1). The second part of the introductory physics laboratory program. Fundamental laboratory experiments in E&M, waves, optics, and thermodynamics. Stresses experimental models and design, error and data analysis. This laboratory class meets for three hours on alternate weeks.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2121 and PH-UY 2023. Corequisite: PH-UY 2033

3 Credits Waves, Optics, & Thermodynamics PH-UY 2033

This is the third course of a three-semester lecture sequence in general physics for science and engineering students. Water, sound and electromagnetic waves. Reflection, scattering and absorption. Standing waves and spectra. Superposition, diffraction and beats. Geometrical optics. Introduction to thermodynamics; temperature, heat, and entropy. (This class meets four hours per week for lectures and recitation.)
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2121 and PH-UY 2023. Co-requisites: EX-UY 1.

4 Credits Analytical Mechanics PH-UY 2104

The course covers statics by virtual work and potential energy methods. Stability of equilibrium. Particle dynamics, harmonic oscillator and planetary motion. Rigid body dynamics in two and three dimensions. Lagrangian mechanics. Dynamics of oscillating systems.
Prerequisite: PH-UY 2023; Co-requisite: MA-UY 2034

4 Credits Introduction to Modern and Solid State Physics PH-UY 2344

Special theory of relativity, Michelson Morley experiment. Planck’s quantum hypothesis, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, Rutherford scattering, Bohr’s atom, DeBroglie wavelength, electron diffraction, wave function, uncertainty principle, Schrodinger equation. Application to: square well potential, one electron atom. Atomic nucleus, fission and fusion. Energy bands in a periodic lattice, Kronig Penney model, valence, conduction bands, impurity states, electron mobility. Semiconductor properties. Introduction to superconductivity; electron pairs, energy gap, Josephson effect.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2023; Co-requisite: PH-UY 2033 and MA-UY 2034.

3 Credits Astronomy and Astrophysics PH-UY 2813

This course covers historical development of observational astronomy. Traditional and modern observational techniques. Theories of formation and evolution of stars, planets and galaxies. Current developments in astronomy, cosmology and astrophysics.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2131 and PH-UY 2033.

3 Credits Geology and Geophysics PH-UY 2823

An introduction to physical geology, familiarizing students with basic geological processes, and emphasizing the interdisciplinary interactions involved.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 1013

2 Credits Junior Physics Laboratory PH-UY 3002

An intermediate level laboratory course providing in depth exposure to a selection of classic physics experiments. Students' experimental skill set is expanded and data analysis and communication skills developed.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2131 and PH-UY 2033; Co-requisites: PH-UY 2344 and MA-UY 2224.

PH-UY 3054 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Fundamentals of Applied Nuclear Physics PH-UY 3103

This course surveys the fundamentals of nuclear physics with application to nuclear engineering. Topics include an introduction to quantum mechanics, nuclear forces and nuclear structure, nuclear stability and reactions, natural and induced radioactivity.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2023

4 Credits Electricity and Magnetism PH-UY 3234

The course covers properties of the electrostatic, magnetostatic and electromagnetic field in vacuum and in material media. Maxwell’s equations with applications to elementary problems.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2033 and MA-UY 2114.

PH-UY 3244 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

4 Credits Light and Lighting PH-UY 3424

The course explores physical concepts in conversion of electric energy into visible light. Nature of light. Visualization of light. Principles of operation and characteristics of modern light sources. Incandescent and tungsten halogen lamps. Fluorescent mercury lamps. Low-pressure sodium lamps. High intensity discharge (HID) lamps. Solid-state light sources. Latest trends in lighting technology. (Crosslisted as EE-UY 3424.)
Prerequisites: CM-UY 1004, and PH-UY 2033 or PH-UY 2004.

4 Credits Introduction to Modern Optics and Photonics PH-UY 3474

This course covers the physics of optics using both classical and semi-classical descriptions. The classical and quantum interactions of light with matter. Diffraction of waves and wave packets by obstacles. Fourier transform optics, holography, Fourier transform spectroscopy. Coherence and quantum aspects of light. Geometrical optics. Matrix optics. Crystal optics. Introduction to electro-optics and nonlinear optics.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2033.

3 Credits Introduction to Radiation Physics and Dosimetry PH-UY 3503

The course examines the basic theory and practice of Radiation and Health Physics. Atomic and nuclear radiation. X-ray and gamma radiation. Interaction of radiation with matter, and the effects on living tissue. Principles of radiation detection, radiation measurement, external and internal dosimetry. Radiation Protection.
Prerequisite: PH-UY 2023.

3 Credits Nuclear and Radiation Instrumentation and Methods PH-UY 3513

An intermediate level undergraduate course focusing on the theory and practice of nuclear and radiation measurements and instrumentation. Detector properties and principles, pulse electronics and counting statistics will be discussed in detail in the lecture classes. The experiments will illustrate the lecture topics and compliment the companion theory courses. This course meets five hours per week.
Prerequisite: PH-UY 3103; Co-requisite: PH-UY 3503.

PH-UY 3603 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Mathematical Foundations for Quantum Computing PH-UY 3613

This course provides a rigorous mathematical foundation tailored to support advanced studies in quantum computing. It is designed to bridge the gap between general mathematics education and the specialized mathematical understanding required for in-depth quantum computing work. Topics covered are linear algebra, probability and statistics, differential equations, fourier transforms, complex analysis, and discrete mathematics.
Prerequisites: MA-UY 1124 and PH-UY 2002

4 Credits Computational Physics PH-UY 3614

An introduction to numerical methods. Solving ordinary differential equations, root finding, fourier transforms, numerical integration, linear systems. Techniques are applied to projectile motion, oscillatory motion, planetary motion, potentials and fields, waves and quantum mechanics. This class meets four hours per week for lectures
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2033, CS-UY 1133 (or CS-UY 1114), and MA-UY 1124.

PH-UY 3703 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

1 Credits Guided Studies in Physics PH-UY 3801

These guided studies courses in physics are supervised by staff member.
Prerequisites: Physics adviser approval. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

2 Credits Guided Studies in Physics PH-UY 3802

These guided studies courses in physics are supervised by staff member.
Prerequisites: Physics adviser approval. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

3 Credits Guided Studies in Physics PH-UY 3803

These guided studies courses in physics are supervised by staff member.
Prerequisites: Physics adviser approval. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

4 Credits Guided Studies in Physics PH-UY 3804

These guided studies courses in physics are supervised by staff member.
Prerequisites: Physics adviser approval. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

4 Credits Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics PH-UY 4124

The course covers fundamental laws of macroscopic thermodynamics, heat, internal energy and entropy. Topics include an introduction to statistical physics, and applications of Maxwell, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2344, MA-UY 2114, and MA-UY 2224.

PH-UY 4244 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-UY 4364 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-UY 4444 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Introduction to the Physics of Quantum Computing PH-UY 4553

This course aims to introduce undergraduate students to the foundational principles of quantum computation and quantum information processing. Topics covered are Hilbert space, Bloch vector, unitary and Hermitian operators, quantum measurement, electron spin, multi-qubit systems, quantum algorithms, and quantum error correction.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 3613

PH-UY 4554 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-UY 4601 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-UY 4602 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Special Topics in Physics PH-UY 4603

Variable credit special topics courses in physics.
Prerequisites: CS-UY 1133 and Physics adviser approval. (Course may be repeated for additional credit.)

PH-UY 4604 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

2 Credits Introduction to Senior Project in Physics PH-UY 4902

A qualified senior physics student or group of students work with a faculty member (and possibly graduate students) on an advanced problem in physics. In this introductory phase the student(s) and adviser select a suitable theoretical or experimental problem in the subject area and use various resources to solve it.

4 Credits Senior Project in Physics PH-UY 4904

In the project’s concluding phase, senior physics students or group of students work with a faculty member (and possibly graduate students) to solve an advanced problem in interdisciplinary physics. The conclusion of the project is a written report and an oral presentation made to the supervising faculty.
Prerequisite: PH-UY 4902

2 Credits Senior Seminar in Physics PH-UY 4912

Senior physics students, in consultation with the instructor, study and prepare presentations on several current research topics in the general area of interdisciplinary physics. Students’ performance is based on the mastery of the material chosen and also on the quality of the presentation made to the instructor and the seminar members.

4 Credits Bachelor's Thesis in Physics PH-UY 4994

Cannot receive credits for both PH-UY 4904 and PH-UY 4994.

PH-GY 5343 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 5443 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 5473 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 5481 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Physics of Nanoelectronics PH-GY 5493

This course covers limits to the ongoing miniaturization (Moore’s Law) of the successful silicon-device technology imposed by physical limitations of energy dissipation, quantum tunneling and discrete quantum electron states. Quantum physical concepts and elementary Schrodinger theory. Conductance quantum and magnetic flux quantum. Alternative physical concepts appropriate for devices of size scales of 1 to 10 nanometers, emphasizing role of power dissipation. Tunnel diode, resonant tunnel diode, electron wave transistor; spin valve, tunnel valve, magnetic disk and random access memory; single electron transistor, molecular crossbar latch, quantum cellular automata including molecular and magnetic realizations. Josephson junction and “rapid single flux quantum” computation. Photo- and x-ray lithographic patterning, electron beam patterning, scanning probe microscopes for observation and for fabrication; cantilever array as dense memory, use of carbon nanotubes and of DNA and related biological elements as building blocks and in self-assembly strategies.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2023

3 Credits Physics of Quantum Computing PH-GY 5553

This course explores limits to the performance of binary computers, traveling salesman and factorization problems, security of encryption. The concept of the quantum computer based on linear superposition of basis states. The information content of the qubit. Algorithmic improvements enabled in the hypothetical quantum computer. Isolated two-level quantum systems, the principle of linear superposition as well established. Coherence as a limit on quantum computer realization. Introduction of concepts underlying the present approaches to realizing qubits (singly and in interaction) based on physical systems. The systems in present consideration are based on light photons in fiber optic systems; electron charges in double well potentials, analogous to the hydrogen molecular ion; nuclear spins manipulated via the electron-nuclear spin interaction, and systems of ions such as Be and Cd which are trapped in linear arrays using methods of ultra-high vacuum, radiofrequency trapping and laser-based cooling and manipulation of atomic states. Summary and comparison of the several approaches.
Prerequisites: PH-UY 2023

PH-GY 5663 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6153 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6163 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6243 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6253 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Physical Concepts of Polymer Nanocomposites PH-GY 6403

This course presents fundamental aspects of polymer nanocomposites and updates on recent advancements and modern applications. Topics include nanostructured materials; assembly at interfaces; interactions on surfaces; properties of polymer nanocomposites; reliability; nanodevices.

PH-GY 6513 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6523 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6553 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6633 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

PH-GY 6643 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

3 Credits Quantum Mechanics I PH-GY 6673

Quantum mechanics with applications to atomic systems. The use of Schrodinger’s equations. Angular momentum and spin. Semi-classical theory of field-matter interaction.
Prerequisites: MA-UY 2114, PH-UY 3234 equivalents.

3 Credits Quantum Mechanics II PH-GY 6683

Quantum mechanics with applications to atomic systems. The use of Schrodinger’s equations. Angular momentum and spin. Semi-classical theory of field-matter interaction.
Prerequisites PH-GY 6673.

3 Credits Selected Topics in Advanced Physics PH-GY 8013

Current or advanced topics of particular interest to graduate students are examined. Subject matter is determined each year by students and faculty. The course may be given in more than one section. Consult department office for current offerings.
Note: this course is not offered every semester.

PH-GY 8023 Please refer to the bulletin for more information

1.5 Credits Graduate Seminar I PH-GY 9531

Students presenting current topics in Physics in a seminar setting to other students and supervising faculty. Topics chosen by the student with guidance from faculty.

1.5 Credits Graduate Seminar II PH-GY 9541

Students presenting current topics in Physics in a seminar setting to other students and supervising faculty. Topics chosen by the student with guidance from faculty.

Readings in Applied Physics PH-GY 955X

These guided studies courses in physics are supervised by faculty member.
Prerequisite: Graduate Physics advisor approval. Note: Course may be repeated for additional credit.

MS Project in Applied Physics PH-GY 996X

This project course in applied physics is supervised by a faculty member. A written project proposal and final report must be submitted to the department chair and the advisor, and may be extended to a thesis with the project advisor's recommendation.
Prerequisite: Advisor Approval

MS Thesis in Applied Physics PH-GY 997X

Independent research project performed under guidance of thesis advisor. Bound thesis volume and oral defense in presence of at least three faculty members. Continuous registration with total 9 credits required.

PhD Dissertation in Applied Physics PH-GY 999X

An original investigation in some branch of physics, which may serve as basis for the PhD degree, is performed under the direction of a member of the department. The number of research credits registered for each semester should realistically reflect the time devoted to research.
Prerequisites: Passing grade in RE-GY 9990 PhD Qualifying Exam, degree status and graduate advisers and research director’s consent.

The courses PH-GY 5493, 5553 and 5663 are cross listed with the ECE courses EL-GY 5533, 5553 and 5663 respectively.