PHY 101 - College Physics I
5 Credit(s)
An introduction to mechanics, waves and thermodynamics is taught in 101. Electricity, magnetism, light, optics and modern physics are taught in 102. Modern physics consists of relativity and quantum, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. The class has two hours of laboratory investigation and four hours of lecture per week. Recommended for the general student, those who have not taken high school physics and science students who do not take calculus. Prerequisites: competence in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. MTH 112 is a recommended but not required prerequisite. PHY 101 with at least a C-, or PHY 201 with at least a C-, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for PHY 102. (Physics and chemistry majors, see PHY 201-202.)

PHY 102 - College Physics II
5 Credit(s)
An introduction to mechanics, waves and thermodynamics is taught in 101. Electricity, magnetism, light, optics and modern physics are taught in 102. Modern physics consists of relativity and quantum, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. The class has two hours of laboratory investigation and four hours of lecture per week. Recommended for the general student, those who have not taken high school physics and science students who do not take calculus. Prerequisites: competence in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. MTH 112 is a recommended but not required prerequisite. PHY 101 with at least a C-, or PHY 201 with at least a C-, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for PHY 102. (Physics and chemistry majors, see PHY 201-202.)

PHY 110 - Meteorology
3 Credit(s)
The behavior of the atmosphere, the factors which influence its behavior, including solar radiation and the earth’s rotation, and the effects which this behavior produces. Prerequisite: any introductory college physics or chemistry course or good high school background. Offered on demand.

PHY 120 - Astronomy
3 Credit(s)
A study of the source of our information about the universe and our concepts of the solar system, the galaxy and the cosmos; the use of light in learning about distant objects. Fall, even-numbered years.

PHY 130 - Physics of Sound and Music
3 Credit(s)
Beginning with a study of the nature of sound and the vibrating systems which produce sound, the course proceeds to a study of musical instruments, loudspeakers, electronic amplifiers, and microphones. Prerequisite: a college physics or chemistry course or high school physics. Offered on demand.

PHY 140 - Cosmology
3 Credit(s)
An introduction to modern theories of the structure of matter and energy in the universe, and its evolution from the Big Bang to the present. The course presents an overview of current cosmological theories, the observational evidence relevant to current theories, and emphasizes recent data and observational techniques. The topics covered include a brief history of cosmological ideas, the electromagnetic spectrum, thermal radiation, elementary particles and interactions, the theory of general relativity and evidence supporting it, modern observational techniques, observational evidence for the expansion of the universe, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and nucleosynthesis in the early universe. The course stresses concepts, and uses no mathematics beyond algebra. Fall, odd-numbered years.

PHY 201 - University Physics I
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to mechanics and waves is taught in 201. Introductions to thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light and optics are taught in 202. An introduction to modern physics is taught in 203, along with more advanced topics in the subject areas introduced in 201 and 202. Modern physics consists of relativity and quantum, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. There are three hours of laboratory investigation and four hours of lecture per week. Recommended for science and mathematics majors. Corequisites: calculus, i.e. MTH 113 or 120 (for PHY 201), and MTH 220 (for PHY 202). Prerequisite: High school physics (or PHY 101-102.) These courses must be taken in sequence. A grade of at least a C- in PHY 201 is required for enrollment in PHY 202. Required in the field of concentration.

PHY 202 - University Physics II
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to mechanics and waves is taught in 201. Introductions to thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light and optics are taught in 202. Modern physics consists of relativity and quantum, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. There are three hours of laboratory investigation and four hours of lecture per week. Recommended for science and mathematics majors. Corequisites: calculus, i.e. MTH 113 or 120 (for PHY 201), and MTH 220 (for PHY 202). Prerequisite: High school physics (or PHY 101-102.) These courses must be taken in sequence. A grade of at least a C- in PHY 201 is required for enrollment in PHY 202. Required in the field of concentration.

PHY 350 - Introduction to Computational Physics
2 Credit(s)
Computer techniques and methods to solve physical problems are taught. Students will be introduced to UNIX based cluster computing using FORTRAN or C++ and MPI. These tools will be employed in the study of standard computational techniques such as solutions of ordinary differential equation, Monte Carlo simulations, molecular simulations (density functional theory), Bayesian analysis, and Stochastic processes. Examples chosen will reflect the student's background and interests. Prerequisites: CMP 100, or equivalent programming experience and MTH 220. Spring, odd-numbered years.

PHY 410 - Electronics
3 Credit(s)
Lectures deal with the understanding, design and use of basic electronic circuits, including passive networks, transducers, current and voltage amplifiers. The fundamentals of transistors, operational amplifiers, digital logic and scientific instrumentation circuits are described. Experimental work covers transistors, current and voltage sources, operational amplifier applications, timers, transducers, digital logic and computer circuits. Emphasis is on using integrated circuits. The course includes two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory work per week. Prerequisite: PHY 304 and 311. Required in the field of concentration. Fall, even-numbered years.

PHY 421-422 - Mechanics I, II
3 Credit(s)
Two three-hour courses basic to advanced work in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Dealing with both statics and dynamics, they are essentially Newtonian mechanics, but concepts necessary to relativity and quantum mechanics are included. Some topics covered are motion with viscous forces and applications of mathematics (i.e., vector analysis and differential equations) to the solution of physical problems. Prerequisite for 421 is PHY 304 or permission of the instructor; prerequisite for 422 is 421. PHY 421 is required in the field of concentration. 421 offered in the fall of odd-numbered years; 422 offered on demand.

PHY 451 - Thermal Physics
3 Credit(s)
A study of thermal and statistical physics incorporating a survey of classical thermodynamics. Topics include a statistical treatment of entropy, temperature, thermal radiation, chemical potential, and Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy. The Boltzmann, Planck and Gibbs distributions as well as ideal, Bose and Fermi gases are considered. Applications are made to metals, semiconductors, superconductors and astrophysics. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Required in the field of concentration. Spring, odd-numbered years.

PHY 459 - The Teaching of Secondary Physics
1 Credit(s)
This course includes an introduction to and the use of Michigan Curriculum Framework K-12 Science Content Standards and Benchmarks as applied to physics teaching. Included in this course will be the study of principles and methods involved in the teaching of physics at the secondary level including historical perspectives and trends, goals and objectives of teaching physics, curriculum perspectives, and the safe use of equipment and/or chemicals such as liquid nitrogen in demonstrations and laboratories. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program, PHY 303 (or permission of instructor).

PHY 460 - Electricity and Magnetism
3 Credit(s)
An essential study of electric and magnetic phenomena, with emphasis on the fields in vacuo and in materials. Vector calculus is introduced and then applied throughout. Electrostatics and magnetostatics are developed, with emphasis on Gauss’ and Ampere’s laws. Induced EMF’s and Maxwell’s equations conclude this basic course. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Required in the field of concentration. Spring, odd-numbered years.

PHY 470 - Advanced Experimental Physics: Mechanics and Light
1 Credit(s)
Advanced laboratory experiments on topics from mechanics and light. Typical experiments include the speed of light, electron spin resonance, charge on the electron (Millikan experiment), driven harmonic motion, measurement of g (reversible pendulum), measurement of G (Cavendish torsional pendulum), Frank-Hertz experiment, optical interference effects in single and multiple slits, Michelson interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer, optical filter transmission characteristics, electron diffraction on graphite crystals, photoelectric effect, Schlierens optical system and optical properties of prisms. (One course chosen from 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Fall, odd-numbered years.

PHY 471 - Advanced Experimental Physics: X-Ray and Nuclear Physics
1 Credit(s)
A state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer will be used to teach crystallography. The course stresses principles and measurement of atomic crystalline arrangements. Identification and physical properties of metals, inorganic, minerals, etc., will be considered. The second part of the laboratory will use gamma ray spectrometry to measure and identify nuclear isotopes. Principles of nuclear radiation and its detection will be taught. Both the X-ray and nuclear equipment use computer data collection and analysis. Radiation measurement may be studied to a greater extent as an option for those with corresponding career interests. (One course chosen from 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Spring, even-numbered years.

PHY 472 - Advanced Experimental Physics: Electricity and Magentism
1 Credit(s)
Advanced laboratory experiments: electrostatic measurements, magnetic hysteresis, Hall effect, inductance, A.C. circuits, etc. (One course chosen from 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Spring, odd-numbered years.

PHY 480/481/482/483 - Research in Magnetism
1 Credit(s)
This course involves an introduction to the magnetism of metals and alloys and magnetic impurities in these systems. In the first semester, 480, theoretical and experimental ideas will be discussed and demonstrated. The student will then carry out a complete experimental procedure for one alloy. In 481-3 the student will begin a series of his own measurements to contribute to the ongoing faculty-student research project. Four semesters of this work are possible. In addition, this work or a related area may be chosen as the subject for the senior thesis. This research is supported by an 8-Tesla superconducting magnet, a microbalance (0.1 micrograms), a low-temperature cryostat (3.8-300K), a helium leak detector and high-vacuum equipment. A machine shop and other departmental equipment support the research. Prerequisite: PHY 304 and 311. Prerequisites for 481-3: PHY 480 and permission of the instructor. (One course chosen from 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Offered each spring.

PHY 490 - Quantum Mechanics I
3 Credit(s)
The probabilistic theory of particles and their interactions has been very successful since its early forms treated quantization of radiation, electron photon interactions and atomic energies (Planck 1901, Einstein 1905 and Bohr 1913). Modern quantum mechanics deal with particles described as wave packets having a range of positions and momenta. This explains both the particle and wave effects observed. These wave packets are solutions of the Schrodinger wave equation and involve both space and time. The formal theory involves finding wave function solutions for harmonic oscillators, the hydrogen atom and other systems. Physical properties of these systems are extracted from these wave functions through the use of mathematical operators. This course is essential for those wishing to pursue graduate study in physics or related areas. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Required in the field of concentration. Offered 2011-12 and alternate years.

PHY 506 - Electrodynamics
3 Credit(s)
Applications of Maxwell’s equations to numerous practical situations in electrodynamics, including electromagnetic waves and radiation. The theory of relativity and its relation to classical electricity and magnetism are usually included. Strongly recommended for students who will go on to graduate studies in physics or engineering or who will study undergraduate electrical or electronic engineering. Prerequisite: PHY 460. Offered on demand.

PHY 507 - Nuclear and Atomic Physics
3 Credit(s)
An advanced study of nuclear and atomic physics. Topics will include: relativistic treatment of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions and Compton scattering, nuclear and atomic structure, the nucleon-nucleon interaction, nuclear decay, particle accelerators, and nuclear particle detection. Quantum mechanics will be used when appropriate. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and PHY 510 (or senior standing in physics with instructor’s permission.) (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511 or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Spring, even-numbered years.

PHY 509 - Light
3 Credit(s)
Background and theory necessary to understand modern optical devices, instruments, techniques and phenomena. The course begins with a study of the mathematics of waves and important aspects of Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. The course uses geometrical optics to understand thin and thick lenses and systems of lenses such as telescopes and microscopes. The wave theory of light is used to study polarization, interference and diffraction. Various types of interferometers are examined, as well as diffraction of multiple slits and gratings. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Spring, odd-numbered years.

PHY 511 - Quantum Mechanics II
3 Credit(s)
This course, Quantum Mechanics II, continues the study of Quantum Mechanics from where PHY 510, Quantum Mechanics I, ends. Topics covered typically include Identical Particles, Degenerate and Non-Degenerate Time Independent Perturbation Theory, The Variational Principle, The WKB Approximation, Time Dependent Perturbation Theory, the Emission and Absorption of Radiation, Spontaneous Emission, and Scattering and Partial Wave Analysis. These theories are applied to the Fine Structure of Hydrogen, the Zeeman Effect, Hyperfine Splitting, the Ground State of Helium, the Hydrogen Molecule Ion, and other systems. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Prerequisite: PHY 490. Offered fall even-numbered years.

PHY 520 - Condensed Matter Physics
3 Credit(s)
A study of the properties and physical processes taking place in the solid. This subject draws on all the areas of physics and thus tends to unify knowledge from other courses. The course begins by laying groundwork in crystal structure, crystal binding energies, crystal diffraction, and the reciprocal lattice. We will then consider thermal properties of crystals, the free electron gas in metals, Fermi surfaces, energy bands in solids, paramagnetism at the mean-field level, electron transport, and BCS theory of superconductivity. Some of the latter topics are illustrated by use of a superconducting magnet. Strongly recommended for those considering graduate school in physics, chemistry or engineering, or seeking an industrial position in physics. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Pre/Corequisites: PHY 304, 421 and 490. Fall, even-numbered years.

PHY 575 - Writing the Senior Thesis
1 Credit(s)
The defense and writing of the senior thesis based on research work carried on in earlier courses. A senior thesis should examine a narrow area of physics that the student investigates under the supervision of a physics professor. The topic is chosen in the second semester of the junior year, and a proposal is written in consultation with a thesis advisor. PHY 480 or any of the physics professors will help to suggest thesis topics. In the first semester of the senior year, the research is carried out under the course numbers PHY 597 or PHY 481-3. In the second semester of the senior year the actual writing of the thesis is carried out under PHY 575. Required in the field of concentration after the first semester of the senior year. A public presentation of the thesis is required.

PHY 597 - Student Research or Special Problems
1-3 Credit(s)
An area of study jointly chosen by the student and professor in an area of the student‘s interest.

PHY 599 - Teaching Assistantship
2 Credit(s)
Teaching an introductory laboratory section—e.g., to prepare for a teaching assistantship in graduate school. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.