100 Survey of Astronomy (4) (2N)

General introduction to astronomy. Topics (chosen by instructor) may include historical astronomy, planets, comets and asteroids, the sun, stars and galaxies, interstellar matter, black holes, the "Big Bang" theory, and the evolution of the universe. No prereq, but familiarity with basic algebra and geometry is beneficial. Also listed as PSC 100. 4 lec. [Students should enroll in PSC 100.]
This course may be taken by independent study.

100D Moons and Planets: The Solar System (4) (2N)

The solar system, sun, moons, and planets as seen through the eyes of modern science and space missions. A survey of neighboring worlds using NASA data, photographs, and videos. Also listed as PSC 100D. 4 lec. [Students should enroll in PSC 100D.]

140 Observational Astronomy Laboratory (1) (2N)

Experience with telescopes and locating stars, planets, and deep-sky objects in the night sky. Also covers major constellations, seasonal variations, lunar cycles, and, when appropriate, eclipses and comets. Meets at night only. Also listed as PSC 140. 2 lab. [Students should enroll in PSC 140.]

200 Introduction to Planetary Science (3) (2S)

Prereq. 4 hrs PSC or GEOL or perm; Math 113 or equiv; no credit for both ASTR 200 and PSC 200. An introduction to the physical processes behind the formation and evolution of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Topics will include formation of the Solar System, planetary atmospheres and interiors, volcanism, meteor impacts, and cratering. [Students should enroll in PSC 200.]

205 Life on Other Worlds? (3) (2S)

Prereq. 4 hrs PSC; MATH 113 or equiv.; no credit for both ASTR 205 and PSC 205. An exploration of ideas relating to the possibility that life exists elsewhere in the universe, both on planets and moons withing our solar system, and within other planetary systems. The course begins by considering our planet's formation and conditions which may have led to life appearing here, then moves outward. [Students should enroll in PSC 205.]

305 Fundamentals of Astrophysics (3)

Prereq: PHYS 253, MATH 263C. Physical foundations of astronomical observation and theory. Time and coordinate systems, orbits, celestial mechanics, radiation mechanisms, and spectra. Telescopes and instrumentation. Introduction to the physical properties of stars, galaxies, and interstellar matter. Overview of cosmological distance measurements and the "hot big bang" model.

310 Astronomy Laboratory (1P 3)

Prereq: PHYS 305 and perm. Repeated enrollment. Telescope observations and other laboratory studies dealing with astronomy.

401 Stellar Astrophysics (3)

Prereq: 305, MATH 340, MATH 440. The physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors. Mathematical treatments of radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, and stellar structure; stellar atmospheres and spectra; stellar interiors; and nuclear energy sources. Stellar evolution, red giant stars, pulsating variables; physics of degenerate gases, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes.

402 Galactic and Interstellar Astrophysics (3)

Prereq: 305, MATH 340 and 440. Structure and evolution of the Milky Way galaxy and the interstellar medium. Stellar populations and orbits of stars in the galaxy; galactic dynamics, evolution of the galactic disk and star clusters. Physics of the interstellar gas, absorption and emission processes, HI and HII regions, molecular clouds. Hydrodynamic instabilities, star formation; supernova explosions and shock waves.

403 Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology (3)

Prereq: 305, MATH 340 and 440. Physics of galaxies and evolution of the universe. Dynamics of galaxy structure, formation, and interaction. Dark matter. Active galactic nuclei, radio galaxies, and quasars. Galaxy clusters and large-scale structure. Cosmological distance measurements, expansion of the universe. Introduction to general relativity; cosmological models, observational tests, cosmic microwave background. Primordial nucleosynthesis.

410 Observational Astrophysics (3)

Prereq: 305. Modern observational techniques and instrumentation. Planning and execution of observational programs; data acquisition, reduction, and analysis; presentation of scientific results.

450 Studies in Astronomy (1-3, arranged)

Prereq: 305 and perm.

Physical Science (PSC)

100 Survey of Astronomy (4) (2N)

General introduction to astronomy. Topics (chosen by instructor) may include historical astronomy, planets, comets and asteroids, the sun, stars and galaxies, interstellar matter, black holes, the "Big Bang" theory, and the evolution of the universe. No prereq, but familiarity with basic algebra and geometry is beneficial. Also listed as ASTR 100. 4 lec.
This course may be taken by independent study.

100D Moons and Planets: The Solar System (4) (2N)

The solar system, sun, moons, and planets as seen through the eyes of modern science and space missions. A survey of neighboring worlds using NASA data, photographs, and videos. Also listed as ASTR 100D. 4 lec.

101 Physical World (4) (2N)

Designed for nonscience majors. Fundamental ideas of measurement, motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, heat, atomic and nuclear physics. Introduction to relativity and quantum phenomena. 4 lec.

101L Physical World (5) (2N)

Designed for nonscience majors. Fundamental ideas of measurement, motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, heat, atomic and nuclear physics. Introduction to relativity and quantum phenomena. 4 lec, 2 lab.

105 Color, Light,and Sound (4) (2N)

Designed for nonscience majors. Physical nature of light and sound including transmission, absorption, reflection, interference, and resonance. Applications include analysis of musical instruments, acoustics, optical systems, perception of color and sound. 4 lec.

105L Color, Light,and Sound (5) (2N)

Designed for nonscience majors. Physical nature of light and sound including transmission, absorption, reflection, interference, and resonance. Applications include analysis of musical instruments, acoustics, optical systems, perception of color and sound. 4 lec, 2 lab.

111 The Metric System (1)

Introduction to International (Metric) System of Units (SI) through lecture and laboratory experience . Topics include: history of and rationale for SI; SI and its rules for use; metric computation and conversion techniques. Not offered on Athens campus.

140 Observational Astronomy Laboratory (1) (2N)

Experience with telescopes and locating stars, planets, and deep-sky objects in the night sky. Also covers major constellations, seasonal variations, lunar cycles, and, when appropriate, eclipses and comets. Meets at night only. Also listed as ASTR 140. 2 lab.

200 Introduction to Planetary Science (3) (2S)

Prereq. 4 hrs PSC or GEOL or perm; Math 113 or equiv; no credit for both ASTR 200 and PSC 200. An introduction to the physical processes behind the formation and evolution of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Topics will include formation of the Solar System, planetary atmospheres and interiors, volcanism, meteor impacts, and cratering.

205 Life on Other Worlds? (3) (2S)

Prereq. 4 hrs PSC; MATH 113 or equiv.; no credit for both ASTR 205 and PSC 205. An exploration of ideas relating to the possibility that life exists elsewhere in the universe, both on planets and moons withing our solar system, and within other planetary systems. The course begins by considering our planet's formation and conditions which may have led to life appearing here, then moves outward.

Physics(PHYS)

201 Introduction to Physics (5) (2N)

(fall, winter) 1st course in physics; open to students from all areas. Students should have high school level algebra and trigonometry, but no calculus required. Recommended for students in liberal arts, architecture, industrial technology, geological sciences, plant biology, and premedicine. Mechanics of solids and liquids. No credit for 201 after 251. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

202 Introduction to Physics (5) (2N)

Prereq: 201 or 251. (winter, spring) Continuation of 201. See 201 for description. Includes electricity, magnetism, heat, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. No credit for 202 after 252 or 262. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

203 Introduction to Physics (5) (2N)

Prereq: 202 or 252 or 262. (spring, fall) Continuation of 201 and 202. See 201 for description. Includes light, relativity, quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. No credit for 203 after 253. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

210 Physics Seminar (1)

Prereq: physics major or perm. Provides overviews of classical mechanics, relativity, and contemporary physics. Films and current science news will be used to search for student interest in future study.

251 General Physics (5) (2N)

Prereq: MATH 263A. Classical physics with calculus and vectors. Newtonian mechanics, rotational dynamics, gravitation. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

252 General Physics (5) (2N)

Prereq: 251 and MATH 263B. Classical physics with calculus and vectors. Fluids, simple harmonic motion, wave mechanics and phenomena, thermodynamics, electrostatics. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

253 General Physics (5) (2N)

Prereq: 252. Classical physics with calculus and vectors. Capacitance, electric current and circuits, magnetism and magnetic fields, electric induction, A.C. circuits, electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, interference, and diffraction of light. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

254 Contemporary Physics (4)

Prereq: 253 or EE 321. Introduction to relativity and quantum theory: selected topics in atomic, solid state, nuclear, particles, and cosmology.

262 General Physics with Biological Applications (5) (2N)

Prereq: 251 or (201 and (MATH 263A or MATH 266A)). Classical physics with calculus, enphasizing biological and medical applications. Topics include thermodynamics, waves, sound, electricity, and magnetism. 3 lec, 2 lab, 1 recit.

270 Special Studies (1-4)

Prereq: perm. Special studies in physics under supervision of faculty member.

272 Electronics Laboratory (2)

Prereq: 253 and phys major or perm. (winter) Circuit analysis, electronic measurements, semiconducting devices and instrumentation from DC to microwaves. 4 lab. 273 Electronics Laboratory (2) Prereq: 272 and phys major or perm. (spring) Circuit analysis, electronic measurements, semiconducting devices, and instrumentation from DC to microwaves. 4 lab.

297T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (fall) 1st-yr tutorial studies in physics.

298T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (winter) 1st-yr tutorial studies in physics.

299T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (spring) 1st-yr tutorial studies in physics.

303 Computer Simulation Methods in Physics (4)

Prereq: phys major or perm. Introduction to scientific programming (e.g., Java, C++, etc.), particularly to the methods of computer simulations, with a special emphasis on problems in physics. 2 lec, 4 lab.

311 Mechanics (4)

Prereq: 253 or 315; MATH 340. (fall) Fundamentals of physical mechanics using vector analysis and ordinary differential equations. Particle dynamics, accelerating reference systems, central forces and celestial mechanics.

312 Mechanics (4)

Prereq: 311. (winter) Continuation of 311. Many-particle systems, rigid body dynamics, Lagrangian methods, and small oscillations.

351 Modern and Quantum Physics (4)

Prereq: 253. Introduction to relativity and quantum theory. Particle and wave propagation, 3-dimensional hydrogen atom.

352 Modern and Quantum Physics (4)

Prereq: 351. Quantum effects, nuclear and particle physics, statistical physics, molecular and solid state physics; astrophysics, general relativity, and cosmology.

371 Intermediate Laboratory (Electrons) (2)

Prereq: 254 or 352. Fundamental experiments on electron properties including charge and mass, wave properties, atomic binding, spin, and conduction. 4 lab.

372 Intermediate Laboratory (Photons) (2)

Prereq: 254 or 352. (winter) Experiments in optics, lasers, X-rays, and spectroscopy. 4 lab.

373 Intermediate Laboratory (Nucleons) (2)

Prereq: 254 or 352. (spring) Nuclear decay modes and alpha, beta, gamma-decay spectroscopy. Nuclear reactions and scattering. Principles of operation of alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron detectors and data acquisition systems. 4 lab.

397T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (fall) 2nd-yr tutorial studies in physics.

398T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (winter) 2nd-yr tutorial studies in physics.

399T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (spring) 2nd-yr tutorial studies in physics.

411 Thermodynamics (4)

Prereq: 253, MATH 340. (fall) 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics, phase changes and entropy. Temperature, thermodynamic variables, equations of state, heat engine. 3 lec, 1 rec.

412 Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics (4)

Prereq: 411. (winter) Kinetic theory, transport phenomena of gases, and introduction to classical and quantum statistics. 3 lec, 1 rec.

414 Dynamic Meteorology I (4)

Prereq: 411, MATH 340, 440, 441. Basic conservation laws, elementary fluid dynamics, circulation and vorticity, with applications to synoptic scale motions, atmospheric oscillations, baroclinic instabilities, mesoscale circulation, and numerical methods of prediction. 4 lec.

415 Dynamic Meteorology II (4)

Prereq: 414. Continuation of 414. Energy balance in the atmosphere, thermal physics of the atmosphere. Synoptic scale motions, atmosphereic oscilations, baroclinic instabilities mesoscale circulation, numberical methods. Special topics in dynamical meteorology.

420 Acoustics (3)

Prereq: 312, MATH 340, or perm. (spring, odd yrs) Vibration, sound radiation, sound propagation, and practical aspects of sound. 3 lec.

423 Geometrical and Physical Optics (4)

Prereq: 253, MATH 441, or perm. Reflection, refraction, diffraction, lenses, polarization, birefringence, interference, coherence, and selected introductory topics in modern optics. 4 lec.

427 Electricity and Magnetism (4)

Prereq: 253, MATH 340 and 440. (fall) Circuits and electric and magnetic fields. Topics on field sources, potentials, Gauss' law, polarization and dielectrics, magnetic induction. 3 lec, 1 rec.

428 Electricity and Magnetism (4)

Prereq: 427. (winter) Electric and magnetic fields. Topics on magnetic potentials, magnetic forces, Faraday law, magnetic materials, capacitance and inductance, energy of charge and current distributions, time-varying current. 3 lec, 1 rec.

429 Electromagnetism and Relativity (3)

Prereq: 428.(spring) Advanced topics in electromagnetism; Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves; special relativity and Lorentz transformation. 3 lec.

431 Electronics Laboratory (3)

Prereq: perm. Experiments in electronic measurement techniques from simple A.C. and digital circuits to microprocessors and analyzers. 6 lab.

451 Quantum Mechanics (4)

Prereq: (254 or 352) and MATH 441. Classical background, early work, some observables and Hermitian operators, representations, symmetry and conservation laws, One-dimensional Schrodinger equation solutions in the position and momentum representation. Some problems in two dimensions. Philosophical issues and quantum paradoxes. 4 lec.

453 Nuclear and Particle Physics (4)

Prereq: 254 or 352. (spring) Descriptive treatment of nuclear phenomena. Elementary theory of nucleon-nucleon interaction. Systematics of nuclear structure (shell model and collective model). Properties and interactions of fundamental particles. Devices and techniques of nuclear and high energy physics. 3 lec, 1 rec.

470 Special Problems (1-4)

Prereq: 22 hrs. Supervised research problems of limited scope in experimental and theoretical physics.

471 Solid State Physics (4)

Prereq: (254 or 352) and 412. (spring, even yrs) Fundamental properties of solid state of matter. 3 lec, 1 rec.

475 Advanced Laboratory (1 hr per sec, max 3)

Prereq: 373 or perm. Wide selection of experiments from many areas of physics. Limit of 2 students per section. Student may select up to 3 different sections each qtr.

477 Electronic Device Physics (4)

Prereq: Phys 253. Physical principles of electronic devices. Overview of electronic transports in solids, with applications to diodes, bipolar transistors and field-effect transistors. Heterostructures and low-dimensional physics and devices. Selected condensed matter phenomena with electronic device applications: Resonant tunneling, Landauer formalism, single-electron physics, molecular electronics and spintronics.

490H Honors Thesis (1-6)

Prereq: Departmental honors candidates only; perm of director of honors studies. Supervised research work in physics, astronomy, or engineering physics, intended for submission for undergrad honors.

493 Undergraduate Seminar (1)

Prereq: jr. Important areas of current interest in field of physics, history of physics, development of ideas in physics, and other aspects of physics.

497T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (fall) 3rd- and 4th-yr tutorial studies in physics.

498T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (winter) 3rd- and 4th-yr tutorial studies in physics.

499T Physics Tutorial (1-15)

Prereq: Honors Tutorial College students only. (spring) 3rd- and 4th-yr tutorial studies in physics.