Fall 2008 Physics Courses @ TTU

1000 Level Courses (Physics)

1304. Physics: Basic Ideas and Methods (3:3:0).
Intended to provide physics background to pre-engineering students.
Examines basic concepts in physics.
Problem-solving techniques, graphical representations, and pertinent mathematics.

1305. Engineering Physics Analysis I (3:3:0).
The profession of engineering physics and its relation to energy, materials, resources, computers, communication, and control. Basic computer programming.
Synthesis and analysis of typical engineering physics problems.
Fulfills Core Technology and Applied Science requirement.

1401. [PHYS 1410] Physics for Non-Science Majors (4:3:2).
This covers the basic laws and vocabulary of science using a minimum of mathematics.
Fulfills Core Natural Science requirement.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Gibson's class (1401-1),         1401 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Gibson's class (1401-1),         1401 Lab

1403. [PHYS 1401] General Physics I (4:3:2).
Prerequisite: MATH 1320 and 1321 or 1550.
This course is non-calculus introductory physics covering mechanics, heat, and sound, thus providing background for study in science-related areas.
Fulfills Core Natural Science requirement.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Hauptman's class (1403-1),         Dr.Myles's class (1403-2),         1403 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Hauptman's class (1403-1),         Dr.Myles's class (1403-2),         1403 Lab

1404. [PHYS 1402] General Physics II (4:3:2).
Prerequisite: PHYS 1403.
This course is non-calculus introductory physics covering electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics, thus providing background for study in science-related areas.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Lichti's class (1404-1),         Dr.Lodhi's class (1404-2),         1404 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Lichti's class (1404-1),         Dr.Lodhi's class (1404-2),         1404 Lab

1406. Physics of Sound and Music (4:3:3).
Designed to acquaint the student with the principles of physics used in the production of sound and music.
A minimum of mathematics will be used.
Some of the physical principles are exemplified in laboratory sessions. Satisfies natural science requirement in Arts and Sciences.

1408. [PHYS 2425] Principles of Physics I (4:3:2)
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1351.
This course is calculus-based introductory physics covering mechanics, kinematics, energy, momentum, and thermodynamics.
Fulfills Core Natural Science requirement. (Honors section offered)
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Lamp's class (1408-1),   Dr.Lee's class (1408-2),   Dr.Volobouev's class (1408-3),   Dr.Wilhelm's class (1408-4, Major),   Dr.Glab's class (1408-H01),   1408 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Lamp's class (1408-1),   Dr.Lee's class (1408-2),   Dr.Volobouev's class (1408-3),   Dr.Wilhelm's class (1408-4, Major),   Dr.Glab's class (1408-H01),   1408 Lab

1000 Level Courses (Astronomy)

1400. [PHYS 1411] Solar System Astronomy (4:3:2).
This course covers the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, gravitation, and formation. (Honors section offered.)
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Holtz's class (1400-1),         Dr.Holtz's class (1400-2),         1400 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Holtz's class (1400-1),         Dr.Holtz's class (1400-2),         1400 Lab

1401. [PHYS 1412] Stellar Astronomy (4:3:2).
This course covers stars, star formation, galaxies, and cosmology models. (Honors section offered.)
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Wigmans' class (1401-1),         Dr.Whihelm's class (1401-H01),         1401 Lab,         1401-H01 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Wigmans' class (1401-1),         Dr.Whihelm's class (1401-H01),         1401 Lab,         1401-H01 Lab

2000 Level Courses

2401. [PHYS 2426] Principles of Physics II (4:3:2).
Prerequisite: PHYS 1408; prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1352.
This course is calculus-based introductory physics covering electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and optics. (Honors section offered)
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Gibson's class (2401-1),         Dr.Holtz's class (2401-2),         Dr.Glab's class (2401-3, Major),         Dr.Borst's class (2401-H01),         2401 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Gibson's class (2401-1),         Dr.Holtz's class (2401-2),         Dr.Glab's class (2401-3, Major),         Dr.Borst's class (2401-H01),         2401 Lab

2402. [PHYS 2427] Principles of Physics III (4:3:3).
Prerequisite: PHYS 2401.
Study of atomic, molecular, and nuclear phenomena.
Relativity, quantum effects, hydrogen atom, many electron atoms, some molecular physics. Includes laboratory.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Akchurin's class (2402-1),         2402 Lab
Course Homepage: Dr.Akchurin's class (2402-1),         2402 Lab

3000 Level Courses

3000. Undergraduate Research (V1-6).
Individual and/or group research projects in basic or applied physics, under the guidance of a faculty member.

3302. Cosmophysics: The Universe as a Physics Lab (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 2402.
This course deals with topics from astrophysics, cosmology, and cosmic ray physics of interest to all physicists.

3304. Modern Physics Laboratory (3:0:6).
Prerequisite: PHYS 2402.
Laboratory course on advanced physical principles, including experiments in optics, atomic, molecular, solid state, and nuclear physics.

3305, 3306. Electricity and Magnetism (3:3:0 each).
Prerequisite: PHYS 2401 and adequate mathematical background.
Electric and magnetic fields, electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves and radiation, special relativity, and Maxwell’s equations throughout both courses.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Park's class (3305-1)
Course Homepage: Dr.Park's class (3305-1)

3400. Fundamentals of Physics (4:3:3).
Prerequisite: MATH 1320.
This course teaches the fundamentals of physics and strategies for teaching these fundamentals.
This course is not open to engineering, science, or mathematics majors.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Lamp's class (3400-1, 3400-2)
Course Homepage: Dr.Lamp's class (3400-1, 3400-2)

3401. Optics (4:3:3).
Prerequisite: PHYS 1408 and 2401.
This course covers geometrical and physical optics, waves, reflection, scattering, polarization, interference, diffraction, modern optics, and optical instrumentation. (Writing Intensive)
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Grave De Peralta's class (3401-1)
Course Homepage: Dr.Grave De Peralta's class (3401-1)

4000 Level Courses

4000. Independent Study (V1-4).
Prerequisite: Approval of advisor.
Study of advanced topics of current interest under direct supervision of a faculty member.

4301. Computational Physics (3:2:2).
Prerequisite: PHYS 1408, 2401, 2402.
Numerical modeling of physical systems. Data acquisition and analysis. Graphics for displaying complex results.Quadrature schemes, solution of equations.
Use of microcomputers in assignments.

4302. Statistical and Thermal Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 2402 and knowledge of differential equations.
Introduction to statistical methods in physics.
Formulation of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics from a unified viewpoint with applications from classical and quantum physics.

4304. Mechanics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 1408, 2401, or equivalent, and differential equations.
Dynamics of particles and extended bodies, both rigid and fluid, using Newtonian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equations from Hamilton’s principle.
Nonlinear systems and chaos with numerical modeling.
Applications of the Navier Stokes equation.

4306. Senior Project (3).
Prerequisite: Senior standing in physics or engineering physics.
Individual research project under the guidance of a faculty member. (Writing Intensive)

4307. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: MATH 3350.
Experimental and conceptual bases. Dualism, uncertainty principle. Mathematical framework. Schroedinger equation, solutions. Hydrogen atom. Pauli principle, spin. Periodic table. Perturbation theory.

4309. Solid State Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 3305 and knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics.
The structural, thermal, electric, and magnetic properties of crystalline solids. Free electron theory of metals. Concept of energy bands and elementary semiconductor physics.

4312. Nuclear and Particle Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 4307.
This is a course dealing with modern nuclear physics covering such topics as nuclear structure models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, elementary particles, nuclear conservation, forces, and symmetry.

5000 Level Courses

5000. Independent Study (V1-3).
This course is to offer independent study under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
This course is not to be used for thesis or dissertation research or writing.

5001. Master’s Internship (V1-12).
Internship in an industrial or research laboratory setting.
Arranged through the department and directly related to degree program with approval of Internship Coordinator.

5101. Seminar (1:1:0).
Must be taken by every graduate student for at least the first four semesters.
Taken pass-fail.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Estreicher's class
Course Homepage: Dr.Estreicher's class

5104. Instructional Laboratory Techniques in Physics (1:1:0).
Laboratory organization and instructional techniques.
Does not count toward the minimum requirement of a graduate degree.
Must be taken pass-fail by all teaching assistants when on appointment.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Park's class (5104-1)
Course Homepage: Dr.Park's class (5104-1)

5300. Special Topics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor.
Topics in semiconductor, plasma, surface, particle physics, spectroscopy, and others. May be repeated in different areas.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Thacker (5300-1),         Dr.Sanati (5300-34),         Dr.Volobouev (5300-38)
Course Homepage: Dr.Thacker (5300-1),         Dr.Sanati (5300-34),         Dr.Volobouev (5300-38)

5301. Quantum Mechanics I (3:3:0).
Experimental basis and history, wave equation, Schrödinger equation, harmonic oscillator, piecewise constant potentials, WKB approximation, central forces and angular momentum, hydrogen atom, spin, two-level systems, and scattering.
M.S. and Ph.D. core course.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Estreicher (5301-1)
Course Homepage: Dr.Estreicher (5301-1)

5302. Quantum Mechanics II (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 5301 or equivalent.
Quantum dynamics, rotations, bound-state and time-dependent perturbation theory, identical particles, atomic and molecular structure, electromagnetic interactions, and formal scattering theory.
Ph.D. core course.

5303. Electromagnetic Theory (3:3:0).
Electrostatics and magnetostatics, time varying fields, Maxwell’s equations and conservation laws, electromagnetic waves in materials and in waveguides.
M.S. and Ph.D. core course.

5304. Solid State Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 5301 or equivalent.
A survey of the microscopic properties of crystalline solids.
Major topics include lattice structures, vibrational properties, electronic band structure, and electronic transport.

5305. Statistical Physics (3:3:0).
Elements of probability theory and statistics; foundations of kinetic theory.
Gibb’s statistical mechanics, the method of Darwin and Fowler, derivation of the laws of macroscopic thermodynamics from statistical considerations; other selected applications in both classical and quantum physics.
M.S. and Ph.D. core course.

5306. Classical Dynamics (3:3:0).
Lagrangian dynamics and variational principles.
Kinematics and dynamics of two-body scattering. Rigid body dynamics.
Hamiltonian dynamics, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi theory of discrete and continuous systems.
M.S. and Ph.D. core course.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Huang (5306-1)
Course Homepage: Dr. Huang (5306-1)

5307. Methods in Physics I (3:3:0).
Provides first-year graduate students the necessary skill in mathematical methods for graduate courses in physical sciences;
applications such as coordinate systems, vector and tensor analysis, matrices, group theory, functions of a complex variable, variational methods, Fourier series, integral transforms, Sturm-Liouville theory, eigenvalues and functions, Green functions, special functions and boundary value problems.
Tools course.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Sanati (5307-1)
Course Homepage: Dr. Sanati (5307-1)

5311. Nuclear Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 5301.
This is a course dealing with nuclear physics covering such topics as nuclear structure models, interactions, reactions, scattering, and resonance.
Nuclear energy is discussed as an application.

5322. Computational Physics (3:2:2).
Numerical modeling of physical systems. Data acquisition and analysis. Graphics for displaying complex results. Quadrature schemes and solution of equations.Use of minicomputers and microcomputers. Tools course.

5330. Semiconductor Materials and Processing (3:3:0).
Survey of semiconductor materials deposition, characterization, and processing techniques with emphasis on the fundamental physical interactions underlying device processing steps.

5332. Semiconductor Characterization and Processing Laboratory (3:1:4).
A hands-on introduction to semiconductor processing technology and materials characterization techniques.
Intended to accompany PHYS 5330.

5335. Physics of Semiconductors (3:3:0).
Theoretical description of the physical and electrical properties of semiconductors; Band structures, vibrational properties and phonons, defects, transport and carrier statistics, optical properties, and quantum confinement.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Myles (5335-1)
Course Homepage: Dr. Myles (5335-1)

5336. Device Physics (3:3:2).
Principles of semiconductor devices; description of modeling of p/n junctions, transistors, and other basic units in integrated circuits; relationship between physical structures and electrical parameters.

5371. Conceptual Physics for Teachers (3:3:0).
Inquiry-based course in elementary physical principles of mechanics, heat, electricity, and magnetism.

5372. Astronomy for Teachers (3:3:0).
Inquiry-based course in solar system, stellar, and galactic astronomy. Discusses history of human understanding of the universe.

6000 Level Courses

6000. Master’s Thesis (V1-6).

6002. Master’s Report (V1-6).

6306. Advanced Electromagnetic Theory (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 5303.
Classical theory of electromagnetic fields, radiation, scattering and diffraction, special theory of relativity and electrodynamics, special topics.
Ph.D. core course.
Course Syllabus::    Dr.Borst (6306-1)
Course Homepage: Dr. Borst (6306-1)

7000 Level Courses

7000. Research (V1-12).

7304. Condensed Matter Physics (3:3:0).
Prerequisite: PHYS 5304.
Problems of current interest in condensed matter physics.
Topics include transport properties in solids, superconductivity, magnetism, semiconductors, and related topics.

8000 Level Courses

8000. Doctor's Dissertation (V1-12).>

Previous Courses

2008 Spring Semester