528 Course Descriptions PHYS 3420 - Data Acquisition and Analysis (3) Sp (alternate years - odd) Intermediate-level course in computer interfacing (data acquisition and analysis) for students in physics and all other sciences. Topics may include: data acquisition with industry- standard software packages, computerized test and measurement, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, data acquisition electronics, electronic sensors (thermal sensors, light sensors, etc.), least squares curve fitting, fast Fourier transforms (FFT), Nyquist's theorem, noisy and weak signals. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab a week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2220, and MATH 1200. PHYS 3500 - Analytical Mechanics (3) F Particle motion, oscillating systems; planetary motion, stability of orbits; collisions; Euler's equations, gyroscopic motion; Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, theory of vibrations. Prerequisite: PHYS 2220, MATH 1200 and MATH 2280. PHYS 3510 - Electromagnetic Theory (3) F Vector analysis; electrostatics; calculating electric potentials; solving Laplace's equation; multipole expansions; electrostatic fields in matter; magneto statics; charges in motion; electrodynamics; Faraday's law; Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 2220, MATH 1200, MATH 2210 and MATH 2280. PHYS 3540 - Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (3) Sp Periodic motions, free and forced vibrations; resonance; normal modes; dispersion; boundary conditions; electromagnetic waves and light; the Fresnel equations; electromagnetic radiation from accelerating charges. Prerequisite: PHYS 3500, PHYS 3510. PHYS 3570 - Foundations of Science Education (3) A thorough investigation of research in science learning and curricular standards at the state and national levels. Foundations of the philosophy of science and scientific inquiry as applicable to science teaching at the secondary level. This course serves as a foundation to apreservice science teacher's education coursework. PHYS 3710 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (3) Sp Nuclear structure and nuclear reactions including radioactive decay, fission, and fusion, with selected applications. The standard model of elementary particles and interactions. Collider experiments and their interpretation in terms of Feynman diagrams. Topics of current research at the high- energy frontier. Prerequisite: PHYS 2710. PHYS 4200 - The Physics of Materials (3) Sp (alternate years - even) An introduction to the modern theory of condensed matter. Emphasis is placed on the structural, electrical, and thermal properties of solids, with particular attention to materials of current research interest. Prerequisite: (May also be taken concurrently): PHYS 2710, PHYS 3180, CHEM 1220. PHYS 4400 - Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) Sp Advanced experiments in mechanics, electromagnetism, modern physics, and nuclear physics. This course also covers general laboratory practice, data analysis, and error propagation. Four hours of lab per week. Four hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2220; either PHYS 3190 or PHYS 3410. PHYS 4410 - Materials Characterization Laboratory (2) F (even years only) A series of experiments for advanced students employing modern methods of measurement of properties of materials. The course will teach microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and general laboratory practice, data analysis, and error propagation. Four hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 and PHYS 3410. PHYS 4570 - Secondary School Science Teaching Methods (3) F Acquaintance and practice with various teaching and assessment methods. Development of science curricula including lesson and unit plans. It is recommended that this course be completed immediately before student teaching. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program. PHYS 4610 - Quantum Mechanics (3) Sp Wave-particle duality, Schrodinger equation, wave function, quantization rules, one-dimensional motion, one-electron atoms, spin and orbital angular momentum. Prerequisite: PHYS 2710, MATH 2270. Co-Requisite: PHYS 3500; MATH 3710. PHYS 4620 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3) Sp Approximation methods and other selected topics in pure and applied quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 4610. PHYS 4800 - Individual Research Problems (1-3) Su, F, Sp Time and credit to be arranged. Open to qualified students for one or more semesters. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Cross-listed with ASTR 4800. PHYS 4830 - Readings in Physics/ Astronomy (1-3) Su, F, Sp Topics which can be studied include (but are not limited to): mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, electronics, electromagnetism, optics, solid-state physics, modern physics, nuclear physics, relativity, cosmology, and astrophysics. These courses may be taken at any time on a personalized basis. Time and credit to be arranged. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Cross-listed with ASTR 4830. May be repeated. PHYS 4890 - Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) Su, F, Sp A continuation of PHYS 2890. Open to all students. PHYS 4920 - Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs (1-4) Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript. PHYS 4970 - Senior Thesis (2) Su, F, Sp An individual research program pursued under faculty supervision. It is expected that one or more semesters of research (PHYS 4800) will precede registration for this course. Course evaluation will include an oral and a written report. Prerequisite: senior class standing and consent of departmental committee. PHYS 4990 - Seminar in Physics (l) F, Sp Joint sessions of faculty and students devoted to current topics in physics. Students taking this course for credit will make a presentation based on individual library research of a topic agreed on with the faculty advisor. One credit required for physics majors. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: previous upper division physics course. Weber State University 2012-2013 Catalog