PHYS 3200. Solid State Physics (3) 5 (alternate years - even) Modern theory of the solid state, with emphasis on crystal structures, energy bands and fermi levels, conduction in metals and semiconductors, Hall effect, photoconductivity, junction diodes and transistors, field effect transistors, integrated circuit structure and fabrication. Co-requisite: PHYS 2710. PHYS 3300. Advanced Computational Physics (3) 5 (alternate years - even) This course extends the computational skills developed in PHYS 2300 to address a wider range of problems in modern physics. Students will explore the limits of computational methods and develop techniques suited to high-performance computing. Applications may be chosen from nonlinear dynamics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 2220 and PHYS 2300. PHYS 3410. Electronics for Scientists (4) F An introductory course in electronics for students in physics and other sciences. The course includes D.C. and a.c. circuit analysis using complex impedances and covers basic principles of semiconductor operation, transistors, analog and digital integrated circuits, analog-to-digital conversion techniques used in computer interfacing, and noise. Prerequisite: PHYS SI2220. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab a week. PHYS 3420. Data Acquisition and Analysis (3) 5 (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. Prerequisite: PHYS SI2020 or SI2220, and MATH 1200. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab a week. 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. Prerequisites: PHYS SI2220, 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; magnetostatics; charges in motion; electrodynamics; Faraday's law; Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYS SI2220, MATH 1200, MATH 2210 and MATH 2280. PHYS 3540. Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (3) 5 Periodic motions, free and forced vibrations; resonance; normal modes; dispersion; boundary conditions; electromagnetic waves and light; the Fresnel equations; electromagnetic radiation from accelerating charges. Prerequisites: PHYS 3500, 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 a preservice science teacher's education coursework. PHYS 3640. Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) 5 Advanced experiments in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modem physics, and nuclear physics. Introduction to computerized data acquisition and data analysis. Two two-hour labs each week. Prerequisite: PHYS SI2220 and PHYS 3410. 341 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) F Wave-particle duality, Schrodinger equation, wave function, quantization rules, one-dimensional motion, one-electron atoms, spin and orbital angular momentum. Prerequisites: PHYS 2710, MATH 2270. Co-requisites: PHYS 3500; MATH 3710. PHYS 4620. Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics (3) 5 Approximation methods, multi-electron atoms, atomic radiation, nuclear models, nuclear decay, fission and fusion, nuclear forces, elementary particles, quark model, strong and electroweak interactions, unified field theories. Prerequisite: PHYS 4610. PHYS 4800. Individual Research Problems (1-3) 5m, F, S 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) 5m, F, 5 Topics which can be studied include (but are not limited to): mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, electronics, electromagnetism, optics, solid-state physics, modem 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. May be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Cross-listed with ASTR 4830. PHYS 4890. Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) 5m, F, S 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) 5m, F, 5 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. Prerequisites: senior class standing and consent of departmental committee. PHYS 4990. Seminar in Physics (1) F, 5 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. PHYS 5030. Physics for Teachers (2-3) Science content course for teachers in the MEd Science Emphasis Program. To register, select another departmental course and develop a contract detailing additional work required for graduate credit. Course may be repeated. Contract must be approved by instructor, department chair, and Director of the Master of Education Program. General PROFILE ENROLLMENT STUDENT AFFAIRS ACADEMIC INFO DEGREEREQ GENED Engaged Learning S Interdisciplinary OUR/CBL HNRS BIS LIBS INTRD MINORS Applied Science S Technology AUSV/ATTC CEET CS MFET/ETM MET CMT DGET ENGR IDT SST TBE Arts S Humanities MENG COMM ENGL FL DANC MUSC THEA ART/ARTH Business & Econ MBA MACC/ACTG BSAD FIN MGMT MKTG SCM ECON/QUAN 1ST Education MSAT MED CHF ATHL/AT HLTH/NUTR PE/PEP/REC EDUC Health Professions MHA MSN CLS DENT PAR HTHS HAS/HIM NRSG RADT DMS/NUCM RATH REST Science BTNY CHEM GEO MATH/MTHE MICR PHYS/ASTR ZOOL Social S Behavioral Sciences MCJ/CJ ECON GEOG HIST POLS/PHIL PSY SW/GERT SOC/ANTH MILS NAVS Continuing Ed Davis Campus Weber State University 2009 - 2010 Catalog