College of Science 617 PHYS 3410 - Electronics for Scientists Credits: (4) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] An introductory course in electronics for students in physics and other sciences. The course includes DC 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. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab a week. Prerequisite: PHYS 2220. PHYS 3420 - Data Acquisition and Analysis Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] odd years 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. PHYS 3500 - Analytical Mechanics Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] 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 Credits: (3) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] 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 Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] 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 Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] 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 3710 - Nuclear and Particle Physics Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] 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 Credits: (3) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] even years 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 Credits: (2) Typically taught: Spring [Full Sem] 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 Credits: (2) Typically taught: Fall [Full Sem] 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. Weber State University 2015-2016 Catalog