Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Astronomy (ASTR) and Physics (PHYS)

Professors: Fisher (Chair), Kulp
Assistant Professors: Morris, E. Wilson
Lab Manager/Planetarium Manager: Kiehl

Majors: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Applied and Engineering Physics, Physics
Courses required for Physics: 13 (B.A.) (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
Courses required for Applied and Engineering Physics, Computational Physics, and Physics: 17 (B.S.) (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
Courses required for Biophysics: 16 (B.S.) (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
Courses required for Astronomy: 12 (B.A.) (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
Courses required for Astrophysics: 16 (B.S.) (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
Math prerequisite (not counted in major): MATH 127
Non-credit Colloquium: 4 semesters
Capstone requirement: ASTR or PHYS 448 (or research experience plus an additional course with departmental approval)
Minors: Astronomy, Computational Physics, Physics

The department offers six majors in astronomy, applied and engineering physics, astrophysics, biophysics, computational physics, and physics.

Astronomy (ASTR)

The Department of Astronomy and Physics does not offer a B.S. degree in astronomy, but we do offer a B.S. degree in astrophysics. Students interested in a B.S. degree in astronomy should consider pursuing the astrophysics major.

The B.A. degree in astronomy requires courses in astronomy, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The astronomy major prepares students for careers in industry, formal and informal education, and government agencies.

Major Requirements

ASTR 111  Fundamentals of Astronomy
ASTR 211  Data Mining the Astronomical Archives
ASTR 448  Research Topics
CHEM 122/123  General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I
MATH 128  Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226  Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics

One courses from the following:
ASTR/PHYS 340  The Invisible Universe
ASTR 360  Observational Astronomy
PHYS 445  Experimental Data Analysis

Complete two additional astronomy courses numbered 212 or higher

Astronomy majors are also required to successfully complete four semesters of ASTR 349/449 (non-credit colloquia).

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education listing.

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete ASTR 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by doing an individual studies or honors project where the results would be presented at a departmental colloquium. The project pursued for ASTR 448 must be relevant to the student’s concentration. Students who have successfully completed a summer REU, RUG, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute off-campus experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the major in place of ASTR 448.

Minor Requirements

A minor in astronomy consists of ASTR 111 211, and PHYS 225 plus any two additional courses selected from PHYS 226 or ASTR courses numbered 200 or higher.

000
LABORATORY TEACHING METHODS
Provides practical experience in laboratory teaching. Students in this course are paired with a faculty mentor and help supervise labs; deliver pre-lab lectures; and assist in ordering chemicals, supplies, and equipment and in preparing laboratory experiments. Students complete a project that integrates the physical science education literature, classroom instruction materials, laboratory safety, and proper storage and disposal of materials and equipment used. In the appropriate situation, a student may substitute planetarium show preparation and presentation for laboratory exercises. Cross-listed as PHYS 000. Open to junior physics and astronomy majors pursuing certification in education, with consent of instructor. Non-credit course.

101
PRINCIPLES OF ASTRONOMY
A broad summary of the current view of the universe, from the solar system to distant galaxies.
Describes the instruments and techniques used by astronomers, today and in the past, to develop
concepts about the nature of the universe and its contents. Credit may not be earned for both ASTR 101
and ASTR 105, 106, or 111.

105
SOLAR SYSTEM ASTRONOMY
An introduction to solar system astronomy for the non-major. The course begins with a study of the sky and the motions of major objects including the Sun, Moon, and planets. From there, the historical development of astronomy leads to our modern-day understanding of our Solar System. The laws of planetary motion, the structure of the Solar System, and the formation of the solar system are discussed alongside an exploration of individual planets and their satellites, asteroids, and the other bodies in our Solar System. The course concludes with a look outwards towards our still new and rapidly expanding knowledge of exoplanets, hundreds of which have been discovered within recent decades. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Credit may not be earned for both ASTR 105 and ASTR 101 or ASTR 111.

106
STARS AND GALAXIES
An introduction to stellar and galactic astronomy for students not majoring in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics. Starts with the instruments and techniques used by astronomers to determine the physical properties of stars and galaxies. Then considers the energy sources that power stars and how stars change their structure as they tap various energy sources. Describes the different types of galaxies, and how our ideas of galaxy formation have changed over time. Concludes with the expansion of the universe, its origin in the Big Bang, and its possible future development. Credit may not be earned for both ASTR 106 and ASTR 101 or ASTR 111.

111
FUNDAMENTALS OF ASTRONOMY
An introduction to the nature of the physical universe including its contents (from our solar system to distant galaxies), its history, and the physical processes occurring in it. The course is quantitative, utilizing algebra, as well as trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions.This course is designed for students considering majoring in one of the natural sciences or mathematics. Credit may not be earned for both ASTR 111 and ASTR 101, 105, or 106. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH placement of level 4, credit for or concurrent enrollment in MATH 127, or consent of instructor.

211
DATA-MINING THE ASTRONOMICAL ARCHIVES
The astronomical datasets of the 21st century are rich with information that confirm centuries-old theories and provide the foundation for new ones. This course will take a deep dive into the modern databases, such as the NASA Exoplanet Archive, the Gaia Space Telescope, JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope, LIGO, and more that inform our -*understanding of populations of astronomical objects. Students will use real, open-source data to verify the theories they learned in previous courses about binaries, clusters, moving groups, exoplanets, and gravitational waves. After working with these databases throughout the semester, the course will culminate with a dataset-based project
investigating a novel question about stellar systems. Prerequisite: ASTR 111 and prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 225.

230
PLANETARIUM TECHNIQUES
A methods course covering major aspects of planetarium programming, operation, and maintenance. Students are required to prepare and present a planetarium show. Upon successfully completing the course, students are eligible to become planetarium assistants. Three hours of lecture and demonstration and three hours of practical training per week. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in ASTR 101 or 111. Alternate years.

243
PLANETARY SCIENCE
A comparative survey of the various classes of natural objects that orbit the sun, including the major planets, their satellites, the minor planets, and comets. Topics include fundamental orbital mechanics, geological processes that shape surface features, internal structures, the role of spacecraft in the exploration of the solar system, and clues to the origin and dynamic evolution of the Solar System. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ASTR 111.

333
ANCIENT ASTRONOMY
An examination of the history which informs modern astronomy. Course covers topics such as the celestial sphere and other ancient astronomical concepts still in use, how ancient civilizations used constellations to navigate and predict seasons, and the connection between ancient experimental science and philosophy. Students will practice naked-eye night-sky observing throughout the semester. Prerequisite: ASTR 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS; or permission of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity requirement

340
THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE
The astrophysics of celestial objects that emit thermal and non-thermal radiation outside the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Traces the development of observational techniques at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. Includes cosmic microwave background radiation, pulsars, quasars, gamma-ray bursters, magnetars, and active galactic nuclei. Cross-listed as PHYS 340. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 226.

345
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS
A study of selected topics in astrophysics. May be repeated for credit with consent of department when topics are different. Alternate years. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 226.

360
OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
While humanity has observed the sky for thousands of years, recent technological advances have allowed modern astronomers to transform the way we see the cosmos. Students explore the various observational techniques used by astronomers, including optical imaging, spectroscopy, multiwavelength observations, and multimessenger astronomy. Students use on-campus telescopes to plan, acquire, and analyze their own observational data and engage with and analyze data from modern research-grade observatories.
Four hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ASTR 211.

365
GALACTIC AND EXTRAGALACTIC ASTRONOMY
In the 1920s, Edwin Hubble found the first concrete evidence that we live in a universe full of billions of galaxies far beyond the Milky Way. Now, astronomers are able to observe galaxies as they were towards the beginning of the Universe to learn about how they change and evolve over time. Students explore properties of the Milky Way, types of galaxies that exist beyond the Milky Way, and how astronomers study them by analyzing data from large scale surveys. Prerequisite: ASTR 211.

444
COSMOLOGY
How can astronomers describe the universe as a whole? What does it mean for the universe to be expanding? What are dark energy and dark matter and where do they fit into our overall picture of the universe? This course will focus on answering these questions and providing students with a quantitative and qualitative framework for describing the fundamental properties of our universe. Additionally, students learn about cutting-edge work being done in the field and how to interpret it. Prerequisite: PHYS 227

445
STELLAR EVOLUTION
The physical principles governing the internal structure and external appearance of stars. Mechanisms of energy generation and transport within stars. The evolution of stars from initial formation to final stages. The creation of chemical elements by nucleosynthesis. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 226. Alternate years.

446
STELLAR DYNAMICS AND GALACTIC STRUCTURE
The motion of objects in gravitational fields. Introduction to the n-body problem, the relation between stellar motions and the galactic potential, and the large-scale structure of galaxies in general and of the Milky Way Galaxy in particular. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 225. Four hours of lecture per week. Alternate years.

448
SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR
Students participate in a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. In weekly meetings, they share reports from the literature and report on their own work. Topics range from abstract theoretical to selected practical experimental investigations. Cross-listed as PHYS 448. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken a second time with consent of department.

349, 449
ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS COLLOQUIA
This non-credit but required course for juniors and seniors majoring in astronomy and physics offers students a chance to meet and hear active scientists in astronomy, physics, and related scientific areas talk about their own research or professional activities. In addition, majors in astronomy and physics must present two lectures, one given during the junior year and one given during the senior year, on the results of a literature survey or their individual research. Four semesters required during the junior and senior years. Cross-listed as PHYS 349 and 449. One hour per week. Pass/Fail except when the student gives a lecture. Non-credit course.

470-479
INTERNSHIP

N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent studies may be undertaken in most areas of astronomy.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

Astrophysics

Major Requirements

The B.S. degree in astrophysics requires courses in astronomy, physics, and mathematics. A major in astrophysics prepares students for graduate study in astrophysics and careers in industry, formal and informal education, and government agencies.

ASTR 111  Fundamentals of Astronomy
ASTR 211  Data Mining the Astronomical Archives
ASTR/PHYS 448  Research Topics
MATH 128   Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226  Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics
PHYS 332   Electromagnetism

One course from ASTR 243 or higher

One course from ASTR 345 or higher

Two courses from the following:
MATH 231  Differential Equations
MATH 238   Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336  Mathematical Methods of Physics

One course from the following:
ASTR 360  Observational Astronomy
PHYS 345  Experimental Physics
PHYS 445  Experimental Data Analysis

One course from the following:
PHYS 320  Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
PHYS 330  Applied Machine Learning
PHYS 337  Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 341  Electronics
PHYS 347  Special Topics in Complex Systems
PHYS 435  Nonlinear and Complex Systems
PHYS 439  Introduction to quantum Mechanics
PHYS 447  Nuclear and Particle Physics

Astrophysics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete ASTR/PHYS 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by completing an individual studies or honors project and presenting the results at a departmental colloquium. Students who have successfully completed a summer NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute off-campus experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the astrophysics major in place of ASTR/PHYS 448.

Applied and Engineering Physics

The B.S. degree in applied and engineering physics requires courses in physics, chemistry, computer science and mathematics. A major in applied and engineering physics prepares students for graduate programs in applied physics and engineering and careers in industries such as engineering and related professions.

Major Requirements

CHEM 122/123  General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I
CPTR 125  Introduction to Computer Science
MATH 128  Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226  Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics
PHYS 331   Classical Mechanics
PHYS 332  Electromagnetism
PHYS 337  Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 341  Electronics
PHYS 345  Experimental Physics
PHYS 448  Senior Research Seminar

One course from the following:
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM/PHYS 439 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Two courses from the following:
MATH 231  Differential Equations
MATH 238  Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336  Mathematical Methods of Physics

One course from the following:
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM/PHYS 439 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Two courses from the following:
MATH 231  Differential Equations
MATH 238  Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336  Mathematical Methods of Physics

One course from the following:
CPTR 200 or higher
MATH 200 of higher
PHYS 300 or higher

Applied and engineering physics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PHYS 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by completing an individual studies or honors project and presenting the results at a departmental colloquium. Students who have successfully completed a summer NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute off-campus experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the applied and engineering physics major in place of ASTR/PHYS 448.

Biophysics

The B.S. degree in biophysics requires courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The Biophysics major prepares students for careers in biophysics, biomedical engineering, medical physics, and other industries where biology and physics interface.

Major Requirements

BIO 110  Introduction to Biology I
BIO 111  Introduction to Biology II
BIO 343  Biomechanics
CHEM 122/123  General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 124/125  General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II
MATH 128  Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226  Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics
PHYS 337  Thermodynamics
PHYS 448  Senior Research Seminar

One course from the following:
CHEM 219 Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 222/223 Organic Chemistry

One course from the following:
PHYS 341 Electronics
PHYS 332 Electromagnetism

Two courses from the following:
BIO 323  Human Physiology
BIO 324  Medical Microbiology
BIO 325  Microbial Ecology
BIO 338  Human Anatomy
BIO 436  Evolution
BIO 437  Molecular Biology
BIOCH 444  Biochemistry I
BIOCH 445  Biochemistry II
CHEM 224/225  Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II
CHEM/PHYS 439  Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 331  Classical Mechanics
PHYS 345  Experimental Physics
PHYS 435  Nonlinear and Complex Systems

Biophysics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PHYS 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by doing an individual studies or honors project and presenting the results at a departmental colloquium. Students who have successfully completed a summer REU, RUG, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute that experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the major in place of PHYS 448. Note that if the student has already counted two astronomy courses toward a biophysics major, then the extra course in place of PHYS 448 must be a physics course.

Computational Physics

The B.S. degree in computational physics requires courses in physics, computer science, and mathematics. The Computational Physics major prepares students for graduate study in physics, computational physics, and related fields. This major also prepares students for careers in software engineering, data analysis, mathematical modeling and simulation, and fields which blend the need for both physics and computer programming.

Major Requirements

CPTR 125  Introduction to Computer Science
CPTR 246  Principles of Advanced Programming
CPTR 247  Data Structures
MATH 128   Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226   Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics
PHYS 331  Classical Mechanics
PHYS 332  Electromagnetism
PHYS/CHEM 439  Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 448  Senior Research Seminar

Two courses from the following:
PHYS 320  Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
PHYS 330  Applied Machine Learning
PHYS 346  Special Topics in Computational Physics
PHYS 445  Experimental Data Analysis

Two courses from the following:
MATH 231  Differential Equations
MATH 238  Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336  Mathematical Methods of Physics

One course from the following:
ASTR 211  Data Mining
CPTR 339  Introduction to Database Systems
CPTR 340  Artificial Intelligence
MATH 342   Topics in Numerical Analysis
MATH 442  Topics in Numerical Analysis
PHYS 320  Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
PHYS 330  Applied Machine Learning
PHYS 337  Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 346  Special Topics in Computational Physics
PHYS 347  Topics in Complex Systems
PHYS 435  Nonlinear and Complex Systems
PHYS 445  Experimental Data Analysis

Computational Physics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PHYS 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by completing an individual studies or honors project and presenting the results at a departmental colloquium. Students who have successfully completed a summer NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute off-campus experience plus an additional advanced physics course not already required by the Computational Physics major in place of PHYS 448.

Physics (PHYS)

The B.A. Degree

The B.A. degree in physics requires courses in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. This major prepares students for careers in education, engineering, and other technical positions in government and industry.

Major Requirements

CHEM 122/123  General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I
MATH 128  Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 129  Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 225  Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226  Fundamentals of Physics II
PHYS 227  Modern Physics
PHYS 331  Classical Mechanics
PHYS 332  Electromagnetism
PHYS 345  Intermediate Experimental Physics
PHYS 445  Experimental Data Analysis
PHYS 448  Senior Research Seminar

One course from the following:
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM/PHYS 439 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

One course from the following:
MATH 238 Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336 Mathematical Methods of Physics

Physics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

The B.S. Degree

The B.S. degree in physics requires courses in physics, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. This major prepares students for graduate study in physics and related fields. This major also prepares students for careers in engineering, physics, teaching, and other technical positions in government and industry.

Major Requirements

One course from the following:
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM/PHYS 439 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Two courses from the following:
MATH 231  Differential Equations
MATH 238  Multivariable Calculus
PHYS 336  Mathematical Methods of Physics

One course from the following:
PHYS 345 Experimental Physics
PHYS 445 Experimental Data Analysis

Three additional courses from any of the following:
ASTR 243 or higher
CPTR 200 or higher
MATH 200 or higher
PHYS 300 or higher

Physics majors are also required to successfully complete two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 349 and two semesters of ASTR/PHYS 449 (non-credit colloquia).

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education listing.

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PHYS 448. This requirement may also be satisfied by doing an individual studies or honors project and presenting the results at a departmental colloquium. Students who have successfully completed a summer REU, RUG, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute that experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the major in place of PHYS 448. Note that if the student has already counted two astronomy courses toward a physics major, then the extra course in place of PHYS 448 must be a physics course.

Minor Requirements

A minor in physics requires completion of the following courses: PHYS 225, 226, 227 331, 332, and 332.

000
LABORATORY TEACHING METHODS
Provides students with practical experience in laboratory teaching. Students in this course are paired with a faculty mentor and help supervise labs; deliver pre-lab lectures; and assist in ordering chemicals, supplies, and equipment and in preparing laboratory experiments. Students complete a project that integrates the physical science education literature, classroom instruction materials, laboratory safety, and proper storage and disposal of materials and equipment used. Cross-listed as ASTR 000. Open to junior physics and astronomy majors pursuing certification in education, with consent of instructor. Non-credit course.

105
PHYSICS PHOR EVERYONE
An introduction to physics for non-majors. The course will focus on developing a conceptual understanding of motion electricity, magnetism, and light, along with selected topics from modern physics. This course does not count towards the physics major. Four hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MATH 100 or Math placement of level 2 or higher.

108
GREAT IDEAS OF THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE
An introduction to several major concepts of physics which have developed over the past several centuries, relating them to their broad implications. The emphasis is on a descriptive rather than a mathematical discussion of topics which range from early Greek concepts of science to present-day methods and techniques used to describe the physical universe. Many distinctions and similarities between science and other areas of human endeavor are studied to demonstrate the beauty, simplicity, harmony, and grandeur of some of the basic laws which govern the universe. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.

225
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I
A calculus-based introduction to physics designed for majors in the natural sciences and mathematics. Topics include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical waves. Five hours of lecture and recitation and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 128.

226
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS II
A calculus-based introduction to physics designed for majors in the natural sciences and mathematics. Topics include electromagnetism, circuits, optics, and topics from 20^th century physics such as quantum physics and special relativity. Five hours of lecture and recitation and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 225.Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 129.

227
MODERN PHYSICS
Thorough investigation of changes in the classical understanding of space and time together with those of energy and matter that led to the time development of relativistic and quantum mechanical theories. Topics include introduction to special relativity, blackbody radiation, the postulation of the photon and quantization, atomic spectra, interactions of matter and energy, Bohr model of the atom, concepts of symmetry, and development and applications of the Schrödinger equation. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 226.

320
MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND SIMULATION
An introduction to mathematical modeling of complex systems using the programming languages Python and NetLogo. Topics may include numerical techniques of integration and differentiation, symbolic manipulation of equations, developing equation-based models, analytical and numerical solutions of systems of differential equations, and the development and analysis of agent-based models. Students model systems from a wide range of areas in the natural and social sciences. Prerequisite: PHYS 331. Alternate years.

330
APPLIED MACHINE LEARNING
An introduction to machine learning and the Python programming language. Topics include the principles of machine learning and the training and analysis of supervised and unsupervised machine learning models developed using Python libraries. Application of models on a diverse set of real-world data sets is emphasized over theoretical content. Prerequisite: CPTR 125 or PHYS 226 or instructor permission. Alternate years.

331
CLASSICAL MECHANICS
An analytical approach to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics and dynamics of single particles and systems of particles, gravitation and other central forces, moving reference frames, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 225. Alternate years.

332
ELECTROMAGNETISM
A theoretical treatment of classical electromagnetism. Topics include electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic potentials, electric and magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations, the electromagnetic field, and the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 226. Alternate years.

336
MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS
Solution of ordinary linear differential equations using power series and Laplace transforms, nonlinear differential and coupled differential equations, Fourier analysis using both trigonometric and complex exponential functions, complex variables, eigenvalue problems, infinite dimensional vector spaces, partial differential equations, boundary value problem solutions to the wave equation, heat flow equation, and Laplace’s equation. Prerequisite: MATH 129.

337
THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Presents classical thermodynamics, showing that the macroscopic properties of a system can be specified without knowledge of the microscopic properties of the constituents of the system. Also develops statistical mechanics, showing that these same macroscopic properties are determined by the microscopic properties. Prerequisites: PHYS 226 and MATH 129. Alternate years.

339
CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
Structural topics include ordinary crystalline structures, liquid crystals, quasi-crystals, and nanostructures. Property-related topics include periodic potentials, band structure, electromagnetic and thermal properties, superconductivity, and aspects of surface physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 332 and MATH 129 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

340
THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE
The astrophysics of celestial objects that emit thermal and non-thermal radiation outside the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Traces the development of observational techniques at radio, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. Includes cosmic microwave background radiation, pulsars, quasars, gamma-ray bursters, magnetars, and active galactic nuclei. Cross-listed as ASTR 340. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 226. Alternate years.

341
ELECTRONICS
DC and AC circuit analysis, semiconductor physics, active devices such as PN junctions, transistors, operational amplifiers, and integrated circuits. Basics of digital electronics and vacuum tube technologies. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 and MATH 128. Alternate years.

345
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
An introduction to laboratory techniques beyond those covered in introductory physics. Students receive instruction in laboratory techniques, data analysis, written and oral presentation of data, and the use of computers for collecting and analyzing data. Experiments focus on the fields of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 226. Alternate years.

346
SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
A study in the selected methodologies used in modeling physical systems. Alternate years. May be repeated for credit with consent of department when topics are different. Prerequisites: PHYS 226 and CPTR 125 or consent of the instructor.

347
SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS
A study of selected methodologies in the analysis and modeling of complex adaptive systems from the natural and social sciences. May be repeated for credit with consent of department when topics are different. Alternate years. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 or CPTR 125 or consent of the instructor.

435
NONLINEAR AND COMPLEX SYSTEMS
Students learn how to develop and analyze nonlinear mathematical models of complex systems from the physical, biological, and social sciences. Topics include equation-based and agent-based modeling, bifurcation theory, limit cycles, chaos, fractals, and time series analysis. Prerequisites: PHYS 225 and MATH 129 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

439
INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS
Introduction to the basic concepts and principles of quantum theory. Uses the Schrödinger wave equation approach to present solutions to the free particle, the simple harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and other central force problems. Topics also include operator formalism, eigenstates, eigenvalues, the uncertainty principles, stationary states, representation of wave functions by eigenstate expansions, and the Heisenberg matrix approach. Cross-listed as CHEM Four hours of lecture. Prerequisites: MATH 231 and either PHYS 227 or CHEM 331. Alternate years.

445
EXPERIMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS
An emphasis on computer-aided analysis of experimental data. Topics include uncertainty propagation, random numbers, numerical differentiation and integration, Fourier transforms, time series analysis, nonlinear time series analysis, regression, and machine learning. Students receive instruction on experimental design, laboratory techniques, and written and oral presentation of data. Experiments cover a range of topics including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 226. Alternate years.

447
NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
Considers properties of nuclei, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions (including fission and fusion), and properties of elementary particles. Includes the interactions of nuclear particles with matter and the detection of nuclear particles. Reveals how observed phenomena lead to theories on the nature of fundamental interactions, how these forces act at the smallest measurable distances, and what is expected to occur at even smaller distances. Prerequisites: PHYS 226, MATH 129, and either PHYS 338 or CHEM 122/123. Alternate years.

448

SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR
Students participate in a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. In weekly meetings, they share reports from the literature and report on their own work. Topics range from abstract theoretical to selected practical experimental investigations. Cross-listed as ASTR 448. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken a second time with consent of department.

349 & 449 ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS COLLOQUIA This non-credit but required course for juniors and seniors majoring in astronomy and physics offers students a chance to meet and hear active scientists in astronomy, physics, and related scientific areas talk about their own research or professional activities. In addition, majors in astronomy and physics must present two lectures, one given during the junior year and one given during the senior year, on the results of a literature survey or their individual research. Four semesters required during the junior and senior years. Cross-listed as ASTR 349 and 449. One hour per week. Pass/Fail except when the student gives a lecture. Non-credit course.

470-479
INTERNSHIP
Interns in physics work off campus under the supervision of professional physicists employed by local industries or hospitals.

N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent studies may be undertaken in most areas of physics.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS