2024-2025 Catalog

 

300

PHY-311 Analytical Mechanics

In-depth study of the motion of rigid bodies. Three-dimensional translational and rotational motion. Oscillations. Lagrange equations. Inertial and non-inertial frames. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY212 and permission of instructor) and MAT-254.

3

PHY-321 Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics

Thermal equilibrium, thermodynamic equations of states. Thermodynamic potentials. Irreversibility. Phase transitions. Kinetic theory of gases. Introduction to classical quantum statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor) and MAT-254.

3

PHY-325 Mathematical Methods of Physics

This course provides a mathematical foundation for solving problems in analytical mechanics, electromagnetism, heat and thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and advanced modern physics with a focus on the differential equations (especially Laplace and Poisson partial differential equations) that occur in theoretical physics. Core topics include series, complex numbers, linear algebra, Fourier series, calculus of variations, special functions (Legendre polynomials, Bessel functions, and Hermite polynomials) and integral transforms. The course will apply linear algebra to function spaces with physical interpretations of basis eigenfunctions, eigenvalues, normalization and orthogonality. Additional topics may include vector analysis, complex analysis and probability. Prerequisite: MAT-353.

3

PHY-331 Electromagnetism I

Electrostatic fields in vacuum. Gauss's law. Solution of electrostatic boundary-value problems. Electrostatic fields in material media. Electric currents. Electromagnetic waves. Maxwell's equations. Special relativity. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor)and MAT-254.

3

PHY-341 Waves and Optics

Topics include geometrical and physical optics, interference, diffraction, lasers, fiber-optics, electromagnetic wave theory, and optical instruments. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor).

3

PHY-351 Quantum Mechanics I

Topics include wave-particle duality, wave functions, operators and observables, matrix representation, and three-dimensional Schroedinger's equation. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission on instructor) and MAT-254.

3

PHY-361 Introduction to Health and Medical Physics

Introduction to the use, detection, and disposal of radioisotopes in medicine and biological research. Biological effects of radiation, including from nuclear weapons. Introduction to different imaging techniques in medicine, such as X-ray and MRI. Applications of lasers in medicine.

3

PHY-385 Advanced Physics Laboratory/Measurements

Theory of measurements, detectors, interfaces, error and accuracy analysis, data acquisition, and processing. Laboratory application of a design of an experiment and experimental apparatus and measurements of physical quantities. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor).

4
Indiana Weselayan