2024-2025 Catalog

 

PHYS - Graduate Physics

PHYS-501 Mathematical Methods for Physics

This course develops a mathematical foundation to succeed in graduate level courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics/statistical physics, modern physics, and quantum physics. It encompasses algorithmic skills but aims higher to develop the ability to relate mathematics and phenomena and to analyze solutions for limitations and prediction of behavior. Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree with a Physics major or must be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level. Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3

PHYS-502 Classical Mechanics

This course focuses on Newtonian (non-relativistic) mechanics and its Lagrangian formulation with applications to the motions of particles in three dimensions, systems of particles, gravitation and orbits, rigid body rotations and small vibrations). Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree with a physics major or be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level, and PHYS-501 or equivalent. Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3

PHYS-503 Electromagnetism

This theoretical and problem-solving course focuses on the development and application of the integral and differential forms of Maxwell's equations from phenomenological observations, culminating in the electromagnetic wave equations. Topics include potential theory, static and dynamic electromagnetic field equations in vacuum and media, and electromagnetic waves with select applications. Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree with a Physics major or be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level, and PHYS-501 or equivalent. Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3

PHYS-504 Quantum Mechanics I

This course reviews special relativity and provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. It covers applications in nuclear and particle physics and develops key aspects of quantum theory via various extensions of the SternGerlach experiment. The course emphasizes the matrix mechanics approach to quantum mechanics. Use of software applications for visualization and problem solving is a key aspect. Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree with a physics major or be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level, and PHYS-501 Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3

PHYS-505 Quantum Mechanics II

This course builds on the foundation laid in PHYE-504, considering more advanced topics in spin systems and continuing on to the wave mechanics formulation of quantum mechanics. Various problems in one and three dimensions, along with some introductory topics in quantum field theory will be covered. Use of advanced software applications for visualization and problem solving is an important aspect of the course. Prerequisite: a bachelor's degree with a Physics major or be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level, and PHYS-504 Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3

PHYS-506 Modern Physics

This course develops the laws of thermodynamics from macroscopic observations and then demonstrates how they arise from the statistical, collective behavior of atoms and molecules. The statistical development encompasses classical systems (kinetic theory, transport phenomena, and ensemble theory) and quantum systems (systems of bosons and fermions). Prerequisites: a bachelor's degree with a Physics major or be state certified (in any state) to teach Physics at a secondary school level and PHYS-501 or equivalent. Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

3
Indiana Weselayan