2025-2026 Catalog

 

300

PHY-311 Analytical Mechanics

In-depth study of classical mechanics. After a thorough investigation of translational motion of point objects, the rotational motion of rigid bodies, and oscillations, the course will develop the Lagrange and Hamiltonian formulations and apply them to inertial and non-inertial frames. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor) and MAT-254.

3

PHY-321 Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics

This course establishes the laws of thermodynamics from the statistics of the collective behavior of atoms and molecules. The statistical framework encompasses classical systems (kinetic theory, transport phenomena, and ensemble theory) and quantum systems (systems of bosons and fermions). 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

A mathematical study of classical electricity and magnetism culminating in Maxwell's unification, which established light as an electromagnetic wave. Topics include static and dynamic electric and magnetic fields, potential theory, currents, media, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. 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

This course will develop quantum theory and apply it to physical systems beginning with the fundamental experiments and phenomena then applying the mathematical methods of Schrodinger and Heisenberg to solve problems that exhibit quantum phenomena. 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

This lab course focuses on experiments related to the major discoveries of 19th and 20th Century physics. The experiments will provide a framework in which to learn experimental technique, modern instrumentation, data analysis, error propagation, and communication of results in written form, with attention to professional ethics in the laboratory. Prerequisite: PHY-222 (or PHY-212 and permission of instructor).

4
Indiana Weselayan