Undergraduate Courses in Physics
2010-2011 Catalog
The numbering sequence at Old Dominon University places undergraduate courses at the 100, 200, 300, and 400 levels. Coursed that may have graduate as well as undergraduate students enrolled are listed in a dual mode, e.g., 456/556. Graduate students may enroll in the 500, 600, 700 and 800 levels. Master's and doctoral courses are dual-listed at 700/800 levels. Courses marked with + may not be counted for credit in physics graduate programs.
Physics - PHYS
PHYS 101N-102N. Conceptual Physics. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits each semester. PHYS 101N is a prerequisite for 102N. An introductory descriptive course which develops and illustrates the concepts of physics in terms of phenomena encountered in daily life. The first semester covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism. The second semester covers sound, light, fluids and heat. (offered fall-spring sequence)
PHYS 103N-104N. Introductory Astronomy. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits each semester. 103N is a study of the physical principles and scientific investigation of objects in our solar system. 104N emphasizes the study of stars, star systems, cosmology and relativity. Both semesters stress how we acquire knowledge of celestial objects to develop models of our universe. (offered fall-spring sequence, summer)
PHYS 109. Introductory Astronomy Laboratory. Laboratory 2 hours; 1 credit. Prerequisite: written permission of the chief departmental advisor of the Physics Department. An introductory laboratory course in astronomy dealing with experiments about the laws of nature that apply to objects in our solar system. (offered fall, spring, summer)
PHYS 111N-112N. Introductory General Physics. 111N is prerequisite to 112N. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits each semester. Prerequisite: MATH 102M or 162M or MATH 166. 111N emphasizes mechanics, wave motion and heat and will also cover the needed elements of trigonometry and vectors. 112N emphasizes electricity and magnetism, light, and introduction to modern physics. Students receiving credit for PHYS 111N cannot receive credit for PHYS 102N either simultaneously or subsequently. (offered fall, spring, summer)
PHYS 113. Physics Laboratory. Laboratory 2 hours; 1 credit. Available for pass/fail grading only. Prerequisite: written permission of the chief departmental advisor of the Physics Department. An introductory laboratory covering experiments from mechanics, wave motion, heat and sound. Available for pass/fail grading only. (offered fall, spring, summer)
PHYS 114. Physics Laboratory. Laboratory 2 hours; 1 credit. Available for pass/fail grading only. Prerequisite: written permission of the chief departmental advisor of the Physics Department. An introductory laboratory covering experiments from electricity, magnetism, and optics. Available for pass/fail grading only. (offered spring, summer)
PHYS 120. Physics in the 21st Century. Lecture 1 hour; 1 credit. This seminar will provide students with a broad introduction to the cutting edge of physics research and its applications in diverse areas of contemporary physics. Recommended for incoming students interested in physics and the natural sciences. (offered fall)
PHYS 126N-127N. Honors: Introductory Astronomy. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits. Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors version of PHYS 103N-104N.
PHYS 151-152. AP Credit for Introductory General Physics. 3 credits each. This course sequence is an AP credit vehicle for the lecture portion of PHYS 111N-112N, Introductory General Physics. Students who receive a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Physics B exam administered by ETS will be awarded three credits for PHYS 151 and three credits for PHYS 152. In order to receive equivalency for PHYS 111N-112N, students must also complete the one credit lab courses PHYS 113 and 114. PHYS 151-152 will not be offered for credit by Old Dominion University.
PHYS 210. Physics in Everyday Life. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits. An introductory descriptive course of physics that discusses the basic principles of motion, electricity and magnetism, and thermal physics. Topics emphasized include simple machines, magnets, energy balance, and energy sources.
PHYS 226N-227N. Honors: University Physics. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits. Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors version of PHYS 231N-232N.
PHYS 231N-232N. University Physics. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 4 credits each semester. Corequisite: MATH 211 or 226 or permission of instructor. 231N is prerequisite to 232N. A general introduction to physics in which the principles of classical and modern physics are applied to the solution of physical problems. The reasoning through which solutions are obtained is stressed. This course is designed for majors in the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computational sciences. Students receiving credit for PHYS 231N-232N cannot simultaneously or subsequently receive credit for PHYS 101N-102N or PHYS 111N-112N. (offered fall, spring, summer)
PHYS 251. AP Credit for University Physics. 3 credits. This course is an AP credit vehicle for the lecture portion of PHYS 231N, University Physics. Students who receive a 4 or 5 on the AP exam Physics C exam (Mechanics) administered by ETS will be awarded three credits for PHYS 251. In order to receive equivalency for PHYS 231N students must also complete the one credit lab course, PHYS 113. PHYS 251 will not be offered for credit by Old Dominion University.
PHYS 252. AP Credit for Natural Science Requirement. 3 credits. This course is an AP credit vehicle for the lecture portion of the second course in the natural science requirement. Students who receive a 4 or 5 on the AP exam Physics C exam (Electricity and Magnetism) administered by ETS will be awarded three credits for PHYS 252. In order to receive equivalency for the second course in the natural science requirement, students must also complete the one credit lab course, PHYS 114. PHYS 252 will not be offered for credit by Old Dominion University.
PHYS 303-304. Intermediate Experimental Physics. Laboratory 6 hours; 3 credits each semester. Prerequisite: PHYS 232N. 303 is a prerequisite to 304. A laboratory oriented course designed to provide students with a broad introduction to instrumentation and techniques used in modern physics laboratories. Topics to be covered include: basic electronics, vacuum technology, optics and lasers, nuclear instrumentation, LabView programming and computer interfacing, and glassblowing. (offered fall-spring sequence)
PHYS 309. Physics on the Back of an Envelope. Lecture 1 hour; 1 credit. Corequisite: PHYS 102N, 112N or 232N. Physicists should be able to estimate the order-of-magnitude of anything. How many atoms of Julius Ceasar do you eat every day? How much waste does a nuclear power plant generate? Will develop concepts, relations and numbers useful for estimation. Will cover little new material, emphasizing already acquired knowledge. Will help students apply physics to real-life questions and understand which physical effects are appropriate on which scales. Seminar course. (offered spring)
PHYS 311. Color in Nature and Art. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 102M. Explores the relationship between light as stimulus and color perceived by us. Develops underlying concept of technology of art and applied art. Describes basis for optical phenomena involved in many facets of daily life. Topics include: the interaction of light and the visual perception it produces; the basic concept of spectra; wave, ray, and quantum optics; polarized light; photography; paintings; pigments; rainbows and mirages; color theory systems; formation of images; optical instruments. There is no physics prerequisite for this course.
PHYS 312. Elements of Optics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 112N or 232N. Corequisite: MATH 212. Light as an electromagnetic wave. Lens, mirror and fiber optical systems, polarization, interference and diffraction. Introduction to quantum and contemporary optics.
PHYS 313. Elements of Astrophysics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 232N. A one-semester course covering the important topics of modern astrophysics. The physical basis of stellar evolution and chemical element formation is derived from first principles. Observational details of white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes are developed.
PHYS 319. Analytical Mechanics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 232N. Corequisite: MATH 307. Fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy and momentum, central forces and planetary motion, and resonance phenomena. (offered fall)
PHYS 320. Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Corequisite: MATH 312. Prerequisite: PHYS 232N. A study of the classical theory and phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Topics include the calculation of electric and magnetic fields, magnetic and dielectric properties of matter, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations. (offered spring)
PHYS 323. Modern Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Corequisite: MATH 212. Prerequisite: PHYS 232N. Introduction to the wave nature of matter, with applications in materials science, atomic, and nuclear physics. Introduction to relativity, including applications in mechanics and electrodynamics. (offered fall)
PHYS 332W. Physics of Music and Musical Reproduction. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 102M. This course explores the topics of: the nature of sound, vibrations, resonance, the human ear, loudness, pitch, timbre, musical scales, dissonance and consonance, musical instruments, sound recording and reproduction, electronic music, noise, and acoustics.
PHYS 350. Light and Lasers. Lecture and demonstrations 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 102N or 112N or 232N. An analysis of those concepts of geometrical physical optics needed for the understanding of laser resonators, optical propagation, and radiation detection. A study of laser diodes, molecular, neutral and ion gas lasers, tuneable dye and excimer lasers. Laser applications in medicine, communications, information processing, holography, pollution detection, and material testing and fabrication are stressed. (offered spring)
PHYS 352. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 319 and 323. Introduction to the physical and mathematical structure of quantum theory, including the historical and experimental origins of the subject. The curriculum includes techniques for solving the Schrodinger wave equation, particularly for the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. (offered spring)
PHYS 367. Cooperative Education. 1-3 credits each semester (may be repeated for credit). Prerequisite: approval of the chief departmental advisor and Career Management in accordance with the policy for granting credit for Cooperative Education programs. Available for pass/fail grading only. Student participation for credit based on the academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and Career Management prior to the semester in which the work experience is to take place. (qualifies as a CAP experience)
PHYS 368. Internship. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: approval by the chief departmental advisor and Career Management. Available for pass/fail grading only. Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students to gain short duration career-related experience. (qualifies as a CAP experience)
PHYS 406/506. Observational Astronomy. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: junior standing. Observational techniques in astronomy with emphasis on constellation identification, celestial movements, and telescopic observation. Individualized night observations are required.
PHYS 408/508+. Astronomy for Teachers. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: junior standing. A course in astronomy dealing with stars and stellar systems. Topics will include observational astronomy, the electromagnetic spectrum, relativity, stellar and galactic structures, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
PHYS 411. Introduction to Atomic Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 352 and MATH 307. The hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, two-electron systems, many-electron atoms, interaction with external fields, theory of atomic spectra.
PHYS 413W/513. Methods of Experimental Physics. Laboratory 6 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 303 and 323. Corequisite: CS 150. Experiments in classical and modern physics, designed to develop skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data. (offered spring)
PHYS 414/514. Principles of Physical Instrumentation. Laboratory 6 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 413W. Methods for design of experiments using modern physical instrumentation. Included are topics such as analog and digital data acquisition, materials science, vacuum technology, cryogenics measurement techniques, and error and data analysis.
PHYS 415. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 352. Corequisite: MATH 307. An introduction to the structure of the atomic nucleus, natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear decay processes and stability of nuclei, nuclear reactions, properties of nuclear forces, and nuclear models. Also, particle phenomenology, experimental techniques and the standard model. Topics include the spectra of leptons, mesons, and baryons; strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions.
PHYS 416/516. Introduction to Solid State Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 352 and MATH 307. Introduction to solid state physics and materials science, with emphasis placed on the applications of each topic to experimental and analytical techniques. Topics include crystallography, thermal and vibrational properties of crystals and semiconductors, metals and the band theory of solids, superconductivity and the magnetic properties of materials.
PHYS 417/517. Introduction to Particle Accelerator Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 319 or ME 205, and PHYS 320 or ECE 323. Introduction to the historical development and applications of particle accelerators to the fields of nuclear physics, particle physics, material sciences, and medical therapy and the design and physics of particle accelerators. Aspects of linear accelerators, circular accelerators such as cyclotrons, betatrons, synchrotrons, and storage rings, and recirculated linacs are covered. Topics include linear and non-linear single particle motion in accelerators, collective effects and beam stability in particle accelerators, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by relativistic particles in accelerators. Up to date descriptions of the most modern particle accelerators will be included, as well as applications such as fixed target nuclear physics arrangements, colliding beam accelerators for high energy physics research, advanced storage ring sources of X-Rays, advanced neutron sources, radiation and radioactive material sources, and cancer therapy devices.
PHYS 420/520. Introductory Computational Physics. Lecture 2 hours; Laboratory 2 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 232N and MATH 212. Introduction of computational methods and visualization techniques for problem solving in physics.
PHYS 451/551. Theoretical Mechanics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 319 and MATH 312. A mathematical study of the concepts of mechanics. Vector calculus methods are used. Topics include mechanics of a system of particles, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamilton's canonical equations, and motion of a rigid body.
PHYS 453/553. Electromagnetic Radiation and Optics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 320 or ECE 323 and MATH 312. A course in electrodynamics developed from Maxwell's Equations. Topics include Maxwell's Equations, Conservation Laws, Electromagnetic Waves, Potentials and Fields, Radiation, and the interplay of electrodynamics and special relativity. (offered fall)
PHYS 454/554. Thermal and Statistical Physics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 319 and 323. A study of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. Topics include the thermodynamics of simple systems, kinetic theory of gases, statistical mechanics of gases and an introduction to quantum statistics. (offered spring)
PHYS 456/556. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 323 and 352 or permission of the instructor. A study of the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, basic postulates, solution of the wave equation for simple systems, uncertainty relations, potential barriers, wave packets, angular momentum, symmetry properties of wave functions, Pauli exclusion principle, Dirac notation, perturbation theory, and scattering. (offered fall)
PHYS 497/597. Special Problems and Research. 1-3 credits each semester. Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor. These courses afford the student an opportunity to pursue individual study and research.
PHYS 499W. Senior Thesis. 3 credits. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Each student will undertake a research experience under the supervision of a department faculty member. The experience can be of an experimental, theoretical, or calculational type. A final oral and written report are required. The research may be completed on campus or at one of the department affiliated research organizations. (offered fall, spring, summer)
