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Courses of Instruction
PHYSICS (PHY-Arts and Science)
Notes:
- Consult the physics placement guide for assistance in selecting
beginning courses.
- Contact the department chair or chief departmental adviser
for appropriate physics course selection if you receive Advanced Placement credit
in physics.
- A student who receives credit for a higher level lecture or laboratory
sequence, e.g., 181,182 or 183,184, may not receive credit concurrently or subsequently
for a lower level sequence except that, with departmental permission, a student
may concurrently or subsequently receive credit for courses numbered 111 through
141. A student may transfer from an introductory physics sequence to a lower
numbered sequence at the end of the first semester, i.e., 181 to 111 through 141.
MPF 101 Physics and Society (3)
Introduction of fundamental principles of physics
and discussion of the interaction of science and society, both today and in the
past. Provides skills in thinking critically about societal problems which have
a scientific or technological component. IVB.
MPF 103 Concepts in Physics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory course illustrating the
basic concepts of physics. For the general student; complements physics lecture
offerings at the nonspecialist level. Prerequisite: concurrent registration in
or prior completion of PHY 101, 111, 118, 121, 131, or 141. IVB, LAB. CAS-D/LAB.
MPF, MPT 111 Astronomy and Space Physics (3)
Study of space exploration, astrophysics,
astronomy, and cosmology. IVB, H.
MPF 118 Introduction to Atmospheric Science (3)
Introductory survey of a broad
range of atmospheric phenomena with emphasis on how they can affect our lives
and mankind's impact on a changing atmospheric environment. Quantitative,
illustrative, and mostly non-mathematical approach to processes that pertain to
such topics as composition of the atmosphere, global climate, large-scale weather
systems, and the nature of violent storms. Develops skills in the areas of problem
solving (using charts instead of equations) and elementary weather forecasting.
Cross-listed with AER 118. IVB.
MPF 121 Energy and Environment (3)
Application of physics principles and models
to societal uses of energy. Includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics,
and atomic and nuclear physics. Energy topics include resources, environmental
problems, global atmospheric challenges, nuclear power, solar energy, alternative
energy systems, and energy conservation. Algebraic skills are required but no
previous course in physics is needed. IVB.
MPF 131 Physics for Music (3)
Introduction to the basic physics of sound within
the context of music. Production, transmission, and reception of sound waves;
traditional and electronic musical instruments; physics of sound reproduction.
IVB.
MPF 141 Physics in Sports (3)
Various aspects of a dozen or more sports are
treated using the laws of physics. Provides the non-science student with insight
into principles governing motion, dynamics, and other elements of physics in sports.
IVB.
171/172 College Physics (3, 3)
General physics course recommended for students
of the life sciences. (171) Classical mechanics and quantum physics. (172) Thermal
physics, electromagnetism, and relativity. Minimum mathematical preparation requires
students to have had courses that include trigonometry. MTH 151, 153, or equivalent
are strongly encouraged. Prerequisite: (172) PHY 171. Corequisite: PHY 183, 184.
MPF 181/182 The Physical World (4, 4) (182 is MPT.)
Quantitative introduction
to basic physical laws of nature. (181) Classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
(182) Thermal physics, electromagnetism, and relativity. Concepts developed through
lectures, demonstrations, and computer simulations. Qualitative reasoning emphasized
and quantitative problem-solving skills developed. Concepts from differential
and integral calculus developed and used. No previous physics course is required.
Freshmen should enroll in PHY 181.F, 182.F. Prerequisite or corequisite: MTH 151,
153, or equivalent. Prerequisite: (182) PHY 181. Corequisites: PHY 183, 184. IVB.
MPF 183/184 Physics Laboratory (1, 1) (184 is MPT.)
Laboratory course for
students enrolled in PHY 181, 182 or PHY 171, 172. Basic experiments in mechanics,
statistical physics, and electromagnetism. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHY 181,
182 or PHY 171, 172. IVB, LAB. CAS-D/LAB.
185/186 Experiencing The Physical World (1, 1)
An optional demonstration/ experiment/
modeling course designed to provide enrichment for students enrolled in PHY 181.F
or 182.F.
Advanced Courses
205 Physics and Chemistry of Toys (4)
For education majors. Examines key principles
of chemistry and physics by means of integrated lecture and laboratory. Hands-on
toy-based investigations that are appropriate for use in the elementary and middle
school classroom are used to develop concept understanding. Areas of investigation
are pure substances, mixtures, states of matter, chemical reactions, motion, energy,
electricity, magnetism, sound, and light. Prerequisite: EDT 181 or permission
of instructor. Cross-listed with CHM 205. Offered only on regional campuses.
MPT 211 Observational Foundations of Astronomy (3)
Describes and investigates
many of the pivotal observations in the development of astronomy. Through a largely
historical development, the contexts of these observations are discussed and the
impact of these observations on the fundamental theories of astronomy is described.
Prerequisite: PHY 111.
215 Physics by Inquiry (3)
For middle and adolescent level education majors
seeking licensure in science. Emphasizes scientific inquiry in an activity-based,
cooperative-learning approach. Goals are to develop basic physical concepts and
the scientific reasoning skills necessary to apply them to the natural world and
to serve as a model for the transfer of the methods of inquiry-based instruction
and authentic assessment to the precollege classroom. Topics selected from properties
of matter, thermodynamics, electricity, optics, kinematics, and astronomy. Assessments
include laboratory notebook and journal writing, discussion, and developing and
teaching inquiry lessons. Prerequisite: one year of physical science or permission
of instructor.
MPT 286 Introduction to Computational Physics (3)
Lecture-laboratory course
on use of computers in analyzing physical systems. Topics of study come from classical
mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisite:
PHY 182, MTH 251.
MPT 291 Contemporary Physics (4)
Third course in a sequence that begins with
two semesters expounding the visions of Newton, Schrödinger, Boltzmann, Maxwell,
and Einstein. Incorporates a focus approach that emphasizes Nobel prize-winning
physics occurring within the lifetime of the student. Presently, the foci are
the scanning tunneling microscope, high-Tc superconductivity, and the ¿standard
model¿ for particle physics. Topics include quantum mechanics in three
dimensions, solid state physics, quantum optics, and particle physics. Prerequisite:
PHY 182. Corequisite: MTH 252 (or permission of instructor) and PHY 293.
MPT 292 Electronic Instrumentation (3)
Theory and application of electronic
instrumentation for scientists with emphasis on data acquisition and analysis
with microcomputers. Prerequisite: PHY 182. Corequisite: PHY 294.
MPT 293 Contemporary
Physics Laboratory (2)
Accompanies PHY 291 Contemporary Physics. Incorporates
a focus approach that emphasizes Nobel prize-winning physics research occurring
within the lifetime of the student. Presently, the foci are the scanning tunneling
microscope, high-Tc superconductivity, and the ‘standard model' for
particle physics. Prerequisite: PHY 184. Corequisite: PHY 291. CAS-D/LAB.
MPT 294 Laboratory in Electronic Instrumentation (2)
Laboratory experience in
the use of electrical and electronic instruments, application of transducers and
data acquisition equipment. Use of computer in analyzing data and interfacing
computer with experiments. Corequisite: PHY 292.
MPT 311 Contemporary Astronomy (3)
Study of topics of current interest in astronomy,
including the most recent and important observations and theories. Prerequisite:
PHY 111 and 211.
341 Mathematical Methods in Physics (4)
Discusses mathematical methods applicable
to classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism. Develops problem-solving
skills by applying material from introductory math and physics classes along with
new mathematical techniques. Allows for modeling of systems at a deeper level.
Emphasizes the use of mathematics to model physical systems and methods of solutions
to the differential equations of physics. Prerequisite: PHY 291; MTH 222, 252.
400/500 Physics Seminar (1; maximum 4 for any one degree)
Weekly physics colloquium
series presenting guest speakers on topics of interest to scientific community.
Required of all graduate students in residence. Prerequisite: PHY 182 or equivalent
or permission of faculty in charge. Offered for credit/no-credit only.
410 Topics in Physics Seminar (1-3; maximum 12)
Directed study in selected topics
in physics. Includes reading, research, writing, reporting, and discussion. Offered
infrequently.
420/520 Advanced Laboratory Physics (1-4; maximum 4 for any one degree)
Techniques
of nuclear physics, solid state physics, and optics. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 292.
Offered infrequently.
421/521 Introduction to Biophysics (4)
Designed to acquaint the advanced undergraduate
and graduate science major with physical principles required for an understanding
of modern quantitative biology. Covers both experimental and theoretical aspects
of physical biology. Prerequisite: PHY 172 or 182, MTH 249 or 251, or permission
of instructor.
423/523 Materials Physics (4)
Lecture and laboratory course addressing topics
in the materials categories: metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. Laboratory
emphasizes techniques found in research and development of materials. Prerequisite:
PHY 291, 293.
430/530 Topics in Physics (1-4; maximum 12)
Study of topics of current interest
in physics beyond the coverage in other course offerings. Prerequisite: senior
or graduate standing in physics or permission of instructor.
435/535 Introduction to Astrophysics (4)
Applications of atomic and nuclear
physics to the problems of stellar structure and evolution. Cosmological implications
of recent astronomical discoveries. Prerequisite: PHY 291, MTH 252, or permission
of instructor.
437/537 Intermediate Thermodynamics and Introduction to Statistical Physics
(4)
Development of formal thermodynamics including first, second, and third laws,
thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell's relations, phase transitions, and illustrative
applications of thermodynamics. Introduction to kinetic theory approach to behavior
of systems not in equilibrium, Boltzmann Equation, and transport processes. Development
of statistical mechanics and ensemble approach to equilibrium statistical thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: PHY 291. Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.
440 Research (1-4, maximum 12)
Undergraduate research projects with direction
of faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
441/541 Optics and Laser Physics (4)
Lecture and laboratory course covering
all aspects of lasers. Teaches basics of physical and geometrical optics and atomic
physics in detail to understand the design, operation, and application of lasers.
Topics include matrix methods in ray optics, gaussian beams, cavity design, rate
equation models of laser gain media, pulsed and CW lasers, different types of
lasers, and nonlinear optics. Applications to communications, optical computing,
and image processing are discussed. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 293, or permission
of instructor.
442/542 Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules (4)
Survey of the structure of atoms
and molecules, using optical spectroscopy as a tool. Lecture reviews the quantum
theory of atoms and molecules, including solutions to the Schroedinger equation,
spectroscopic notation, transition rates, and selection rules. Laboratory examines
a variety of light sources, with increasing resolution. Zeeman, fine structure,
and hyperfine structure, in particular, are considered. Emphasis on laboratory
investigation. Prerequisite: PHY 291, 293, or permission of instructor. Pre- or
corequisite: PHY 341.
451/551 Classical Mechanics (4)
Mechanics, nonrelativistic and relativistic,
of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies treated by Newtonian, Langrangian,
and Hamiltonian methods using vector and matrix analysis and calculus of variations.
Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.
461/561 Electromagnetic Theory (4)
Mathematically quantitative lecture and problem
course in theory of electromagnetism. Topics include multipole fields, electromagnetic
field equations, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction, radiating systems,
classical electron theory, spherical waves, interference phenomena, and diffraction
theory. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHY 341 or permission of instructor.
471/571 Advanced Electronics (3)
Applications of solid state electronic devices
and circuits. Includes laboratory experience with discrete devices, integrated
circuits, and transducers, and their application to measurements in research situations.
Prerequisite: PHY 291, 292, 294.
480 Departmental Honors (1-6; maximum 6)
Departmental honors may be taken for
a minimum of four semester hours and a maximum total of six semester hours, in
one or more semesters of the student's senior year.
MPC 488 Research Capstone in Physics (3)
Experience all phases of doing scientific
research: select a topic to be investigated, read the relevant literature, develop
a research plan, perform the experiments and/or computations, interpret the data,
interact with other researchers, and write and present a final report. Prerequisite:
PHY 291 and either 292 or 286, senior standing, and submission and approval of
a written research proposal.
MPC 490S Topics in Physics Seminar (3)
Applies and integrates the fundamental
principles of undergraduate physics with a series of special topics. Individual
student's research, give oral presentations, and lead discussions on an
aspect of the semester's theme. Papers that incorporate a basic knowledge
of physics with other subjects for Miami's liberal education curriculum
provide the medium for student's expression of their critical analysis and
evaluation of an important issue. Prerequisite: any physics 300-level course or
permission of instructor.
491/591, 492/592 Introduction to Quantum Physics (4, 3)
Introduction to the
quantum theory and its application to physical systems. Prerequisite: PHY 291.
Pre- or corequisite: PHY 341, or permission of instructor.
605 Teaching Physics with Toys Workshop (2-3)
Emphasizes physics topics that
are typically taught in elementary and middle school: motion, energy, electricity,
magnetism, sound and light. Collaborative inquiry-based activities apply basic
physics principles to the operation of simple toys. For in-service teachers of
grades K-9. Concurrent registration in CHM 605 is required.
610 Research (1-10; maximum 10)
Independent research projects in theoretical
or experimental physics.
620 Topics in Modern Physics (1-4; maximum 10)
Study of various topics of interest
in physics not covered in formal course offerings. Prerequisite: PHY 451/551 or
permission of instructor.
642 Advanced Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics (4)
Transport theory of
gases; Chapman-Enskog development. Classical and quantum statistical mechanics
with applications to many-particle systems.
671 Electromagnetism (4)
Electromagnetic theory and applications. Prerequisite:
PHY 461/561 or permission of instructor.
691/692 Modern Quantum Physics (4, 4)
Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics
and the mathematical techniques of Schrodinger and Heisenberg. Computer solution
of quantum mechanical problems. Prerequisite: (691) PHY 491/591, 492/592 or permission
of instructor; (692) PHY 691.
700 Research for Master's Thesis (1-12; minimum 6, maximum 12)
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