400
Independent study in physics and astronomy. Offered at the discretion of the Physics and Astronomy faculty. By permission from the instructor. May be taken for variable credit. May be repeated for credit.
Credit Hours: 1-4
This course is an introductory course on Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. These two subjects provide simple and powerful tools to study complex systems: large numbers of particles and many degrees of freedom. Topics covered include: the basics of probability theory, statistical description of mechanical systems, the laws of thermodynamics and entropy, the microcanonical and canonical ensembles, and ideal and real gases. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.
Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites
PHY 307 (with a grade "C" or better),
PHY 360 (with a grade "C" or better)
Students in this course will conduct independent, in-depth literature analysis and research on a current topic in physics or astronomy. A presentation and final report are required.
Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites
Senior standing in physics; permission from instructor
Students with junior or senior standing choose a project in consultation with physics faculty members. Requires laboratory or computational research and a written report and oral presentation presented to and reviewed by the physics faculty. May be repeated for a total of four hours of credit. This is a graded course. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor.
Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites
PHY 307 with a grade of "C" or better
A lecture and/or laboratory course offered at the discretion and availability of the physics faculty. Topics may include modern issues in physics, advanced topics in classical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, astrophysics, materials physics and other related subjects. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor.
Credit Hours: 1-4