James P. Jacobs, Chair
Physics is considered to be the most fundamental of all the disciplines
in the natural sciences. In physics we try to describe and understand
a myriad of physical phenomena ranging from subatomic to cosmological
scales by quantifying the relationships among different physical quantities.
Not only does physics have its own merit as a challenging but exciting
scientific endeavor, it provides the basis for understanding underlying
processes in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, computer science,
engineering, and even in behavioral sciences. Applications of physics
are virtually unlimited: computers, communications, energy production,
medical technology, and space flight, to name just a few.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of physics
courses from introductory to advanced undergraduate level in both
experimental and theoretical physics with computational methods in
mind. In addition, we offer introductory to advanced astronomy and
astrophysics courses in which astronomical applications of physics
are emphasized. These courses deal with the Universe, from the solar
system to clusters of galaxies, both theoretically and observationally.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Bachelor of Arts
degree with a major in physics. Graduates with this degree are prepared
for further study in physics or related fields at the masters or Ph.D.
level, as well as a wide variety of technical positions in industry.
In addition, the department offers two other degree paths which combine
a solid background in the study of physics with in-depth study in
other fields. These options allow for specialization in related fields
and provide appropriate background for certain employment opportunities
and for continued graduate or professional study:
Astronomy: The astronomy option provides a thorough study of
astronomy and astrophysics as well as a solid background in physics
and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate
programs in astronomy and astrophysics while others have found career
opportunities at national astronomical observatories.
Computational Physics: The computational physics option provides
a thorough study of computer science and computational physics as
well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from
this program have gone on to graduate programs in physics and computer
science while others have found career opportunities in technical
fields.
Special Degree Requirements
back to top
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog.
See index.
All majors must meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation by successfully
completing an upper-division writing course from the approved list
in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. See
index.
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics
Thirty eight credits in physics must be earned for the Bachelor of
Arts degree with a major in physics. Required courses in Physics are:
221N 222N or 121N 122N (221N 222N strongly recommended), 301, 314
(315 strongly recommended), 322, 341, 371 (372 strongly recommended),
441 and 452. Mathematics 152, 153, and 251 also must be taken.
Physics majors must satisfy successfully the general education requirements
including the following requirement in Foreign Language/Symbolic Systems:
Completion of the second semester of a foreign language or demonstration
of equivalent skill in a foreign language in testing administered
by the Counseling Center and Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures,
and completion of at least one computer science language course (CS
131, 203, or 204).
Recommended courses in other departments include Mathematics 311,
312.
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics: Astronomy
Option
The entering freshman students interested in working toward this degree
would normally have had the high school mathematics courses which
would prepare them for enrollment in Mathematics 121 during the autumn
semester of the freshman year. If they have four years of college
preparatory mathematics, including high school trigonometry, or can
pass an examination which will exempt them from Mathematics 121, they
should initially enroll in Calculus I. During the first two years
of college, the student in the astronomy option should take Calculus
I, II, III and Applied Differential Equations. The student should
also enroll in the introductory astronomy sequence, Astronomy 131N
132N. In addition, they should enroll in as many electives and non
major courses satisfying departmental graduation requirements as course
scheduling permits. Foreign language requirements must be met as set
forth above under Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics. The prospective
major in the astronomy option will normally not take any physics courses
until the second year. During the sophomore year, students should
enroll in Physics 221N 222N.
Thirty nine credits in astronomy and physics courses are required
for the B.A. degree in physics with astronomy option, in addition
to the general requirements for graduation. The thirty nine credits
should include Physics 221N 222N plus at least two of the following
course sequences: Physics 314 315, 322 323, 371 372, or 341 452 plus
at least one additional upper-division physics course from this list.
In addition, Astronomy 131N 132N, 353, and 363 364 are required (ASTR
351 strongly recommended).
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics: Computational
Physics Option:
The purpose of the computational physics option is to provide a thorough
background in both physics and computer science and to inculcate a
deeper understanding of their goals and methods. A student earns the
computational physics option by completing at least 50 credits in
the two disciplines, 30 of these credits in physics courses and 20
of these in computer science courses. The following courses are required:
Physics 221N 222N, 301, 314, 341 and 371 (PHYS 315, 372, and 441 recommended);
Computer Science 131 132, 331, 332, and six credits of CS electives
selected from courses numbered 200 and above (CS 231 and 335 recommended);
Mathematics 152 153, 225, 251, 311 and 325 (MATH 305, 341, and 471
recommended). Also required is one course from Chemistry 334 or Forestry
220. Foreign language requirements must be met as set forth above
under Bachelor of Arts with a major in Physics.
Teacher Preparation in Physics
Major Teaching Field of Physics: For an endorsement in the
major teaching field of Physics, a student must complete the following
course requirements: 34 credits in Physics including Physics 121N
122N or 221N 222N, 301, 314, 322 323, 328, 341, 371 and 452. Also
required are Astronomy 131N 132N; Mathematics 152 153, 158, 241 or
341, and 251; Computer Science 131 or 201 or 203; Curriculum &
Instruction 426, Chemistry 151N and 485; Biology 101N or 103N or 120N
or 121N; and Geology 100N and 301. Students also must gain admission
to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements
for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education
section of this catalog).
Minor Teaching Field of Physics: For an endorsement in the
minor teaching field of Physics, a student must complete Physics 121N
122N or 221N 222N, 322 323, 328, 341 and 371. Also required are Astronomy
131N or 132N; Biology 101N or 103N or 120N or 121N; Chemistry 151N,
485; Mathematics 152 153, 158, 241or 344, 251; and Computer Science
131 or 201 or 203. Students also must gain admission to Teacher Education
and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as
a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog).
Suggested Course of Study
back to top
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Physics
For physics majors with four years of college preparatory mathematics
or exemption from MATH 121 by examination:
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
CS 131
Fundamentals of Computer Science |
-
|
3
|
*ENEX
101 Composition |
3
|
-
|
MATH 152-153
Calculus I, II |
4
|
4
|
PHYS 221N-222N
General Physics |
5
|
5
|
Electives
and General Education |
3
|
3
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
*Semester of enrollment
depends of beginning letter of student's last name.
Second
Year |
|
|
MATH 251
Calculus III |
4
|
-
|
PHYS 301
Vector Analysis |
-
|
3
|
PHYS 322-323
Optics |
2
|
2
|
PHYS 341
Fundamentals of Modern Physics |
3
|
-
|
Foreign
Language |
5
|
5
|
Electives |
1
|
5
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Third
Year |
|
|
MATH 311-312
Applied Analysis |
3
|
3
|
PHYS 314-315
Electromagnetism |
3
|
3
|
PHYS 371-372
Mechanics |
3
|
3
|
PHYS 441
Modern Exp Phys Lab |
-
|
3
|
PHYS 446
Thermo & Stat Mech |
(3)
|
-
|
PHYS
453 Selected Topics or 473 Quantum Mechanics |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
3-6
|
-
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
PHYS
446 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
(3)
|
-
|
PHYS 452
Quantum Physics Atomic |
3
|
-
|
PHYS
453 Selected Topics or 473 Quantum Mechanics |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
9-12
|
12
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
For physics majors with fewer than four years of college preparatory
mathematics (students who begin MATH 152 in the second semester use
this suggested course of study for physics courses):
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
ASTR 131N
132N Elementary Astronomy |
3
|
3
|
CS 131Fundamentals
of Computer Science |
-
|
3
|
*ENEX
101 Composition |
3
|
-
|
MATH 121
PreCalculus |
3
|
-
|
MATH 152
Calculus I |
-
|
4
|
Foreign
language |
5
|
5
|
Elective |
1
|
-
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
* Semester of enrollment
depends on beginning letter of student's last name.
Second
Year |
|
|
MATH 153-Calculus
II |
4
|
-
|
MATH 158-Differential
Equations |
-
|
4
|
MATH 251-Calculus
III |
-
|
4
|
PHYS 221N-222N-General
Physics |
5
|
5
|
PHYS 301-Vector
Analysis |
-
|
3
|
Electives
or General Education |
5
|
-
|
Total |
14
|
16
|
Third
Year |
|
|
MATH 311-312-Applied
Analysis |
3
|
3
|
PHYS 322-323
Optics |
2
|
2
|
PHYS 341-Fundamentals
of Modern Physics |
3
|
-
|
PHYS 371-372-
Mechanics |
3
|
3
|
PHYS 441
Modern Exp Phys Lab |
-
|
3
|
PHYS 446
Thermo & Stat Mech |
(3)
|
-
|
PHYS
453 Selected Topics or 473 Quantum Mechanics |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
1-4
|
1
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
PHYS 314-315
Electromagnetism |
3
|
3
|
PHYS
446-Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
(3)
|
-
|
PHYS 452-Quantum
Physics Atomic |
3
|
-
|
PHYS
453-Selected Topics or 473 Quantum Mechanics |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
6-9
|
9
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in physics the student must complete PHYS 121N-122N
or 221N-222N; PHYS 371-372; and six credits from PHYS 301, 314-315,
322-323, 341, 446, or 452-453.
Courses back
to top
Astronomy
U=for undergraduate credit only, UG=for undergraduate or graduate
credit, G=for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course
may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R.
U 131N Elementary Astronomy I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
high school algebra and geometry. Solar system astronomy.
U 132N Elementary Astronomy II 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
high school algebra and geometry. A survey of normal and variable
stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies, quasars, pulsars, neutron
stars, black holes, and other topics.
U 134N Elementary Astronomy Laboratory I 1 cr. Offered autumn.
Prereq. or coreq., ASTR 131N Laboratory exercises in solar system
astronomy.
U 135N Elementary Astronomy Laboratory II 1 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq. or coreq., ASTR 132N. Laboratory exercises in stellar and
galactic astronomy.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 198 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-10)
Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom
experience which provides practical application of classroom learning
during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from
the faculty supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning.
UG 351 Planetary Science 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered
years. Prereq., PHYS 221N or 121N and MATH 150 or 152. Same as GEOL
309. Physical and geological characteristics of planets, satellites,
asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, with an emphasis on comparative
planetology.
UG 353 Galaxies and The Universe 3 cr. Offered spring odd-numbered
years. Prereq., ASTR 132N, PHYS 222N, MATH 251. The nature of the
Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, galactic evolution, the large
scale structure of the universe, active galaxies and quasars, and
cosmology, including the early universe.
UG 362 Observational Astronomy 3 cr. Offered summer. Prereq.,
ASTR 132N, PHYS 222N. Telescopes and instrumentation for the determination
of the positions, brightness, colors and other properties of stars;
particular attention to photoelectric photometry. Includes observational
and computational problems.
UG 363 Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics I 3 cr. Offered autumn
odd-numbered years. Prereq., ASTR 132N, MATH 251, and PHYS 222N; PHYS
341 recommended. Detailed application of physical laws to determine
the nature of the stars; analysis of stellar spectra and atmospheres;
solar astrophysics; structure of stars and their evolution.
UG 364 Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics II 3 cr. Offered
spring even-numbered years. Prereq., ASTR 363. Continuation of ASTR
363.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Offered
intermittently. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom
experience which provides practical application of classroom learning
during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from
the faculty supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning.
Physics back
to top
U 121N General Physics I 5 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq.,
working knowledge of high school algebra and trigonometry. Mechanics,
sound, and heat. For non-physical science majors. Satisfies medical
school requirements. Credit not allowed for both PHYS 121N-122N and
221N-222N.
U 122N General Physics II 5 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PHYS
121N. Electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics. Credit not
allowed for both PHYS 121N-122N and 221N-222N.
U 141N Relativity: From Galileo to Einstein and Beyond 3 cr. Offered
spring. Prereq., working knowledge of high school physics and high
school calculus, or consent of instr. Modern theoretical study of
space, time, the principle of relativity, and its implications. Analysis
of apparent paradoxes, and applications to particle physics.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 198 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Offered
intermittently. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom
experience which provides practical application of classroom learning
during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from
the faculty supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning.
U 221N General Physics I 5 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq. or coreq.,
calculus. This course satisfies medical and technical school requirements
in general physics. Mechanics, sound, and heat. Credit not allowed
for both PHYS 221N-222N and 121N-122N.
U 222N General Physics II 5 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PHYS
221N. Electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics. Credit not
allowed for both PHYS 221N-222N and 121N-122N.
U 251 Laboratory Arts 1 cr. (R-2) Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
PHYS 222N and upper-division standing in physics. Elements of glass
blowing, machine shop practice and electronic construction techniques.
UG 301 Vector Analysis 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq. or coreq.,
PHYS 222N and MATH 251. Selected topics in vector algebra and vector
calculus, with examples from applications in physics.
UG 314 Electromagnetism I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq, PHYS
301. Electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level.
UG 315 Electromagnetism II 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PHYS
314. Continuation of PHYS 314. Electricity and magnetism at the intermediate
level.
UG 322 Optics I 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHYS 222N. And
coreq., MATH 251. Topics in light and optics at the intermediate level,
with laboratory.
UG 323 Optics II 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PHYS 322. Continuation
of PHYS 322. Topics in light and optics at the intermediate level,
with laboratory.
UG 328 Methods of Teaching Physics 2 cr. Offered spring odd-numbered
years. Prereq., PHYS 222N or 122N. Lectures topics, demonstrations
and laboratory experiments used in contemporary approaches to the
teaching of high school and introductory college physics.
UG 341 Fundamentals of Modern Physics 3 cr. Offered autumn.
Prereq., one year of general physics. Includes historical background
for development of modern physics and an introduction to quantum mechanics,
atomic and nuclear physics. Credit not allowed for graduate degree
in physics.
UG 371 Mechanics I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHYS 301
and MATH 158 and 251. Topics in classical mechanics at the intermediate
level.
UG 372 Mechanics II 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PHYS 371.
Continuation of PHYS 371. Topics in classical mechanics at the intermediate
level.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 396 Honors Physics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., consent of instr. Independent research in topics of current
interest in physics.
U 441 Modern Experimental Physics Laboratory 3 cr. Offered
spring. Prereq., PHYS 222. Advanced experiments in digital electronics,
modern physics, spectroscopy and laser science. Emphasis on individual
initiative in the laboratory and advanced measurement techniques.
This course is recommended for students entering graduate school in
experimental science.
UG 446 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 3 cr. Offered
autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., PHYS 222N and MATH 158 and 251.
Topics in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
UG 452 Quantum Physics of the Atom 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
PHYS 341 and MATH 251. Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include
Schroedinger equation, piecewise constant potential, harmonic oscillator,
hydrogen atom, angular momentum theory, electron spin.
UG 453 Selected Topics in Modern Physics 3 cr. (R-6) Offered
spring odd-numbered years. Prereq., PHYS 452 or consent of instr..
Studies of a topic in advanced modern physics including nuclear physics,
solid state physics, and quantum optics. The topic chosen will vary
according to instructor.
UG 473 Quantum Mechanics 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered
years. Prereq., PHYS 452 or consent of instr. Advanced topics in quantum
mechanics including linear vector spaces and Dirac notation, quantum
dynamics, time-dependent perturbation theory, and scattering theory.
U 493 Omnibus Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. University
omnibus option for independent work. See index.
UG 495 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 597 Research 1-6 cr. ( R-9) Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
consent of instr. Research in selected physics topics.
G 598 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Offered
intermittently. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom
experience which provides practical application of classroom learning
during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from
the faculty supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning.
G 599 Thesis Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Thesis
preparation and execution.
Faculty back
to top
Professors
Richard J. Hayden, Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1948 (Emeritus)
Mark J. Jakobson, Ph.D., University of California, (Emeritus)
Randolph H. Jeppesen, Ph.D., New Mexico State University, 1980 (Emeritus)
Eijiro Uchimoto, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1988 (Chair)
Associate Professors
David B. Friend, Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1982
James P. Jacobs, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1991
Andrew S. Ware, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 1992
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Elizabeth C. Demsetz, Ph.D., University of Leeds (England), 1944
Adjunct Instructor
Diane S. Friend, M.S., The University of Montana, 2000