Physics and Astronomy Department

Daniel B. Reisenfeld, Chair

Physics is considered to be the most fundamental of all 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 three options that 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. For more details, see the related sections of this catalog.

  • Astronomy
  • Computational Physics
  • Teaching Broadfield Science

Undergraduate Degrees Available

Subject Type Option Track
Astronomy Minor
Physics Bachelor of Arts
Physics Bachelor of Arts Teaching Physics
Physics Bachelor of Arts Astronomy
Physics Bachelor of Arts Computational Physics
Physics Bachelor of Arts Teaching Broadfield Science
Physics Minor
Physics Minor Teaching Physics

Faculty

Professors

  • Daniel Reisenfeld, Chair, Professor of Physics & Astronomy
  • Eijiro Uchimoto, Professor
  • Andrew Ware, Professor

Associate Professors

  • Nate McCrady, Associate Professor

Assistant Professors

  • Paul Janzen, Assistant Professor
  • David Macaluso, Assistant Professor

Adjunct Faculty

  • Benjamin Grossmann, Adjunct Assistant Professor
  • Brad Halfpap, Adjunct Associate Professor

Lecturers

  • Alex Bulmahn, Lecturer
  • Diane Friend, Lecturer

Research Faculty

  • Vladimir Kovalev, Assistant Research Professor
  • Phong Tran, Assistant Research Professor

Course Descriptions

Astronomy

  • ASTR 131N - Elementary Astronomy I

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., high school algebra and geometry. An introduction to historical and solar system astronomy.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • ASTR 132N - Elementary Astronomy II

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., high school algebra and geometry. An introduction to stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and the universe.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • ASTR 134N - Elementary Astronomy Lab I

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq. or coreq., ASTR 131N Laboratory exercises in observational and solar system astronomy.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • ASTR 135N - Elementary Astronomy Lab II

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq. or coreq., ASTR 132N. Laboratory exercises in stellar and galactic astronomy.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • ASTR 142N - The Evolving Universe

    Credits: 4. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., M 151 or equiv. Overview of recent developments in planetary system formation, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Some astronomical observing required outside of normal class hours.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • ASTR 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses or one-time offerings of current topics.

  • ASTR 198 - Internship

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) 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 Internship Services office. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internship graduation limit 6

  • ASTR 292 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.

  • ASTR 351 - Planetary Science

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn even-numbered years. Prereq., PHSX 215N-216N or 205N-206N and M 162 or 171. Same as GEO 317. Physical and geological characteristics of planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, with an emphasis on comparative planetology.

  • ASTR 353 - Galactic Astrophysics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring odd-numbered years. Prereq., ASTR 132N, PHSX 217N-218N, M 273. 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.

  • ASTR 362 - Observational Astronomy

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn even-numbered years.  Prereq., ASTR 132N or 142N, PHXS 217N-218N.  Laboratory study of the probabilistic behavior of light, data acquisition with telescopes, digital imaging and spectroscopy.  Emphasis on fundamental statistical tools, scientific computer programming, and written and oral presentation of scientific results.

  • ASTR 363 - Stellar Astr & Astrophys I

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., ASTR 132N, M 273, and PHSX 217N-218N; PHSX 343 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.

  • ASTR 365 - Stellar Ast & Astrophys II

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., ASTR 363. Continuation of ASTR 363.

  • ASTR 391 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

  • ASTR 392 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.

  • ASTR 398 - Internship

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) 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 Internship Services office. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums
    • Internship graduation limit 6

  • ASTR 494 - Senior Capstone Seminar

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior or senior standing in physics. Each student will present a seminar on research performed prior to or during their senior year.

  • ASTR 499 - Seminar/Workshop

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior or senior standing in physics. Each student will present a seminar on research performed prior to or during their senior year.

General engineering Core

  • EGEN 101 - Intro to Eng Cal & Prob Solv

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq. or coreq., M 151 or equivalent. An introduction to engineering calculations, problem solving, and design. Students are taught to solve and present engineering problems on computers using spreadsheet and graphic software (AutoCAD). In addition, there will be discussions on engineering failures and engineering ethics.

Physics

  • PHSX 101 - Freshman Physics Experience

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., freshman standing (fewer than 30-credits towards degree) or consent of instructor. This course is intended for all incoming students either majoring in physics or considering majoring in physics.  This seminar course presents an overview of the undergraduate experience as a physics major. Seminars on recent developments in physics and astronomy and opportunities for undergraduate involvement in research and instruction are included.

  • PHSX 141N - Einstein's Relativity

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. 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.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

  • PHSX 198 - Internship

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) 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 Internship Services office. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums

  • PHSX 205N - College Physics I

    Credits: 4. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq., M 122 or 151 or equivalent, and prereq. or coreq. PHSX 206N.  Mechanics, sound, and heat.  For non-physical science majors.  This course satisfies the lecture portion of medical school requirements in general physics.  Credit not allowed for both PHSX 205N-207N and 215N-217N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 206N - College Physics I Laboratory

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq. or coreq., PHSX 205N.  Mechanics, sound, and heat.  For non-physical science majors.  This course satisfies the laboratory portion of medical school requirements in general physics.  Credit not allowed for both PHSX 206N-208N and 216N-218N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 207N - College Physics II

    Credits: 4. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq. PHSX 205N and prereq. or coreq., PHSX 208N.  Electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics.  For non-physical science majors.  This course satisfies the lecture portion of medical school requirements in general physics.  Credit not allowed for both PHSX 205N-207N and 215N-217N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 208N - College Physics II Laboratory

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq., PHSX 206N, prereq, or coreq., PHSX 207N.  Electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics.  For non-physical science majors.  This course satisfies the laboratory portion of medical school requirements in general physics.  Credit not allowed for both PHSX 206N-208N and 216N-218N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 215N - Fund of Physics w/Calc I

    Credits: 4. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq. or coreq., PHSX 216N and M 171 or equiv. This course satisfies the lecture portion of medical and technical school requirements in general physics. Mechanics, fluids, waves and sound. Credit not allowed for both PHSX 215N-216N-217N-218N and 205N-206N-207N-208N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 216N - Physics Laboratory I w/Calc

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Coreq., PHSX 215N. This course satisfies the laboratory portion of medical and technical school requirements in general physics. Mechanics, fluids, waves, and sound. Credit not allowed for both PHSX 215N-216N-217N-218N and 205N-206N-207N-208N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 217N - Fund of Physics w/Calc II

    Credits: 4. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 215N, and prereq. or coreq. PHSX 218, and prereq. or coreq., M 172 or equivalent. This course satisfies the lecture portion of medical and technical school requirements in general physics. Heat, electricity, magnetism, and light. Credit not allowed for both PHSX 215N-216N-217N-218N and 205N-206N-207N-208N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 218N - Physics Laboratory II w/Calc

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 215N, coreq., PHSX 217N. This course satisfies the laboratory portion of medical and technical school requirements in general physics. Heat, electricity, magnetism, and light. Credit not allowed for both PHSX 215N-216N-217N-218N and 205N-206N-207N-208N.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 225N - Gen Science: Phys & Chem Sci

    Credits: 5. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., M 095 or equiv. Integrated lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises, and demonstrations on topics in chemical and physical science for prospective elementary school teachers and the non-scientist. A two-hour laboratory session is required each week.
    Course Attributes:
    • Natural Science Lab Course
    • Natural Science Course

  • PHSX 251 - Laboratory Arts

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate. (R-2) Offered intermittently. Prereq., PHSX 217N-218N and upper-division standing in physics. Elements of glass blowing, machine shop practice and electronic construction techniques.

  • PHSX 291 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

  • PHSX 292 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate. (R-9) Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
    Course Attributes:
    • Omnibus Course

  • PHSX 301 - Intro Theoretical Physics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., M 273; coreq., PHSX 217N-218N. Selected topics from applied linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, vector analysis, complex variables, and Fourier series. Applications to classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

  • PHSX 311 - Oscillations and Waves

    Credits: 2. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHSX 217N-218N or 207N-208N; Prereq. or coreq. M 273. Detailed study of oscillations and waves at the intermediate level, to develop physical intuition and mathematical skills needed for analyzing a wide range of periodic phenomena encountered in physics.

  • PHSX 320 - Classical Mechanics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHSX 301, M 311. Topics in classical mechanics at the intermediate level, emphasizing Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.

  • PHSX 323 - Intermediate Physics Lab

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 217N-218N or PHSX 207N-208N and PHSX 311. Laboratory course in the application of analog and digital electronics to experimental physics, with additional emphasis on data analysis techniques.

  • PHSX 327 - Optics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 311. Intermediate level study of light and optics, including geometrical optics, wave optics, optical instruments, coherence, polarization, and special topics.

  • PHSX 330 - Communicating Physics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., PHSX 217N-218N or PHSX 207N-208N. Oral and written communication skills in physics, to include teaching high school and college physics, presenting seminars, and writing technical and non-technical physics articles.
    Course Attributes:
    • Writing Course-Upper-Division

  • PHSX 333 - Computational Physics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered spring odd-numbered years. Prereq., PHSX 217N-218N; coreq., any upper-division PHXS course. Solution of advanced problems in physics using computational methods. Students will learn a variety of numerical methods, including FORTRAN programming techniques.

  • PHSX 343 - Modern Physics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., one year of college physics; coreq., M 273. 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.

  • PHSX 391 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 12. Level: Undergraduate. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

  • PHSX 392 - Honors Physics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Independent research in topics of current interest in physics.

  • PHSX 423 - Electricity & Magnetism I

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered autumn. Prereq, PHSx 301. Electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level.

  • PHSX 425 - Electricity & Magnetism II

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 423. Continuation of PHSX 423. Electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level.

  • PHSX 444 - Advanced Physics Lab

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHSX 343 or equiv., PHSX 327 or equiv.; PHSX 322 suggested but not required. Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics, including optics, spectroscopy, laser science, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, Data analysis techniques for experimental scientists. Recommended for students entering graduate school in any experimental science.

  • PHSX 446 - Thermodyn & Stat Mech

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., PHSX 343; coreq., M 311. Topics in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.

  • PHSX 461 - Quantum Mechanics I

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., PHSX 311, PHSX 343; prereq. or coreq., M 311.   Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include Schroedinger equation, piecewise constant potential, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, angular momentum theory, electron spin.

  • PHSX 462 - Quantum Mechanics II

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered spring. Prereq., PHSX 461 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.

  • PHSX 491 - Special Topics

    Credits: 3. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., PHSX 461 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.

  • PHSX 492 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate. (R-9) Offered intermittently. University omnibus option for independent work.
    Course Attributes:
    • Omnibus Course

  • PHSX 499 - Senior Capstone Seminar

    Credits: 1. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior or senior standing in physics. Each student will present a seminar on research performed prior to or during their senior year.

  • PHSX 595 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums

  • PHSX 597 - Research

    Credits: 1 TO 6. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Research in selected physics topics.

  • PHSX 598 - Internship

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. (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 Internship Services office.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums

  • PHSX 599 - Thesis

    Credits: 1 TO 9. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Thesis preparation and execution.