Physics (PHYS)
A self-contained treatment of quantum theory and its applications, beginning with the Schrodinger equation.
Advanced topics in quantum physics, plus topics in special relativity, high-energy physics, and cosmology.
Classical mechanics of particles, systems, and rigid bodies; discussion and application of Lagrange's equations, introduction to Hamiltonian formulation of mechanics.
Field theory of electric and magnetic phenomena; Maxwell's equations applied to problems in electromagnetism and radiation.
Principles of equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and introductory statistical mechanics.
Topics include: basic electrical circuits; electronic processes in solids; operation and application of individual solid state devices and integrated circuits. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic operation of digital integrated circuits including microprocessors. Laboratory application of microcomputers to physical measurements.
An elementary treatment of nuclear structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Crystal structure; lattice dynamics; thermal, dielectric, and magnetic properties of solids. Free electron model of metals. Band structure of solids, semi-conductor physics. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Geometrical and physical optics; wave nature of light, lenses and optical instruments, interferometers, gratings, thin films, polarization, coherence, spatial filters, and holography. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Analytical function theory including complex analysis, theory of residues, and saddlepoint method; Hilbert space, Fourier series; elements of distribution theory; vector and tensor analysis with tensor notation.
Group theory, linear second-order differential equations and the properties of the transcendental functions; orthogonal expansions; integral equations; Fourier transformations.
Application of numerical methods to a wide variety of problems in modern physics including classical mechanics and chaos theory, Monte Carlo simulation of random processes, quantum mechanics and electrodynamics.
Principles of physics applied to living systems: diffusion, friction, low Reynolds-number world, entropy, free energy, entropic/chemical forces, self-assembly, molecular machines, membranes.
A laboratory program designed to develop a combination of experimental technique and application of the principles acquired in formal course work. A maximum of eight hours per week of laboratory and consultation.
A continuation of PHYS 531. Up to eight hours per week of laboratory and consultation.
Continuation of PHYS 310. Optical apparatus (telescope, microscope, interferometer) and advanced project planning including equipment design and budgeting.
This is an astrophysics course for physics students. The course will cover the basics of observational techniques, structure and evolution of stars, interstellar medium and star formation, structure and properties of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and generation and transfer of radiation in astrophysical environments.
Readings and research on selected topics in physics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Generalized coordinates, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, variational principles, transformation theory, and Hamilton-Jacobi equation.
Development of classical fields; Maxwell's equations; boundary value problems; radiation theory.
A continuation of PHYS 703.
Statistics of Boltzmann, of Fermi and Dirac, and of Bose and Einstein, with applications.
A development of non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
A continuation of PHYS 711.
Second Quantization. Relativistic formulations of quantum mechanics.
Effective field theory, particle -hole, quasiparticles.
Nuclear physics, mainly from the experimental standpoint.
The crystalline state of matter and its main characteristics. Electric and magnetic properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
Theory and description of conventional and high temperature superconductors and their properties.
Basic theory. Electron spin resonance. High resolution and wideline nuclear magnetic resonance. Mössbauer effect. Magnetic resonance and dielectric relaxation.
Semi-classical and fully quantum-mechanical treatments of interactions between matter and electromagnetic fields on the microscopic level.
Groups and representations. Full rotational group. Angular momentum. Ligand field theory. Application to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics.
Presentation by the student of a designated topic. May be repeated for credit.
Extragalactic astrophysics, including nearby and distant galaxies, active galaxies, galaxy clusters, large-scale structure, galaxy formation/evolution, scale structure, galaxy formation/evolution, basics of cosmology, cosmic radiation backgrounds, and observation constraints on cosmological models.
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
This is an astrophysics course for physics graduate students. The course will cover the basics of observational techniques, structure and evolution of stars, interstellar medium and star formation, structure and properties of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and generation and transfer of radiation in astrophysical environments.
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Description of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, interaction of radiation withmatter, and radiation detection and dosimetry.
Radioactive decay and ionizing radiation. Calculation of occupational exposure and biological effects of radiation exposure. Introduction to Radiological Control Systems, Shielding, Dose Determination, Safety Protocols.
Describing basics of imaging science, x-ray imagingmodalities including basic principles, detectors, scattered radiation, planar imaging, CT, fluoroscopic imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, ultrasound and MRI, and computers in imaging.
Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Introduction to and the application of the methods of research.
Introduction to and the application of the methods of research.
A one semester survey of astronomy. Observational techniques and current developments. Primarily for M.A.T./I.M.A. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Discussions designed to provide teachers with simple physical explanations of subjects including: nuclear energy, black holes, quarks, strange particles, perception of color, integrated circuits, computers, TV games, and other topics of current interest. Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Basic concepts of modern physics.The experimental basis for quantum theory and the theory of relativity. Fundamental concepts of modern physics. Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Topics in modern optics and acoustics are discussed in a framework appropriate for school teachers. Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Basic electronics with emphasis on measurement and laboratory procedures. Operation and application of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Web-based resources for assigning and grading individualized homework and tests and for creating instructional units in physics and physical sciences. Not available for M.S./Ph.D. physics majors.
Design and performance of demonstrations and experiments to display physical phenomena to students. Qualitative and quantitative experiments. Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics.
Preparation of teachers for developing and teaching an advanced placement course in physics. Primarily for M.A.T./I.M.A. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. of Ph.D. credit in physics.
Teacher preparation for creating and solving word problems using conservation laws and symmetries found in physics and physical science and linked to the South Carolina Mathematics Standards. Primarily for M.A.T./I.M.A. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. of Ph.D. credit in physics.