• PHYS 5620

    Solid State Physics
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    5.00

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    This course will study various phenomena in condensed matter physics, including crystallography, basic group theory, x-ray and neutron diffraction, lattice vibrations, electrons in a metal, electronic band theory, electrons under an external magnetic field, semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. Not only the topics but also the theoretical and experimental techniques that are covered in this course are essential for PhD students as well as advanced Undergraduate students in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering to excel in their research career.Prerequisite: PHYS 3650 (Quantum Mechanics I) or an equivalent course

  • PHYS 2620

    Modern Physics
     Rating

    3.36

     Difficulty

    3.62

     GPA

    3.04

    Last Taught

    Summer 2026

    Introduction to quantum physics and relativity, with application to atomic structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Three lecture hours, one problem hour. Prerequisite: PHYS 1720 or 2410 or 2415, and MATH 2310 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3660

    Quantum Physics II
     Rating

    3.56

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.23

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Continuation of PHYS 3650. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650.

  • PHYS 3430

    Electricity and Magnetism II
     Rating

    3.58

     Difficulty

    2.75

     GPA

    3.30

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Includes Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter; interference, diffraction, polarization; waveguides; and antennas. Prerequisite: PHYS 3420.

  • PHYS 1420

    Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.67

     GPA

    3.16

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    First semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: MATH 1310; Co-requisite: MATH 1320; or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5320

    Fundamentals of Photonics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.33

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course is designed to provide an understanding of the physics that underlies technologies such as lasers, optical time/frequency standards, laser gyros, and optical telecommunication. Covers the basic physics of lasers and laser beams, nonlinear optics, optical fibers, modulators and optical signal processing, detectors and measurements systems, and optical networks. Prerequisite: PHYS 5310 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1110

    Energy, Science and Society
     Rating

    3.77

     Difficulty

    2.43

     GPA

    3.37

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Energy has always been essential to civilization, and never more than in the modern world. But what is energy? Will affordable sources of energy disappear in our lifetimes? Will our thirst for energy inevitably lead to climate change? Physics 1110 helps answer these questions, explaining the physical nature of energy, the ways we produce and consume it, and how changes in energy technology will shape our future. Requires high-school algebra.

  • PHYS 1930

    Physics in the 21st Century
     Rating

    3.83

     Difficulty

    1.00

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Overview of current areas of research in the broad discipline of physics, including the historical context of their development. Describes various career options in physics, including academia, government, and industry. Outlines the college physics curriculum and describes opportunities to participate in research at the university.

  • PHYS 1010

    The Physical Universe
     Rating

    3.92

     Difficulty

    2.62

     GPA

    3.22

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    In this class you will get a chance to explore the scientific wonders of the universe. Topics vary each semester but generally include: motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, relativity, atomic structure, molecules, quantum physics, the nucleus, chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, the solar system, stars, and cosmology. PHYS 1010 requires limited math, but has wide applications like electronics, wifi, rockets, satellites, nuclear reactors, lasers, climate change, earthquakes, the tides, eclipses, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, and the origin of universe. PHYS 1010 is for non-science majors. Premedical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020.

  • PHYS 3210

    Classical Mechanics
     Rating

    3.95

     Difficulty

    3.54

     GPA

    3.06

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with extensive use of vector calculus; includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 2310 or equivalent, MATH 3250 or equivalent, and PHYS 2720 or instructor permission.