• PHYS 3620

    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    2.65

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    The course will examine basic principles of simple theories for metals, the basics of crystallography and crystal structures, the reciprocal space, lattice vibrations, elastic properties of solids, electronic band structure, impurities and defects, dielectric properties, magnetism and superconductivity. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620.

  • 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 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 5640

    Computational Physics II
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.67

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Advanced topics in computational physics including numerical methods for partial differential equations, Monte Carlo modeling, advanced methods for linear systems, and special topics in computational physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5630, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5720

    Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.45

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Studies subatomic structure; basic constituents and their mutual interactions.

  • PHYS 2415

    Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    4.15

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Summer 2026

    Second semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers and other scientists. Topics include electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425; co-requisite: MATH 2310; or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1655

    Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers
     Rating

    4.28

     Difficulty

    4.17

     GPA

    3.54

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    This course provides an introduction to the Python programming language with applications to common problems in the science and engineering fields. It emphasizes three core skills: analyzing data, simulating data, and visualizing data. No previous programming or computer experience is required. Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3120

    Applied Physics: Energy
     Rating

    1.11

     Difficulty

    4.33

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Basic physics principles of energy sources and energy production, conversion, distribution, and storage. This course will focus on the basic physics principles and applications of engines, nuclear energy, solar power and photovoltaic, geothermal, wind and hydropower, fuel cells, batteries, bioenergy and fossil energy, as well as energy harvesting in the internet age. We will also learn a closely related topic of physics of climate and "drawdown". The course will conclude with the outlook of renewable energies. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3310

    Thermal Physics
     Rating

    1.44

     Difficulty

    4.33

     GPA

    3.25

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Includes temperature and the laws of thermodynamics; introductory treatments of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics; and applications of Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distributions. Recommended Prerequisites: MATH 3250, PHYS 2620, and PHYS 2720.

  • 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.