• PHYS 3120

    Applied Physics: Energy
     Rating

    1.11

     Difficulty

    4.33

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

    Statistical Physics
     Rating

    1.44

     Difficulty

    4.33

     GPA

    3.26

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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. Prerequisite: MATH 3255 (preferred) or MATH 3250, and PHYS 2620, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1429

    Introductory Physics 1 Workshop
     Rating

    1.91

     Difficulty

    3.51

     GPA

    3.41

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. The course is geared towards STEM majors and required for engineering and physics majors. Co-requisites: PHYS 1425 or 1420.

  • PHYS 2040

    Principles of Physics 2 Workshop
     Rating

    2.05

     Difficulty

    3.36

     GPA

    3.54

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of electricity and magnetism. The course satisfies the requirements for pre-health students. Co-requisites: PHYS 2020. Prerequisite: PHYS 2030

  • PHYS 2419

    Introductory Physics 2 Workshop
     Rating

    2.09

     Difficulty

    3.52

     GPA

    3.36

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of electricity and magnetism. The course is geared towards STEM majors and required for engineering and physics majors. Co-requisites: PHYS 2415 or 2410. Prerequisite: PHYS 1429

  • PHYS 2030

    Principles of Physics 1 Workshop
     Rating

    2.12

     Difficulty

    3.72

     GPA

    3.52

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. The course satisfies the requirements for pre-health students. Co-requisites: PHYS 2010

  • PHYS 1425

    Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers
     Rating

    2.45

     Difficulty

    3.67

     GPA

    3.16

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    First semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours. Co-requisite: MATH 1320 or equivalent.

  • PHYS 2415

    Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    4.15

     GPA

    3.11

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 5310

    Optics
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.23

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Includes reflection and refraction at interfaces, geometrical optics, interference phenomena, diffraction, Gaussian optics, and polarization. Prerequisite: PHYS 2320, 2415, 2610, or an equivalent college-level electromagnetism course; knowledge of vector calculus and previous exposure to Maxwell's equations.

  • PHYS 2020

    Principles of Physics 2 for Pre-Health Students
     Rating

    2.72

     Difficulty

    3.90

     GPA

    3.24

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Physics 2010 and 2020 constitute a terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. The PHYS 2010 - 2020 sequence does not normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 3110 and above. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratories PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfy the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 2010 is prerequisite for 2020. Three lecture hours.

  • PHYS 2010

    Principles of Physics 1 for Pre-Health Students
     Rating

    2.74

     Difficulty

    3.94

     GPA

    3.18

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Physics 2010 and 2020 constitute a terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. The PHYS 2010 - 2020 sequence does not normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 3110 and above. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratories PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfy the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 2010 is prerequisite for 2020. Three lecture hours.

  • PHYS 3110

    Widely Applied Physics
     Rating

    2.83

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.43

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Applications of physical principles to a diverse set of phenomena: order of magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, material science and engineering, astrophysics, aeronautics and space flight, communications technology, meteorology, sound & acoustics and fluid dynamics. Not all topics will be covered in every course. Three lecture hours. (Y) Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 2410

    Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics
     Rating

    3.00

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.13

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Second semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours. PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425; co-requisite MATH 2310; or instructor permission

  • PHYS 3650

    Quantum Physics I
     Rating

    3.04

     Difficulty

    4.60

     GPA

    3.17

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Includes quantum phenomena and an introduction to wave mechanics; the hydrogen atom and atomic spectra. Prerequisite: MATH 3250, MATH 4210 or PHYS 3340, PHYS 2620, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3040

    Physics of the Human Body
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Application of basic physics principles to functions of the human body: biomechanics, metabolism, cardiovascular, cognitive & respiratory systems, and the senses. Medical diagnosis and therapy technologies (e.g., PET, MRI, CT) are discussed. Prerequisite: one semester of calculus and PHYS 2010 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1710. Corequisite: PHYS 1710 or PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5620

    Solid State Physics
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    5.00

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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

    3.42

     Difficulty

    3.58

     GPA

    3.03

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

    3.24

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 2024

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

  • PHYS 3420

    Electricity and Magnetism I
     Rating

    3.60

     Difficulty

    3.40

     GPA

    3.20

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Systematic treatment of electromagnetic phenomena with extensive use of vector calculus, including Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: MATH 4220, and PHYS 1720 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1420

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

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.67

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 3340

    Mathematics for Physics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.33

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course covers linear algebra and complex analysis, with a review of vector calculus. Emphasis is on applications in physics. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 3340 and MATH 4210. Prerequisites: Vector calculus (MATH 2310 or MATH 2315 or APMA 2120) and ordinary differential equations (MATH 3250 or APMA 2130).

  • PHYS 5320

    Fundamentals of Photonics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.33

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 on this World and Elsewhere
     Rating

    3.78

     Difficulty

    2.44

     GPA

    3.21

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    The subject of energy will be considered from the perspective of a physicist. Students will learn to use quantitative reasoning and the recognition of simple physics restraints to examine issues related to energy that are of relevance to society and the future evolution of our civilization. Prerequisite: Physics and math at high school level.

  • PHYS 1010

    The Physical Universe
     Rating

    3.93

     Difficulty

    2.61

     GPA

    3.23

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

    3.93

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.05

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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.

  • PHYS 1655

    Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    4.67

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 3180

    Advanced Laboratory B
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.41

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2640 or PHYS 3140

  • PHYS 5720

    Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.45

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Studies subatomic structure; basic constituents and their mutual interactions.

  • PHYS 3170

    Advanced Laboratory A
     Rating

    4.07

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.53

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2640 or PHYS 3140

  • PHYS 1060

    How Things Work
     Rating

    4.07

     Difficulty

    3.03

     GPA

    3.14

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    For non-science majors. Introduces physics and science in everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and focusing on their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. 1050 is concerned primarily with mechanical and thermal objects, while 1060 emphasizes objects involving electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy. They may be taken in either order.

  • PHYS 1050

    How Things Work
     Rating

    4.26

     Difficulty

    3.03

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    For non-science majors. Introduces physics and science in everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and focusing on their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. 1050 is concerned primarily with mechanical and thermal objects, while 1060 emphasizes objects involving electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy. They may be taken in either order.

  • PHYS 1660

    Practical Computing for the Physical Sciences
     Rating

    4.30

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.75

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course teaches how to use the computer to solve quantitative problems. This involves learning the skills to write computer programs dedicated to certain tasks, to visualize data graphically, to use scientific software, and to learn other practical skills that are important for a future career in the sciences.

  • PHYS 3250

    Applied Nuclear Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.32

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Applications of nuclear physics and nuclear energy: Introduction to nuclear physics, radioactivity, radiation standards and units, interaction of radiation with matter, accelerators, x-ray generators, detectors, biological effects, nuclear medicine, nuclear fission and reactors, nuclear fusion. Three lecture hours. (Y) Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3620

    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    2.65

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 5240

    Introduction to the Theory of General Relativity
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    5.00

     GPA

    3.35

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Reviews special relativity and coordinate transformations. Includes the principle of equivalence; effects of gravitation on other systems and fields; general tensor analysis in curved spaces and gravitational field equations; Mach's principle, tests of gravitational theories; perihelion precession, red shift, bending of light, gyroscopic precession, radar echo delay; gravitational radiation; relativisitic stellar structure and cosmography; and cosmology. Prerequisite: Advanced calculus through partial differentiation and multiple integration; vector analysis in three dimensions.

  • PHYS 5640

    Computational Physics II
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 3150

    Electronics Laboratory
     Rating

    4.44

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    The course begins by covering the fundamentals of analog and digital electronics, including the use of transistors, FET's, operational amplifiers, TTL, and CMOS integrated circuits. Following this students conduct projects with modern microcontroller boards (Arduino and Raspberry Pi) using the concepts and the experience gained from the prior fundamentals. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2040 or PHYS 2419.

  • PHYS 1930

    Physics in the 21st Century
     Rating

    4.67

     Difficulty

    1.00

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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 5190

    Electronics Lab
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Practical electronics for scientists, from resistors to microprocessors. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5630

    Computational Physics I
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    5.00

     GPA

    3.47

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Surveys computational methods for problem solving in the physical sciences. Topics include numerical precision and efficiency, solutions of differential equations, optimization problems, Monte Carlo simulation, statistical methods, and data analytics. Tools for data visualization and use of libraries in both C/C++ and Python will be explored. Prerequisites: PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415, PHYS 2620, and programming experience in Python and/or C.

  • PHYS 1130

    Physics of Sports
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.76

    Last Taught

    Summer 2024

    A study of the physics concepts behind the motion of spinning and curving projectiles in worldwide sports such as soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, football, etc. and rolling and sliding balls/diska along a flat surface. Basic explanations include utilizing kinematics, gravity, friction, air flow, and Newton's Laws. Learn about hang time, topspin, dimples,drag crisis, sideways forces, least energy launch angle, jumping, and crouching.

  • PHYS 2720

    Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Develop and extend the techniques of introductory physics and calculus to solve more complicated problems. The course covers topics in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves, and optics. PHYS 1420 or 1425; MATH 2310. Co-requisites: PHYS 2410 or 2415; MATH 3250 or instructor permission

  • PHYS 3140

    Intermediate Laboratory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.50

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Selected experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 1429, PHYS 2419; co-requisite: PHYS 2620.

  • PHYS 3630

    Computational Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Surveys computational methods for problem solving in the physical sciences. Topics include numerical precision and efficiency, solutions of differential equations, optimization problems, Monte Carlo simulation, statistical methods, and data analytics. Tools for data visualization and use of libraries in both C/C++ and Python will be explored. Prerequisites: PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415, PHYS 2620, and programming experience in Python and/or C.

  • PHYS 3993

    Independent Study
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Individual study of topics in physics not normally covered in formal classes. Study is carried out under the tutelage of a faculty member with whom the requirements are agreed upon prior to enrollment. (S-SS) Prerequisite: Instructor permission

  • PHYS 3995

    Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    A research project on a topic in physics carried out under the supervision of a faculty member culminating in a written report. May be taken more than once. (S-SS) Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5000

    Physics Colloquium
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    First and second year students enrolled in the Physics PhD program are required to take Physics Colloquium in their first and second years of study.

  • PHYS 5110

    Special Topics in Classical and Modern Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Lectures on topics of current interest in physics research and pedagogy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5210

    Discrete Group Theory for Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.51

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Group theory is an elegant method based on symmetry to understand complex phenomena in nature. This course is to learn the basic principles of Discrete Group Theory and its application to Condensed Matter Physics. Representation theory, characters and basis functions of a group, and group theory in quantum mechanics will be discussed to learn the basic principles, and a few applications will be discussed. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650 or CHEM 3410.

  • PHYS 5880

    Introduction to Quantum Computing
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.57

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    An introduction to quantum computation, a modern discipline looking for ways to harness the power of quantum mechanics to gain exponential speedup of computations and simulations. We will go through the basic algorithms, discuss error correction and various physical platforms suggested for a possible implementation of such a computer. The course assumes a knowledge of linear algebra, basic probability and familiarity with quantum mechanics.

  • PHYS 7010

    Theoretical Mechanics I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.38

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    The statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Discusses the methods of generalized coordinates, the Langrangian, Hamilton-Jacobi equations, action-angle variables, and the relation to quantum theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 3210 and MATH 5220.

  • PHYS 7210

    Statistical Mechanics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.39

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Discusses thermodynamics and kinetic theory, and the development of the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Includes Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions, techniques for handling interacting many-particle systems, and extensive applications to physical problems.

  • PHYS 7410

    Electricity and Magnetism I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.38

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    A consistent mathematical account of the phenomena of electricity and magnetism; electrostatics and magnetostatics; macroscopic media; Maxwell theory; and wave propagation. Prerequisite: PHYS 7250 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 7420

    Electricity and Magnetism II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.46

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Development of the theory of special relativity, relativistic electrodynamics, radiation from moving charges, classical electron theory, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of electrodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 7420 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 7610

    Quantum Theory I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.42

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Introduces the physical basis of quantum mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and the quantum mechanics of one-particle systems, and stationary state problem. Prerequisite: Twelve credits of 3000-level physics courses and MATH 5210, 5220, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 7620

    Quantum Theory II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.39

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Includes angular momentum theory, techniques of time-dependent perturbation theory, emission and absorption of radiation, systems of identical particles, second quantization, and Hartree-Fock equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 7610 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 7995

    Independent Study
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Independent research or practical training supervised by a faculty member. May be repeated for credit.

  • PHYS 8220

    Fundamentals of Photonics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.67

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Studies nonlinear optical phenomena; the laser, sum, and difference frequency generation, optical parametric oscillation, and modulation techniques. Prerequisite: PHYS 5310 and exposure to quantum mechanics.

  • PHYS 8420

    Atomic Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.97

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Studies the principles and techniques of atomic physics with application to selected topics, including laser and microwave spectroscopy, photoionization, autoionization, effects of external fields, and laser cooling. Prerequisite: PHYS 7620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 8610

    Condensed Matter Theory I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    The description and basic theory of the electronic properties of solids including band structure, electrical conduction, optical properties, magnetism and super-conductivity. Prerequisite: PHYS 7620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 8630

    Introduction to Field Theory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Introduces the quantization of field theories, including those based on the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations. Derives perturbation theory in terms of Feynman diagrams, and applies it to simple field theories with interactions. Introduces the concept of renormalization. Prerequisite: PHYS 7620.

  • PHYS 8640

    Modern Field Theory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.71

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Applies field theory techniques to quantum electrodynamics and to the renormalization-group description of phase transitions. Introduces the path integral description of field theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 8630.

  • PHYS 8710

    Nuclear Physics I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.89

    Last Taught

    Spring 2024

    Discusses nuclear theory and experiment from the modern perspectives of the fundamental theory of the strong interaction: Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).

  • PHYS 8750

    Elementary Particle Physics I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Introduction to the Standard Model of Electroweak and Strong Interactions, to be followed by physics beyond the Standard Model, including aspects of Grand Unification, Supersymmetry, and neutrino masses.

  • PHYS 8999

    Master Thesis Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    For master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.

  • PHYS 9010

    Introduction to Physics Research I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.99

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Workshops given by UVA Physics faculty describing their research. Restricted to Arts and Sciences graduate students in Physics only

  • PHYS 9020

    Introduction to Physics Research II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.96

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Workshops given by UVA Physics faculty describing their research.

  • PHYS 9998

    Pre-Qual Preparation for Doctoral Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    For students who have not passed the Qualifying exam for doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

  • PHYS 9999

    PhD Thesis Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.