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Courses

Physics
Undergraduate
  • PHYS-I 010 Pre-Physics (3 cr.) P: MATH-I 159 or MATH-I 153 and MATH-I 154, or equivalent. Fall, Spring. For students not ready to take the algebra- and trigonometry-based courses in physics (PHYS-I 218 and PHYS-P 201). Basic concepts of physics. Methods of analyzing physics problems. Setting up equations for physics problems. Interpreting information in physics problems. Analyzing and presenting the results of laboratory measurements. Extensive drill in these topics.
  • PHYS-I 100 Physics in the Modern World (5 cr.) P: Introductory high school mathematics. Spring, day. Ideas, language, methods, and impact of physics today.
  • PHYS-I 121 How to Solve a Problem without Solving the problem (2 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Fall. This course teaches students how to formulate a research question and start doing research with their current knowledge. Enrollment with permission of the instructor.
  • PHYS-I 122 How To Know When You Are Right (2 cr.) P: PHYS 12100 or consent of instructor. Spring. This course continues developing students' capabilities to perform research. Prerequisite PHYS-I 121. Enrollment with the permission of the instructor.
  • PHYS-I 140 Short Courses in Physics (1 cr.) Five-week courses on a variety of topics related to the physical world. Examples of topics include: Waves and Particles Are the Same Thing, Relativity, Quarks and Other Inhabitants of the Zoo, Why Things Work and Why They Don't, Lasers and Holography, and Physics of Star Trek.
  • PHYS-I 152 Mechanics (4 cr.) P: or C: MATH-I 166. Equiv. IU PHYS-P 221. Fall, day; Spring, day, night; Summer, day. Statics, uniform and accelerated motion; Newton's laws; circular motion; energy, momentum, and conservation principles; dynamics of rotation; gravitation and planetary motion; properties of matter; and simple harmonic and wave motion.
  • PHYS-I 153 Honors Mechanics Seminar (1 cr.) P: Department consent. C: PHYS-I 152. The primary goal of the course is to enrich the student's experience in PHYS-I 152 by presenting a topic not traditionally covered in first-year physics, such as special relativity, quantum mechanics, or particle physics. The course will meet weekly for 50 minutes, during which time there will be a lecture and/or a class discussion. The course will carry honor's credit.
  • PHYS-I 200 Our Physical Environment (3 cr.) Fall, night; Spring, night. A nonmathematical introduction to physical concepts and methods by means of examples from daily life and current technological applications.
  • PHYS-I 218 General Physics (4 cr.) P: MATH-I 159 or MATH-I 153 and MATH-I 154, or equivalent. Fall, night; Spring, night; Summer, day. Mechanics, conservation laws, gravitation; simple harmonic motion and waves; kinetic theory, heat, and thermodynamics for students in technology fields.
  • PHYS-I 219 General Physics (4 cr.) P: PHYS-I 218. Fall, night; Spring, night; Summer, day. Electricity, light, and modern physics.
  • PHYS-I 251 Heat, Electricity, and Optics (5 cr.) P: Either PHYS-P 201 or PHYS-I 152 and MATH-I 165, MATH-I 166 and MATH-I 171. P: or C: MATH-I 261 or MATH-I 266. Equiv. IU PHYS-P 222. Fall, day, night; Spring, day; Summer, day. Heat, kinetic theory, elementary thermodynamics, and heat transfer. Electrostatics, electrical currents and devices. Magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics.
  • PHYS-I 285 Introduction to Biophysics (3 cr.) P: MATH-I 166 or MATH-I 222 or MATH-I 232. This course is an introduction to biophysics. The goal is to present important biological phenomena from a physics perspective. Briefly, we will begin with a review of biology from single molecules to cells with an emphasis on time scales and length scales. We will subsequently explore both static and dynamical phenomena in biology.
  • PHYS-I 290 Special Assignments (0-3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor required. Readings, discussions, written reports, or laboratory work selected for enrichment in special areas of physics.
  • PHYS-I 299 Introduction to Computational Physics (2 cr.) P: PHYS-I 152. Fall. Application of computational techniques to physical concepts. Topics include mechanics, oscillations, chaos, random processes, etc.
  • PHYS-I 300 Introduction to Elementary Mathematical Physics (3 cr.) P: MATH-I 261 and PHYS-I 299 and (PHYS-P 202 or PHYS-I 251) minimum grade of C-. Spring. Brief but practical introduction to various mathematical methods used in intermediate-level physics courses. Vector analysis, orthogonal coordinate systems, matrices, Fourier methods, complex numbers, special functions, and computational methods. Emphasis will be on examples and the application of these methods to physics problems.
  • PHYS-I 310 Intermediate Mechanics (4 cr.) P: PHYS-I 299 and (PHYS-P 202 or PHYS-I 251) and (PHYS-I 300 or MATH-I 266). Fall. For students familiar with calculus. Elements of vector algebra; statics of particles and rigid bodies; theory of couples; principle of virtual work; kinematics; dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; work, power, and energy; and elements of hydromechanics and elasticity.
  • PHYS-I 330 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: (PHYS-P 202 or PHYS-I 251) and (PHYS-I 300 or MATH-I 266). Spring. Electrostatics; electric currents; magnetostatics; electromagnetic induction; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves.
  • PHYS-I 342 Modern Physics (3 cr.) P: (PHYS-P 202 or PHYS-I 251) and PHYS-I 299 and MATH-I 261. Equiv. IU PHYS-P 301. Spring. A survey of basic concepts and phenomena in atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics.
  • PHYS-I 353 Advanced Physics Laboratory I: Modern Physics and Electronics (2 cr.) P: PHYS-I 251. Spring. Experiments associated with advances in the early part of the 20th century to accompany PHYS-I 342 and an introduction to electronic circuits and test equipment for scientists.
  • PHYS-I 400 Physical Optics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 330. Fall. Electromagnetic waves; wave theory of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Spatial and temporal coherence. Fourier optics, coherent imaging, and holography. Polarization phenomena; Jones vectors and matrices.
  • PHYS-I 401 Physical Optics Laboratory (2 cr.) P: PHYS-I 330. C: PHYS-I 400 (majors). Experiments to accompany PHYS-I 400 in reflection, refraction, and interference using lasers. Interferometry. Diffraction patterns with emphasis on Fourier analysis and Fourier transformations. Polarization, Brewster's angle. Coherence length of lasers.
  • PHYS-I 418 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 342, and PHYS-I 310 or PHYS-I 330. Replaces PHYS-I 416. Spring. Temperature, equations of state, first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy and applications, kinetic theory, transport processes, statistical mechanics.
  • PHYS-I 442 Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 342, and PHYS-I 310 or PHYS-I 330. Fall. Inadequacies of classical physics; wave packets and Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional problems; operator formulation of quantum mechanics; linear harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; hydrogen atom; and Pauli principle and application to helium atom.
  • PHYS-I 470 Reading in Special Topics (1-3 cr.)
  • PHYS-I 480 Solar Energy Usage (3 cr.) P: MATH-I 166 or equivalent, and two courses in general physics. Theoretical and practical aspects, including collector design, modeling of solar systems, economic evaluation of solar alternatives, and photovoltaics.
  • PHYS-I 490 Undergraduate Reading and Research (1-3 cr.) Independent study for undergraduates.
  • PHYS-P 201 General Physics I (5 cr.) P: MATH-I 159 or MATH-I 153 and MATH-I 154, or equivalent. Fall, day; Spring, night; Summer, day. Newtonian mechanics, wave motion, heat, and thermodynamics. Application of physical principles to related scientific disciplines, especially life sciences. Intended for students preparing for careers in the life sciences and the health professions. Three lectures, one discussion section, and one two-hour laboratory period each week.
  • PHYS-P 202 General Physics II (5 cr.) P: PHYS-P 201. Fall, night; Spring, day; Summer, day. Electricity and magnetism; geometrical and physical optics; introduction to concepts of relativity, quantum theory, and atomic and nuclear physics. Three lectures, one discussion section, and one two-hour laboratory period each week.
Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate
  • PHYS-I 501 Physical Science (3 cr.) Fall, Spring. Survey of the physical sciences with emphasis on methods of presentation appropriate to the elementary school. Graduate credit is extended only for elementary school teacher programs.
  • PHYS-I 510 Physical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 310 or equivalent, and courses in calculus and differential equations. Mechanics of particles, rigid bodies, and vibrating systems.
  • PHYS-I 517 Statistical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 342, PHYS-I 510, and PHYS-I 515 or equivalent. Laws of thermodynamics; Boltzmann and quantum statistical distributions, with applications to properties of gases, specific heats of solids, paramagnetism, black-body radiation, and Bose-Einstein condensation; Boltzmann transport equation and transport properties of gases; and Brownian motion and fluctuation phenomena.
  • PHYS-I 520 Mathematical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 310, PHYS-I 322, PHYS-I 330, or consent of instructor. Vectors and vector operators, tensors, infinite series, analytic functions and the calculus of residues, partial differential equations, and special functions of mathematical physics. When interests and preparation of students permit, calculus of variations and/or group theory are covered.
  • PHYS-I 522 Coherent Optics and Quantum Electronics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 330, PHYS-I 442, and PHYS-I 550. Recent experimental and theoretical developments in optics, emphasizing concepts of coherence. Fourier optics and the quantum theory of radiation. Applications to lasers and masers, nonlinear optics, holography, and quantum electronics.
  • PHYS-I 523 Nanosystems Principles (3 cr.) P: Graduate students in Science or undergraduate students in senior standing in Science or or instructor consent. This is the introductory course in the nanosystems area. It introduces students to the principles and applications of nanosystems. The course begins with an introduction to the nanometer scale phenomena. It then introduces students to the basic elements resulting in nanosystems: nanoscale materials, processes, and devices. It also provides students with a basic understanding of the tools and approaches that are used for the measurement and characterization of nanosystems, and their modeling and simulation. Moreover, the course covers the applications of nanosystems in a wide range of industries, including information technology, energy, medicine, and consumer goods. The course concludes with a discussion of the societal and economical significance of these applications, including benefits and potential risks.
  • PHYS-I 526 Integrated Nanosystems Processes and Devices (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 523. This course covers processes and devices associated with integrated nanosystems. Integrated nanosystems refer to the systems that consist of integrated micro-, meso-, and/or macro-scale parts, and their core components, realized by nano-scale materials, processes, and devices. The course, while covering processes which result in integrated nanosystems, will focus on the theory and operation of select electronic, electromechanical, and biomedical devices which are used for information technology, sensing, medical, and other applications. The lectures will be complemented by hands-on laboratory experience.
  • PHYS-I 530 Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 330 or equivalent. Electrostatic problems; theory of dielectrics; theory of electric conduction; electromagnetic effects due to steady and changing currents; magnetic properties of matter; Maxwell's equations; and electromagnetic radiation.
  • PHYS-I 533 Principles of Magnetic Resonance (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 550 or equivalent. Magnetic resonance in bulk matter; classical and quantum descriptions, relaxation, CW and pulse experiments, interactions and Hamiltonians. Magnetic interactions between electrons and nuclei; nuclear quadrupole interaction, crystal field interactions, and effect of molecular motion. High-resolution NMR spectra; EPR of free-radical solutions; and powder patterns.
  • PHYS-I 545 Solid-State Physics (3 cr.) P: An undergraduate course in modern physics. Crystal structure; lattice vibrations; free electron theory of solids; band theory of solids; semiconductors; superconductivity; magnetism; and magnetic resonance.
  • PHYS-I 550 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 342 and at least one other junior-level course in each of mathematics and physics or equivalent. Brief historical survey; waves in classical physics; wavepackets; uncertainty principle; operators and wave functions; Schrodinger equation and application to one-dimensional problems; the hydrogen atom; electron spin; multielectron atoms; periodic table; molecules; periodic potentials; and Bloch wave functions.
  • PHYS-I 556 Introductory Nuclear Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 550 or equivalent. Theory of relativity; brief survey of systematics of nuclei and elementary particles; structure of stable nuclei; radioactivity; interaction of nuclear radiation with matter; nuclear reactions; particle accelerators; nuclear instruments; fission; and nuclear reactors.
  • PHYS-I 570 Selected Topics in Physics (3 cr.) Specialized topics in physics selected from time to time.
  • PHYS-I 590 Reading and Research (1-3 cr.)
Graduate
  • PHYS-I 585 Introduction to Molecular Biophysics (3 cr.) Application concepts and methods from physics to the understanding of biological systems with a focus on proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Introduction of experimental and theoretical techniques, including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics simulations in the investigation of structures, forces, dynamics and energetics of these biological molecules.
  • PHYS-I 600 Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing in physics or consent of instructor. This course is designed to provide first-year physics graduate students with the mathematical background for subsequent studies of advanced mechanics, electrodynamics, and quantum theory. Topics include functions of a complex variable, ordinary and partial differential equations, eigenvalue problems, and orthogonal functions. Green's functions, matrix theory, and tensor analysis in three and four dimensions.
  • PHYS-I 601 Methods of Theoretical Physics II (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 600 or equivalent. A continuation of PHYS-I 600.
  • PHYS-I 610 Advanced Theoretical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 510 or equivalent. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics; variational principles; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; theory of small oscillations; and Lagrangian formulation for continuous systems and field.
  • PHYS-I 617 Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 660 or equivalent. Classical and quantum statistical mechanics.
  • PHYS-I 630 Advanced Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 530 and PHYS-I 600, or equivalent. The experimental origins of Maxwell's equations. Electrostatics and magnetostatics; solution of boundary value problems. Quasistatic currents. Electromagnetic energy and momentum and the Maxwell stress tensor. Foundations of optics. Radiation from antennae, multipole expansion; waveguides.
  • PHYS-I 631 Advanced Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 630 or equivalent. Covariant formulation of electrodynamics; Lienard-Wiechert potentials; radiation from accelerated particles; Cerenkov radiation; dynamics of relativistic particles; radiation damping; and introduction to magnetohydrodynamics.
  • PHYS-I 633 Advanced Topics in Magnetic Resonance (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 533 or consent of instructor. Rotation operators, coupling of angular momenta, Wigner-Eckhart theorem, and density matrix; theory of magnetic resonance, relaxation in liquids, chemical exchange, double resonance, cross-polarization, and magic angle spinning; two-dimensional NMR, correlation spectroscopy, and exchange and NOE spectroscopies; application to biological macromolecules; time domain EPR; and lineshape under slow motion.
  • PHYS-I 660 Quantum Mechanics I (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 530, PHYS-I 550, PHYS-I 600, and PHYS-I 610, or equivalent. Origins of the quantum theory, the uncertainty and complementarity principles. The Schrodinger equation and its solutions for simple physical systems. Mathematical formulation of the quantum theory. Applications: simple harmonic oscillator, theory of angular momentum, and hydrogen atom. Time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. The Pauli exclusion principle. Spin of the electron. Elementary theory of scattering.
  • PHYS-I 661 Quantum Mechanics II (3 cr.) P: PHYS-I 601, PHYS-I 630, and PHYS-I 660, or equivalent. Symmetry and conservation laws. The Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Interaction of radiation with matter. Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic structure. Scattering theory.
  • PHYS-I 670 Selected Topics in Physics (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Specialized topics in physics, varied from time to time.
  • PHYS-I 685 Physics Seminar (0-1 cr.) Offered on Pass/Fail basis only. Weekly physics seminar presented by faculty and invited speakers from outside the department. May be repeated for credit.
  • PHYS-I 698 Research M.S. Thesis (variable cr.) Research M.S. Thesis.
  • PHYS-I 699 Research (variable cr.) Ph.D. thesis.
  • PHYS-G 901 Advanced Research (6 cr.)