Courses
Physics
- AST-A 100 The Solar System (3 cr.) Fall. Survey of the solar system, including the Earth, sun, moon, eclipses, planets and their satellites, comets, laws of planetary motion, etc. Discussion of the origin of the solar system, life on earth, and the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Also astronomical instruments and celestial coordinates.
- AST-A 103 Search for Life in the Universe (3 cr.) Spring. Explores the origin, nature, and history of life on Earth, prospects for life in our own and other planetary systems, extra solar planet detection, and the possibility of other technological civilizations.
- AST-A 105 Stars and Galaxies (3 cr.) Spring. Survey of the universe beyond the solar system, including stars, pulsars, black holes, principles of spectroscopy and the H-R diagram, nebulae, the Milky Way, other galaxies, quasars, expanding universe, cosmology, and extraterrestrial life.
- AST-A 130 Short Courses in Astronomy (1 cr.) Five-week short courses on a variety of topics in astronomy. Examples of topics include: the Big Bang, Black Holes, Astronomy from your Backyard, How to See Stars, and The Birth and Death of Our Sun.
- AST-A 205 Quasars, Pulsars, Black Holes (3 cr.) P: Introductory High School mathematics. Fall, day. For both science and non-science majors interested in astronomy. Surveys stars of all types and their life cycles. Includes the H-R diagram, star clusters, and exploration of our own sun. Discussion of relativistic effects on certain astronomical objects and on human space exploration.
- PHYS 01000 Pre-Physics (3 cr.) P: MATH 15900, or MATH 15300 and MATH 15400, or equivalent. Fall, Spring. For students not ready to take the algebra- and trigonometry-based courses in physics (PHYS 21800 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 10000 Physics in the Modern World (5 cr.) P: Introductory high school mathematics. Spring, day. Ideas, language, methods, and impact of physics today.
- PHYS 12100 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 12200 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 12100. Enrollment with the permission of the instructor.
- PHYS 14000 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 15200 Mechanics (4 cr.) P: or C: MATH 16600. 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 15250 Honors Mechanics Seminar (1 cr.) P: Department consent. C: PHYS 15200. The primary goal of the course is to enrich the student's experience in PHYS 15200 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 20000 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 21800 General Physics (4 cr.) P: MATH 15900 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 21900 General Physics (4 cr.) P: PHYS 21800. Fall, night; Spring, night; Summer, day. Electricity, light, and modern physics.
- PHYS 25100 Heat, Electricity, and Optics (5 cr.) P: Either PHYS-P 201 or PHYS 15200 and MATH 16500, MATH 16600 and MATH 17100. P or C: MATH 26100 or MATH 26600. 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 28500 Introduction to Biophysics (3 cr.) P: MATH 16600 or MATH 22200 or MATH 23200.
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 29000 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 29900 Introduction to Computational Physics (2 cr.) P: PHYS 15200. Fall. Application of computational techniques to physical concepts. Topics include mechanics, oscillations, chaos, random processes, etc.
- PHYS 30000 Introduction to Elementary Mathematical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 or PHYS 25100, and MATH 26100. 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 31000 Intermediate Mechanics (4 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 or PHYS 25100 and PHYS 30000 or MATH 26600. 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 33000 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 or PHYS 25100 and PHYS 30000 or MATH 26600. Spring. Electrostatics; electric currents; magnetostatics; electromagnetic induction; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves.
- PHYS 34200 Modern Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 or PHYS 25100 and MATH 26100. Equiv. IU PHYS-P 301. Spring. A survey of basic concepts and phenomena in atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics.
- PHYS 35300 Advanced Physics Laboratory I: Modern Physics and Electronics (2 cr.) P: PHYS 25100. Spring. Experiments associated with advances in the early part of the 20th century to accompany PHYS 34200 and an introduction to electronic circuits and test equipment for scientists.
- PHYS 40000 Physical Optics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 33000. 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 40100 Physical Optics Laboratory (2 cr.) P: PHYS 33000. C: PYHS 40000 (majors). Experiments to accompany PHYS 40000 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 41800 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 34200, and PHYS 31000 or PHYS 33000. Replaces PHYS 41600. Spring. Temperature, equations of state, first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy and applications, kinetic theory, transport processes, statistical mechanics.
- PHYS 44200 Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 34200, and PHYS 31000 or PHYS 33000. 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 48000 Solar Energy Usage (3 cr.) P: MATH 16600 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-P 201 General Physics I (5 cr.) P: MATH 15900 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.
- PHYS 50100 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 51000 Physical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 31000 or equivalent, and courses in calculus and differential equations. Mechanics of particles, rigid bodies, and vibrating systems.
- PHYS 51000 Thermodynamics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 31000 and PHYS 33000 and a course in differential equations or advanced calculus. Equilibrium states, the concept of heat, and the laws of thermodynamics; the existence and properties of the entropy; different thermodynamic potentials and their uses; phase diagrams; introduction of statistical mechanics and its relation to thermodynamics; and treatment of ideal gases.
- PHYS 51700 Statistical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 34200, PHYS 51000, and PHYS 51500 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 52000 Mathematical Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 31000, PHYS 32200, PHYS 33000, 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 52200 Coherent Optics and Quantum Electronics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 33000, PHYS 44200, and PHYS 55000, or ME 58700. 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 53000 Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS 33000 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 53300 Principles of Magnetic Resonance (3 cr.) P: PHYS 55000 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 54500 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 55000 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 34200 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 55600 Introductory Nuclear Physics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 55000 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 57000 Selected Topics in Physics (3 cr.) Specialized topics in physics selected from time to time.
- PHYS 52301 Nanosystems Principles (3 cr.) P: Graduate students in Science or Engineering or undergraduate students in senior standing in Science or Engineering 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 52601 Integrated Nanosystems Processes and Devices (3 cr.) P: PHYS 52301 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 58500 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 60000 Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing in physics or consent of instructor. 600 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 60100 Methods of Theoretical Physics II (3 cr.) P: PHYS 60000 or equivalent. A continuation of PHYS 60000.
- PHYS 61000 Advanced Theoretical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 51000 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 61700 Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS 66000 or equivalent. Classical and quantum statistical mechanics.
- PHYS 63000 Advanced Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS 53000 and PHYS 60000, 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 63100 Advanced Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS 63000 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 63300 Advanced Topics in Magnetic Resonance (3 cr.) P: PHYS 53300 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 66000 Quantum Mechanics I (3 cr.) P: PHYS 53000, PHYS 55000, PHYS 60000, and PHYS 61000, 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 66100 Quantum Mechanics II (3 cr.) P: PHYS 60100, PHYS 63000, and PHYS 66000, 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 67000 Selected Topics in Physics (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Specialized topics in physics, varied from time to time.
