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Physics > Courses

Courses

Department of Physics

Courses from the 2012-2013 Millsaps Catalog. See a list of all current classes.

ASTR 1000 Introduction to Astronomy (4 sem. hours). This course provides an overview of science's current knowledge of the universe. From its beginning to its possible
ends, the universe will be the topic of study. Students will not only learn what is known about the universe, but also will learn how it is that how these things are known.

1001 General Physics Laboratory I (1 sem. hour). Experiments to accompany General Physics I dealing mainly with mechanics and wave motion. Corequisite: PHYS 1003.

1003 General Physics I (3 sem. hours). A broad introduction to general physics for students who have taken an introductory calculus course. Main areas covered are mechanics and waves. Specific topics include vectors, kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, rotation, equilibrium, wave motion, and sound. Corequisite: PHYS 1001.

1011 General Physics Laboratory II (1 sem. hour). Experiments to accompany General Physics II dealing mainly with electromagnetism and optics. Corequisite: PHYS 1013.

1013 General Physics II (3 sem. hours). The continuation of General Physics I. General topics covered are electricity, magnetism, and optics. Specific topics include electrostatics, current electricity, magnetostatics, time varying fields, and geometrical and physical optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1003. Corequisite: PHYS 1011.

1201 College Physics Laboratory I (1 sem. hour). Experiments to accompany College Physics I dealing mainly with mechanics, waves, and heat. Corequisite: PHYS 1203.

1203 College Physics I (3 sem. hours). Fundamentals of mechanics, waves, fluids, andselected topics in thermal physics. A noncalculus course intended primarily for
majors in the biological and health sciences. Corequisite: PHYS 1201.

1211 College Physics Laboratory II (1 sem. hour). Experiments to accompany College Physics II dealing mainly with current electricity, optics, and modern physics. Corequisite: PHYS 1213.

1213 College Physics II (3 sem. hours). The continuation of College Physics I. Fundamentals of electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, optics, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1203. Corequisite: PHYS 1211.

2000 Modern Physics (4 sem. hours). An introduction to the special theory of relativity and its consequences. Black body radiation and the particle aspects of electromagnetic radiation. Fundamentals of quantum physics, introduction to the Schrödinger equation, and simple applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013 and MATH 2230.

2750-2753 Special Topics or Laboratories in Physics (1-4 sem. hours). This course deals with areas not covered in other physics courses or laboratories. It is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors at an intermediate physics level. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

3010 Astrophysics (4 sem. Hours). In this course we study the physical processes governing the behavior of the stars, the galaxies, the origin of the elements, evolution of the stars, and the universe, neutron stars and black holes. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013 and MATH 2230.

3100 Classical Mechanics (4 sem. hours). Dynamics of a single particle, including Newton's laws, momentum, energy, angular momentum, harmonic oscillator, gravitation, and central force motion. The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation will also be emphasized. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013. Corequisite: MATH 3540. Offered in alternate years.

3110 Electromagnetism (4 sem. hours). Fields, conductors, dielectric media, and Laplace's and Poisson's equations. Direct and alternating currents, magnetic induction and forces, electromagnetic energy, and Maxwell's equations with applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013. Corequisite: MATH 3540. Offered in alternate years.

3120 Thermal Physics (4 sem. hours). An introduction to equilibrium statistical mechanics with implications for thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases. Topics include density of states, entropy and probability, partition functions, and classical and quantum distribution functions. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000. Offered in alternate years.

3130 Optics (4 sem. hours). Geometrical optics: reflection, refraction, ray tracing, and aberrations. Physical optics: wave theory, absorption, dispersion, diffraction, and polarization. Properties of light from lasers, photo detectors, and optical technology. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013 or consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.

3140 Quantum Mechanics (4 sem. hours). Postulates of quantum mechanics, operators, eigenfunctions, and eigenvalues. Function spaces, Hermitian operators, and time development of state functions. Schrodinger's equation in one dimension, harmonic oscillator, rectangular potential barrier, and the WKB approximation. Problems in three dimensions, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, and theory of radiation. Matrix mechanics and spin. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000, MATH 3540. Offered in alternate years.

3210 Advanced Physics Laboratory (4 sem. hours). Experiments of classical and contemporary importance selected from various fields of physics. Experiments often deal with topics that have not been treated in other courses. Some areas of experimentation include interferometry, microwaves, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000

3300 Electronics for Scientists (4 sem. hours). The emphasis of this course is on analog electronics, including DC and AC circuit analysis, diode circuits, semiconductor devices, amplifier circuits, operational amplifiers, and oscillators. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 1013 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

3700-3703 Undergraduate Research (1-4 sem. hours). The student may continue to study topics of interest through readings and research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

3760-3763 Advanced Special Topics or Laboratories in Physics (1-4 sem. hours). Deals with areas not covered in other physics courses or laboratories. Aimed primarily at juniors and seniors at the intermediate or advanced level. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

3800-3803 Directed Study (1-4 sem. hours). The student may begin to study topics of interest through readings and research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

3850-3853 Internship (1-4 sem. hours). Practical experience and training with selected research, educational, governmental, and business institutions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

4902 Similarities in Physics (2 sem. hours). Analysis of the similarities that occur in many diverse fields of physics by oral and written presentations. Also includes presenting information processed from physical literature. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

4912 Senior Seminar (2 sem. hours). A continuation of the theme in Similarities in Physics. Emphasis is placed on a unified approach to problem solving. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.