300

In this course students will learn to use Python to model physical problems relevant to the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering, and will learn about relevant applications in these fields. The course is for students who have programming experience in other languages or those who have never programed before but want to learn Python. This elective course is offered primarily as a summer course offering.

Computational techniques for solving physics and chemistry problems as well as for simulating, analyzing, and graphically visualizing physical systems and processes. Offered fall of odd years.

Special relativity, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear physics. Offered each spring semester.

Geometrical and physical optics, imaging and aberrations; interference, diffraction, and polarization; applications to instrumentation and lasers. Offered spring semester of odd years.

This course introduces the basic concepts and techniques in the study of dynamical systems, including nonlinear ordinary differential equations, difference equations, and systems of equations. Using a wide variety of applications from the physical sciences, we will cover analytical methods such as linear stability, bifurcations, phase plane analysis, limit cycles, Lorenz equations, chaos, iterated maps, period doubling and fractals. Offered spring semester of even years.

Ordinary differential equations, complex variables and matrices are developed and illustrated through applications in physics with emphasis on examples from the fields of vibrations and waves. Offered each fall semester.

For special upper-division projects or research. Content, credit, and fee to be arranged. Available as needed.

Instruction in electronic circuits and computer software, circuit design, and device physics for use in data acquisition and instrument control. Offered fall semester of even years. Fee: $120

Laboratory course to accompany PHY 322 for non-majors. Experiments in geometric and physical optics. Offered spring semester of odd years. Fee: $60

Laboratory course to accompany PHY 306. Experiments in acoustic waves, optics, photo electric effect. One three-hour laboratory each week. Offered each spring semester. Fee: $60

Credit arranged.