Course Descriptions

Physics Courses

• PHYS 121 - General Physics I

  Basic concepts underlying physical phenomena, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, forces found in nature, rotational motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Helps students understand natural phenomena and technology encountered in modern world. Prior experience in physics and calculus is not assumed. For majors and non-majors. Prerequisites: high school trigonometry and algebra. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 122 - General Physics II

  Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, wave motion and light. Lecture, laboratory, demonstration and discussions. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 131. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 131 - Gen. Physics I(Calculus Based)

  A calculus based introduction to the basic concepts underlying physical phenomena, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, forces found in nature, rotational motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Lectures, discussion, demonstration, and laboratory. Pre or Co-requisites: high school trigonometry and algebra; AP calculus or MATH 224/225. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 132 - Gen. Physics II(Calculus Based

  Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, light, wave motion and relativity. Lectures, discussion, demonstration and laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 131. Pre or Corequisite: MATH 226/227. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 227 - Sophomore Laboratory

  Introduction to physics laboratory practice and data analysis through experiments based on material from PHYS 121-122 or PHYS 131-132, or equivalent. For physics and pre-engineering majors, but useful to students in other scientific disciplines. For majors and non-majors. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 235 - Research in Smart Energy II

  The smart energy materials research stream is part of the Freshman Reseach Immerision (FRI) program which provides students with an authentic research experience in physics, chemistry and materials science research through a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions. 4 credits. Pre-Requisites: Admittance to the FRI PRogram, HARP 170, CHEM 211/MSE 211. Offered every fall semester. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 323 - Modern Physics

  Introduction to physics of atoms, nuclei, elementary particles, astrophysics and cosmology. Band theory of conductors, insulators and semiconductors and devices; relativistic kinematics. Prerequisites: an average of C- or better in PHYS 121 and 122, or in 131 and 132; MATH 222. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 327 - Junior Laboratory

  Integrated laboratory experiments drawn from material covered in analytical mechanics, electromagnetic theory and electronics. Prerequisites: PHYS 331, 341 (or as corequisites with departmental approval) and PHYS 323. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 331 - Electromagnetic Theory I

  Vector calculus, electrostatic fields in vacuum and material media, magneto static fields, boundary-value problems, electromagnetic induction. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 and 122, or 131 and 132, 323, and knowledge of a computer programming language. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 323. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 332 - Electromagnetic Theory II

  Solutions to Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction. Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, electromagnetic radiation, special relativity and relativistic electrodynamics. For majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: PHYS 331 or equivalent. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 335 - Research in Smart Energy II

  The smart energy materials research stream is part of the Freshman Reseach Immerision (FRI) program which provides students with an authentic research experience in physics, chemistry and materials science research through a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions. 4 credits. Pre-Requisites: Admittance to the FRI PRogram, HARP 170. Offered every fall semester. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 341 - Analytical Mechanics

  Newtonian dynamics, forced oscillations with damping, Lagrangian formalism, central forces, non-inertial frames and rigid body motion. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 and 122, or 131 and 132, 323, and MATH 371 or MATH 324, and knowledge of a computer programming language. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 380C - Special Topics in Physic

  Special Topics in Physics Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 391 - Practicum In College Teaching

  Independent study by assisting in teaching a particular physics course. Various assignments directed by the course instructor, including laboratory instruction. May be repeated for a total of no more than eight credits. Credit may be earned in conjunction with a course in which a student is currently enrolled. Does not satisfy major or Harpur College Distribution requirements. Prerequisites: departmental approval and consent of instructor. Pass/Fail only. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 411 - Statistical Thermodynamics

  General principles of thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Introduction to statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 323 and 341. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 421 - Quantum Mechanics I

  First course in a two-semester sequence provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include: waves and particles, Schrodinger wave equation; mathematical tools of quantum mechanics, Dirac notation; spin one-half and two-level systems, Pauli spin matrix; one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators; angular momentum and rotation; particle in a central potential, hydrogen atom. Prerequisites: PHYS 323, 331 and 341. Offered fall semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 422 - Quantum Mechanics II

  Time-independent perturbation, non-degenerate and degenerate cases. Stark and Zeeman effects, Paschen-back effects, angular momentum. Time dependent perturbation theory. Interaction of radiation with matter. Selection rules. Scattering theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 421. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 429 - Advanced Physics Laboratory

  Representative experiments in various areas of physics; individual work emphasized. Prerequisites: PHYS 327 or equivalent and PHYS 421. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 449 - Intro To Global Geophysics

  Application of physical concepts to understanding the solid Earth. Topics: origin of the Earth; gravitational and geomagnetic fields and effects; earthquakes and seismic waves; composition and structure of Earth's interior; heat flow withing the earth; fluid flow. Applications to moon, sun and planets as appropriate. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 or 131, MATH 221 and an introductory level geology course. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 463 - Coherent Optics

  Intermediate-level treatment of ray optics using matrix methods, physical optics, image formation, coherence, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, holography and polarization. Should be of interest to students in physics, other physical sciences and engineering. Prerequisites: PHYS 331 and differential equations. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 468 - Computational Physics

  Course will teach various kinds of methods in Mathematica from the fundamental to the application. Includes syntax and style, basic concepts, lists, 2G graphics, 3D graphics, equations, algebra and trigonometry, differential calculus, integral calculus, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, least-squares fitting. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 472 - Solid State Physics

  Introductory treatment to selected topics in physics of solids. Simple and concrete models, using classical or elementary quantum-mechanical ideas. Prerequisite: PHYS 421. Offered spring semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 495 - Physics Internship

  Physics Internship. Variable Credits. Offered as needed. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 496 - Physics Graduate Studies Prep

  Capstone course for Physics majors intending to pursue graduate study in Physics. This course offers a review of undergraduate physics, including problem solving techniques for the physics GRE subject exam, and skills for professional success before‐in‐and‐after graduate school. Pre-requisite: PHYS 331 and PHYS 341. Restricted to Seniors only. Offered every fall. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 497 - Independent Study

  Individual research under direct supervision of faculty member. Prior to registration, student must consult instructor and receive approval of problem to be investigated and departmental approval for course credit. Prerequisite: consent of department. Variable credit. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 498 - Physics Honors

  Independent work on special problems. To receive the honor of "Distinguished Independent Work in Physics," candidate must write and defend a thesis based on research. Prerequisite: consent of department. Variable credit. Levels: Undergraduate

• PHYS 501 - Physics Colloquium

  Seminar course for prospective teachers. Topics assigned by course instructor: student, after literature search, presents seminars to entire class. Prerequisites: junior courses in analytical mechanics, electricity, magnetism. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 502 - Analytical Mechanics-Mat

  Newtonian dynamics, forced oscillations with damping, Lagrangian formalism, central forces, non-inertial frames and rigid body motion. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 and 122, or 131 and 132. PHYS 323, MATH 371. Simultaneously taught with PHYS 341.4 Credits Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 503 - Integrated Lab. Exp.-Mat

  Laboratory experiments based on material covered in electronics, analytical mechanics, electromagnetic theory and various other topics areas in physics. Restricted to MAT/MST students. Prerequisites: Modern Physics, Analytical Mechanics, Electromagnetism I. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 504 - Digital&Microproc. Electronics

  Principles and applications of digital and microprocessor electronics. Integrated circuits; principles and methods of interfacing applicable to scientific research (lectures and lab). Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 505 - Electromagnetism I--Mat

  Introduction to electromagnetism for students planning to become secondary school educators. Boundary value problems, electrostatic fields in vacuum and material media, magnetostatic fields, electromagnetic induction. Restricted to MAT/MST students. Prerequisite: Differential Equations. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 506 - Electromagnetic Theory II-MAT

  Introduction to electromagnetism for students planning to become secondary school educators. Magnetic fields in matter. Maxwell's equations. Special topics. Restricted to MAT/MST students. Prerequisite: Electromagnetism I. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 508 - Quantum Mechanics I-MAT

  Introduction to quantum mechanics for students planning to become secondary school educators. Hermitian operators, commuting observables. Rotation of basis states and matrix mechanics. Angular momentum, spin and abstract vector space. Creation and annihilation operators. Schroedinger equations applied to one-dimensional problems. Restricted to MAT/MST students. Prerequisites: Modern Physics, Analytical Mechanics, Partial Differential Equations. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 509 - Quantum Mechanics II--Mat

  Introduction to quantum mechanics for students planning to become secondary school educators. Bound states of central potentials. Stark, Zeeman, Paschen -Back effects. Time-independent perturbation, non-degenerate and degenerate cases. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Selection rules. Restricted to MAT/MST students. Prerequisite: Quantum Mechanics I. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 511 - Statistical Thermodynamics

  General principles of thermodynamics, kinetic theory. Introduction to statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: junior course in mechanics and senior course in quantum mechanics or modern physics. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 514 - Applied Mathematical Physics

  Covers mathematical methods and their applications that are required for understanding physics such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and classical mechanics. The content is as follows: 1) differential equations (Schrodinger equations, Maxwell equation, diffusion equation, Helmholtz equation); 2) Eigen-value problems (Sturm-Liouville theory, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization); 3) function of a complex variable (Cauchy's integral theorem, Laurent expansion); 4) integral transforms (Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Bromwich-Wagner integrals); 5) integral equations (Green function); 6) method of variations (Euler equation, Lagrange equation); 7) special functions (associated Legendre functions, Bessel functions); 8) group theory. For majors and non-majors who want to learn mathematical methods in physics such as quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory. Prerequisites: undergraduate course in electricity and magnetism or mechanics, differential equations. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 521 - Analytical Dynamics

  Methods of Lagrange, Hamilton and Jacobi for particle systems and continuous fields. Canonical transformations, integral invariants, small oscillations, rigid body rotations. Prerequisite: junior course in mechanics. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 522 - Classical Electrodynamics I

  Electrodynamics from standpoint of Maxwell's equations; relativistic formulation, radiation theory, boundary-value problems, wave guides, cavity resonators, classical electron theory. Prerequisite: junior course in electricity and magnetism, senior course in mathematical methods. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 524 - Quantum Mechanics I

  First course in two-semester sequence provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include: Waves and particles, Schrodinger wave equation. Mathematical tools of quantum mechanics, Dirac bracket notation. Spin one-half and two-level systems, Pauli spin matrices, one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators, angular momentum and rotation, particle in a central potential and hydrogen atom. Format: Four hours of lecture per week. Evaluation based upon examinations, assigned problems and attendance. Prerequisites: PHYS 323, 331 and 341. Simultaneously taught: *denotes primary course *PHYS 421, PHYS 508. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 525 - Quantum Mechanics II

  Foundations of quantum mechanics, representation theory, Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures, approximation methods, introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 527 - Graduate Laboratory

  Representative experiments in various areas of physics; individual work emphasized. Prerequisite: junior laboratory course and course in quantum mechanics. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 547 - Nanofabrication Practices

  This course provides an overview of clean room based nanofabrication practices with a focus on environmental, safety, and health issues. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 550 - Geophysics I

  Fundamental aspects of solid earth geophysics, emphasis on seismology. Basic differential equations and solutions discussed; features of earth deduced or explained; data acquisition and analysis examined. Prerequisite: mathematical methods, analytical mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 551 - Geophysics II

  Fundamental non-seismic aspects of solid earth geophysics: gravity, rotational dynamics, tides; equations of state of interior, geothermal heat flow, earth's thermal history, geomagnetic field. Observations and theory emphasized. Prerequisites: analytical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, math methods. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 563 - Coherent Optics

  Intermediate-level treatment of ray optics using matrix methods, physical optics, image formation, coherence, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, holography and polarization. Should be of interest to students in physics, other physical sciences and engineering. Prerequisites: PHYS 331 and differential equations. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 568 - Computational Physics

  Emphasis on using computer algebra software techniques to solve a general class of problems from mainstream physics courses. Algebraic software enhances problem-solving without tedious mathematics. Its flexibility enables convenient manipulation of numerical, analytical, and graphical expressions which arise in the laboratory, in industry, and otherwise in contemporary research/technology. Prerequisite: PHYS 323 and PHYS 331. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 572 - Solid State Physics

  Introductory treatment of selected topics in physics of solids. Simple and concrete models, using classical or elementary quantum-mechanical ideas. Prerequisite: senior-level course in quantum mechanics. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 582A - Topics In Contemporary Physics

  Content varies. May include plasma physics, reactor physics, coherent electromagnetic phenomena, information theory, particle accelerators, superfluidity, biophysics, cryophysics and upper atmosphere physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 582B - Topics In Contemporary Physics

  Content varies. May include plasma physics, reactor physics, coherent electromagnetic phenomena, information theory, particle accelerators, superfluidity, biophysics, cryophysics and upper atmosphere physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 582C - Topics In Contemporary Physics

  Content varies. May include plasma physics, reactor physics, coherent electromagnetic phenomena, information theory, particle accelerators, superfluidity, biophysics, cryophysics and upper atmosphere physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 583 - Special Topics in Physics

  Advanced treatment of selected areas of Physics, including high energy, nuclear, plasma, and statistical Physics. May be repeated for credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 583A - Special Topics in Physics

  Advanced treatment of selected areas of Physics, including high energy, nuclear, plasma, and statistical Physics. May be repeated for credit. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 592 - Physics Communication

  The art of verbal and written communication. Oral, poster and written reports on a research topic. Prerequisite: consent of department. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 597 - Independent Study

  Individual treatment of selected topics in physics of solids. Simple and concrete models, using classical or elementary quantum-mechanical ideas. Prerequisite: senior level course in quantum mechanics. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 599 - Thesis Research

  Research and preparation of exposition required for MS degree in physics. Topics assigned by departmental graduate committee; may be either experimental or theoretical. Variable Credit. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 601 - Physics Colloquium

  Seminar course for prospective teachers. Topics assigned by course instructor: the student, after literature search, presents seminars to the entire class. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 631 - Statistical Mechanics I

  Foundations and techniques of quantum statistical physics; ensembles, non-equilibrium phenomena, phase transitions. Prerequisite: Senior courses in thermodynamics and kinetic theory, quantum mechanics, graduate course in analytical dynamics. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 635 - Quantum Field Theory

  Introduction to quantized fields and their applications to physical systems in condensed matter, statistical mechanics, critical phenomena, and particle physics. Green functions, Feynman diagrammatic techniques, and additional topics such as path integral and renormalization group methods. Prerequisite: PHYS 524-525. 4 Credits. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 644 - Nanofabrication Techniques I

  Fabrication of nanoscale and microscale ( Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PHYS 672 - Advanced Conde Matter Physics

  This course covers modern topics in solid state physics such as superconductivity, Mott insulators, the Kondo effect, the integer and fractional quantum Hall effect, and quantum phase transitions. Methods employed will depend on selection of topics but may include second quantization, Green functions, Feynman diagrammatic techniques, path integrals and the renormalization group. Prerequisite: PHYS 572. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 673 - Applied Solid St Phy&Devices I

  Crystal structure, semiconductors, optical and magnetic properties of solids, excitons, superconductivity, Josephson junctions, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, magnetic resonance, electro-optical devices, other aspects of condensed matter. Prerequisite: PHYS 572. PHYS 673 is a prerequisite for PHYS 674. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 698 - Pre-Dissertation Research

  Independent reading and research in preparation for comprehensive examinations for admission to PhD candidacy and/or preparation of dissertation prospectus. Does not count toward residency requirements. Variable credit course. Student must (by mutual agreement with instructor) specify credits on registration form. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 699 - Dissertation

  Research for and preparation of the dissertation. Does not count toward residency requirements. Variable credit course. Student must (by mutual agreement with instructor) specify credits on registration form. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 700 - Continuous Registration

  Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No credit toward graduate degree requirements. Levels: Graduate

• PHYS 707 - Research Skills

  Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite: approval of relevant graduate program director or department chair. Levels: Graduate

Astronomy Courses

• ASTR 114 - Sun, Stars And Galaxies

  Stellar astronomy, neutron stars, black holes and other topics in astrophysics and cosmology. Discussion of observations, techniques and interpretations. Observations in scheduled period or in evening, as required. Notes: ASTR 114 satisfies the college science requirements. Prerequisite/corequisite: ASTR 115 must be taken in addition to ASTR 114, both on a letter-grade basis, to satisfy the General Education Laboratory Science requirement. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• ASTR 115 - Observational Astronomy Lab

  Observations and data analysis involving orbital motion, sidereal and synodic periods, solar rotation, age of planets, luminosity and distance to stars, binary stars and spectral classifications. Note: This course must be taken concurrently with, or after successful completion of ASTR 114. It cannot be taken before ASTR 114. Prerequisite/corequisite: this course must be taken in addition to ASTR 114, both on a letter grade basis, to satisfy the General Laboratory Science requirement. 1 credit. Levels: Undergraduate

• ASTR 497 - Independent Work

  Individual research under direct supervision of faculty member. Prior to registration, students must consult instructor and receive approval of problem to be investigated and departmental approval for course credit. Prerequisite: consent of department. Variable credit. Levels: Undergraduate

• ASTR 597 - Independent Study In Astr

  Directed study in a field of astronomy under the guidance of a faculty member. Student must obtain approval of faculty member and department. Limited to MAT and MSEd students. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate