| Physics |
PHYS 400 - Freshman Seminar
Credits:
1.00
An informal reading and discussion course to introduce
students to the general culture of physics, including
career possibilities, historical and philosophical aspects
of physics, current research at UNH and elsewhere, and
physics in the news. Topics vary based on interests of the
class. Students in their first year as physics majors
(either as freshmen or transfers) are strongly encouraged
to take this class. Cr/F.
PHYS 401 - Introduction to Physics I
Credits:
4.00
Broad survey of classical and modern physics. Designed to
enable students to appreciate the role of physics in
today's society and technology. Emphasizes the fundamental
laws of nature on which all science is based, with some
examples of interest to biologists. Knowledge of high
school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry essential.
Special fee. Lab.
PHYS 402 - Introduction to Physics II
Credits:
4.00
Broad survey of classical and modern physics. Designed to
enable students to appreciate the role of physics in
today's society and technology. Emphasizes the fundamental
laws of nature on which all science is based, with some
examples of interest to biologists. Knowledge of high
school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry essential.
Prereq: PHYS 401 or the equivalent. Special fee. Lab.
PHYS 404 - Introduction to Space Science
Credits:
4.00
Students are exposed to the theoretical, analytical, and
practical aspects of research in the modern astrophysics,
solar, planetary, and space plasma physics. Basic
principles of physics are tied to research projects that
students pursue working in small groups, using complex
engineering and numerical simulation models, and becoming
members of actual research teams. Cr/F.
PHYS 406 - Introduction to Modern Astronomy
Credits:
4.00
Descriptive coverage of contemporary astronomical and
astrophysical techniques with a review of current
knowledge and theories concerning the solar system,
galaxies, and the universe. Recommended for liberal arts
and beginning science students. Knowledge of high school
algebra is assumed. Special fee. Lab.
PHYS 407 - General Physics I
Credits:
4.00
Introductory course emphasizing motion, forces, energy,
momentum, rotation, and oscillations. Recommended for the
student specializing in science and engineering. Students
in the Honors section must be co-enrolled in MATH 425H so
that strong connections can be made between math and
physics. 407H students work in groups in every class
meeting. Prereq: thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry,
and trigonometry; May not receive credit for both PHYS 401
and 407. Pre- or Coreq: MATH 425. Special fee. Lab.
PHYS 407H - Honors/General Physics I
Credits:
4.00
See description for PHYS 407.
PHYS 408 - General Physics II
Credits:
4.00
Introductory course emphasizing waves, sound, heat,
electricity and magnetism. Recommended for students
specializing in science and engineering. Students in the
Honors section must be co-enrolled in MATH 426H so that
strong connections can be made between math and physics.
408H students work in groups in every class meeting.
Prereq: PHYS 407. May not receive credit for both PHYS 402
and 408. Pre- or Coreq: MATH 426. Special fee. Lab.
PHYS 408H - Honors/General Physics II
Credits:
4.00
See description for PHYS 408.Co-requisites:
MATH 426H
PHYS 409 - Introduction to Problem Solving
Credits:
1.00
Introduces problem solving techniques applied to Physics
407 material. Emphasis on using conceptual understanding
to guide problem solution, choosing appropriate strategies,
and methods of checking solutions.
Co-requisites:
PHYS 407
PHYS 444 - Myths and Misconceptions About Nuclear Science
Credits:
4.00
The discoveries of nuclear physics have spawned the
nuclear power plant and bomb, but also many far reaching,
though less recognized applications of nuclear science in
medicine, research, and our everyday lives. This course
examines the underlying physics of nuclear science, the
resulting technological applications and dangers, and some
of the implications for public policy. In the process, we
dispel many of the popular myths and misconceptions that
surround nuclear science and radiation in the public's mind
and the media. You may be surprised! Topics are wide
ranging and inherently interdisciplinary. They include
nuclear stability and radioactivity, natural sources of
radioactivity, the effects of radiation on living things,
particularly people, nuclear medicine, nuclear science in
fields such as biology, archeology, geology and
engineering, nuclear chain reactions, nuclear reactors and
energy, nuclear accidents, radioactive waste, nuclear
weapons and proliferation, nuclear energy in stars, and the
origin of the elements. Be prepared to actively participate.
PHYS 505 - General Physics III
Credits:
3.00
Electromagnetic waves, geometrical and physical optics,
relativity, atomic physics, elementary quantum mechanics,
molecular physics, and nuclear physics. Prereq: PHYS 408.
PHYS 506 - General Physics III Laboratory
Credits:
1.00
Structured laboratory experience in optics and modern
physics. Coreq: PHYS 505. Special fee. Lab.
Co-requisites:
PHYS 505
PHYS 508 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Credits:
4.00
Classical and statistical approach to thermodynamics,
kinetic theory. Prereq: PHYS 505. Coreq: MATH 526 or MATH
528.
Co-requisites:
PHYS 605 - Experimental Physics I
Credits:
5.00
Circuit design with passive and active elements including
transistors and operational amplifiers; electrical
measurements for experimental physics; digital electronics,
microprocessors, and interfacing techniques. Prereq: PHYS
408, 505; MATH 525 or 527. Lab.
PHYS 615 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I
Credits:
4.00
Analytical treatment of classical mechanics covering the
dynamics of particles and rigid bodies at an intermediate
level. Advanced mathematical analysis (complex numbers,
differential equations, Fourier series, multiple integrals)
are reviewed or introduced as needed to analyze physical
situations. Prereq: PHYS 407. Pre- or Coreq: MATH 527.
PHYS 616 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II
Credits:
4.00
Analytical treatment of classical mechanics covering the
dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, at an intermediate
level. Advanced mathematical analysis (complex numbers,
differential equations, Fourier series, multiple integrals)
are reviewed or introduced as needed to analyze physical
situations. Prereq: PHYS 615.
PHYS 701 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
Credits:
4.00
Nonrelativistic Schroedinger equation, the hydrogen atom,
applications to atomic and nuclear structure. Prereq: PHYS
505, 615, 616.
PHYS 702 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
Credits:
4.00
See description for PHYS 701.
PHYS 703 - Electricity and Magnetism I
Credits:
4.00
Foundation of electromagnetic theory; electrostatics,
dielectric theory, electromagnetism, magnetic properties
of matter, alternating currents, Maxwell's field theory.
Prereq: PHYS 408, 615, 616.
PHYS 704 - Electricity and Magnetism II
Credits:
4.00
See description for PHYS 703.
PHYS 705 - Experimental Physics II
Credits:
4.00
Modern physics experiments and special project problems
assigned to individual students. Prereq: PHYS 605; senior
standing in physics. Lab. Writing intensive.
PHYS 706 - Introduction to Physics Research
Credits:
1.00
Introduces research in physics including research
currently conducted at UNH, library resources, responsible
conduct in research, how research differs from coursework,
and how research results are presented in the research
community. Cr/F.
PHYS 708 - Optics
Credits:
4.00
Geometrical optics, electromagnetic theory of light,
interference, diffraction, polarization, related phenomena
and nonlinear optics. Prereq: PHYS 505, 615, 616. Lab.
PHYS 710 - Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
Credits:
4.00
Reviews the sun, stars, Milky Way, external galaxies, and
expansion of the universe. Recent discoveries of radio
galaxies, quasi-stellar objects, cosmic black-body
radiation, x rays, and gamma rays precede a discussion of
Newtonian and general relativistic cosmological models,
steady-state/big-bang theories, and matter-antimatter
models. Prereq: PHYS 505, 615, 616.
PHYS 712 - Introduction to Space Plasma Physics
Credits:
4.00
Introduces space plasma physics, including solar physics,
heliospheric physics, magnetospheric physics, and
ionospheric physics. An overview of the basic phenomena and
processes (e.g., particle acceleration and transport, shock
formation, magnetic structures and reconnection, wave
propagation, wave-particle interactions, instabilities),
theoretical techniques (e.g., single-particle orbits,
kinetic and fluid descriptions), and experimental
techniques. (Alternate years only.)
PHYS 718 - Introduction to Solid State Physics
Credits:
4.00
Theory and experiment underlying the behavior of solids.
Transport theory, surface studies, and the interaction of
radiation and matter. Operation of semiconducting and
superconducting devices and lasers. Prereq: PHYS 505, 615,
616.
Co-requisites:
PHYS 701
PHYS 720 - Nuclear Physics
Credits:
4.00
Nuclear phenomenology, reactions, models, radiation,
interaction of radiation with matter; accelerators;
properties and interactions of elementary particles;
symmetries and symmetry breaking; standard model. Prereq:
PHYS 702, 704.
PHYS 764 - General Relativity and Cosmology
Credits:
4.00
Review of special relativity, and the motivation for
considering gravity in terms of curvature of spacetime.
Introduction to Riemannian geometry, general relativity and
Einstein's equations. Application of general relativity in
the study of black holes, gravitational waves, cosmology,
as well as recent results on inflation and quantum gravity.
(Alternate years only.)
PHYS 791 - Special Topics
Credits:
4.00
Any selected topics not covered sufficiently in a general
course may be studied. May be repeated to a maximum of 8
credits.
PHYS 795 - Independent Study
Credits:
1.00 to 8.00
Individual project under direction of a faculty adviser.
Prereq: department permission.
PHYS 799 - Thesis
Credits:
4.00
Students work under the direction of a faculty sponsor to
plan and carry out independent research resulting in a
written thesis. Required for honors-in-major. Restricted to
seniors. Prereq: permission. May be repeated to 8 credits.
Writing intensive.