• PHYS 2620

    Modern Physics
     Rating

    3.42

     Difficulty

    3.58

     GPA

    3.03

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Introduction to quantum physics and relativity, with application to atomic structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Three lecture hours, one problem hour. Prerequisite: PHYS 1720 or 2410 or 2415, and MATH 2310 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3660

    Quantum Physics II
     Rating

    3.56

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.24

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Continuation of PHYS 3650. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650.

  • PHYS 1420

    Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.67

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    First semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: MATH 1310; Co-requisite: MATH 1320; or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1010

    The Physical Universe
     Rating

    3.92

     Difficulty

    2.62

     GPA

    3.23

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    In this class you will get a chance to explore the scientific wonders of the universe. Topics vary each semester but generally include: motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, relativity, atomic structure, molecules, quantum physics, the nucleus, chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, the solar system, stars, and cosmology. PHYS 1010 requires limited math, but has wide applications like electronics, wifi, rockets, satellites, nuclear reactors, lasers, climate change, earthquakes, the tides, eclipses, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, and the origin of universe. PHYS 1010 is for non-science majors. Premedical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020.

  • PHYS 3180

    Advanced Laboratory B
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.41

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2640 or PHYS 3140

  • PHYS 1060

    How Things Work
     Rating

    4.05

     Difficulty

    3.09

     GPA

    3.14

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Explores the physics behind everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and their principles of operation. Through these explorations, the course illustrates the deep impact of physics on our lives and on our society, addressing topics like climate change, energy policy, and economic growth. PHYS 1060 focuses on electricity, magnetism, light, special materials and nuclear science. PHYS 1050 and 1060 may be taken in either order.

  • PHYS 1655

    Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers
     Rating

    4.08

     Difficulty

    4.25

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course provides an introduction to the Python programming language with applications to common problems in the science and engineering fields. It emphasizes three core skills: analyzing data, simulating data, and visualizing data. No previous programming or computer experience is required. Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1660

    Practical Computing for the Physical Sciences
     Rating

    4.30

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.75

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course teaches how to use the computer to solve quantitative problems. This involves learning the skills to write computer programs dedicated to certain tasks, to visualize data graphically, to use scientific software, and to learn other practical skills that are important for a future career in the sciences.

  • PHYS 3250

    Applied Nuclear Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.32

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Applications of nuclear physics and nuclear energy: Introduction to nuclear physics, radioactivity, radiation standards and units, interaction of radiation with matter, accelerators, x-ray generators, detectors, biological effects, nuclear medicine, nuclear fission and reactors, nuclear fusion. Three lecture hours. (Y) Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3620

    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    2.65

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    The course will examine basic principles of simple theories for metals, the basics of crystallography and crystal structures, the reciprocal space, lattice vibrations, elastic properties of solids, electronic band structure, impurities and defects, dielectric properties, magnetism and superconductivity. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620.