Physics Courses Currently Available at WSU
INDEX
The courses available in the Physics Department are listed below in order of catalog number. The number of credit hours for the courses are given in parentheses. The semester(s) in which the course is typically offered is listed in italics (Su=summer, F=fall, S=spring). Please click on the highlighted name for more information about the course you are interested in.
You may also wish to see the official on-line catalog
GENERAL EDUCATION / INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS COURSES
Note: The following physics courses satisfy the Physical Science requirement: 1010, 1040, 1360, 2010, 2210. The following physics courses satisfy the Scientific Inquiry requirement: 1010, 1040, 1360, 2010, 2020, 2210, 2220.
PHYS 1010. Elementary Physics (3) Su, F, S
PHYS 1040. Elementary Astronomy (3) Su, F, S
PHYS 1360. Principles of Physical Science (3) S
PHYS 2010. College Physics I (5) Su, F, S
PHYS 2015. College Physics I Lab (1) Su, F, S
PHYS 2020. College Physics II (5) Su, F, S
PHYS 2025. College Physics II Lab (1) Su, F, S
PHYS 2090. Environmental Physics - Energy and Power (3)
PHYS 2210. Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (5) F, S
PHYS 2215. Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab (1) F, S
PHYS 2220. Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (5) F, S
PHYS 2225. Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab (1) F, S
UPPER LEVEL PHYSICS COURSES
PHYS 2300. Scientific Computing with C++ and Fortran (3) F
PHYS 2600. Laboratory Safety (1) F, S
PHYS 2710. Introductory Modern Physics (3) S
PHYS 2800. Introductory Individual Research Problems (1-3) Su, F, S
PHYS 2830. Introductory Readings in Physics (1-3) Su, F, S
PHYS 2890. Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) ) Su, F, S
PHYS 2920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes, and Special Programs (1-4)
PHYS 3160. Astrophysics (3) F
PHYS 3180. Thermal Physics (3) S
PHYS 3190. Applied Optics (3) F
PHYS 3200. Solid State Physics (4), S, alternate years - even
PHYS 3300. Computational Physics (3) S, alternate years - odd
PHYS 3410. Electronics for Scientists (4) F
PHYS 3420. Data Acquisition and Analysis (3) S, alternate years - odd
PHYS 3500. Analytical Mechanics (3) F
PHYS 3510. Electromagnetic Theory (3) F
PHYS 3540. Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (3) S
PHYS 3640. Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) S
PHYS 4570. Secondary School Science Teaching Methods (3) F
PHYS 4610. Quantum Mechanics (3) F
PHYS 4620. Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics (3) S
PHYS 4800. Individual Research Problems (1-3) Su, F, S
PHYS 4830. Readings in Physics (1-3) Su, F, S
PHYS 4890. Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) Su, F, S
PHYS 4920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes, and Special Programs (1-4)
PHYS 4970. Senior Thesis (2) Su, F, S
PHYS 4990. Seminars in Physics (1) F, S
PHYS 5030. Physics for Teachers (2-3)
PHYS 1010. Elementary Physics (3) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: A brief survey of physics at the introductory level. Topics covered include laws of motion, gravity, energy, light, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, radioactivity, and relativity. Three hours of lecture per week.
Additional Course Description: This is an introductory-level physics course which aims at providing the student with a broad and general background in many different areas of physics. The topics in this course include mechanics, heat, optics, atomic, nuclear and particle physics and relativity.
Prerequisites: none.
Official Departmental Syllabus
PHYS 1040. Elementary Astronomy (3) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: A brief survey of the physical universe using the fundamental laws of physics. Topics include the history of astronomy, the solar system, the sun, the evolution of stars, pulsars, black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies, quasars, and the Big Bang. Three hours of lecture per week.
Additional Course Description: This introductory-level course is designed to give the student an overview of the physical universe and the objects contained within it - the planets, stars, and galaxies. The basic physical processes of gravitation, light, and atomic and nuclear physics are studied and used to describe and explain the structure and evolution of astronomical objects.
Prerequisites: none.
Official Departmental Syllabus
PHYS 1360. Principles of Physical Science (3) S
Catalog Description: A lecture/laboratory course designed to provide an introduction to the scientific method and its application to the study of selected topics in physics and chemistry. Two hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week. Recommended for Elementary Education majors.
Additional Course Description: Physics 1360 is a lecture/laboratory course recommended for Elementary Education majors. It is designed to provide an introduction to the scientific method and its application to the study of selected topics in physics and chemistry, and is presently being team-taught by faculty from physics and chemistry. There are two classroom sessions plus one three-hour lab per week. Classroom demonstrations involving student participation are used throughout the classroom sessions. The instructors make every effort to provide the students (future elementary school teachers) with a model of how science should be taught in the classroom.
Prerequisites: none.
References: Reading materials produced explicitly for this course.
Suggested Syllabus: The nature of science, measurement, classification, experimentation, representing data, motion and Newton's laws, energy and work, heat and temperature, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, light, chemical elements, atomic structure, forces between particles, atomic weights, electronic structure of atoms, chemical compounds, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, polymers.
PHYS 2010. College Physics I (5) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: First semester of a two-semester sequence in general physics, primarily for students in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, technology and other disciplines requiring physics without calculus. This semester covers topics in mechanics, including kinematics,
Additional Course Description: PHYS PS2010-2020 is an algebra-based physics course. This first semester of the two-semester sequence describes both the translational and rotational motions of objects, and the forces and torques that act on them.
Prerequisites: Math 1060 (minimum grade of C)
PHYS 2019. College Physics I Lab (1) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Co-requisite PHYS PS/SI2010. One 3-hour lab per week. Enrollment limited to transfer students.
PHYS 2020. College Physics II (5) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Second semester of a two-semester sequence in general physics. This semester covers topics in electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light and optics, relativity, atomic, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS PS/SI2010. Class meets five hours per week in lecture/discussion format. One 3-hour lab per week (PHYS 2029).
Additional Course Description: The second semester of General Physics starts with the basic properties and sources of electric and magnetic fields and the properties of electromagnetic waves. The course then examines the nature of light, including geometrical optics. Three areas of modern physics are also discussed: the special theory of relativity, quantum physics, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2010 (minimum grade of C)
PHYS 2029. College Physics II Lab (1) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Co-requisite PHYS SI2020. One 3-hour lab per week. Enrollment limited to transfer students.
PHYS 2090. Environmental Physics - Energy and Power (3)
Catalog Description: An interdisciplinary course dealing with the chemical and physical concepts of energy and power. Emphasis will be placed on the emerging energy crisis, effects upon the environment and the quality of life.
PHYS 2210. Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (5) F, S
Catalog Description: First semester of a two-semester sequence in calculus-based physics, primarily for students in science, math, computer science, and pre engineering. This semester covers topics in mechanics, including kinematics,
Additional Course Description: PHYS PS2210-2220 is a calculus-based physics course. The first semester describes both the translational and rotational motions of objects, and the forces and torques that act on them.
Prerequisites: Math 1210 (co-requisite)
PHYS 2219. Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab (1) F, S
Catalog Description: Co-requisite PHYS PS/SI2210. One 3-hour lab per week. Enrollment limited to transfer students.
PHYS 2220. Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (5) F, S
Catalog Description: Second semester of a two semester sequence in calculus-based physics. This semester covers topics in electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light and optics, relativity, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS PS/SI2210. Co-requisite: MATH SI1220. Class meets five hours per week in lecture/discussion format. One 3-hour lab per week (PHYS 2229).
Additional Course Description: The second semester of Physics for Scientists and Engineers starts with a description of the basic properties and sources of electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell's equations are then used to study the properties of electromagnetic waves. The course then examines the nature of light. Three areas of modern physics are also discussed: the special theory of relativity, quantum physics, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2210 (minimum grade of C) and Math 1220 (corequisite)
PHYS 2229. Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab (1) F, S
Catalog Description: Co-requisite PHYS SI2220. One 3-hour lab per week. Enrollment limited to transfer students.
PHYS 2300. Scientific Computing with C++ and Fortran (3) F
Catalog Description: Introduction to the C, C++, and Fortran programming languages. General programming theory and practice. Introduction to applications of computers and computer programming in the sciences.
Prerequisites: Math 1050 and Math 1060 (minimum grades of C), or Math 1080 (minimum grade of C), or placement test.
PHYS 2600. Laboratory Safety (1) F, S
Catalog Description: An interdisciplinary, team-taught course that will be an overview of the major chemical, biological and physical safety issues related to science laboratories and field work. Class will meet once per week and will be taught in a lecture/demonstration format.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 2710. Introductory Modern Physics (3) S
Catalog Description: Relativity, quantum effects, the hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms, molecular and solid-state bonding, quantum effect devices, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, and devices, elementary particles. Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 1220.
Additional Course Description: This course presents an introduction to our modern understanding of nature, which has been developed during the twentieth century. Topics include Einstein's special theory of relativity, the theory of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, the nature of atoms, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 1220 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 2800. Introductory Individual Research Problems (1-3) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Time and credit to be arranged. Intended for students working on a directed research project which includes physics at the lower division level for one or more semesters. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 2830. Introductory Readings
Catalog Description: Time and credit to be arranged. Intended for students working on a directed reading project which includes physics at the lower division level for one or more semesters. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 2890. Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) ) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Open to all students in the Physics Department who meet the minimum Cooperative Work Experience requirements of the department. Provides academic credit for on-the-job experience. Grade and amount of credit will be determined by the department.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 2920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes, and Special Programs (1-4)
Catalog Description: Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 3160. Astrophysics (3) F
Catalog Description: Selected topics in astrophysics which may include telescopes, celestial mechanics, stellar structure and evolution, stellar pulsation, supernovae, black holes, interstellar medium, galactic structure, active galaxies, quasars, galactic clusters and superclusters, and cosmology. Prerequiste: PHYS 2220.
Additional Course Description: Astrophysics uses fundamental physical processes in order to understand the wide variety of phenomena found throughout the universe. Consequently, the whole range of ideas studied in the PHYS 2210/PHYS 2220 series is applied to planetary and stellar systems. In this course we will investigate the orbital motions of planets, the nature of our Sun, the dust and gas found between the stars, the evolution of stars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Students will also have the opportunity to build computer models of astrophysical systems using programs that are based on the physical processes discussed in class.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 (minimum grade of C)
PHYS 3180. Thermal Physics (3) S
Catalog Description: An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include heat and work; ideal gases; equipartition of energy; entropy; the Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein distribution; applications to heat engines, refrigeration, chemical equilibrium, phase transitions, blackbody radiation, and properties of solids. Prerequiste: PHYS 2220and Math 1220.
Additional Course Description: Thermodynamics deals with systems containing very large numbers of particles, bridging the gap between the microscopic and macroscopic description of such systems. We will see how heat, temperature, and pressure are related to the motions and energies of individual atoms. We will also learn why many processes are irreversible and study the implications of this fact.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 1220 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 3190. Applied Optics (3) F
Catalog Description: Geometrical and physical optics, lasers, lenses, optical instruments, interference, thin films, interferometry, holography, diffraction, gratings, crystal diffraction, polarization. Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 1220. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab a week.
Additional Course Description: This survey course is an introduction to classical and modern optics. The laboratory section of the class provides hands-on experience with the material covered in lecture. Significant experience will be gained with applications of optics including photonics, interferometry, and lasers.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 1220 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 3200. Solid State
Catalog Description: Modern theory of the solid state, with emphasis on crystal structures, energy gands and fermi levels, conduction in metals and semiconductors, Hall effect, photoconductivity, junction diodes and transistors, field effect transistors, integrated circuit structure and fabrication.
Additional Course Description: The laws of classical physics and quantum mechanics are used to describe the behavior of atoms and shared electrons in solids. Analysis of this behavior explains properties of solids that can be measured in laboratories and can be used in technology.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2710 (or it may be taken at the same time)
PHYS 3300. Computational Physics (3) S, alternate years - odd
Catalog Description: Computational techniques are discussed in the context of addressing important physical problems. Topics may include root-finding algorithms, curve fitting, interpolation methods, linear systems, numerical integrations, differential equations, boundary value problems, finite difference methods, eigenvalue problems, Fourier analysis, and
Additional Course Description: Since their introduction, computers have played an important role in our ability to understand the physical universe. With the increasing availability of high-speed computers on the desktop, these machines are fast becoming indispensable tools for all physicists. In this course, basic numerical methods will be presented that are commonly used in the modeling of real physical systems. These methods will allow us to explore a variety of complex problems encountered in physics that do not, in general, have purely analytical systems.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220; Math 2250; a computer programming language
PHYS 3410. Electronics for Scientists (4) F
Catalog Description: An introductory course in electronics for students in physics and other sciences. The course includes D.C. and a.c. circuit analysis using complex impedances and covers basic principles of semiconductor operation, transistors, analog and digital integrated circuits, analog-to-digital conversion techniques used in computer interfacing, and noise. Prerequisite: PHYS SI2220. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab a week. Prerequiste: PHYS 2220.
Additional Course Description: Measurements of physical phenomena in the laboratory almost always involve the need to detect some event, produce an electrical signal associated with that event, amplify that signal, and treat or analyze that signal in some way. Often this involves using a computer for data gathering and/or experiment control. These steps require a knowledge of electronics that goes beyond the basic Kirchhoff's law and Ohm's law learned in the introductory course. The courses Electronics I and II are designed to introduce students to basic electronics principles, both analog and digital, that will allow them to move into advanced laboratory work in physics and other fields of science.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2220 (minimum grade of C)
PHYS 3420. Data Acquisition and Analysis (3) S, alternate years - odd
Catalog Description: Intermediate-level course in computer interfacing (data acquisition and analysis) for students in physics and all other sciences. Topics may include: data acquisition with industry-standard software packages, computerized test and measurement, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, data acquisition electronics, electronic sensors (thermal sensors, light sensors, etc.), least squares curve fitting, fast Fourier transforms (FFT), Nyquist's theorem, noisy and weak signals. Prerequisite: PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2220. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab a week.
Additional Course Description: Measurements of physical phenomena in the laboratory almost always involve the need to detect some event, produce an electrical signal associated with that event, amplify that signal, and treat or analyze that signal in some way. Typically this involves using a computer or microcontroller for data gathering and/or experiment control. Ultimately, this is a computer programming course on how to make a computer or circuit chip acquire and analyze data. This course also covers the analysis of experimental data covering topics such as statistics, noise, systemic error, random error (i.e., accuracy vs. precision), curve fitting, etc. Other topics may include the preparation and presentation of data by creating professional quality graphs and tables. This course will enhance a student's skills in advanced laboratory work in physics and other fields of science and engineering.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2220
PHYS 3500. Analytical Mechanics (3) F
Catalog Description: Particle motion, oscillating systems; planetary motion, stability of orbits; collisions; Euler's equations, gyroscopic motion; Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, theory of vibrations. Prerequiste: PHYS 2220, Math 2250.
Additional Course Description: This course employs differential equations to solve many of the problems involving the relationships between position and time for classical mechanical situations. It deals with the concepts and relationships of motion, force, mass, acceleration, energy, torque, momentum, and related topics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 2280 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 3510. Electromagnetic Theory (3) F
Catalog Description: Vector analysis; electrostatics; calculating electric potentials; solving Laplace's equation; multipole expansions; electrostatic fields in matter; magnetostatics; charges in motion; electrodynamics; Faraday's law; Maxwell's equations. Prerequistes: PHYS 2220, Math 2210 and Math 2250.
Additional Course Description: The theory of electromagnetism describes the behavior of electric and magnetic fields and how they are produced by electric charge. During the first quarter, the geometry of static electric and magnetic fields is investigated, along with the electric charges and currents that produce the fields. Techniques for calculating electric and magnetic fields from potentials are developed. The properties of static electric and magnetic fields inside matter are also studied.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, Math 2210, Math 2280 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 3540. Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (3) S
Catalog Description: Periodic motions, free and forced vibrations; resonance; normal modes; dispersion; boundary conditions; electromagnetic waves and light; the Fresnel equations; electromagnetic radiation from accelerating charges. Prerequisites: PHYS 3500, PHYS 3510.
Additional Course Description: This course examines wave phenomena that are common to all waves, with examples drawn from many areas of classical mechanics and electromagnetic theory. Beginning with the periodic motion of simple mechanical systems, the course progresses through the superposition of periodic motions, the free and forced vibration of physical systems and the conditions for resonance. The study of coupled oscillators and their normal modes leads to Fourier analysis. Wave pulses are used to study dispersion, and phase and group velocities. Finally, the study of boundary conditions finds application with both mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Maxwell's equations are manipulated to reveal the existence of electromagnetic waves. The basic laws of optics are then derived, and the emission of light by moving charges is studied.
Prerequisites: PHYS 3500, PHYS 3510 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 3570. Foundations of Science Education
Catalog Description: A thorough investigation of research in science learning and curricularstandards at the state and national levels. Foundations of thephilosophy of science and scientific inquiry as applicable to scienceteaching at the secondary level. This course serves as a foundation toa preservice science teacher's education coursework.Prerequisites: None.
PHYS 3640. Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) S
Catalog Description: Advanced experiments in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and nuclear physics. Introduction to computerized data acquisition and data analysis. Two two-hour labs each week. Prerequiste: PHYS 2220 and PHYS 3410
Additional Course description: Advanced experiments involving many of the fundamental concepts of classical physics, the determination of many of the fundamental constants, and an introduction to the basic instrumentation used in nuclear physics. Emphasis is placed on obtaining hands-on experience and developing laboratory skills. Key skills developed in this course include error analysis, computer-based analysis of data, presentation of results, experimental techniques, and the ability to use advanced-laboratory instrumentation.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220, PHYS 3410 (minimum grades of C)
PHYS 4570. Secondary School Science Teaching Methods (3) F
Catalog Description: Acquaintance and practice with various teaching and assessment methods.Development of science curricula including lesson and unit plans. It isrecommended that this course be completed immediately before studentteaching.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program
PHYS 4610. Quantum Mechanics (3) F
Catalog Description: Wave-particle duality, Schrodinger equation, wave function, quantization rules, one-dimensional motion, one-electron atoms, spin and orbital angular momentum. Prerequisite: PHYS 2710 Corequisties: PHYS 3500, Math 3710.
Additional Course Description: Quantum mechanics is the theory of the interactions of electrons and atoms. These particles behave in many ways like waves, governed by the Schrodinger equation. We will solve this equation for a variety of systems, and discuss the origin of the quantization of energy and angular momentum.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2710, Math 2270 (minimum grades of C) Corequisties: PHYS 3500
PHYS 4620. Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics (3) S
Catalog Description: Approximation methods, multielectron atoms, atomic radiation, nuclear models, nuclear decay, fission and fusion, nuclear forces, elementary particles, quark model, strong and electroweak interactions, unified field theories. Prerequistie: PHYS 4610.
Additional Course Description: This course is the application of quantum mechanics to the study of atomic, molecular, nuclear, and particle physics. Approximation techniques like perturbation theory and the variational method are studied. These techniques are applied to study the Zeeman effect, Stark effect, and multi-electron atoms like the helium atom. The rotational and vibrational energies of molecules may also be investigated. The course then moves on to discuss nuclear phenomena, including nuclear models, radioactive decay, nuclear force, and the study of fission and fusion reactions. The course will conclude with the study of particle physics, including the discovery of pions, kaons, etc., the quark-parton model, and the gauge theory of elementary particles.
Prerequisite: PHYS 4610 (minimum grade of C)
PHYS 4800. Individual Research Problems (1-3) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: Time and credit to be arranged. Open to qualified students for one or more quarters. Prerequiste: consent of instructor.
Additional Course Description: This course provides the student with the opportunity for independent work in physics. The student should select the topic under the guidance and with the consent of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 4830. Readings
Catalog Description: Topics which can be studied include (but are not limited to): mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, electronics, electromagnetism, optics, solid-state physics, modern physics, nuclear physics, relativity, cosmology, and astrophysics. These courses may be taken at any time on a personalized basis. Time and credit to be arranged. May be repeated. Prerequiste: consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 4890. Cooperative Work Experience (1-6) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: A continuation of PHYS 2890. Open to all students.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 4920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes, and Special Programs (1-4)
Catalog Description: Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
Prerequisites: none.
PHYS 4970. Senior Thesis (2) Su, F, S
Catalog Description: An individual research program pursued under faculty supervision. It is expected that one or more semester of research (PHYS 4800) will precede registration for this course. Course evaluation will include an oral and a written report. Prerequistes: senior class standing and consent of departmental committee.
Prerequisite: Senior class standing and consent of Departmental committee.
PHYS 4990. Seminars in Physics (1) F, S
Catalog Description: Joint sessions of faculty and students devoted to current topics in physics. Students taking this course for credit will make a presentation based on individual library research of a topic agreed on with the faculty advisor. One credit required for physics majors. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequiste: previous upper division physics course.
Additional Course Description: This course provides the student with the opportunity to make a presentation based on library or original research of a physics topic agreed on with a faculty advisor.
Prerequisite: Previous upper division physics courses.
PHYS 5030. Physics for Teachers (2-3)
Catalog Description: Science content course for teachers in the M.Ed. Science Emphasis Program. To register, select another departmental course and develop a contract detailing additional work required for graduate credit. Course may be repeated. Contract must be approved by instructor, departmental chair, and Director of the Master of Education Program.