PHYS 1010      (Active) Elementary Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):MAT 1010 For students interested in a one-semester survey physics course and students in Allied health programs. Covers the fundamentals of classical and modern physics. Includes mechanics, fluids, heat, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light, optical, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics. Includes lectures, classroom interaction, demonstration, and problem solving.

PHYS 1040    (Cross Listed With:  ASTR 1040 ,  ASTR 1040 ,  )   (Active) Elementary Astronomy 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Su, F, Sp; DE An introduction to astronomy and cosmology. Explores interesting concepts such as the big bang and black holes. Includes observational exercises including the use of binoculars and telescopes.

PHYS 1050      (Active) Investigations of the Solar System 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):MATH 1030 or any higher mathematics Offers a descriptive and conceptual survey of the solar system. Describes the probable origin and evolution of the sun and planets, and the workings of the sun. Covers light, optics and spectroscopy, and the mechanics of orbital motion. Compares planets by their origins, structures and atmospheres. While the presentation is primarily qualitative, assumes rudimentary math skills on the part of the student to facilitate comparative studies of solar system objects.

PHYS 1060      (Active) Investigations of Stars and Galaxies 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):MATH 1030 or any higher mathematics Describes the origins and evolutions of stars, and collections of stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Includes introduction to cosmology. Teaches the law of gravity and those laws of physics connected with optics and spectroscopy. Emphasizes conceptual learning, and assumes rudimentary mathematical skills on the part of students to facilitate comparative studies.

PHYS 1070      (Active) Cultural Astronomy in Our Lives 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F, Sp For those interested in learning about the astronomical realm around us and those having a special interest in anthropology. Explores the visible sky as seen with the naked eye. Presents examples of cultural interpretations of the sun, moon, planets and stars, methods of keeping calendars, and changes that occur through the seasons. Studies the motions of the planets, including the earth, and changes in the sky from different latitudes. Investigates how astronomy has impacted the lives of people throughout the ages and around the world. Includes extensive use of the UVU planetarium, nighttime observation, illustrated lectures, and class demonstrations.

PHYS 1075      (Active) Honors Cultural Astronomy in Our Lives Laboratory 1.0 : 0.0 : 3.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):Instructor permission required Corequisites(s):PHYS 107H Studies ancient southwestern native astronomy in correlation with modern astronomy. Includes a four day trip to Hovenweep, Chaco Canyon, and Mesa Verde Anasazi sites.

PHYS 107H      (Active) Cultural Astronomy in Our Lives 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    On Sufficient Demand Corequisites(s):PHYS 1075 For those interested in learning about the astronomical realm around us and those having a special interest in anthropology. Explores the visible sky as seen with the naked eye. Presents examples of cultural interpretations of the sun, moon, planets and stars, methods of keeping calendars, and changes that occur through the seasons. Studies the motions of the planets, including the earth, and changes in the sky from different latitudes. Investigates how astronomy has impacted the lives of people throughout the ages and around the world. Includes extensive use of the UVU planetarium, nighttime observation, illustrated lectures, and class discussion.

PHYS 1080      (Active) Life in the Universe 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F, Sp Presents a general introduction to the scientific method of understanding life, its origins, and its place in the universe. Discusses the philosophy governing the scientific view of learning about life. Treats in detail what life is, the adaptability of life and how it evolves, why Earthlike conditions resulted in life as we know it, what other environmental conditions might sustain life, and where life may be found beyond Earth.

PHYS 1700      (Active) Descriptive Acoustics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):MAT 1010 Introduces the science of sound, music and speech and the physical principles and technology used to manipulate, store and broadcast it.

PHYS 1800      (Active) Energy You and the Environment 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0     Answers the question, "Where does energy come from, and where does it go?". Examines the methods of energy production, distribution, and consumption in society and their environmental impacts. Examines the personal impact of energy use on the environment and explores alternatives, such as fuel cell cars, and a hydrogen economy. Examines prospects for alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, nuclear and geothermal energy at length. Intended for non-science majors interested in energy use in society.

PHYS 2010      (Active) College Physics I 4.0 : 4.0 : 0.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):MAT 1010 Corequisites(s):PHYS 2015 For students desiring a two semester algebra based course in applied physics. Covers mechanics, fluids, heat, and thermodynamics.

PHYS 2015      (Active) College Physics I Lab 1.0 : 0.0 : 2.0    Su, F, Sp Designed to accompany PHYS 2010. Provides firsthand experience with the laws of mechanics, fluids, heat, thermodynamics, and data analysis.

PHYS 2020      (Active) College Physics II 4.0 : 4.0 : 0.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2010 Corequisites(s):PHYS 2025 A continuation of PHYS 2010. Covers electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, optics, and nuclear physics.

PHYS 2025      (Active) College Physics II Lab 1.0 : 0.0 : 2.0    Su, F, Sp Designed to accompany PHYS 2020. Provides firsthand experience with the laws of electricity, waves, optics, nuclear physics, and data analysis.

PHYS 2210      (Active) Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4.0 : 4.0 : 1.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):MATH 1210 Corequisites(s):PHYS 2215 A calculus-based treatment of introductory physics for scientists and engineers. Topics include mechanics, fluid physics, thermodynamics, vibrations, and waves. Includes 1 hour of recitation per week.

PHYS 2215      (Active) Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab 1.0 : 0.0 : 2.0    Su, F, Sp Designed to accompany PHYS 2210. Provides firsthand experience with the laws of mechanics, thermal physics, vibrations, and waves. Introduces methods of scientific data analysis.

PHYS 2220      (Active) Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4.0 : 4.0 : 1.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2210, MATH 1220 Corequisites(s):PHYS 2225 A continuation of PHYS 2210. Covers electricity and magnetism, inclusive of Maxwell's equations. Develops theory of electromagnetic waves and optics. Presents introductory electronics and modern physics topics. Includes one hour of recitation.

PHYS 2225      (Active) Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab 1.0 : 0.0 : 2.0    Su, F, Sp Designed to accompany PHYS 2220. Verifies through laboratory experience the laws of electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, and optics. Principles of data collection and analysis are emphasized.

PHYS 295R      (Active) Introduction to Independent Research 1.0 to 3.0 : 0.0 : 3.0 to 9.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2210, Departmental Approval Working under faculty supervision, allows research on a project determined jointly with a faculty member and approved by the department chair. Emphasizes experimental technique, data collection, modeling, and analysis techniques. May be repeated for no more than six hours of elective credit.

PHYS 3010      (Active) Physics Experiments for Secondary Education 1.0 : 0.0 : 3.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2210, MATH 1050, MATH 1210, PHYS 2220, MATH 1060 For secondary education students. Emphasizes physics or chemistry. Addresses pedagogical methods for student physics laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Studies currently available commercial laboratory equipment for teaching physics in a lab setting. Includes ideas and methods for building inexpensive demonstrations and lab exercises. Provides training in safe and effective use of lab equipment.

PHYS 3040      (Active) Modern Physics for Secondary Education 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Not 06-07 Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, MATH 1220 Addresses topics of special relativity, development of quantum mechanics, physics of the atom, elementary solid state physics, and elementary particle physics.

PHYS 3050    (Cross Listed With:  ASTR 3050 ,  ASTR 3050 ,  )   (Active) Astrophysics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, MATH 1220 Covers the physics of stars, star clusters, and galaxies. Treats in detail the current methods of astronomical data collection and analysis. Discusses the mathematics of the Theories of Relativity and its implications for the origin and structure of the Universe.

PHYS 3210      (Active) Introduction to Experimental Physics I 2.0 : 1.0 : 3.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2210 or instructor's consent Introduces selected experiments of classical and modern physics in a laboratory setting. Addresses topics of measurement, data analysis, report writing with an emphasis on modern instrumentation and computer assisted acquisition and analysis of data.

PHYS 3220      (Active) Introduction to Experimental Physics II 2.0 : 1.0 : 3.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3210 Introduces selected experiments of classical and modern physics in a laboratory setting. Addresses topics of measurement, data analysis, report writing with an emphasis on modern instrumentation and computer assisted acquisition using LabVIEW and analysis of data. Provides instruction in LabVIEW programming.

PHYS 3230      (Active) Principles of Electronics for the Physical Sciences 3.0 : 2.0 : 3.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 Introduces electronic measurement instruments commonly used in experimental physics laboratories. Covers principles of electronic measurements using transducers, solid-state devices, circuit analysis, logic circuits, and computers. Includes lab experience.

PHYS 3300      (Active) Mathematical Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):MATH 2210 Pre- or Corequisite(s):MATH 2280 or instructor consent Covers the applications of mathematical tools to experimental and theoretical research in the physical sciences. Introduces problems and systems common to physical science that can be modeled by the application of vector and tensor algebra, curvilinear coordinates, linear algebra, complex variables, Fourier series and transforms, differential and integral equations.

PHYS 3400      (Active) Classical Mechanics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220 Pre- or Corequisite(s):PHYS 3300 (recommended) Treats classical mechanics of particles and systems using advanced mathematical techniques. Covers conservation principles, Lagrangian dynamics, harmonic oscillators, motion of rigid bodies and non-inertial reference frames.

PHYS 3500      (Active) Thermodynamics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 Addresses topics of heat, temperature, ideal gases, laws of thermodynamics, entropy, reversibility, thermal properties of solids, phase transitions, thermodynamics of magnetism, and negative temperature.

PHYS 3740      (Active) Modern Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220 Pre- or Corequisite(s):MATH 2280 Addresses topics of special relativity, development of quantum mechanics, physics of the atom, elementary solid state physics, and elementary particle physics.

PHYS 3800    (Cross Listed With:  ENVT 3800 ,  CHEM 3800 ,  ENVT 3800 ,  CHEM 3800 ,  )   (Active) Energy use on Earth 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):(PHYS 1010 or PHSC 1000 or CHEM 1010 or GEO 1010 or GEO 2040 or METO 1010) and MATH 1050 Covers the science of energy production and consumption. Quantitatively analyzes various methods of energy production, distribution, and end use in all sectors of our society, including transportation, residential living, and industry. Examines the impacts of our energy consumption on the environment and prospects for alternative energy sources. Intended for science majors interested in energy use in society or in an energy related career, and for students in other majors who feel that a technical understanding of energy use will help them to understand and mitigate its impact in our society.

PHYS 4100      (Active) Biophysics 3.0 : 3.0 : 1.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3740, BIOL 1610, or instructor approval Covers the thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of biological systems, the mechanics of biologically important molecules, and the laws of fluid mechanics as applied in biological systems. Uses calculus-based mathematical models to treat specific reactions, particularly those treating biological systems as molecular machines.

PHYS 4210      (Active) Advanced Experimental Techniques 3.0 : 1.0 : 4.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3220, PHYS 3230, or instructor's consent Introduces fundamental skills required for conducting successful scientific research in a physics laboratory setting. Covers vacuum technology, basic machine shop practice, electronic instrumentation, electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and x-ray diffractometry.

PHYS 425R      (Active) Physics for Teachers 1.0 to 5.0 : 1.0 to 5.0 : 0.0 to 10.0     Prerequisite(s):Department Approval For licensed teachers or teachers seeking to recertify, an update course in physics and/or basic physics core courses for teachers needing physics or physical science endorsements from the Utah State Office of Education. Teaches principles of physics and pedagogy of teaching physics for teachers in public or private schools. Emphasis will be placed on correlation with the Utah Core Curriculum, the National Science Education Standards, and the Benchmarks of Project 2061. Topics will vary.

PHYS 4300      (Active) Computational Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3300 Covers computational algorithms with specific applications to the description of physical systems. Covers iterative approximation methods, computations using matrices and vectors, numerical integration, solutions of differential equations. Uses a computer programming approach to problem solving.

PHYS 4410      (Active) Electrostatics and Magnetism 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3740, PHYS 3300 Explores the theory of electrostatic phenomena in a mathematically rigorous manner. Covers Gauss' Law, the Laplace and Poisson equations, boundary-value problems, and dielectrics.

PHYS 4420      (Active) Electrodynamics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 4410 Explores the theory of electrodynamic phenomena in a mathematically rigorous manner. Covers Ohm's and Kirchhoff's Laws, magnetic induction, the Biot- Savart Law, Ampere's Law, Ferromagnetism, Plasmas, Maxwell's Equations, and Special Relativity.

PHYS 4510      (Active) Quantum Mechanics I 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3740, PHYS 3300 Covers postulates of quantum mechanics, state functions of quantum systems, Hermitian Operators, the Schrodinger Equation, eigenfunctions of harmonic oscillators, and particles in potential wells.

PHYS 4520      (Active) Quantum Mechanics II 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 4510 Covers general principles and applications of quantum mechanics. Addresses topics of three-dimensional problems, angular momentum operators, spin wavefunctions, perturbation theory, applications to atomic, molecular, solid-state, and nuclear physics.

PHYS 4600      (Active) Optics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3740, PHYS 4410 Covers the phenomena of reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, optical behavior in materials and lasers. Presents a mathematically rigorous description of optical phenomena. Includes lab experience.

PHYS 4700      (Active) Acoustics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    F Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 Covers phenomena of sound, resonance, acoustics, and human hearing. Treats associated topics of waves, frequency, vibration and interference using appropriate mathematical tools.

PHYS 4800      (Active) Solid State Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 3740, PHYS 4510 Explores topics relevant to the structure, behavior, and properties of crystalline materials. Includes a study of lattice vibrations, free electrons, semiconductors, superconductivity, dielectric and ferroelectric materials and magnetism.

PHYS 481R      (Active) Physics Internship 1.0 to 4.0 : 0.0 : 5.0 to 20.0     Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220 and Departmental Approval Provides supervised, practical, and research experience for students preparing for careers in physics. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.

PHYS 489R      (Active) Undergraduate Research in Physics 1.0 to 3.0 : 0.0 : 3.0 to 9.0     Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, Departmental Approval Allows research on a project determined jointly with a faculty member and approved by the department chair. Emphasizes experimental technique, data collection, modeling, and analysis techniques. May be used as part of a senior thesis. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation.

PHYS 490R      (Active) Seminar 0.5 : 0.5 : 0.0    F, Sp Exposes students to current research topics in physics and related fields. Provides an opportunity for students to attend bi-weekly lectures presented by department faculty and invited speakers. Lectures are usually a summary of the speaker's recent research results presented at a level appropriate for junior and senior physics majors.

PHYS 492R      (Active) Topics in Physics 3.0 : 3.0 : 0.0    On Sufficient Demand Prerequisite(s):Departmental approval Studies a chosen topic in physics. Topics vary depending upon student demand. Possible topic may be the mathematics for quantum mechanics. May be taken for a maximum of 6 credits toward graduation, but is limited to 3 credits for the BS in Physics.

PHYS 495R      (Active) Independent Readings 1.0 to 3.0 : 0.0 : 3.0 to 9.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):PHYS 2220, Departmental Approval Working under faculty supervision, allows research on a project determined jointly with a faculty member and approved by the department chair. Emphasizes experimental technique, data collection, modeling, and analysis techniques. May be used as part of a senior thesis. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation.

PHYS 499A      (Active) Senior Project 2.0 : 0.0 : 6.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):Instructor and Departmental approval Provides an opportunity for senior physics majors to participate in a current research project supervised by a department faculty member. Includes independent study and/or laboratory work as necessary. Culminates in the preparation of a written paper and oral presentation describing the results of the research project as required for PHYS 499B. May be taken concurrently with PHYS 499B.

PHYS 499B      (Active) Senior Thesis 1.0 : 0.0 : 3.0    Su, F, Sp Prerequisite(s):Instructor and Departmental approval Continues PHYS 499A. Provides an opportunity for senior physics majors to present the results of a current research project supervised by a department faculty member. Includes independent study as necessary. Culminates in the preparation of a written paper and oral presentation describing the results of the research project.