Undergraduate Course Catalog 2008-2009
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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Physics (PHYS)
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Chairperson: Dawn C. Meredith
Professor: L. Christian Balling, Amitava Bhattacharjee, John R. Calarco, Olof E. Echt, James M.E. Harper, F. William Hersman, Richard L. Kaufmann, Martin A. Lee, Eberhard Möbius, James M. Ryan, Roy B. Torbert, John J. Wright
Research Professor: Terry Forbes, Philip A. Isenberg, R. Bruce McKibben, Charles W. Smith III
Associate Professor: Benjamin D. Chandran, James Connell, Lynn M. Kistler, Mark L. McConnell, Dawn C. Meredith, Karsten Pohl, Joachim Raeder
Research Associate Professor: Charles J. Farrugia, Antoinette B. Galvin, Harold A. Kucharek, Mark R. Lessard, Yuri E. Litvinenko, Clifford Lopate, Edward F. Tedesco, Bernard J. Vasquez
Assistant Professor: Silas Robert Beane III, Per Berglund, Maurik Holtrop, Jian-Ming Tang
Research Assistant Professor: Chung-Sang Ng
Physics is concerned with the properties of matter and the laws that describe its behavior. It is an exact science based on precise measurement, and its objective is the kind of understanding that leads to the formulation of mathematical relationships between measured quantities. As a fundamental science, its discoveries and laws are basic to understanding in nearly all areas of science and technology. Advances in such diverse fields as medical instrumentation, solid state electronics, and space research have relied heavily on the application of basic physical laws and principles.
Students interested in the study of physics at the University of New Hampshire will find a strong interaction between research and academic programs. Undergraduates have participated in research studies ranging from nuclear scattering experiments at major particle accelerators to astrophysical studies of the solar system using space probes. These experiences have proven beneficial to engineering and physics students alike. The department has its own library, which provides a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for study and relaxed reading.
The suggested programs that follow are indicative of the flexibility available to students, whether they are preparing for graduate work in physics or astronomy, industrial opportunities, governmental research, secondary-level teaching, or a general education that might utilize the fundamental knowledge of physics.
Several undergraduate degree programs are offered through the Department of Physics. The B.S. degree is designed for students who wish to work as professional physicists or engineers; the interdisciplinary options allow for students to combine physics with other disciplines. The B.A. degree is designed for students who want a strong background in physics but also want a broad liberal arts education. A minor in physics allows a student to combine an interest in physics with another major.
Physics related degrees are also offered in other departments. For those students with strong interests in both math and physics, the Department of Mathematics offers a B.S. interdisciplinary option in physics. For those interested in a career as a middle or high school educator in both physics and chemistry, the Department of Chemistry offers a B.A. in chemistry and physics teaching.
Interested students are encouraged to contact the department for further information. More detailed information is also on the physics department Web page at www.physics.unh.edu.
Minor in Physics
The minor in physics consists of five courses in physics. All students must take PHYS 407, 408, and 505, including labs. Two other physics courses at the 500 level or above must be chosen in consultation with the student’s physics minor adviser.
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry and Physics Teaching
For information, see Chemistry.
Physics Major, Bachelor of Arts
This degree provides an opportunity for a broad and liberal arts education, which in some cases may be sufficient for graduate work. A judicious choice of electives may also prepare students for interdisciplinary programs that require proficiency in a restricted area of physics.
Requirements
1. Satisfy general education and writing requirements.
2. Satisfy bachelor of arts degree requirements.
3. PHYS 400, 407-408, 505, 506, 508, 605, 615, 616, 701, 703, 705. Note that MATH 425, 426, and MATH 525, 526 or MATH 527, 528 are prerequisites for some of the courses.
In the following table, “Electives” include general education courses, writing intensive courses, language courses required for the B.A., and free choice electives.
Suggested Curriculum for B.A. in Physics
Freshman Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 400 | Freshman Seminar | 1 | - |
| PHYS | 407-408 | General Physics I and II | 4 | 4 |
| MATH | 425, 426 | Calculus I and II (Group 2) | 4 | 4 |
| ENGL | 401 | First-Year Writing | - | 4 |
| Elective | 8 | 4 | ||
| Total | 17 | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 505-506 | General Physics III and Lab | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 615 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I | - | 4 |
| MATH | 525 | Linearity I | ||
| or MATH | 527 | Differential Equations | 6 or 4 | - |
| MATH | 526 | Linearity II | ||
| or MATH | 528 | Multidimensional Calculus | - | 6 or 4 |
| Elective | 8 | 8 | ||
| Total | 16 or 18 | 16 or 18 |
Junior Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 605 | Experimental Physics I | 5 | - |
| PHYS | 508 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | - | 4 |
| PHYS | 616 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 701 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | - | 4 |
| Electives | 8 | 8 | ||
| Total | 17 | 16 |
Senior Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 705 | Experimental Physics II | - | 4 |
| PHYS | 703 | Electricity and Magnetism I | - | 4 |
| Elective | 16 | 8 | ||
| Total | 16 | 16 |
Bachelor of Science in Physics
The bachelor of science degree in physics prepares students for professional work as physicists. The required courses are those typically necessary for admission to graduate study in physics or astronomy. The interdisciplinary options require fewer physics courses combined with a concentration in another area (chemistry or materials science). The astronomy option emphasizes courses that help prepare a student for advanced studies in astronomy.
Requirements
1. Satisfy general education and writing requirements.
2. Satisfy bachelor of science university requirements.
3. Minimum physics requirements: 400, 407-408, 505, 506, 508, 605, 615-616, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705; two physics electives selected from the 700-level physics courses.
4. Chemistry: 403-404 or 405
5. Math: 425-426, and 525-526 or 527-528
6. Computer Science: CS 410
7. By the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must have a minimum grade of C in each 400- or 500-level course specifically required for the B.S. degree and an overall grade-point average of at least 2.33 in these courses in order to continue in the B.S. program.
Physics electives
In the following table, “Electives” include general education courses, writing intensive courses, physics electives, and free choice electives. Note that physics electives can only be taken in the junior or senior year because of prerequisites, and are in general offered every other year.
Suggested Curriculum for B.S. in Physics
Freshman Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 400 | Freshman Seminar | 1 | - |
| PHYS | 407-408 | General Physics I and II | 4 | 4 |
| MATH | 425, 426 | Calculus I and II (Group 2) | 4 | 4 |
| CHEM | 403-404 | General Chemistry (Group 3) | 4 | 4 |
| ENGL | 401 | Freshman English | - | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | - | ||
| Total | 17 | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 505-506 | General Physics III and Lab | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 508 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | - | 4 |
| PHYS | 615 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics I | - | 4 |
| MATH | 525 | Linearity I | ||
| or MATH | 527 | Differential Equations | 6 or 4 | - |
| MATH | 526 | Linearity II | ||
| or MATH | 528 | Multidimensional Calculus | - | 6 or 4 |
| CS | 410 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | 4 | - |
| Elective | 4 | 4 | ||
| Total | 16 or 18 | 16 or 18 |
Junior Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 605 | Experimental Physics I | 5 | - |
| PHYS | 616 | Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics II | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 701 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | - | 4 |
| PHYS | 703 | Electricity and Magnetism I | - | 4 |
| Electives | 8 | 8 | ||
| Total | 17 | 16 |
Senior Year
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 702 | Quantum Mechanics II | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 704 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 4 | - |
| PHYS | 705 | Experimental Physics II | - | 4 |
| Elective | 8 | 12 | ||
| Total | 16 | 16 |
Chemical Physics Option, Bachelor of Science in Physics
1. Satisfy general education and writing requirements.
2. Satisfy bachelor of science University requirements.
3. Physics requirements: PHYS 400, 407-408, 505-506, 508, 605, 615, 616, 701, 702, 703, 705.
4. Chemistry: CHEM 403, 404, 683-686, 762, 763, 776
5. Mathematics: MATH 425-426, 525-526 or 527-528
6. Computer Science: CS 410
7. Electives in Option: Two courses selected from CHEM 547/9, MATH 646, PHYS 718, PHYS 795
8. By the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must have a minimum grade of C in each 400- or 500-level course specifically required for the B.S. degree and an overall grade-point average of at least 2.33 in these courses in order to continue in the B.S. program.
Materials Science Option, Bachelor of Science in Physics
1. Satisfy general education and writing requirements.
2. Satisfy bachelor of science University requirements.
3. Physics requirements: PHYS 400, 407-408, 505-506, 508, 605, 615-616, 701, 703, 705, 795 (4 credit hours), 799 (4 credit hours).
4. Mechanical Engineering: 561, 730, 760
5. Math: 425-426, 525-526, or 527-528
6. Computer Science: CS 410
7. Electives in Option: Three courses selected from MATH 646, ME 731, 761, 762, 763, 795, PHYS 718
8. Chemistry: 403-404 or 405
9. By the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must have a minimum grade of C in each 400- or 500-level course specifically required for the B.S. degree and an overall grade-point average of at least 2.33 in these courses in order to continue in the B.S. program.
Astronomy Option, Bachelor of Science in Physics
1. Satisfy general education and writing requirements.
2. Satisfy bachelor of science University requirements.
3. Physics requirements: PHYS 400, 406, 407-408, 505, 506, 508, 605, 615-616, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 710, 795 (4 credit hours), 799 (4 credit hours).
4. Chemistry: CHEM 403-404 or CHEM 405
5. Math: MATH 425-426 and 525-526 or 527-528
6. Computer Science: CS 410
7. Elective in option: Choose one course from PHYS 708, PHYS 712, PHYS 720, PHYS 764, PHYS 791
8. By the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must have a minimum grade of C in each 400- or 500-level course specifically required for the B.S. degree and an overall grade-point average of at least 2.33 in these courses in order to continue in the B.S. program.
