PHYS 001. General Physics 1

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
Newton's laws, linear motion, circular and harmonic motion, fluids, heat, kinetic theory, wave motion and sound. Offered fall term. Prereq: High school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry or equivalent.

PHYS 002. General Physics 2

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
Continuation of PHYS 001. Electrostatics, DC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, light, optical instruments, interference and diffraction of light, modern physics. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 001.

PHYS 003. General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
Survey of classical physics for science majors and engineering majors. Kinematics in one and two dimensions. Newton's laws of motion and dynamics, including rotation of rigid bodies. Energy concepts in physical systems. Newton's law of universal gravitation. Applications of these principles to simple harmonic motion, wave motion, and fluids. Thermodynamics. A command of high school algebra, geometry and trigonometry is assumed. Requires the use of introductory calculus. Offered fall term. Coreq: MATH 080.

PHYS 004. General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
A continuation of PHYS 003. A survey of classical electromagnetic theory and optics, with a brief introduction to modern physics. Electricity and magnetism: Coulomb's law, Gauss' law, the electric field and the electric potential, DC circuits, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, electromagnetic waves. Optics: geometric optics, including lenses and mirrors; physical optics, including interference and diffraction phenomena. Modern physics: the origins of quantum mechanics and models of the atom. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 003 and MATH 080, Coreq: MATH 081.

PHYS 005. Perspectives in Physical Sciences 1

3 sem. hrs.
Basic concepts in the physical sciences and their impact on technology, the humanities and the world. Course designed for non-science majors. This course satisfies the Arts and Sciences core curriculum requirement. Offered occasionally.

PHYS 006. Perspectives in Physical Sciences 2

3 sem. hrs.
Continuation of PHYS 005. Course designed for non-science majors. This course satisfies the Arts and Sciences core curriculum requirement. Offered occasionally. Prereq: PHYS 005.

PHYS 007. Survey of Meteorology

3 sem. hrs.
An introduction to the science of the atmosphere as it relates to the weather of the earth. Topics will include the gas laws, heat transfer, causes of the seasons, atmospheric optics, humidity, clouds, atmospheric stability, causes of precipitation, atmospheric motions, air masses, fronts and pressure systems, thunderstorms, tornados, and hurricanes. Emphasis will be put on how weather is forecast and how it relates to everyone's life. Satisfies Arts and Sciences core curriculum requirement. Offered fall term.

PHYS 008. Astronomy and Space Physics

3 lec. hrs./3 sem. hrs., or 3 lec. hrs. 1 hr. rec./ 4 sem. hrs.
Physics of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Experimental methods of observational astronomy, telescopes, and space probes. Special topics such as black holes, neutron stars, and quasars. Course satisfies the Arts and Sciences core curriculum requirement. Note: The 4 sem. hrs. option is only for Broad Field Science majors, for whom it is required. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.

PHYS 009. Earth and Environmental Physics

3 lec. hrs./3 sem. hrs., or 3 lec. hrs. 1 hr. rec./ 4 sem. hrs.
Impact of human activities on the terrestrial environment. Population distribution and growth. Energy balance of the earth. Energy, land and water use, the water cycle. Effects of chemical and physical pollutants on water and the atmosphere. Course designed for non-science majors. Course satisfies the Arts and Sciences core curriculum requirement. Note: The 4 sem. hrs. option is only for Broad Field Science majors and for physics teaching majors and minors, for whom it is required. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.

PHYS 013. Classical Physics 1: Mechanics and Waves

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
A study of motion in its various forms, translational, rotational, vibrational, and wave, that emphasizes their underlying unity, especially the central role of energy and and its conservation, and their basis in the fundamental Newtonian laws of motion. These ideas are used to explain thermal processes. A command of high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is assumed. Requires the use of introductory calculus. Offered fall term. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 003 and PHYS 013. Prereq: MATH 080 which may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 014. Classical Physics 2: Heat, Electromagnetism, and Optics

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 1 hr. quiz, 4 sem. hrs.
This course, continuing the development of energy as a fundamental concept, includes a study of electric and magnetic phenomena, and their unification in the theory of electromagnetism. Applications are made to geometric and physical optics, atomic spectra, and nuclear decay. Offered spring term. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 004 and PHYS 014. Prereq: MATH 080, PHYS 013; and MATH 081 which may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 104. Modern Physics: Atoms, Particles and Quanta

3 sem. hrs.
A survey of 20th century physics concentrating on atoms and particles. Quantum mechanics: origins, the Schrödinger equation, the hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms and angular momentum. Introduction to special relativity. Nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion. Elementary particles, conservation laws, reactions, the Standard Model, and cosmology. Offered fall term. Prereq: PHYS 002 or 004. ; and MATH 082 which may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 105. Modern Physics: The States of Matter

3 sem. hrs.
A survey of the physics of matter and materials. Atoms and the forces between them, molecules, the states of matter, kinetic theory, perfect and imperfect gases. Statistical physics: classical statistics and the Boltzmann factor, quantum statistics. The solid state: cohesion and structure, electrical, magnetic, thermal and elastic properties. The liquid state: cohesion and structure, latent heat and melting, flow in ideal and real liquids. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 002 or 004; and MATH 082 which may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 111. Classical Mechanics

3 sem. hrs.
Three-dimensional motion of a particle in both Cartesian and spherical coordinate systems. Newtonian dynamics, the classical harmonic oscillator, central forces. Lagrange and Hamilton's formulations of analytical mechanics, angular momentum, Kepler's problem, and the dynamics of a rigid body. Coupled oscillators. Offered fall term. Prereq: PHYS 002 or PHYS 004, and MATH 083.

PHYS 112. Quantum Mechanics

3 sem. hrs.
Quantum states, state vectors, observables and operators. The formal structure of quantum mechanics. Time evolution of the state vector. The Hamiltonian. Position and momentum representations, and the wave function. One-dimensional wave mechanics and the harmonic oscillator. Three-dimensional wave mechanics. Symmetry, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Fermions, and bosons. Perturbation methods. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 104 and MATH 083.

PHYS 121. Introduction to Theoretical Astrophysics

3 sem. hrs.
Introduction to astrophysical problems, with emphasis on underlying
physical principles; including the nature of stars, equations of state,
stellar energy generation, stellar structure and evolution,
astrophysical neutrinos, binary stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars,
pulsars, novae, and supernovae. Offered occasionally during fall term. 
Prereq: PHYS 013/014 or PHYS 003/004 or (PHYS 001/002 with consent of instructor) and PHYS 008 and PHYS 104.

PHYS 122. Introduction to Observational Astronomy

3 sem. hrs.
Nature of the Milky Way galaxy from an observer's prospective: stellar
statistics and distributions, stellar populations, spiral structure, the
Galactic nucleus, and the Galactic halo. Nature of ordinary galaxies,
galaxies in our Local Group, structure of voids and ands superclusters.
Nature of peculiar objects: Seyfert galaxies, starburst galaxies, and
quasars. Elementary aspects of physical cosmology. Introduction to
techniques used in modern optical and radio astronomy with emphasis on
the physical and mathematical understanding of the detection of
electromagnetic radiation.  Offered occasionally during spring term. 
Prereq: PHYS 013/014 or PHYS 003/004 or (PHYS 001/002 with consent of instructor) and PHYS 008 and PHYS 104 and PHYS 121.


PHYS 124. Modern Optics

3 sem. hrs.
Geometric optics, classical wave theory of optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, electromagnetic theory of light, interaction of light and matter, lasers and coherence. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 002 or 004, and MATH 081.

PHYS 131. Electricity and Magnetism 1

3 sem. hrs.
Electro statics: Coulomb's law and Gauss's law. The electric field in dielectric materials. Microscopic theory of Ohm's law and steady state currents. The magnetic field, Biot-Savart law, Ampere's law, the vector potential. Magnetic materials. Electromagnetic induction, Faraday's law. Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Offered fall term. Prereq: PHYS 002 or 004, and Math 082.

PHYS 132. Electricity and Magnetism 2

3 sem. hrs.
Boundary value problems: The solution of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems in continuous media. Microscopic theories of the dielectric and magnetic properties of materials. Electromagnetic waves in bounded regions. Reflection, refraction and disperson. Radiation from accelerated charges. Antennae. Electrodynamics and the theory of special relativity. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 131.

PHYS 146. The Physical Basis of the Biological Environment
3 sem. hrs.

The molecular processes of life occur in a complex aqueous environment. Biological molecules and their environments are governed by the principles of physics. This course goes beyond introductory physics and chemistry to present the mechanics of non-rigid bodies, the theory of multipolar electric and magnetic fields, and thermal and quantum physics which are brought to bear on interpretation of the optical spectra and calorimetric analysis of complex molecules and structures. Prerequisites: introductory physics and chemistry, MATH 073 or MATH 081.

PHYS 148. Mathematical Methods for Physicists

3 sem. hrs.
This course presents mathematical methods applied to physical problems including Fourier Analysis, special functions, eigenvalue problems, the calculus of variations, probability and statistics. Offered occasionally. Prereq: MATH 083, and PHYS 003 and 004.

PHYS 149. Computational Physics

3 sem. hrs.
Computational techniques applied to problems in the physical sciences. Construction of models of physical systems. Generation and analysis of data. The role of models in developing physical theories. Course assignments will use a variety of programming environments and commercial software. Offered occasionally. Prereq: PHYS 111, and either Phys 131 or EECE 121; or cons. of instr.

PHYS 155. Electronics Lab

1 lec. hr., 3 hrs. lab, 2 sem. hrs.
Introduction to electronic measuring equipment and circuits. Voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, DC and AC circuits, resistance, impedance, passive and active filters, power supplies, op-amps, amplifiers, and analog-digital conversion. An introduction to error analysis and precision of measurement. Offered fall term. Prereq: PHYS 004.


PHYS 156. Contemporary Physics Lab 1

1 lec. hr., 3 hrs. lab, 2 sem. hrs.
Experiments in molecular, nuclear, atomic, solid state physics, and in geometrical and physical optics. Application of error analysis, precision of measurement, and propagation of errors. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 155.

PHYS 157. Contemporary Physics Lab 2

1 lec. hr., 3 hrs. lab, 2 sem. hrs.
Continuation of the experiments in PHYS 156. Measurement and propagation of uncertainty, curve fitting, automated data collection and experiment control. Offered spring term. Prereq: PHYS 156.

PHYS 162. Introduction to Thermodynamics

3 sem. hrs.
Fundamental concepts of thermodynamics: temperature, internal energy, entropy and thermodynamic potentials. Laws of thermodynamics, their consequences and applications. Introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Offered fall term. Prereq: MATH 082 and PHYS 105.

PHYS 165. Introduction to Molecular Biophysics
3 sem. hrs.

This course, an introduction to the field of biological physics, develops the science of and illustrates the applications of the techniques of x-ray diffraction and spin resonance to problems of biological interest: protein structural dynamics, ion channels, and transport through cell membranes. Prerequisites are PHYS 104 and PHYS 131, or PHYS 146, or equivalent.

PHYS 171. Atomic Physics

3 sem. hrs.
Quantum mechanics of one and many electron atoms. Spin, orbital, and total angular momentum. Atoms in electric and magnetic fields, the Stark effect and the Zeeman effect. Atomic transitions, symmetry and selection rules. The periodic table and shell structure. Modern spectroscopy. Offered occasionally. Prereq: PHYS 112 and 131.

PHYS 172. Introduction to Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics

3 sem. hrs.
Experimental methods in nuclear and particle physics. Theories of nuclear structure, radioactivity, decay schemes, fission and fusion models, conservation laws. Elementary particle classifications and the Standard Model. Offered occasionally. Prereq: PHYS 112.

PHYS 175. Introduction to Solid State Physics

3 sem. hrs.
Crystal structure of solids, the reciprocal lattice and diffraction. Lattice vibrations and thermal properties. Electrons in metals, band structure and semiconductors. The Fermi surface. Dielectric and magnetic properties of solids. Superconductivity. Offered occasionally.

PHYS 193. Biophysics Seminar
1 sem. hr.

The frontiers of research in biophysics, and the techniques employed, are explored through attending the weekly Biophysics Seminar at the Medical College of Wisconsin and participating in a follow-on discussion after each seminar. Offered both fall and spring terms. Prereq: Jr. standing. May be taken more than once for credit. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor's degree in physics.

PHYS 195. Independent Study

1-3 sem. hrs.
Independent study of special topics in physics under faculty supervision. Topics selected by students. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in physics. Offered every term. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.

PHYS 196. Seminar in Physics

1 sem. hr.
Critical analysis of the original works of scientists who have made significant contributions to Physics. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in physics. Offered occasionally. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.

PHYS 197. Undergraduate Research

1-3 sem. hrs.
Experimental or theoretical research in an area of contemporary physics under the guidance of a physics faculty member who has expertise in that area. Successful completion of the course includes a summary paper and an oral presentation to the regular physics faculty. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in physics. Prereq: Cons. of a regular physics faculty member and Jr. stndg.

PHYS 198. Topics of Special Interest in Contemporary Physics

3 sem. hrs.
Topics drawn from areas of current interest such as astrophysics, atmospheric physics, condensed matter physics or particle physics. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in physics. Offered occasionally. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.

PHYS 199. Senior Thesis

2 sem. hrs.
Independent research under the guidance of physics faculty. The topic may be chosen from any area of physics. Successful completion of the course includes a written thesis on the research and an oral presentation. This course may not be used to satisfy the 30 cr. hr. minimum requirements for a bachelor of science in physics. Prereq: Cons. of a regular physics faculty member and Sr. stndg.

PHYS 262. Statistical Mechanics

3 sem. hrs.
Application of statistical mechanics to systems in equilibrium. Classical and quantum statistics. Kinetic theory and transport processes. Introduction to irreversible processes and fluctuations. Offered occasionally, spring semester.

PHYS 279. Physics of Amorphous Solids

3 sem. hrs.
Structure of amorphous solids; random close packed, continuous random network and random coil models. Short range order and chemical bonding. Free-volume model of the glass transition. Percolation and localization, metal-insulator transition. Electrical and optical properties. Offered occasionally, spring semester. Prereq: PHYS 175 or cons. of instr.

ARSC 010. Major Concepts in Modern Science 1

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 4 sem. hrs.
An interdisciplinary, integrated study of processes and principles of modern biology, chemistry, and physics. Scientific inquiry as a means of knowledge; major technological contributions to modern societies; stability, information transfer, and evolution of biological systems, emphasizing relevant chemical and physical processes in specific environments. May be counted as natural science toward the Arts and Sciences and Communication core curriculum requirements, and for Elementary and Secondary Teacher certification. Does not count toward major requirements for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Broad Field Science. ARSC 010 offered fall term, ARSC 011 offered spring term.

ARSC 011. Major Concepts in Modern Science 2

3 lec. hrs., 2 hrs. lab., 4 sem. hrs.
An interdisciplinary, integrated study of processes and principles of modern biology, chemistry, and physics. Scientific inquiry as a means of knowledge; major technological contributions to modern societies; stability, information transfer, and evolution of biological systems, emphasizing relevant chemical and physical processes in specific environments. May be counted as natural science toward the Arts and Sciences and Communication core curriculum requirements, and for Elementary and Secondary Teacher certification. Does not count toward major requirements for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Broad Field Science. ARSC 010 offered fall term, ARSC 011 offered spring term.