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Department of Physics
Chair and Professor: Knox
Professors: Gesell, Harmon
Associate Professors: Brey, Shropshire, Vizkelethy
Assistant Professors: Keeter, Wells
Instructors: Hackworth, Johnson
Adjunct Faculty: Abbott, Bernabee, Graham, Harker, Herbst, Jones, Nieschmidt, Oberg, Otis, Paulson, Rood
Affiliate Faculty: Buzzi, Cummings, Davidson, Langley, Lewis, O'Rear, Ritter, Roney, Singh, White
Professors Emeriti: Parker, Price, Vegors
Students who wish to major in physics will take courses which will prepare them for industrial or governmental positions or for graduate study in physics or allied fields.
The department offers two degree programs as well as a minor in physics. The Bachelor of Arts degree and the minor are designed for students who desire a flexible program so they can develop interdisciplinary competence. The Bachelor of Science degree places greater emphasis on physics and is designed to prepare students for careers in the physics profession or a closely allied profession. These programs consist of a set of required core courses plus a selection of courses in a particular field. The core courses include the basic physics and mathematics courses which serve as a foundation for more advanced study. A student planning to do graduate work in physics should elect to complete the B.S. physics degree.
In addition to the more traditional physics programs, the department also offers the B.S. and M.S. options in Health Physics. Health Physics, an applied science concerned with the protection of people and the environment from the detrimental effects of radiation and radioactive pollutants, is a relatively new branch of science which incorporates both the physical and biological sciences. The B.S. option in health physics will prepare the student for work in government, university, medical or industrial settings dealing with such areas as operational health physics, regulatory issues and environmental quality.
Students may enter the M.S. program in Health Physics from several undergraduate majors including: health physics, physics, biology, chemistry and other science or engineering majors. Additional course work to correct deficiencies in undergraduate preparation may be required.
To declare a major in one of the physics programs, a student must have completed at least 24 semester hours and not be on probation. Declaration of major should be done as soon as possible in the student's program. For further details, please consult the Department of Physics.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
The following courses are required in addition to the General Education Requirements for the B.A. degree:
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr MATH 275 Calculus III 4 cr MATH 230 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr MATH 360 Differential Equations 3 cr PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 213-214 Engineering Physics Laboratory 2 cr PHYS g301 Modern Physics 3 cr PHYS g313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 cr PHYS g314 Intermediate Laboratory II 2 cr PHYS g383 Theoretical Mechanics 4 cr PHYS g403-g404 Advanced Modern Physics 6 cr PHYS g421-g422 Electricity and Magnetism 6 crBachelor of Science in Physics
The following courses are required in addition to the General Education Requirements for the B.S. Degree:
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr CHEM 114 Cations and Anions 1 cr MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr MATH 275 Calculus III 4 cr MATH 230 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr MATH g360 Differential Equations 3 cr MATH g421 Advanced Engineering Mathematics I 3 cr MATH g422 Advanced Engineering Mathematics II 3 cr PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 213-214 Engineering Physics Laboratory 2 cr PHYS g301 Modern Physics 3 cr PHYS g313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 cr PHYS g314 Intermediate Laboratory II 2 cr PHYS g352 Intermediate Optics 3 cr PHYS g383 Theoretical Mechanics 4 cr PHYS g403-g404 Advanced Modern Physics 6 cr PHYS g405 Advanced Physics Laboratory I 4 cr PHYS g406 Advanced Physics Laboratory II 4 cr PHYS g409 Introductory Nuclear Physics 3 cr PHYS g415 Statistical Physics 3 cr PHYS g421-g422 Electricity and Magnetism 6 cr PHYS g442 Solid State Physics 3 cr PHYS g492 Colloquium in Physics 1 crPhysics Minor
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr MATH 275 Calculus III 4 cr MATH 230 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr MATH g360 Differential Equations 3 cr PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS g301 Modern Physics 3 cr PHYS g403 Advanced Modern Physics 3 cr IN ADDITION: Physics electives approved by the department 4 crBachelor of Science in Physics
(Health Physics Emphasis)
The following courses are required in addition to the General Education Requirements for the B.S. degree:
BIOL 202 General Zoology 3 cr BIOL 202L General Zoology Laboratory 1 cr BIOS 301 Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr BIOS 302 Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr BIOS g307 Radiobiology 3 cr CHEM 102 Essentials of Chemistry II 5 cr CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr ENGL 307 Professional Writing 3 cr MATH 147 Precalculus 5 cr PHYS 251 Introduction to Health Physics 1 cr PHYS g331 Principles of Health Physics I 3 cr PHYS g332 Principles of Health Physics II 3 cr PHYS g416 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 cr PHYS g433 External Dosimetry 3 cr PHYS g434 Internal Dosimetry 3 cr PHYS g455 Topics in Health Physics I 2 cr PHYS g456 Topics in Health Physics II 2 cr PHYS 459 Practicum in Health Physics 3 cr PHYS g492 Colloquium 2 crBioscience Track
BIOS 209 General Ecology 3 cr BIOS 315 Introduction to Biometry 3 cr MATH 160 Brief Calculus 4 cr PHYS 111 General Physics I 3 cr PHYS 112 General Physics II 3 cr PHYS 113-114 General Physics Laboratory 2 crApplied Science Track
CHEM g432 Chemometrics 3 cr MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr MATH 275 Calculus III 4 cr PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 213-214 Engineering Physics Laboratory 2 crAssociate of Science in Physics
Students seeking an Associate of Science degree in Physics must complete the following:
General Education Goals for the Bachelor of Science* variable CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr MATH 275 Calculus III 4 cr PHYS 211213 Engineering Physics I and Lab 5 cr PHYS 212214 Engineering Physics II and Lab 5 cr Electives to bring total to 64 cr variable TOTAL: 64 cr * The number of credits required for the General Education requirements varies depending on the student's performance on proficiency or placement tests in English, foreign languages, and mathematics.Physics Courses
PHYS 100 Essentials of Physics 4 credits. A survey of basic physics principles; motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, light, atoms and nuclei. Includes lecture, demonstrations and elementary problem solving. COREQ: MATH 107 OR EQUIVALENT. F, S
PHYS 103 Tools for Scientists I 1 credit. Personal computer, Internet and WWW, and HP graphics calculator applications in the sciences. Familiarizes students with the capabilities of these computing tools. Emphasizes problems frequently encountered in science and engineering courses. F, S
PHYS 111 General Physics I 3 credits. Introductory physics course for students in scientific and technical fields, particularly the biological sciences; mechanics, wave motion, thermodynamics. PREREQ: MATH 143 OR MATH 147 OR EQUIVALENT. F
PHYS 112 General Physics II 3 credits. Introduction to optics, electricity and magnetism and selected topics from atomic and nuclear physics. PREREQ: PHYS 111 OR EQUIVALENT AND MATH 143 OR MATH 147 OR EQUIVALENT. S
PHYS 113-114 General Physics Laboratory 1 credit each. Demonstrating principles of physics. COREQ: PHYS 111 FOR PHYS 113; PHYS 112 FOR PHYS 114. PREREQ: PHYS 113 FOR PHYS 114. F, S
PHYS 152-153Descriptive Astronomy 3 credits and 1 credit. Non-mathematical survey of the historical and modern observation of the sky. Physical relationships in the solar system; planets, satellites, comets, etc., and theories of the creation of the universe and life in the universe. 153 concerns use of astronomical equipment, telescopes, cameras, etc. Satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. F, S, Su
PHYS 211-212Engineering Physics 4 credits each. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. COREQ: MATH 175 FOR PHYS 211; PREREQ: PHYS 211 FOR PHYS 212. F, S
PHYS 213-214Engineering Physics Laboratory 1 credit each. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 211 FOR 213, PHYS 212 FOR 214. PREREQ: PHYS 213 FOR PHYS 214. F, S
PHYS 275 Physics of Aviation 3 credits. Introduction to the physics of flight covering aerodynamics including the airplane, flight controls, systems and instrumentation. Includes aviation meteorology and navigation. Satisfies the FAA ground school requirements for the Private Pilot certificate. F
PHYS 300 Medical Electronics 2 credits. A lecture-laboratory course covering circuit theory, qualitative theory of active devices and their applications to instrumentation. Laboratory work will be done with basic test instruments. Primarily for students in the allied health fields. COREQ: PHYS 321. S
PHYS g301 Modern Physics 3 credits. A one-semester course surveying 20th century physics including elements of special relativity and quantum mechanics as applied to atoms. A continuation of the Engineering Physics sequence. PREREQ: PHYS 212; COREQ: MATH g360. F
PHYS 312 Introduction to Biophysics 4 credits. Survey course designed for pre-medical, pharmacy, biology, and physical science students covering topics such as the physics of sensory systems, electromagnetic radiations, and physical measurement techniques applied to biological problems. PREREQ: CHEM 112, MATH 160 OR MATH 170. D
PHYS g313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 credits. Modern and historical experiments in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and optics. COREQ: PHYS g301, MATH g360. F
PHYS g314 Intermediate Laboratory II 2 credits. Modern and historical experiments in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and optics. PREREQ: PHYS g313. S
PHYS 321 Radiologic Physics 2 credits. Basic physics of xray production and the interaction of xrays with matter. Includes topics in medical imaging. Available to juniors in Radiographic Science. PREREQ: PHYS 100. S
PHYS g352 Intermediate Optics 3 credits. Fundamental wave theory, interference, diffraction, polarization, and selected topics from the electromagnetic theory of light. PREREQ: PHYS 212; COREQ: MATH g360. AS
PHYS g353 Topics in Astrophysics 2 credits. Laboratory oriented course covering various selected topics in astronomy. Projects on and work with telescopes will be included. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AS
PHYS g383 Theoretical Mechanics 4 credits. Mechanics of particles, planetary motion, rigid bodies; vibrating particles and strings; Lagranges' Equations and Hamiltonian methods. PREREQ: PHYS 212 AND MATH g360. F
PHYS 397 Workshop 1-2 credits. Workshops aimed at the development and improvement of skills. Does not satisfy requirements for a major or a minor. May be repeated. Graded S/U. D
PHYS 400 Practicum in Physical Science 2 credits. Emphasizes design, set-up, equipment, operation, and administration of physics teaching laboratories, demonstrations and activities. Introduces pre-designed experiments plus the design and maintenance of lab equipment. Ideal for Education majors. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
PHYS g403-g404Advanced Modern Physics 3 credits each. Study of the elementary principles of quantum mechanics and an introduction to atomic, solid state and nuclear physics. Quantum mechanics will be used as much as possible. PREREQ: MATH g360 OR EQUIVALENT, AND PHYS g301; PHYS g403 FOR PHYS g404. D
PHYS g405 Advanced Physics Laboratory I 2 credits. Experiments in radiation detection and measurement, nuclear spectroscopy including x-ray and gamma spectroscopies, neutron activation and ion beam methods. Available to Geology, Engineering, Health Physics, and Physics majors. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
PHYS g406 Advanced Physics Laboratory II 2 credits. Senior projects providing a capstone to the physics major curriculum. Written and oral presentation of the project procedures and results are required. PREREQ: PHYS g405. S
PHYS g409 Introductory Nuclear Physics 3 credits. A course in Nuclear Physics with emphasis upon structural models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion. PREREQ: KNOWLEDGE OF ELEMENTARY QUANTUM MECHANICS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
PHYS g410 Science in American Society 2 credits. Observational basis of science; technology's historical influences on scientific developments; perceptions of science in contemporary America; tools/strategies for teaching science. Cross-listed as GEOL g410. PREREQ: JUNIOR STANDING AND PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AF
PHYS g415 Statistical Physics 3 credits. Topics covered may include kinetic theory, elementary statistical mechanics, random motionand the theory of noise. Choice of topics will depend upon the interest of the students and instructor. PREREQ: PHYS 212, MATH g360. AS
PHYS g416 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 credits. Lecture/laboratory course emphasizing practical measurement techniques in nuclear physics. PREREQ: CHEM 112, AND PHYS 111 AND PHYS 113 OR PHYS 121 AND PHYS 123. D
PHYS g421-g422Electricity and Magnetism 3 credits each. Intermediate course in fundamental principles of electrical and magnetic theory. Free use will be made of vector analysis and differential equations. PREREQ: PHYS 212 AND MATH g360; PHYS g421 FOR PHYS g422. F, S
PHYS g442 Solid State Physics 3 credits. Introduction to the field of solid state physics emphasizing the fundamental concepts. Topics usually covered are crystal structure, x-ray diffraction, crystal binding energies, free electron theory of solids, energy bands. PREREQ: PHYS g302, PHYS g383, MATH g360 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. AS
PHYS g461-g462Introduction to Mathematical Physics 3 credits each. Introduction to the mathematics most commonly used in physics with applications to and practice in solving physical problems; includes vector analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations. PREREQ: PHYS 212 AND MATH g360; PHYS g461 FOR PHYS g462. F, S
PHYS 481 Independent Problems 1-3 credits. Students are assigned to, or request assignment to, independent problems on the basis of interest. F, S
PHYS g492 Colloquium in Physics 1 credit. Faculty and student lectures in current research topics in physics. Open to upper division and graduate students in physics. F, S
Health Physics Courses
PHYS 251 Introduction to Health Physics 1 credit. An introduction to the field of health physics including terminology, overview of health physics applications, and instrumentation. COREQ: PHYS 111 OR PHYS 211. F
PHYS g331 Principles of Health Physics I 3 credits. A lecture course detailing atomic and nuclear structure, radioactive serial decay, and interactions of radiation with matter. PREREQ: PHYS 112 OR PHYS 212 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
PHYS g332 Principles of Health Physics II 3 credits. A continuation of PHYS g331 covering dosimetric units, the principles of radiation detection and measurement, and summarizing deterministic and stochastic biological effects. PREREQ: PHYS g331 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
PHYS g411 Accelerator Health Physics 3 credits. Fundamentals of particle accelerator design and operation. Examination of the potential radiation environment associated with accelerators and health and safety issues of their operation. PREREQ: SENIOR STANDING IN HEALTH PHYSICS OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
PHYS g433 External Dosimetry3 credits. Lecture course emphasizing external radiation protection including study of point kernel techniques, monte carlo modeling, and NCRP-49 methods. Also discussed are external dosimetry measurement techniques. PREREQ: PHYS g332 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
PHYS g434 Internal Dosimetry 3 credits. A lecture course emphasizing internal radiation protection including studies of ICRP2, ICRP26&30, ICRP60&66, and MIRD methods of internal dosimetry. PREREQ: PHYS g433 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
PHYS g455 Topics in Health Physics I 2 credits. A lecture/seminar course covering special topics in Health Physics such as state and federal regulations, waste disposal methodology, and emergency procedures. PREREQ: PHYS g332 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
PHYS g456 Topics in Health Physics II 2 credits. A continuation of g455. A lecture/seminar course covering special topics in Health Physics such as state and federal regulations, waste disposal methodology, and emergency procedures. PREREQ: PHYS g332 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
PHYS 459 Practicum in Health Physics 3 credits. Supervised field training in Health Physics. Requires written reports. Open to students completing their junior year in Health Physics. Graded S/U. F, S, Su
PHYS g490 ABHP Review 3 credits. May be repeated. A course for practicing professionals aimed at the development and improvement of skills. May not be applied to undergraduate or graduate degrees. May be graded S/U. S
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IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY Academic Information Contact: webmaster@isu.edu Revised: February 2000 |