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Department of Physics
Chair and Professor: KnoxProfessors: Gesell, Harmon
Research Professors: Beezhold, Chouffani, Hunt
Associate Professors: Brey, Keeter, Shropshire, Wells
Assistant Professor: Tatar
Senior Lecturer: Hackworth
Adjunct Faculty: Graham, Herbst, Nieschmidt, Oberg, Otis, Paulson, Rood
Affiliate Faculty: Buzzi, Cummings, Davidson, Harker, Jones, Langley, Lewis, Nigg, O'Rear, Ritter, Roney, 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 of Physics also offers the B.S. and M.S. options in Health Physics. Health Physics, an applied science, is concerned with the protection of humans and their environment from the possible harmful effects of radiation while providing for its beneficial uses. Health Physics is a multi-disciplined profession that incorporates aspects of 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 radiation safety, regulatory issues and environmental quality. Successful B.S. students receive a Baccalaureate of Science in Physics and the student's official transcript indicates an emphasis in Health Physics. M.S. students completing this degree program receive a Master of Science degree in Physics with Emphasis in Health Physics indicated on their transcript.
The objective of the ISU Health Physics program is to produce Health Physicists with:
The ISU Health Physics program is evaluated by periodically monitoring a series of programmatic outcomes which are used to indicate the extent to which our objectives are being accomplished and to provide information by which the program may be modified to optimize accomplishing these objectives.
- Fundamental technical knowledge,
- Strong written and verbal communication skills,
- Well developed professional judgment with the capability to think critically,
- Capability for solving applied health physics problems,
- The ability to work independently, and
- A thorough understanding of professional ethics.
Students may enter the M.S. program in Health Physics from several undergraduate majors including: health physics, physics, chemistry, biology and other science or engineering majors. Additional course work to correct deficiencies may be necessary.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 301 Modern Physics 3 cr PHYS 313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 cr PHYS g403-g404 Advanced Modern Physics 6 cr PHYS g416 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 cr PHYS g421-g422 Electricity and Magnetism 6 cr PHYS g483 Theoretical Mechanics 4 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 360 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 301 Modern Physics 3 cr PHYS 313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 cr PHYS g403-g404 Advanced Modern Physics 6 cr PHYS g405 Advanced Physics Laboratory I 2 cr PHYS g406 Advanced Physics Laboratory II 2 cr PHYS g409 Introductory Nuclear Physics 3 cr PHYS g415 Statistical Physics 3 cr PHYS g416 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 cr PHYS g421-g422 Electricity and Magnetism 6 cr PHYS g442 Solid State Physics 3 cr PHYS g452 Intermediate Optics 3 cr PHYS g483 Theoretical Mechanics 4 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 360 Differential Equations 3 cr PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 301 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 CHEM 102 Essentials of Chemistry II 5 cr CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr C S 181 Computer Science and Programming I 3 cr OR CIS 220 Foundations of Computer Programming 3 cr ENGL 307 Technical Writing 3 cr MATH 147 Precalculus 5 cr PHYS g416 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 cr PHYS g431 Radiation Physics I 3 cr PHYS g432 Radiation Physics II 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 480 Health Physics Capstone 3 cr PHYS g488 Advanced Radiobiology 3 cr PHYS g492 Colloquium 2 crBioscience TrackBIOS 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 TrackMATH 352 General Statistics 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 108 or equivalent. F, SPHYS 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 General Physics I Laboratory 1 credit. Demonstrating principles of physics. COREQ: PHYS 111. F
PHYS 114 General Physics II Laboratory 1 credit. Demonstrating principles of physics. PREREQ: PHYS 113. COREQ: PHYS 112. S
PHYS 152 Descriptive Astronomy 3 credits. 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. With PHYS 153, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. F, S, Su
PHYS 153 Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory 1 credit. Use of astronomical equipment, telescopes, cameras, etc. With PHYS 152, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. F, S, Su
PHYS 211 Engineering Physics I 4 credits. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. COREQ: MATH 175. F
PHYS 212 Engineering Physics II 4 credits. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. PREREQ: PHYS 211. S
PHYS 213 Engineering Physics I Laboratory 1 credit. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 211. F
PHYS 214 Engineering Physics II Laboratory 1 credit. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 212. PREREQ: PHYS 213. 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. D
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 301 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 360. 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 313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 credits. Modern and historical experiments in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and optics. COREQ: PHYS 301 and MATH 360. F
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 325 Introduction to Weather and Climate 3 credits. Introduces the principles that govern weather and climate, including movements of air masses, genesis of storms, creation of frontal systems. Provides insight into forecasting techniques and the effects of weather and climate on people and societies. PREREQ: CHEM 112, PHYS 112 or permission of instructor. F, W
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 Advanced Modern Physics I 3 credits. 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 360 or equivalent, and PHYS 301. AF; AS
PHYS g404 Advanced Modern Physics II 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: PHYS g403. AF; AS
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 mlechanics and differential equations or permission of instructor. AF
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 and MATH 360. 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 211 and PHYS 213. S
PHYS g421 Electricity and Magnetism I 3 credits. 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 360. AF
PHYS g422 Electricity and Magnetism II 3 credits. Intermediate course in fundamental principles of electrical and magnetic theory. Free use will be made of vector analysis and differential equations. PREREQ: PHYS g421. AS
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 302, PHYS g483, and MATH 360 or permission of instructor. AS
PHYS g452 Intermediate Optics 3 credits.Wave theory, e/m waves, production of light, measurement of light, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, polarization, optical systems, matrix methods, Jones vectors, Fourier optics, propagation of e/m waves in materials, atmospheric optics. PREREQ: PHYS 212; COREQ: MATH 360. AS
PHYS g453 Topics in Astrophysics 2 credits. Applications of upper division physics to astronomy or cosmology. May include lab exercise. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. D
PHYS g461 Introduction to Mathematical Physics I 3 credits. 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 360. D; D
PHYS g462 Introduction to Mathematical Physics II 3 credits. 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 g461 for PHYS g462. D; D
PHYS 481 Independent Problems 1-3 credits. Students are assigned to, or request assignment to, independent problems on the basis of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits. F, S
PHYS g483 Theoretical Mechanics 4 credits. Detailed study of the motion of particles, satellites, rigid bodies and oscillating systems. Develop and apply Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods. PREREQ: PHYS 212 and MATH 360. AF
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. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credits. F, S
Health Physics Courses
PHYS 217 RCT Internship I 3 credits. Structured Internship. An optional experience taken as a class the summer prior to the start of the program. PREREQ: Acceptance into the program and permission of the program director. SuPHYS 218 Fundamentals of Radiation Protection Physics 3 credits. Atomic structure, nuclear structure, fission and fusion, radioactive decay, types of radiation, decay schemes, decay kinetics, interaction of radiation with matter, inverse square, attenuation, shielding, sources of radiation, reactors; accelerators, X-ray machines, units and terminology. F
PHYS 219 RCT Internship II 3 credits. Structured Internship. A required class taken the summer between the first and second years of the program. PREREQ: Acceptance into the program and permission of the program director. Su
PHYS 225 Radiation Protection Instrumentation 3 credits. Gas filled detectors: theory of operation, field applications, calibration and maintenance. Standard laboratory radiation detection instrumentation including solid state detectors, liquid scintillation detectors, scintillators, TLD and film dosimetry, and spectroscopy techniques. PREREQ: PHYS 218. F
PHYS 226 Radiation Protection I 3 credits. Principles of radiation protection; evaluating internal and external exposures and controls, survey, sampling and inspections, analytical techniques and emergency preparedness. PREREQ: PHYS 218. S
PHYS 227 Radiation Protection II 3 credits. Personnel dosimetry, prescribed dosimetry and radiation equipment, radiation protection dosimetry, procedures and programs (ALARA), industrial ventilation, PPE, contamination control, shielding, hazard evaluation primer on internal dosimetry and bioassay techniques. PREREQ: PHYS 218. S
PHYS 228 Health Physics Regulations 3 credits. Reviewing 10 CFR 19, 20, 30, 35, 835 and portions of 49 CFR dealing with shipment of Radioactive Materials and acquainting students with NCRP, NUREG, REG Guides, ICRP, etc. PREREQ: PHYS 218. 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 g412 Environmental Health Physics 3 credits. State-of-the-art applied mathematical techniques for estimating the release, transport, and fate of contaminants in multi-media environmental pathways (air, ground water, terrestrial). Both radiological and non-radiological contaminants will be addressed, with emphasis on radiological contaminants. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
PHYS g413 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 3 credits. Overview on the recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards arising from physical agents in the occupational environment. The exposure consequences associated with agents of major occupational health concerns are considered. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
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 211 and PHYS 213. S
PHYS g417 Industrial Ventilation and Aerosol Physics 3 credits. This course focuses on two distinct subject areas: an elaboration on the details of the ACGIH method of local exhaust-system design, and a study of applied aerosol physics based upon trajectory analysis. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
PHYS g418 Nonionizing Radiation Protection 3 credits. Occupational safety and health issues of human exposure to nonionizing radiation. Topics include health concerns and safety strategies developed for extremely low frequency, microwave, radio-frequency, ultraviolet, infrared, laser radiation, and soundwaves. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
PHYS g419 Radiological Emergency Planning 3 credits. Radiological emergency planning for facilities ranging from reactors and other major nuclear facilities to transportation accidents and smaller-scale nuclear accidents. Topics include planning, co-ordination, "exercises", exposure pathways, modeling, measurement, control, decontamination, and recovery. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
PHYS g420 Reactor Health Physics 3 credits. Introduction to reactor physics; nuances peculiar to reactor health physics; reactor designs. Critiques of exposure pathways, accidents, decommissioning, contamination control, and emergency planning examine radiation safety approaches within the nuclear fuel cycle. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. Se
PHYS g431 Radiation Physics I 3 credits. Atomic and nuclear structure, series and differential-equation descriptions of radioactive decay, physical theory of the interaction of radiation with matter suitable for the discipline of Health Physics. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. F
PHYS g432 Radiation Physics II 3 credits. Continuation of PHYS g431 considering dosimetric quantities/units, theory and technology of radiation detection and measurement, and radiobiology important to an advanced understanding of radiation protection. PREREQ: PHYS g431 and permission of instructor. S
PHYS g433 External Dosimetry 3 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 g432 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 g432 or permission of instructor. F
PHYS g456 Topics in Health Physics II 2 credits. A continuation of PHYS 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 g432 or permission of instructor. S
PHYS 480 Health Physics Capstone Course 3 credits. Senior project involving development of an abstract, report, poster and oral presentation with synthesis of the many aspects of the undergraduate Health Physics education into a unified focused endpoint. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. S
PHYS g488 Advanced Radiobiology 3 credits. An advanced-level class covering aspects of molecular radiobiology, teratogenesis, oncogenesis, and acute radiation illnesses. It also considers nonstochastic radiation effects and the epidemiology of radiation exposures. Cross-listed as BIOS g488. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. S
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: June 2002 |