Academic Information
Contact: webmaster@isu.edu
Revised: March 2011
Department of Physics
Interim Chair and Professor: Shropshire
Professors: Dale, Wells
Associate Professors: Cole, Keeter, Tatar
Research Associate Professors: Chouffani, Dimitrov, Forest, Hunt
Visiting Assistant Professor: Calderón
Research Assistant Professors: Chandler, Mitchell
Senior Lecturer: Hackworth
Visiting Assistant Lecturer: Bernabee
Research Instructors: Claver, Dunker
Adjunct Faculty: Clarke, DeVeaux, Espy, Harker, James, Jones, Merrill, Nigg, Roney, Schrader, White
Affiliate Faculty: Blackburn, Cummings, DeVeaux, Espy, Farfan, Franckowiak, Hall, Harker, James, Jones, Langley, Merrill, Millward, Nigg, Neischmnidt, O’Rear, Otis, Rich, Ritter, Roney, White
Emeriti: Beezold, Harmon, Parker, Price, Vegors
Degree Options in Physics
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 three undergraduate degree programs as well as a minor in physics. The Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, 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 physics 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.
The common objectives for students of our undergraduate programs in physics include developing: (1) broad, fundamental technical skills and knowledge, (2) strong communication skills, and (3) the capability to think critically and work independently. Each of these objectives has a "level" that is appropriate for the degree.
For the A.S. degree in physics, the technical learning objectives are to achieve a hands-on core competence that is appropriate for a technician. This includes the general education goals of a B.S. degree, plus knowledge of general physics, calculus, and general chemistry. The communication objectives at this level are writing and speaking skills that meet the needs of a within-a-work-group setting. Our expectations are that these students will obtain critical thinking skills and an ability to work independently at the technician level.
For the B.A. degree in physics, the technical objectives are mastery of calculus, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, general physics, modern physics, and student-selected areas of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and methods of nuclear measurements. For the B.S. degree in physics, the technical objectives are the learning goals of the B.A. degree, plus additional hands-on research laboratory experience and further knowledge in solid-state physics, statistical physics, nuclear physics, optics and the conduct of research. The communication objectives at the B.A. and B.S. levels are writing and speaking skills that are sufficient to represent themselves and their organizations at regional or national scientific meetings. Our expectations are that these students will obtain critical thinking skills and an ability to work independently at a level that will require minimal or modest supervision of either management or a more senior scientist.
Associate of Science in Physics
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Minor in Physics
Associate of Science in Physics
Students seeking an Associate of Science degree in Physics must complete the following:General Education Goals for the* 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.
Bachelor of Science*variable
CHEM 1111,1111L General Chemistry I, and Lab 5 cr
CHEM 1112,1112L General Chemistry II, and Lab 4 cr
MATH 1170 Calculus I 4 cr
MATH 1175 Calculus II 4 cr
MATH 2275 Calculus III 4 cr
PHYS 2211,2213 Engineering Physics I and Lab 5 cr
PHYS 2212,2214 Engineering Physics II and Lab 5 cr
Electives to bring total to 64 cr variable
TOTAL: 64 cr
Minor in Physics
MATH 1170 Calculus I 4 cr
MATH 1175 Calculus II 4 cr
MATH 2275 Calculus III 4 cr
MATH 3360 Differential Equations 3 cr
PHYS 2211-2212 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 3301 Modern Physics 3 cr
PHYS 4403 Advanced Modern Physics 3 cr
IN ADDITION: Physics electives approved by
the department 4 crPhysics Courses
PHYS 1100 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 1108 or equivalent. F, S
PHYS 1101 Elements of Physics 3 credits. A survey of basic physics principles; motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, light, atoms and nuclei. Includes lecture, demonstrations, elementary problem solving. With PHYS 1101L, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. PREREQ: Permission of the College of Technology. COREQ: MATH 1108 or equivalent; PHYS 1101L. F, S
PHYS 1101L Elements of Physics Laboratory 1 credit. Laboratory-based application of PHYS 1101, to demonstrate basic physics principles; motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, light, atoms and nuclei. With PHYS 1101, Satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. PREREQ: Permission of the College of Technology. COREQ: MATH 1108 or equivalent; PHYS 1101. F, S
PHYS 1103 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. DPHYS 1111 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 1143 or MATH 1147 or equivalent. F
PHYS 1112 General Physics II 3 credits. Introduction to optics, electricity and magnetism and selected topics from atomic and nuclear physics. PREREQ: PHYS 1111 or equivalent, and MATH 1143 or MATH 1147 or equivalent. S
PHYS 1113 General Physics I Laboratory 1 credit. Demonstrating principles of physics. COREQ: PHYS 1111. F
PHYS 1114 General Physics II Laboratory 1 credit. Demonstrating principles of physics. PREREQ: PHYS 1113. COREQ: PHYS 1112. S
PHYS 1152 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 1153, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. F, S, Su
PHYS 1153 Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory 1 credit. Use of astronomical equipment, telescopes, cameras, etc. With PHYS 1152, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. F, S, Su
PHYS 2211 Engineering Physics I 4 credits. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. COREQ: MATH 1175. F
PHYS 2212 Engineering Physics II 4 credits. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. PREREQ: PHYS 2211. S
PHYS 2213 Engineering Physics I Laboratory 1 credit. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 2211. F
PHYS 2214 Engineering Physics II Laboratory 1 credit. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 2212. PREREQ: PHYS 2213. S
PHYS 2215 Thermal Physics 1 credit. Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Designed for students who have taken AP Physics C in high school and have not had instruction in thermal physics normally covered in Engineering Physics I and II. COREQ: MATH 1175. D
PHYS 2275 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 3301 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 2212. COREQ: MATH 3360. F
PHYS 3312 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 1112, CHEM 1112L, MATH 1160 or MATH 1170. D
PHYS 3313 Intermediate Laboratory I 2 credits. Modern and historical experiments in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and optics. COREQ: PHYS 3301 and MATH 3360. F
PHYS 3325 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 1112, CHEM 1112L, PHYS 1112 or permission of instructor. F, S, Su, W
PHYS 4400 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. S
PHYS 4403 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 3360 or equivalent, and PHYS 3301. S
PHYS 4404 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 4403. F
PHYS 4405 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. D
PHYS 4406 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. F, S
PHYS 4409 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. AF
PHYS 4410 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 4410. PREREQ: Junior standing and permission of instructor. AF
PHYS 4415 Statistical Physics 3 credits. Topics covered may include kinetic theory, elementary statistical mechanics, random motion and the theory of noise. Choice of topics will depend upon the interest of the students and instructor. PREREQ: PHYS 2212 and MATH 3360. AF
PHYS 4416 Radiation Detection and Measurement 3 credits. Lecture/laboratory course emphasizing practical measurement techniques in nuclear physics. PREREQ: CHEM 1112, CHEM 1112L, PHYS 1111, and PHYS 1113 or PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2213. S
PHYS 4421 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 2212 and MATH 3360. F
PHYS 4422 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 4421. S
PHYS 4430 Accelerator Physics 3 credits. The physics of direct voltage accelerators, betatrons, synchrotrons, linear induction acceleration; high current accelerators; electromagnetic particle optics, free electron lasers, and synchrotron light sources. PREREQ: PHYS 4422 or permission of instructor. D
PHYS 4442 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 3301 and MATH 3360 or permission of instructor. AF
PHYS 4452 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 2212. COREQ: MATH 3360. AS
PHYS 4453 Topics in Astrophysics 2 credits. Applications of upper division physics to astronomy or cosmology. May include lab exercise. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. AS
PHYS 4461 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 2212 and MATH 3360. F
PHYS 4462 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 4461. S
PHYS 4481 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 4483 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 2212 and MATH 3360. F
PHYS 4492 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 for up to 4 credits. F, S
PHYS 4497 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
Health Physics Courses
PHYS 2217 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 2218 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 2219 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 2225 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 2218. F
PHYS 2226 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 2218. S
PHYS 2227 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 2218. S
PHYS 2228 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 2218. S
PHYS 4411 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 4412 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 4413 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 4416 Radiation Detection and Measurement 3 credits. Lecture/laboratory course emphasizing practical measurement techniques in nuclear physics. PREREQ: CHEM 1112, and PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1113, or PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2213. S
PHYS 4417 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 4418 Nonionizing Radiation Protection 3 credits. Occupational safety and health issues of human exposure to non-ionizing 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 4419 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 4420 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 4431 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 4432 Radiation Physics II 3 credits. Continuation of PHYS 4431 considering dosimetric quantities/units, theory and technology of radiation detection and measurement, and radiobiology important to an advanced understanding of radiation protection. PREREQ: PHYS 4431 and permission of instructor. S
PHYS 4433 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 4432 or permission of instructor. F
PHYS 4434 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 4433 or permission of instructor. S
PHYS 4455 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 4432 or permission of instructor. F
PHYS 4456 Topics in Health Physics II 2 credits. A continuation of PHYS 4455. A lecture/seminar course covering special topics in Health Physics such as state and federal regulations, waste disposal methodology, and emergency procedures. PREREQ: PHYS 4432 or permission of instructor. S
PHYS 4480 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 end point. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. S
PHYS 4488 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 BIOL 4488. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. AF
PHYS 4490 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: March 2011 |