Chair and Professor: Harmon Professors: Gessell, Knox, Parker Assistant Professors: Brey, Irwin, Shropshire, Vizkelethy Instructors: Hackworth, Johnson Adjunct Faculty: Abbott, Burkhart, Cummings, Harker, Herbst, Horan, Nieschmidt, Oberg, Otis, Redman, Rood Affiliate Faculty: Davidson, Denison, Horan, Langley, O'Rear, Paulson, Varesko Professor Emeritus: 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. The Bachelor of Science degree is obtained in one of the following options: physics, applied physics, or physics-computer science. 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.
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.
A student planning to do graduate work in physics should elect the B.S. physics option. Students may enter the M.S. program in Health Physics from several under graduate 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 concerning the various B.S. options, please consult the Department of Physics.
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 4 cr
CHEM 126 Cations and Anions 1 cr
MATH 121 Calculus and
Analytic Geometry I 4 cr
MATH 222 Calculus and
Analytic Geometry II 4 cr
MATH 223 Calculus and
Analytic Geometry 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 221-222 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 223-224 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 cr
MATH 121 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I 4 cr
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry II 4 cr
MATH 223 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry III 4 cr
MATH 230 Introduction to Linear
Algebra 2 cr
MATH 360 Differential Equations 3 cr
PHYS 221-222 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 223-224 Engineering Physics
Laboratory 2 cr
PHYS g301 Modern Physics 3 cr
PHYS g313 Intermediate Laboratory 12 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 cr
MATH 121 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I 4 cr
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry II 4 cr
MATH 223 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry III 4 cr
MATH 230 Introduction to Linear
Algebra 2 cr
MATH g360 Differential Equations 3 cr
PHYS 221-222 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 cr
CHEM 108 Essentials of Organic and
Biochemistry 5 cr
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 4 cr
BIOS 101 General Zoology 3 cr
BIOS 102 General Zoology and
Laboratory 1 cr
BIOS g301 Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr
BIOS g302 Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr
BIOS g307 Radiobiology 3 cr
ENGL 307 Professional Writing 3 cr
MATH 117 Algebra and Trigonometry 5 cr
MATH 280 FORTRAN 2 cr
PHYS 216 Introduction to
Nuclear Measurements 3 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 g433 Advanced Health Physics I 3 cr
PHYS g434 Advanced Health Physics II 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 cr
MATH 120 Essentials of Calculus 4 cr PHYS 211 General Physics I 3 cr PHYS 212 General Physics II 3 cr PHYS 213-214 General Physics Laboratory 2 cr BIOS 203 General Ecology 3 cr BIOS 315 Introduction to Biometry 3 cr
MATH 121 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I 4 cr
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry II 4 cr
MATH 223 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry III 4 cr
CHEM g432 Chemometrics 3 cr
PHYS 221-222 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 223-224 Engineering Physics
Laboratory 2 cr
PHYS 110 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 111 OR EQUIVALENT. F, S
PHYS 111 Introduction to Solar Energy 2 credits. A non-mathematical introduction to the principles of solar energy, especially as applied to individual households. D
PHYS 152-153 Descriptive 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 General Physics I 3 credits. Introductory physics course for students in scientific and technical fields, particularly the biological sciences; mechanics, wave motion, thermodynamics. COREQ: MATH 111 OR MATH 117 OR EQUIVALENT. F
PHYS 212 General Physics II 3 credits. Introduction to optics, electricity and magnetism and selected topics from atomic and nuclear physics. PREREQ: PHYS 211 OR EQUIVALENT AND MATH 111 OR MATH 117 OR EQUIVALENT. S
PHYS 213-214 General Physics Laboratory 1 credit each. Demonstrating principles of physics. Accompanies PHYS 211 AND PHYS 212. F, S
PHYS 216 Introduction to Nuclear Measurements 3 credits. Lecture/laboratory course emphasizing practical measurement techniques in nuclear physics. PREREQ: CHEM 122, AND PHYS 211 AND PHYS 213 OR PHYS 221 AND PHYS 223. D
PHYS 221-222 Engineering Physics 4 credits each. Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; kinetic theory and thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; wave motion; optics. COREQ: MATH 222 FOR PHYS 221; PREREQ: PHYS 221 FOR PHYS 222. F, S
PHYS 223-224 Engineering Physics Laboratory 1 credit each. Principles and methods of physical measurement. COREQ: PHYS 221 and PHYS 222. F, S
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 212; PREREQ: MATH 120. 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 222; 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 122, MATH 120 OR MATH 121. 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. Analysis of the production of x-rays including x-ray circuitry, emphasizing interactions of radiation with matter, units of radiation measurements, and radiation protection. Includes laboratory. S
PHYS 333 Science and Civilization 3 credits. A critical examination of the methods of physical science, it contributions to civilization and its inherent limitations. No science or mathematics prerequisite. Cross-listed as CHEM 333. PREREQ: JUNIOR STANDING OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
PHYS g352 Intermediate Optics 3 credits. Fundamental wave theory, interference, diffraction, polarization, and selected topics from the electromagnetic theory of light. PREREQ: PHYS 222; 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 g370 Analytical Geochemistry 3 credits. A survey of geochemical analysis techniques. All aspects of analysis, including sample collection, preparation, instrumental analysis, QA/AC procedures, interpretation and presentation are discussed. Cross-listed as CHEM 370, GEOL 370. PREREQ: CHEM 122 AND PHYS 212. D
PHYS g383 Theoretical Mechanics 4 credits. Mechanics of particles, planetary motion, rigid bodies; vibrating particles and strings; Lagranges' Equations and Hamiltonian methods. PREREQ: PHYS 222 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. Introduction to practical problems associated with designing, equipping, setting up, operating, and administering laboratories in physics and chemistry. Experience with the design and maintenance of equipment used in these laboratories. Introduction to sources of pre-designed experiments. Offered jointly with the Department of Chemistry. Cross-listed as CHEM 400. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT CHAIR. D
PHYS g403-g404 Advanced 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 g302; 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 g415 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 222, MATH g360. AS
PHYS g421-g422 Electricity 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 222 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 g461-462 Introduction 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 222 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
PHYS g331 Principles of Health Physics I 3 credits. A lecture/laboratory course covering topics such as the interaction of radiation with matter, instrumentation for measuring radiation and shielding from radiation. PREREQ: JUNIOR STANDING IN HEALTH PHYSICS. F
PHYS g332 Principles of Health Physics II 3 credits. A continuation of PHYS g331. A lecture/laboratory course covering topics such as the interaction of radiation with matter, instrumentation for measuring radiation and shielding from radiation. PREREQ: PHYS g331. 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 Advanced Health Physics I 3 credits. A lecture/laboratory course covering topics such as personnel and effluent monitoring, bioassay, sampling techniques, and calibration and standards. PREREQ: PHYS g332. F
PHYS g434 Advanced Health Physics II 3 credits. A continuation of g433 course covering topics such as personnel and effluent monitoring, bioassay, sampling techniques, and calibration and standards. 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
Idaho State University Academic Information
Revised: April 24, 1996
URL http://www.isu.edu/academic-info/prev-isu-cat/ugrad96/arts/dp.html