UVa Physics Course Descriptions

  
Undergraduate Courses Undergraduate/Graduate Courses Graduate Courses
Guide to reading course descriptions

Example:

PHYS 109 - (3) (Y) Galileo and Einstein For non-science majors. Examines how new understandings of the natural world develop, taking two famous scientists as case studies. Galileo was the first to appreciate the importance of experiment, while Einstein was the first to realize time is not absolute and that mass can be converted to energy.

Explanation of example:

PHYS 109 - course mnemonic and number. Variations include PHYS 101-102 where two semesters of a course must be completed to obtain credit toward a degree, or PHYS 151,152 where credit may be obtained by taking either semester or both.

(3) - number of credits that will be earned upon successful completion of the course. Where courses are dually numbered (101-102 or 103, 104), the number of credits represents the number of credits for each section of the courses, e.g., three credits for 101 and three credits for 102.

(Y) - code for frequency with which the course is offered. Variations are:
  S offered fall and spring semesters
  Y offered at least once every academic year (fall or spring semester)
  E offered when the fall semester occurs in an even year (e.g., 2002-2003)
  O offered when the fall semester occurs in an odd year (e.g., 2001-2002 or 2003-2004)
  SI offered upon sufficient student interest
  IR offered irregularly
  SS offered during summer session

Undergraduate Course Descriptions
(Physics entry in Official UVa Undergraduate Record)

Note: There are several introductory course sequences that cover essentially the same topics but in two, three, or four semesters, fulfilling different student needs. Students may offer for degree credit only one of PHYS 142E, 151, and 231; only one of PHYS 232, 241E, and 251.

PHYS 101, 102 - (3) (Y) Concepts of Physics For non-science majors. Topics vary from year to year. 101 covers classical physics, such as Newton's laws, science fiction, weight room physics, and weather. 102 covers modern physics, such as relativity, atomic structure, quantum physics, and the atomic and hydrogen bombs. Premedical and predental students should take PHYS 201, 202 rather than 101, 102. They may be taken in either order.

PHYS 105, 106 - (3) (Y) How Things Work For non-science majors. Introduces physics and science in everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and focusing on their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. 105 is concerned primarily with mechanical and thermal objects, while 106 emphasizes objects involving electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy. They may be taken in either order.

PHYS 109 - (3) (Y) Galileo and Einstein For non-science majors. Examines how new understandings of the natural world develop, taking two famous scientists as case studies. Galileo was the first to appreciate the importance of experiment, while Einstein was the first to realize time is not absolute and that mass can be converted to energy.

PHYS 111 - (3) (Y) Energy on this World and Elsewhere Prerequisite: Physics and math at high school level. The subject of energy will be considered from the perspective of a physicist. Students will learn to use quantitative reasoning and the recognition of simple physics restraints to examine issues related to energy that are of relevance to society and the future evolution of our civilization.

PHYS 115 - (4) (Y) Powerful Ideas in Physical Science Covers several main ideas in physical science including matter, sound, heat and energy, force and motion, electricity and magnetism, and light and optics, using a hands-on conceptual learning approach. Students work in cooperative learning groups during both the lab and lecture components. Suitable for preservice education students and other nonscience majors.

PHYS 121 - (3) (IR) The Science of Sound and Music Studies the basic physical concepts needed to understand sound. Aspects of perception, the human voice, the measurement of sound, and the acoustics of musical instruments are developed and illustrated.

PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 - (4) (Y) Introductory Physics I, II, III, IV Corequisite: MATH 131, 132, or 231, 325, respectively, or equivalent. The courses should be taken in sequence. This series of courses, intended for prospective physics majors and other science majors who wish to begin the study of physics in their first semester, prepares students for the physics courses numbered 300 and above. Three lecture hours, one problem hour.
  I. Kinematics and Newton's laws with vector calculus; frames of reference; energy and momentum conservation; rotational motion; special relativity.
  II. Gravitation and Kepler's laws; harmonic motion; thermodynamics; wave motion; sound; optics.
  III. Electrostatics, circuits, electric andmagnetic fields; electromagnetic waves.
  IV. Quantum physics; atomic structure; nuclear and elementary particle physics; solid state physics.


PHYS 177 - (3) (IR) Science and Technology Issues Introduces the scientific basis and prospects of modern technologies at a level suitable for motivated non-science majors. Discusses the use of lasers, microwaves, and superconductors in health care and communications. Environmental and strategic defense problems are debated via case studies by student teams. A high school math background should suffice.

PHYS 201, 202 - (4) (Y, SS) Principles of Physics I, II A terminal course covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. PHYS 201, 202 does not normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 315 and above. Students who plan to take more physics should elect PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252, 221, 222 instead. PHYS 201, 202, in conjunction with the laboratory, PHYS 201L, 202L, satisfies the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 201 is prerequisite for 202. Three lecture hours; two hours of recitation and problem work.

PHYS 201L, 202L - (1 ½) (Y,SS) Basic Physics Laboratory I, II Corequisite: PHYS 201, 202, or 231, 232. Premedical and predental students should elect this course along with PHYS 201, 202; it is an option for others. PHYS 201L is prerequisite for PHYS 202L. Selected experiments in the different branches of physics are carried out and written up by the student. One three-hour exercise per week. NOTE: 201L and 202L have been replaced by 203 and 204.

PHYS 203, 204 - (1) (Y,SS) Basic Physics Laboratory I, II Corequisite: PHYS 201, 202, or 231, 232. Premedical and predental students should elect this course along with PHYS 201, 202; it is an option for others. PHYS 203 is prerequisite for PHYS 204. Selected experiments in the different branches of physics are carried out and written up by the student. One two-hour exercise per week.

PHYS 221, 222 - (3) (Y) Elementary Laboratory I, II Prerequisite: PHYS151, 152; corequisite: PHYS 251 and PHYS 252, respectively or prerequisite: PHYS 231, 232; corequisite: PHYS 252 for PHYS 222. Selected experiments in mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week.

PHYS 231, 232 - (4) (Y) Classical and Modern Physics I, II Prerequisite: MATH 132 or instructor permission. A two-semester introduction to classical and modern physics for science majors. A calculus-based treatment of the principles of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, physical optics, elementary quantum theory, and  atomic and nuclear physics. This sequence can be used by prospective physics majors and by other students planning to take physics courses numbered 300 and higher; however, the four-semester sequence PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 is recommended. PHYS 231, 232 in conjunction with the laboratory, PHYS 201L, 202L satisfies the requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry, and can be used in place of PHYS 201, 202, 201L, 202L to satisfy the requirements of medical and dental schools. PHYS 231 is prerequisite for 232. Three lecture hours and one problem session per week.

PHYS 254 - (3) (Y) Fundamentals of Scientific Computing Prerequisite: One semester of calculus and one semester of introductory physics (PHYS 151, 231, 142E or 201) or permission of instructor. Applications of computers to solving basic problems in physical science. Introduction to programming, use of external libraries, and implementation of basic algorithms with focus on numerical methods, error analysis and data fitting. No previous computer experience is required. One lecture and 2 two-hour lab sessions each week.

PHYS 304 - (3) (IR) Physics of the Human Body Prerequisite: PHYS 201, MATH 122; corequisite:  PHYS 202 or instructor permission. Application of basic physical principles to functions of the human body; studies selected aspects of hearing, vision, cardiovascular system, biomechanics, urinary system, and information handling.

PHYS 311, 312 - (4) (Y) Widely Applied Physics I, II Prerequisite: PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 or PHYS 231, 232, and MATH 131, 132, 231. Applications of physical principles to a diverse set of phenomena. Topics include materials science and engineering, computers and electronics, nuclear physics and energy, astrophysics, aeronautics and space flight, communications technology, meteorology, and medical physics and imaging. Emphasis on conceptual issues, order of magnitude estimates, and dimensional analysis. PHYS311 is a prerequisite for PHYS312. Three lecture hours and a discussion session each week.

PHYS 315 - (3) (Y) Electronics Laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or 201L. Analogue and digital electronics for scientific applications, including the use of transistors, FET's, operational amplifiers, TTL, and CMOS integrated circuits. Six laboratory hours.

PHYS 317 - (3) (Y) Intermediate Laboratory I Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or instructor permission. Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours.

PHYS 318 - (3) (Y) Intermediate Laboratory II Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or instructor permission. Approximately three to five experiments, selected in consultation with the instructor, emphasizing modern aspects. Outside library research and report preparation are required. Six laboratory hours.

PHYS 319 - (3) (Y) Advanced Laboratory Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Normally a single, semester-long experiment chosen in consultation with the instructor.

PHYS 321 - (3) (Y) Classical Mechanics Prerequisite: MATH 325 and PHYS 152 or 231 or instructor permission. Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with extensive use of vector calculus; includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics.

PHYS 331 - (3) (Y) Statistical Physics Prerequisite: PHYS 252 and MATH 325, or instructor permission. Includes temperature and the laws of thermodynamics; introductory treatments of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics; and applications of Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distributions.

PHYS 342 - (3) (Y) Electricity and Magnetism I Prerequisite: MATH 325 and PHYS 251 or 232 or instructor permission. Systematic treatment of electromagnetic phenomena with extensive use of vector calculus, including Maxwell's equations.

PHYS 343 - (3) (Y) Electricity and Magnetism II Prerequisite: PHYS 342. Includes Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter; interference, diffraction, polarization; waveguides; and antennas.

PHYS 355 - (3) (Y) Quantum Physics I Prerequisite: MATH 325; corequisite:  PHYS 321 or instructor permission. Includes quantum phenomena and an introduction to wave mechanics; the hydrogen atom and atomic spectra.

PHYS 356 - (3) (Y) Quantum Physics II Prerequisite: PHYS 355. Continuation of PHYS 355. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest.

PHYS 381, 382 - (3) (IR) Topics in Physics-Related Research Areas PHYS 381 is not prerequisite to PHYS 382. Applies the principles and techniques of physics to related areas of physical or life sciences or technology with an emphasis on current research problems.

PHYS 393 - (3) (S-SS) Independent Study Prerequisite: PHYS342 and 355, or instructor permission. For physics majors in their final year of candidacy. A program of independent study carried out under the supervision of a faculty member and culminating in a written report or essay. May be taken more than once.

Note:  Service courses offered by the Department of Physics for the School of Architecture (PHYS 203A) and for the School of Engineering and Applied Science (PHYS 142E, 241E) are open to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. These courses count against the degree credits a student may earn for courses taken outside the College. They are described in the course listings in chapters 7 and 10 respectively of the Official UVa Undergraduate Record.

Undergraduate/Graduate Course Descriptions
(500 level courses may be taken for credit by both undergraduate and graduate students)

PHYS 519 - (3) (Y) Electronics Prerequisite:  Instructor permission. Studies practical electronics for scientists, from resistors to microprocessors.

PHYS 521 - (3) (Y) Theoretical Mechanics I Prerequisite:  PHYS 321 and MATH 522 or instructor permission. Studies the statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Discusses methods of generalized coordinates, the Lagrangian, Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and action-angle variables. Relation to the quantum theory is explored.

PHYS 524 - (3) (Y) Introduction to the Theory of General Relativity Prerequisite:  Advanced calculus through partial differentiation and multiple integration; vector analysis in three dimensions. Reviews special relativity and coordinate transformations. Includes the principle of equivalence; effects of gravitation on other systems and fields; general tensor analysis in curved spaces and gravitational field equations; Mach's principle, tests of gravitational theories: perihelion precession, red shift, bending of light, gyroscopic precession, radar echo delay; gravitational radiation; relativistic stellar structure and cosmography; and a short survey of cosmological models.

PHYS 531 - (3) (Y) Optics Prerequisite: Knowledge of vector calculus and previous exposure to Maxwell's equations. Includes reflection and refraction at interfaces, geometrical optics, interference phenomena, diffraction, Gaussian optics, and polarization.

PHYS 547 - (3) (IR) Introduction to Molecular Biophysics Prerequisite:  PHYS 331 or CHEM 361, PHYS 355 or CHEM 362, MATH 521, or instructor permission. Introduces the physics of molecular structures and processes in living systems. Includes molecular structure analysis by X-ray (and neutron) diffraction; electronic configuration of atoms, groups, and small molecules of critical importance in biology; physical methods of macromolecular structure determination, in solution and in the solid state; thermodynamic and electronic factors underlying group interactions, proton dissociation, and charge distribution in macromolecule; solvent-macromolecule interactions; action spectroscopy; and rate processes in series and parallel.

PHYS 551, 552 - (3) (IR) Special Topics in Classical and Modern Physics Prerequisite: PHYS 342 or instructor permission. Topics of current interest in physics research and pedagogy. May be repeated.

PHYS 562 - (3) (Y) Introduction to Solid State Physics Includes crystal structures, lattice vibrations, and electronic properties of insulators, metals, and semiconductors; superconductivity.

PHYS 572 - (3) (Y) Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics Studies subatomic structure, basic constituents and their mutual interactions.

PHYS 593 - (3) (Y) Independent Study Independent study supervised by a faculty member, culminating in a written report, essay, or examination. May be repeated. Professional Development Courses for Teachers  Courses numbered in the 600s are offered for the professional development of K-12 teachers to improve competency in physics and to assist them in obtaining endorsement or recertification. In the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences these courses count for degree credit only for the MAPE degree.

Graduate Course Descriptions
(Physics entry in Official UVa Graduate Record)

PHYS 605, 606 - (3) (SI) How Things Work I, II Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree or instructor permission. These courses consider objects from our daily environment and explain how they work with emphasis on physics concepts. PHYS 605 focuses on mechanics and heat; PHYS 606 treats objects involving electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy. These may be distance learning courses intended for in-service science teachers with lectures, homework and exams conducted via the internet.

PHYS 609 - (3) (SI) Galileo and Einstein Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree or instructor permission. This course examines how new understanding of the natural world developed from the time of Galileo to Einstein taking the two famous scientists as case studies. This may be a distance learning course intended for in-service science teachers with lectures, homework and exams conducted via the internet.

PHYS 611, 612 - (3) (IR) Physical Science for Teachers Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree and presently (or intending to be) a K-8 teacher. Laboratory-based course providing elementary and middle school teachers hands-on experience in the principles and applications of physical science. Not suitable for physics majors; no previous college physics courses are assumed.

PHYS 613 - (1-3) (SI) Topics in Physical Science Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree or instructor permission. Small classes studying special topics in physical science using cooperative teaching in a laboratory setting. Hands-on experiments and lecture demonstrations allow special problems to be posed and solved. May be taken more than once.

PHYS 620 - (1) (SI) Topical Physical Science Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree or instructor permission. A series of one credit hour science courses of interest to K-12 teachers, as well as the general public. These courses are offered anywhere in the state as needed through School of Continuing and Professional Studies regional centers. The courses are designed to meet Virginia's SOLs and consist of lectures, demonstrations, and many hands-on science activities. Current course topics include Sound, Light & Optics, Aeronautics and Space, Electricity, Meteorology, Magnetism, Heat & Energy, Matter, and Force & Motion. May be taken more than once.

PHYS 631, 632, 633 - (4) (SI) Classical and Modern Physics I, II, III Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree and instructor permission. A comprehensive study of physics using some calculus and emphasizing concepts, problem solving, and pedagogy. This course series is intended for in-service science teachers, particularly middle school physical science and high school physics teachers. These courses can be used for crossover teachers who wish to obtain endorsement or certification to teach high school physics. They are required courses for the MAPE degree. The courses are typically taught for 4 weeks in the summer with a daily two-hour lecture and two-hour problem session. Problem sets continue for three months into the next semester. I. Motion, kinematics, Newton's laws, energy and momentum conservation, gravitation, harmonic motion, waves, sound, heat, and fluids. II. Coulomb's law, Gauss's law, electrostatics, electric fields, capacitance, inductance, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic waves. III. Geometric and physical optics, relativity, and modern physics.

PHYS 635, 636, 637 - (3) (SI) Curriculum Enhancement I, II, III Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree and instructor permission. A laboratory sequence normally taken concurrently with PHYS 631, 632, 633, respectively. It includes experiments with sensors that are integrated with graphing calculators and computers and other experiments using low cost apparatus. The courses are typically held in the summer for four weeks and are extended into the next semester creating an activity plan. The laboratories utilize best teaching practices and hands-on experimentation in cooperative learning groups.

PHYS 640 - (3-6) (SI) Independent Study Prerequisite:  Undergraduate degree and instructor permission. A program of independent study for in-service science teachers carried out under the supervision of a faculty member culminating in a written report. A typical project may be the creation and development of several physics demonstrations for the classroom or a unit activity. The student may carry out some of this work at home, school, or a site other than the University. Advanced Graduate Courses  Courses primarily for students seeking M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics.

PHYS 719 - (3) (Y) Advanced Experimental Physics Selected experiments designed to introduce students to concepts and techniques from a variety of fields of contemporary physics.

PHYS 725 - (3) (Y) Mathematical Methods of Physics I Prerequisite:  MATH 521 and 522 or instructor permission. Discusses matrices, complex analysis, Fourier series and transforms, ordinary differential equations, special functions of mathematical physics, partial differential equations, general vector spaces, integral equations and operator techniques, and Green's functions.

PHYS 742 - (3) (Y) Electricity and Magnetism I Prerequisite:  PHYS 725 or instructor permission. A consistent mathematical account of the phenomena of electricity and magnetism; electrostatics and magnetostatics; macroscopic media; Maxwell theory; and wave propagation.

PHYS 743 - (3) (Y) Electricity and Magnetism II Prerequisite:  PHYS 742 or instructor permission. Development of the theory of special relativity, relativistic electrodynamics, radiation from moving charges, classical electron theory, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of electrodynamics.

PHYS 751 - (3) (Y) Quantum Theory I Prerequisite:  Twelve credits of 300-level physics courses and MATH 521, 522 or instructor permission. Introduces the physical basis of quantum mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and the quantum mechanics of one-particle systems, and stationary state problem.

PHYS 752 - (3) (Y) Quantum Theory II Prerequisite: PHYS 751 or instructor permission. Includes angular momentum theory, techniques of time-dependent perturbation theory, emission and absorption of radiation, systems of identical particles, second quantization, and Hartree-Fock equations.

PHYS 795, 796 - (3) (Y) Research Research leading to a master's thesis.

PHYS 797 - (3-12) (Y) Research Continuation of PHYS 796. Note: Admission to 800- and 900-level PHYS courses requires the instructor's permission.

PHYS 822 - (3) (E) Lasers and Nonlinear Optics Prerequisite:  PHYS 531 and exposure to quantum mechanics. Studies nonlinear optical phenomena; the laser, sum, and difference frequency generation, optical parametric oscillation, and modulation techniques.

PHYS 831 - (3) (Y) Statistical Mechanics Prerequisite:  PHYS 751. Discusses thermodynamics and kinetic theory, and the development of the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Includes Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions, techniques for handling interacting many-particle systems, and extensive applications to physical problems.

PHYS 832 - (3) (IR) Statistical Mechanics II Prerequisite: PHYS 831. Further topics in statistical mechanics.

PHYS 842 - (3) (O) Atomic Physics Prerequisite:  PHYS 752 or instructor permission.Studies the principles and techniques of atomic physics with application to selected topics, including laser and microwave spectroscopy, photoionization, autoionization, effects of external fields, and laser cooling.

PHYS 853 - (3) (Y) Introduction to Field Theory Prerequisite:  PHYS 752. Introduces the quantization of field theories, including those based on the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations. Derives perturbation theory in terms of Feynman diagrams, and applies it to simple field theories with interactions. Introduces the concept of renormalization.

PHYS 854 - (3) (Y) Modern Field Theory Prerequisite:  PHYS 853. Applies field theory techniques to quantum electrodynamics and to the renormalization-group description of phase transitions. Introduces the path integral description of field theory.

PHYS 861 - (3) (Y) Solid State Physics I Prerequisite:  PHYS752 or instructor permission. The description and basic theory of the electronic properties of solids including band structure, electrical conduction, optical properties, magnetism and super-conductivity.

PHYS 862 - (3) (IR) Solid State Physics II A discussion of various topics and problems relating to the physical properties of crystalline solids.

PHYS 871 - (3) (E) Nuclear Physics Discusses nuclear theory and experiment. Description and interpretation of nuclear reactions including fission, and the structure of nuclei.

PHYS 872 - (3) (IR) Nuclear Physics II A continuation of the topics of Physics 871.

PHYS 875 - (3) (O) Elementary Particle Physics Discusses the various topics and problems relative to the physical properties and interactions of elementary particles.

PHYS 876 - (3) (IR) Elementary Particle Physics II Extension of PHYS 875. Studies topics in modern elementary particle physics, including unified gauge theory of electroweak interactions and introduction to QCD and lattice gauge theory.

PHYS 881, 882 - (3) (IR) Selected Topics in Modern Physics

PHYS 897 - (3-12) (Y) Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research For master's research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.

PHYS 898 - (3-12) (Y) Non-Topical Research For master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.

PHYS 901, 902 - (3) (Y) General Physics Research Seminar

PHYS 925, 926 - (3) (IR) Research Seminar in Theoretical Physics

PHYS 951, 952 - (3) (Y) Atomic and Molecular Seminar

PHYS 961, 962 - (3) (Y) Research Seminar in Solid State Physics

PHYS 971, 972 - (3) (Y) Research Seminar in Nuclear Physics

PHYS 981, 982 - (3) (Y) Research Seminar in Particle Physics

PHYS 997 - (3-12) (Y) Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

PHYS 999 - (3-12) (Y) Non-Topical Research For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.