Professors: M. Blecher; J. J. Broderick; L. N. Chang; B. K. Dennison; J. R. Ficenec; G. J. M. Indebetouw; L. W. Mo; L. E. Piilonen; B. Schmittmann; J. Slawny; R. Zallen; R. K. P. Zia
Associate Professors: J. R. Heflin; J. R. Long; T. Mizutani; M. L. Pitt; A. L. Ritter; J. H. Simonetti; W. Spillman; R. B. Vogelaar
Assistant Professors: M. DiVentra; C. Hagner; D. Minic; T. Takeuchi; U. Tauber
Senior Research Associate: N. Morgan (Electronics)
Commonwealth Professor: R. M. Sundelin
Adjunct Professors: B. L. Bressler; A.P. Freyberger; F.X. Hartmann; P. K. R. Kneisel; Y. Liang; B. A. Mecking; H. L. Phillips; M. G. Rao; C. E. Reese; E. S. Smith; P. M. Stone
Career Advisor: B. K. Dennison (231-5186)
Affiliates: Louis Guido, Associate Professor (Regular appointment with Materials Science & Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering; Stephane Evoy, Assistant Professor (Regular appointment with Electrical & Computer Engineering)
The physics curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation in the physical sciences, as well as specialized training in classical and modern physics, and it may lead to either a B.S. or a B.A. An honors student may also qualify for a five-year program leading to both the B.S. and M.S. Experimental opportunities are available in such fields as fundamental particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, laser optics, radio astronomy, and multimedia teaching demonstrations. Superior students are encouraged to participate with faculty members in undergraduate research projects. Computers are available for use by all physics majors.
Liberal emphases in the physics curriculum permit students to give special attention to those aspects of the discipline they prefer and enable them either to pursue a traditional course of study as preparation for joining the technical staffs of industries or government laboratories, or for graduate studies in physics (B.S.); or to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study with a strong background in physics (B.A.). A handbook that includes sample curricula for emphases in astrophysics, chemistry, computer science, education, electrical engineering, finance; geophysics, materials science, and mathematics is available from the department on request.
The requirements for the B.S. are, in addition to the college and university core curricula: Phys 2305, 2306, 3304 (or 3455 and 3504), 3314, 3355, 3356, 3405, 3406, 3704, 4205 (or 4504 or 4554), 4315, 4316, 4455, 4456, 4614, 4624; Math 1114, 1205, 1206, 1224, 2214, 2224, 2984 (Linear Algebra-2 cr.), 3214 (or 4526), 4564 (or 4425), 4984 (Complex Analysis-1 cr.); and Chem 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046. Outstanding students may also elect to complete the requirements for a B.S. "in honors." A description of this honors program in physics is included in the handbook indicated above. The requirements for the B.A. are, in addition to the college and university core curricula: Phys 2305, 2306, 3304 (or 3455 and 3504), 3314, 3355, 3356 (or 3405), 3655 (or 3656), 3704, 4315, 4614, 4624; Math 1114, 1205, 1206, 1224, 2214, 2224; 14 specific credits of Astronomy or Biology or Chemistry or Geology; and Hist 3705, 3706. The department also offers the M.S. and Ph.D. in physics (see the Graduate Catalog).
Transfer students should contact the department early, preferably one full semester prior to entrance. This procedure will allow a thorough evaluation of transfer credits and correct placement.
A student may obtain a minor in physics by registering with the department and successfully completing 2305, 2306, (or 2175, 2176, and two physics laboratory credits), 3304 (or 3455 or 4205), 3355 (or 3405), 3704, plus three more physics credits at or above the 3000 level. A concentration in astronomy is also available and may be obtained by registering with the department and successfully completing 1055, 1056, 1155, 1156, 3154, 3655, 3656, and one more course from an approved list (see B. K. Dennison).
The department participates in the Cooperative Education Program in which a student may alternate through two successive years a semester of study with a semester of professional employment in his/her discipline; these two years normally replace the student's sophomore year. Additional information on the program is included in the "Academics" chapter in this catalog and in the handbook indicated above.
Any student who completes for credit Physics 2004 or 2014 while having already passed (with a grade of D or better in the A-F option or P in the P/F option) Physics 2175, 2205, or 2305, will have such credit in 2004 or 2014 converted to "audit" before his/her graduation.
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see Academics chapter in this catalog), toward the Arts and Sciences College Core (see first part of this chapter), and toward the degree in physics.
Satisfactory progress toward the degree in physics requires that:
B.S. in Physics
| Chem 1035, 1036: General Chemistry | 6 |
| Chem 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| ENGL 1105, 1106: Freshman English | 6 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH 1205, 1206: Calculus | 6 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry | 2 |
| MATH 2214: Intro. to Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 2305, 2306: Foundations of Physics I | 8 |
| Total Credits | (38) |
|---|
B.A in Physics
| ENGL 1105, 1106: Freshman English | 6 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH 1205, 1206: Calculus | 6 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry | 2 |
| MATH 2214: Intro. to Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 2305, 2306: Foundations of Physics I | 8 |
| Total Credits | (30) |
|---|
| PHYS 3304: Foundations of Physics II (or 3455 and 3504) | 4 (7) |
| PHYS 3314: Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 3355, 3356: Intermediate Mechanics | 6 |
| PHYS 3405, 3406: Intermed. Elec. and Magnetism | 6 |
| Total Credits | (57)(60) |
|---|
1054: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE
Overview of the universe, evolutionary development of the universe beginning with the Big Bang through structure formation and galaxy formation, star formation and stellar life cycles, planet formation, the planetary system, and life in the universe. Prior credit for Phys 1056 or Phys 2054 precludes credit for 1054. (3H,3C) I.
1055-1056: INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
Apparent sky motions, telescopes, properties of the planets, structure and organization of the solar system, stars, star formation, stellar evolution, organization of the Milky Way Galaxy, galaxies, quasars, structure and evolution of the universe, and cosmological models. Prior credit for Phys 2044 precludes credit for 1055. Prior credit for Phys 1054 or Phys 2054 precludes credit for 1056. (3H,3C) I,II.
1155-1156: ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
Simulation of apparent sky motions; observations of planets, stars, and nebulae with quantitative analysis; long term observations of sky changes; analysis of images; laboratory experiments of astrophysical relevance. Co: 1055 for 1155; 1056 for 1156. (3L,1C) I,II.
2004: PHYSICS AS A LIBERAL ART
Exploration of the structure and content of physics, primarily intended for students whose interests are conceptual rather than mathematical or technical. Prior credit for 2175, 2205, 2305 or 2405 precludes credit for 2004. (3H,3C) I.
2014: THE PHYSICS AROUND US
Descriptive course concerning the fundamental laws of mechanics, heat, electricity, light, sound, and the atom as applied to the devices used and the natural occurrences observed in daily experience. Prior credit for 2175, 2205, 2305, or 2405 precludes credit for 2014. (3H,3C) II.
2034: PHYSICS OF MUSIC AND ACOUSTICS
Basic physical concepts associated with sound; scales, chords and melodies, tuning and temperament. Construction of modern music instruments, sound perception in the ear, construction of ancient musical instruments and their evolution, the singing voice, room and auditorium acoustics, and sound reproduction. Ability to read music required. Pre: MATH 1015. (3H,3C) II.
2074: HIGHLIGHTS OF CONTEMPORARY PHYSICS
Conceptual overview of fundamental modern thinking in physics. Presents the key ideas and philosophical/ethical aspects of the most important developments in modern physics, such as quantum mechanics, relativity, particle physics, cosmology, etc., and discusses their impact on our understanding of the universe and our position in it. (3H,3C) I.
2205-2206: GENERAL PHYSICS
For students in curricula other than physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering, who have not studied calculus. 2205: Mechanics, optics, acoustics. 2206: Electromagnetism, thermodynamics, relativity, and topics in modern physics. Pre: MATH 1016. (3H,3C) I,II.
2215-2216: GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
Lab experiments dealing with basic laws and techniques of physics; designed to illustrate covered in General Physics, 2205-2206. Should be taken concurrently and in phase with lecture sequence, 2205-2206. Co: 2205 for 2215; 2206 for 2216. (3L,1C) 2215: I; 2216: II.
2305-2306: FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS I
First two semesters of the three-semester introductory sequence for students in physical sciences and mathematics. Includes classical mechanics, gravity, and waves (2305); heat, electricity, magnetism and optics (2306); laboratory work. 3455 and 3504 are the concluding semesters of the sequence. Co: MATH 1206 for 2305; MATH 2224 for 2306. (3H,3L,4C) I,II.
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
3154: OBSERVATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS
Telescopic observations of the moon, planets, stars, interstellar medium, and galaxies; astrophotography; digital imaging. Telescopes; virtual observing techniques and instruments; photographic and digital imaging systems. Astronomical data reduction and interpretation; digital image processing. Prior credit for Phys 2154 precludes credit for 3154. Pre: 1156. (1H,3L,2C) II.
3314: INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY
Characteristics of common instrumentation and basic circuits, methods of producing good practices in data gathering, recording, and analysis. Pre: 2306. (2H,3L,3C) II.
3355-3356: INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS
Classical mechanics: central forces, rigid body motion, equations of Lagrange and Hamilton, fluids, small vibrations, relativity. Pre: MATH 2214, and a grade of C or better in each of 2305-2306 sequence. (3H,3C) I,II.
3405-3406: INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Electrostatics, multipoles, Laplace's equation, and dielectric media. Magnetostatics, magnetic media, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic energy, waves, and radiation. Pre: MATH 2214, and a grade of C or better in each of 2305-2306 sequence. (3H,3C) I,II.
3455-3456 (MSE 3255-3256): FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM AND SOLID STATE PHYSICS
Topics in quantum and solid state physics with applications to engineering materials and devices. 3455: wave-particle duality; Schrodinger wave equation; atoms and molecules; crystal structures; x-ray and neutron diffraction; energy band theory, electrical and thermal transport properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors. 3456: electrical properties of semiconductors and nanostructured materials; semiconductor-metal junctions; optical properties of semiconductors and semiconductor heterojunctions; semiconductor LEDs and LASERs; properties and applications of magnetic materials. Pre: CHEM 1035, 2306. Co: MATH 2214. (3H,3L,4C)
3504: FOUNDATIONS OF NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
Introductory nuclear and particle physics, presenting experimental basis, applications, and future directions. Topics include: special relativity; Rutherford-Bohr atom spin; statistical physics, nuclear structure, radioactivity, reactions and nuclear applications; elementary particle physics; general relativity, astrophysics and cosmology. Co: 3455. (3H,1L,3C)
3655,3656: INTRO ASTROPHYSICS
Application of elementary physical laws to determine dimensions, masses, luminosities, structures, and evolution of astronomical objects and the universe as a whole. Emphasis is on quantitative derivation. Pre: 2306 (3H,3C) I,II.
3704: THERMAL PHYSICS
Introduction to the concepts, formalism, and applications of classical and quantum statistical mechanics, including thermodynamics. Pre: 2306. Co: MATH 2214, 3455. (3H,3C) II.
4315-4316: MODERN EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
Representative apparatus, techniques, and phenomena of contemporary research. Includes electrical measurements, computers, thermometry, vacuum deposition, machine shop, nuclear spectra, experimentation related to major developments of modern physics. Pre: 3314. (6L,2C) I,II.
4404: MAGNETICS
Macroscopic magnetic phenomena and utilization of magnetic fields and materials. Criteria for materials selection and device design of electromagnets, transformers, relays, permanent magnets, motors, shielding, recording, and other energy and information storage techniques. Pre: 2306, MATH 2214. (3H,3C) I.
4455-4456: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS
Experimental bases; postulates; conservation theorems and symmetry; one-dimensional and two-dimensional problems; angular momentum and problems in three dimensions; matrix mechanics and spin; applications to atomic and molecular physics; perturbation theory; scattering. Pre: 3356, 3406. (3H,3C) I,II.
4504: INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
Structure and properties of atomic nuclei and elementary particles, theoretical interpretations based on elementary quantum mechanics. Symmetries; various nuclear models; interactions at small distances; classification of elementary particles. Consent required. Co: 4456. (3H,3C) II.
4554: INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE PHYSICS
Basic concepts of solid state physics including crystal structure, lattice vibrations, electron states, energy bands, semiconductors, metals. Consent required. Co: 4456. (3H,3C) II.
4614: OPTICS
Fundamentals of the ray, wave and quantum models of light, and topics in modern optics with contemporary applications. Pre: MATH 2214, MATH 2224, 2306. (3H,3C) I.
4624: OPTICS LABORATORY
Laboratory experiments dealing with ray and wave optical phenomena designed to illustrate and complement the principles covered in OPTICS Phys 4614. Physics majors are required to take 4624 concurrently with the lecture course 4614. Co: 4614. (3L,1C) I.
4714: INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHYSICS
Selected topics from the general area of biomechanics, bioelectricity, radiation biophysics, molecular biophysics, and thermodynamics and transport in biological systems. Emphasis on the physical aspects of biological phenomena and biophysical measurement techniques and instrumentation. Pre: 2206 or 2306. (3H,3C) I.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdPhys.html