Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs in physics leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy; the Master of Arts in Teaching is offered in cooperation with the College of Education.
Fields of Specialization
Research opportunities are currently available in quantum theory general relativity, astrophysics, experimental and theoretical hadronic physics, high energy physics, neutrino physics, chemical physics, experimental and theoretical solid state physics, magnetic resonance, magnetic properties, cryogenics, transport properties, high temperature superconductivity, computational physics, and physics education.
Admission
Adequate preparation for graduate study ordinarily presupposes a bachelor's degree in physics or an allied field. Students who lack some of the usual undergraduate courses in physics may be required to take additional course work as a part of their program.
Course Descriptions
Astronomy (ASTR)
533 Advanced Observational Astronomy I. (1-3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Development of a combination of observational techniques and facility at reduction of data. A maximum of eight hours per week of observation, data reduction, and consultation. Offered each semester by arrangement with the department.
534 Advanced Observational Astronomy II. (1-3) A continuation of ASTR 533. Up to eight hours per week of observation, data reduction, and consultation.
599 Topics in Astronomy. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Readings and research on selected topics in astronomy. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
Physics (PHYS)
The minimum prerequisites for all 500 level courses listed below are two years of physics and mathematics through calculus. Further prerequisites are listed where applicable.
501 Modern Physics. (3) (Prereq: a grade of C or better in PHYS 307 and MATH 242) Special relativity, high-energy physics, and cosmology.
502 Quantum Physics. (3)(Prereg: a grade of C or better in PHYS 307 and MATH 242) A self-contained treatment of quantum theory and its applications, beginning with the Schroedinger equation.
503 Mechanics. (3)(Prereg: PHYS 206, MATH 242 or 520) Classical mechanics of particles, systems, and rigid bodies; discussion and applications of Lagrange's equations.
504 Electromagnetic Theory. (3)(Prereq: PHYS 207 and 503) Field theory of electric and magnetic phenomena: Maxwell's equations applied to problems in electromagnetism and radiation.
506 Thermal Physics. (3) (Prereq: a grade of C or better in PHYS 207) Principles of equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and introductory statistical mechanics.
509 Solid State Electronics. (4) Topics include: basic electrical circuits; electnonic processes in solids; operation and applications of individual solid state devices and integrated circuits. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
510 Digital Electronics. (3) (Prereq: PHYS 509) Basic operation of digital integrated circuits including microprocessors. Laboratory application of microcomputers to physical measurements.
511 Nuclear Physics. (4) (Prereq: PHYS 502) An elementary treatment of nuclear structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
512 Solid State Physics. (3) (Prereq: PHYS 502) Crystal structure, lattice dynamics, thermal, dielectric, and magnetic properties of solids. Free electron model for metals. Band structure of solids, semiconductor physics.
514 Optics, Theory and Applications. (4) (Prereq: a grade of C or better in PHYS 207 and 208) Geometrical and physical optics; the wave nature of light, lenses and optical instruments, interferometers, gratings, thin films, polarization, coherence, spatial filters, and holography. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
515 Mathematical Physics I. (3)(Prereq: MATH 242) Analytical function theory including complex analysis, theory of residues, and saddlepoint method. Hilbert space, Fourier series, and Fourier transformations. Elements of distribution theory. Vector and tensor analysis with tensor notation.
516 Mathematical Physics II. (3) (Prereq: PHYS 515) A short introduction to group theory, linear second order diffenential equations and the properties of the transcendental functions. Orthogonal expansions. Integral equations.
517 Computational Physics. (3) (Prereq: a grade of C or better in PHYS 207 and MATH 142) Application of numerical methods to a wide variety of problems in modern physics including classical mechanics and chaos theory, Monte Carlo simulation of random processes, quantum mechanics and electrodynamics.
531 Advanced Physics Laboratory I. (1-3) A laboratory program designed to develop a combination of experimental technique and the application of the principles acquired in formal course work. Up to eight hours per week of laboratory and consultation.
532 Advanced Physics Laboratory II. (1-3) A continuation of PHYS 531. Up to eight hours per week of laboratory and consultation.
599 Topics in Physics. (1-3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Readings and research on selected topics in physics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
701 Classical Mechanics. (3) Generalized coordinates, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, variational principles, transformation theory, and Hamilton-Jacobi equation.
703 Electromagnetic Theory I. (3) Development of Maxwell's equations; boundary value problems; radiation theory.
704 Electromagnetic Theory II. (3) A continuation of PHYS 703.
706 Statistical Thermodynamics. (3) Statistics of Boltzmann, of Fermi and Dirac, and of Bose and Einstein, with applications.
708 General Relativity. (3) Introduction to the basic concepts of general relativity and a discussion of problems of current interest.
711 Quantum Mechanics I. (3) A development of non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
712 Quantum Mechanics II. (3) A continuation of PHYS 711.
713 Advanced Quantum Theory I. (3) Non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics. Relativistic wave equations. Propagator theory. Field theory of relativistic quantum electrodynamics.
714 Advanced Quantum Theory II. (3) A continuation of PHYS 713.
717 Nuclear Theory I. (3) The theory of nuclear forces, structure, and reactions.
721Nuclear Physics. (3) Nuclear physics, mainly from the experimental standpoint.
723 Elementary Particles I. (3) (Prereq: PHYS 701, 703, 711, Coreq: PHYS 712) Introduction to elementary particles. The quark model. Symmetry principles and conservation laws. Calculation of cross sections and decay rates using Feynman rules. Accelerators, particle detectors, and experiments. Electromagnetic cross sections.
724 Elementary Particles II. (3) (Prereq: PHYS 723) Experimentally accessible processes and their description using the framework developed in PHYS 723. Gauge theories and the standard model. Particle experiments for the next decade and their underlying physics descriptions.
725 Solid State Physics. (3) The crystalline state of matter and its main characteristics. Electric and magnetic properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
727 Magnetic Resonance. (3) Basic theory. Electron spin resonance. High resolution and wideline nuclear magnetic resonance. Mössbauer effect. Magnetic resonance and dielectric relaxation.
728 Solid State Theory. (3) Presentation of the quantum theory of solids. Applications to acoustic, electric, magnetic, optical, and superfluid properties of solids.
729 Applied Group Theory. (3) Groups and representations. Full rotational group. Angular momentum. Ligand field theory. Application to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics.
730 Graduate Seminar. (1) Presentation by the student of a designated topic. May be repeated for credit.
726 Superconductivity. (3) Theory and description of conventional and high temperature superconductors and their properties.
740 Selected Topics in Physics. (1-3 per registration) Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
745 Topics in Nuclear Physics. (1-3 per registration) Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
750 Topics in Solid State Physics. (1-3 per registration) Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
755 Topics in Theoretical Physics. (1-3 per registration) Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.
760,761 Research. (1-6 each) Introduction to and the application of the methods of research.
781 Astronomy for Teachers. (3) Primarily for M.A.T./I.M.A. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. A one semester survey of astronomy. Observational techniques and current developments.
782 Topics in Contemporary Physical Sciences for Teachers. (variable 3-4) Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. Discussions designed to provide teachers with simple physical explanations of subjects including: nuclear energy, black holes, quarks, strange particles, perception of color, integrated circuits, computers, T.V. games, and other topics of current interest. With four hours credit a laboratory will be included to give laboratory experience in the subject areas covered in class.
783 Modern Physics fon Teachers. (3) Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. Basic concepts of modern physics. The experimental basis for quantum theory and the theory of relativity. Fundamental concepts of modern physics.
784 Topics in Light and Sound for Teachers. (3) Primarily fon M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. Topics in modern optics and acoustics are discussed in a framework appropriate for school teachers.
785 Electronics for Teachers. (3) Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. Basic electronics with emphasis on measurement and laboratory procedures. Operation and application of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
787 Design of Physics Laboratory and Demonstration Experiments for Teachers. (3) Primarily for M.A.T. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. and Ph.D. credit in physics. Design and performance of demonstrations and experiments to display physical phenomena to students. Qualitative and quantitative experiments.
788 Physics for AP Teachers. (3) Preparation of teachers for developing and teaching an advanced placement course in physics. Primarily for M.A.T./I.M.A. and M.Ed. students. Not available for M.S. of Ph.D. credit in physics.
789 Physics for Teachers of Mathematics. (3) Teacher preparation for creating and solving word problems using conservation laws and symmetries found in physics and physical science and linked to the South Carolina Mathematical Standards.
799 Thesis Preparation. (1-9)
899 Dissertation Preparation. (1-12)
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