Physics Major

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PHYSICS (Physics)
Offered by the Department of Physics.

Physics 110. General Physics I. Introductory calculus-based physics course with emphasis on contemporary applications (first semester). Topics include Newtonian mechanics (statics and dynamics), conservation of energy, momentum, rotational motion, Universal Law of Gravitation and motion in gravitational fields, Kepler’s Laws, and waves.  Possible additional topics include angular momentum; oscillations, special relativity, fluids, and thermodynamics.  Course emphasizes the use of vectors and calculus in problem solving.  Course includes in-class laboratories and computer applications to highlight key concepts.

Physics 215. General Physics II. Introductory calculus-based physics course with emphasis on contemporary applications (second semester). Topics include electrostatics, simple DC circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, physical optics and selected topics in modern physics. Uses vectors and calculus in problem solving. Course includes in-class laboratories and computer applications to highlight key concepts. Course must be taken in the semester immediately following the successful completion of Physics 110.

Physics 264. Modern Physics. Introduction to the special theory of relativity and a historically based development of quantum theory. Investigation of Bohr model of the atom. Introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to problems involving simple forms of potential energy. Possible application topics include atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear reactions and decay and elementary particles.

Physics 310. Principles of Nuclear Engineering. A survey course in aerospace uses of nuclear energy. This course introduces the student to the sources and uses of nuclear energy from radioactive decay, fission and fusion. It covers such topics as nuclear space propulsion and power; ground-based nuclear power; the production, effects and detection of nuclear weapons; the protection of man and aerospace assets from nuclear radiation; and the safe disposal of radioactive waste.

Physics 315. Combat Aviation Physics. A broad-based study of the principles of physics as they directly apply to the world of combat aviation. The course covers two topical areas: the physics of flight as a dynamic investigation of forces and energy applied to the combat maneuvering required to win air-to-air engagements; the combat use of the electromagnetic spectrum, primarily as it applies to radar, IR seekers and countermeasures.

Physics 341. Laboratory Techniques. An introductory laboratory course developing skills in experimental techniques and data analysis. Course includes instruction in the use of various types of electronic instrumentation and devices to analyze and design electrical circuits. Experiments will investigate the laws and principles of modern physics taught in Physics 264.

Physics 355. Classical Mechanics. An examination of the underlying classical laws governing the general motion of bodies. The topics covered include vector calculus, Newtonian dynamics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, the law of gravity and central-force motion, two-particle collisions and scattering. Possible other topics include linear and coupled oscillations, noninertial reference frames, chaos, transformation properties of orthogonal coordinate systems and rigid-body motion. Extensive application of calculus, ordinary differential equations and linear algebra will be made in the solution of problems.

Physics 356. Computational Physics. An introduction to solving complex physical problems using numerical techniques. Subjects covered may include: kinematics, damped/driven oscillators, nonlinear dynamics, coupled oscillators, waves, thermal diffusion and electromagnetic potentials. Methods presented include regression analysis, numerical differentiation and solutions to ordinary and partial differential equations.

Physics 361. Electromagnetic Theory I. Develops Maxwell’s equations and basic principles for electromagnetism. Includes electrostatic fields in both vacuum and in dielectrics, the Laplace and Poisson equations, magnetic fields associated with constant and time varying currents and magnetic materials.

Physics 362. Electromagnetic Theory II. Application of Maxwell’s equations: plane waves, reflection, refraction, guided waves, electric and magnetic dipoles and quadrupoles and antennas. The interaction between plane waves and plasmas is treated. Basics of relativistic electrodynamics are introduced.

Physics 370. Upper Atmosphere and Geo-Space Physics. A survey course on the composition and physics of the upper atmosphere and near-Earth environment. Topics include solar-terrestrial interactions; observations, phenomena and military operations in the near-Earth environment; structure, dynamics and transport in the upper atmosphere; and energy transfer, remote-sensing and military operations in the upper atmosphere.

Physics 371. Astronomy. A calculus-based study of the fundamental concepts of astronomy. Emphasis is placed on understanding the basic physical concepts that explain stellar structure, stellar evolution, galactic structure, the solar system and the origin of the universe.

Physics 391. Introduction to Optics and Lasers. A survey course in optics. Including geometrical optics (lenses, mirrors, ray tracing and optical instruments); physical optics (interference, diffraction, polarization, spectra and scattering); introduction to lasers (laser operation, pumping, resonators and optical cavities); and contemporary topics (Fourier optics, imaging and holography).

Physics 393. Solid State Physics. Introduction to the physics of the solid state nature of matter. Crystal structure, crystal binding, lattice vibration, free electron theory and band theory. Basic introduction to quantum theory and quantum statistics of solids. Theories are used to explain metals, semiconductors and insulators. Survey topics include magnetism, superconductivity, optical phenomena in solids, crystals imperfections and the physics of solid state devices.

Physics 405. Physics Seminar. A problem solving course reviewing major areas of undergraduate physics.

Physics 421. Thermal and Statistical Physics. Classical thermodynamics with an emphasis on thermodynamic laws and applications to cycles. Kinetic theory, statistical thermodynamics and quantum statistics. Applications of statistics to quantum systems.

Physics 442. Advanced Physics Lab. A series of selected experiments to develop the student’s laboratory skills and reinforce the basic physical concepts. Possible topics covered include atomic and molecular physics, gamma ray spectroscopy, laser physics, proton-induced elementary nuclear reactions, x-ray crystallography, optical interferometry and holography and nonlinear optical processes. The experiments are performed by small groups of students working as a team. Emphasis on the ability to write and brief technical subjects to a technical audience.

Physics 451. Plasma Physics. A comprehensive introduction to the plasma state of matter. Topics include single particle motion, adiabatic invariants, fluid description of a plasma, waves in plasmas, kinetic theory, diffusion and resistivity and stability.

Physics 465. Quantum Mechanics. Basic principles of quantum mechanics. Postulates. Dirac notation. Schrodinger’s equation. Operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. Potential barriers and wells. Simple harmonic oscillator. Orbital and spin angular momentum. Addition of total angular momentum. Hydrogen atom. Elementary radiation theory. Time-independent perturbation theory. Two-level systems. Stark effect. Fine structure.

Physics 468. Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Treatment of the fundamental physical concepts governing all of microscopic physics which includes elementary particle, nuclear, atomic and molecular physics. The topics covered include the standard model of elementary particles and interactions, symmetries and conservation laws, gauge theories, properties of the nucleus, nuclear models, nuclear interactions and decays, scattering theory, atomic systems, atomic and molecular spectroscopy techniques.

Physics 480. Astronomical Techniques. Introduction to optical astronomy using the USAFA 24” and 16” telescopes during nine scheduled night laboratories. Emphasis on equipment operating principles, scientific method, data reduction and reporting results. Includes astrophotography, photoelectric photometry, charge coupled devices and spectroscopy.

Physics 482. Laser Physics and Modern Optics. A detailed study of the operation of the laser: types of lasers, lasing media, pumping mechanisms, resonators and cavities, laser modes and Gaussian properties. Covers modern optics, introductory electro-optics, nonlinear optics, statistical optics, quantum mechanical analogs of optical systems.

Physics 486. Astrophysics. Applications of physics to astrophysical problems and topics of current interest in astrophysics. Typical topics include stellar structure and evolution, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, galactic structure, active galaxies, quasars, cosmology and general relativity. The choice of topics depends on instructor and student preferences.

Physics 495. Special Topics. Selected topics in physics.

Physics 499. Independent Study. Individual research under the direction of a faculty member.