Department of Physics and Astronomy

Course Descriptions

PDF of Current Courses

PHYS 1040 - Physics of Music.
Physical properties of sound and sound patterns, generation of sound in musical instruments and electronically, harmonic analysis and tone quality, frequency and pitch, sound intensity and loudness. Principles of musical scales. Includes laboratory and demonstrations. Offered irregularly.

PHYS 1050 - Descriptive Astronomy.
Introduction to the cosmos, including an interpretation of many discoveries concerning other planets, stars, galaxies, and origin and fate of universe; new results in the fast- paced science; constellations and observing techniques. Includes laboratory and observing sessions at Chamberlin Observatory's 20-inch refractor telescope. PHYS 1055 may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 1055 - Honors Descriptive Astronomy.
Honors project in astronomy. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. Co-requisite: PHYS 1050.

PHYS 1070 - Solar System Astronomy.
Introduction to advances in knowledge of atmospheres, surfaces and interiors of other planets in our solar system and elsewhere; emphasis on interpretation and significance of discoveries for the nonspecialist. Includes observing at Chamberlin Observatory. Prerequisite: PHYS 1050 is helpful. PHYS 1075 may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 1075 - Honors Solar System Astronomy.
Honors project in solar system astronomy. Prequisite: instructor’s permission. Co-requisite: PHYS 1070.

PHYS 1090 - Cosmology.
Companion to PHYS 1070. Discoveries of modern era concerning stars, galaxies, and origin and fate of universe, to aid appreciation of new discoveries. Open to majors and nonmajors in the sciences. Includes scheduled observing at Chamberlin Observatory. PHYS 1095 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: PHYS 1050 is helpful.

PHYS 1095 - Honors Cosmology.
Honors project in cosmology. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Co-requisite: PHYS 1090.

PHYS 1111 - General Physics I.
Mechanics, vibrations, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, particles and matter waves; physics of atoms, radioactivity and nuclear physics. For students majoring in any field (except engineering), especially premedical students. Prerequisite for PHYS 1112: PHYS 1111. Prerequisite for PHYS 1113: PHYS 1112. Co-requisite for PHYS 1111: PHYS 1121. Co-requisite for PHYS 1112: PHYS 1121. Corequisite for PHYS 1113: PHYS 1123.

PHYS 1121 - General Physics Laboratory I.
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1111, 1112, 1113. Introduction to laboratory techniques and equipment, data analysis and report writing. Co-requisite for PHYS 1121: PHYS 1111. Co-requisite for PHYS 1122: PHYS 1112. Co-requisite for PHYS 1123: PHYS 1113.

PHYS 1200 - Preparatory Physics.
Introduction to problems and techniques in physics and astronomy. Strongly recommended to everyone considering a major in physics and astronomy.

PHYS 1211 - University Physics I.
Introduction to mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; thermal physics; wave phenomena; electrostatics, simple electric circuits, introduction to magnetism and electromagnetism; light, geometrical and physical optics. Strongly recommended for physics majors, required for all students in engineering, and recommended for all science majors who are also required to take calculus. Prerequisite for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1211. Prerequisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1212. Co-requisite for PHYS 1211: PHYS 1221, MATH 1951. Co-requisites for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1222, MATH 1952. Co-requisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1223, MATH 1953.

PHYS 1212 - University Physics II.
Introduction to mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; thermal physics; wave phenomena; electrostatics, simple electric circuits, introduction to magnetism and electromagnetism; light, geometrical and physical optics. Strongly recommended for physics majors, required for all students in engineering, and recommended for all science majors who are also required to take calculus. Prerequisite for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1211. Prerequisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1212. Co-requisite for PHYS 1211: PHYS 1221, MATH 1951. Co-requisites for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1222, MATH 1952. Co-requisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1223, MATH 1953.

PHYS 1213 - University Physics III.
Introduction to mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; thermal physics; wave phenomena; electrostatics, simple electric circuits, introduction to magnetism and electromagnetism; light, geometrical and physical optics. Strongly recommended for physics majors, required for all students in engineering, and recommended for all science majors who are also required to take calculus. Prerequisite for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1211. Prerequisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1212. Co-requisite for PHYS 1211: PHYS 1221, MATH 1951. Co-requisites for PHYS 1212: PHYS 1222, MATH 1952. Co-requisite for PHYS 1213: PHYS 1223, MATH 1953.

PHYS 1221 - University Physics Laboratory I.
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 1211, 1212, 1213. Introduction to laboratory techniques and equipment, data analysis and report writing. Co-requisite for PHYS 1221: PHYS 1211. Co-requisite for PHYS 1222: PHYS 1212. Co-requisite for PHYS 1223: PHYS 1213.

PHYS 1930 - Honors Studies I.
Supplemental material to one of regular courses offered concurrently at this level. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. Co-requisite: registration in designated 1000- level physics course.

PHYS 2011 - Circuits I.
Co-listed with ENEE 2011. An introduction to electrical circuits analysis and design. Emphasis is on definitions of basic variables, passive circuit components and the ideal operational amplifier. DC analysis of circuits and circuit theorems are stressed. AC signals are introduced. Computer analysis software is integrated throughout the course. Co-requisites: PHYS 1213, MATH 1953, PHYS 2015 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2015 - Engineering Applications I.
Co-listed with ENEE 2015. Laboratory program introduces electronic test equipment, verifies circuit theorems and practices elementary interface circuit design. Co-requisite: PHYS 2011 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2021 - Circuits II.
Co-listed with ENEE 2021. AC analysis of linear circuits to include circuit theorems via classical and transform techniques. Emphasis is on Laplace transform, including use of pole-zero and Bode diagrams to analyze and design circuits, including multiple filters (single-pole cascade, Butterworth, Chebyshev), and step response circuits. Phasors applications to sinusiodal steady state analysis and AC power. Computer analysis software is used as an aid to circuit design. Prerequisites: PHYS 2011, 2015. Co-requisites: PHYS 2025, MATH 2070.

PHYS 2025 - Engineering Applications II.
Co-listed with ENEE 2025. Laboratory program practicing time and frequency domain analysis and design techniques on step response and filter problems. Applications to instrumentation and circuits. Prerequisite: PHYS 2011. Co-requisite: PHYS 2021 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2051 - Bio-Astronomy of Solar Systems.
The nature of our solar system, and those of recently discovered solar systems around other stars, will be examined using the tools of modern physics and astronomy, with a focus on biogenic opportunities in these diverse environments. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2052 - Stellar Physics.
The physics of stars will be examined using the tools of modern physics and astronomy, with the focus on their structure, interiors, origin and evolution, including single and multiple star systems, white dwarf, neutron stars and black holes. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2053 - Galaxies and Cosmology.
Modern discoveries involving galaxies in our universe and cosmological theories based on these and particle physics findings will be examined using the tools of modern physics and astronomy. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2061 - Telescopes and Instrumentation.
The student will develop and refine facility and experience with telescopes, software, methods, catalogs, libraries, astronomical instrumentation and assorted contents of the universe, including ground-based and space-based telescopes and detector systems. Observing projects included: use of the Student Astronomy Lab and/or internet telescope(s) for observing projects and variablle star monitoring, plus occasional use of the 20 inch Clark/Saegmuller refractor or Mt. Evans reflectors for observing, measuring and practicing public instruction. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2062 - Astronomy with Digital Cameras.
The revolution brought about with digital recording systems has revolutionized astronomy by providing access to faint source imaging and in-depth astronomical spectroscopy not possible during the photographic era. This course will train students to apply this technology to problems associated with light and spectrum measurements that facilitate tests of modern astrophysical theories. Each student will select an observing project to develop during the term, pursue data collection and analysis at the Student Astronomy Lab or other telescope(s), and report results on a personal website and/or in poster format. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2063 - Observing & Data Analysis.
In this summer-only class, the student will learn fundamentals of astronomical research and hands-on observing and data analysis opportunities at DU's Meyer-Womble Observatory located high atop Mt. Evans, 35 miles west of campus. Good health is essential to withstand the rigors of high altitude and nighttime work at this remarkable site. Contact the instructor for guidelines and details. Credit can apply toward physics or astrophysics minor. Prerequisites: PHYS 1050 or PHYS 1070 or PHYS 1090 or PHYS 1111 or PHYS 1211 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2110 - Introduction to Computational Physics.
Application of microcomputer mathematics packages and spreadsheet programs to a variety of physics problems; numerical differentiation and integration, solution of differential equations, matrix calculations, computer graphics. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 1213 or 1113; MATH 1953.

PHYS 2251 - Introduction to Modern Physics I.
Introduction to special relativity; photons, de Broglie wavelegnth, Heisenberg uncertainty principles, quantum numbers and invariance principles; introduction to the quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids and nuclei; radioactive decay; elementary particles. Prerequisites for PHYS 2251: PHYS 1113 and 1123 or PHYS 1213 and 1223, MATH 1953. Prerequisite for PHYS 2252: PHYS 2251. Co-requisite for PHYS 2251: MATH 2070. Co-requisite for PHYS 2252: PHYS 2260.

PHYS 2260 - Introduction to Modern Physics Laboratory.
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 2252. Introduction to experimental methods of modern physics. Co-requisite: PHYS 2252.

PHYS 2270 - Topics in Modern Physics.
Introduction to the quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids and nuclei; radioactive decay; elementary particles. Prerequisite: PHYS 2251.

PHYS 2300 - Physics of the Body.
Muscles and forces; physics of the skeleton; energy, heat, work and power of the body; osmosis and kidneys; lungs and breathing; cardiovascular system; electrical and magnetic signals in the body. Includes laboratory studies. Prerequisites: PHYS 1113 and 1123.

PHYS 2311 - Intermediate Laboratory I.
Experiments drawn from various areas in physics; advanced experimental techniques. PHYS 2311 includes study of the statistical analysis of experimental results. Prerequisites for PHYS 2311: PHYS 2260, MATH 1953. Prerequisite for PHYS 2312: PHYS 2311. Prerequisite for PHYS 2313: PHYS 2312.

PHYS 2340 - Medical Imaging Physics.
X-rays; nuclear medicine instrumentation; radiography and fluoroscopy; computed tomography; ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging; radiobiology. Includes laboratory studies. Prerequiesites: PHYS 1113 and 1123.

PHYS 2510 - Applied Mechanics I.
Statics of particles, equivalent systems of forces, centroids and center of gravity, frames and machines, friction, moments of inertia, method of virtual work. Kinematics of particles, Newton's second law, energy and momentum methods from particles and systems of particles, angular momentum, central force motion, impulsive motion, kinematics and motion of rigid bodies in two and three dimensions; accelerated frames of reference; mechanical vibrations. Prerequisite for PHYS 2510: PHYS 1211. Prerequisite for PHYS 2520: PHYS 2510. Prerequisites for PHYS 2530: PHYS 2520, ENGR 3610. Co-requisite for PHYS 2510: MATH 1953. Co-requisite for PHYS 2520: MATH 2070.

PHYS 2555 - Mechanics I.
Motion of a particle and of particle systems; conservative and nonconservative forces; statics and dynamics of rigid bodies; gravitation; moving coordinate systems; introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics; small vibrations and normal modes. Prerequisites for PHYS 2555: PHYS 1213 and 1223 or PHYS 1113 and 1123, MATH 2070: Prerequisite for PHYS 2556: PHYS 2555.

PHYS 2708 - Special Topics in Physics - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics.
Offered irregularly, depending on demand. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission.

PHYS 2761 - Atmospheric Physics I.
Basic atmospheric physics, including radiative transfer, thermodynamics, air motions and cloud physics. Prerequisites for PHYS 2761: PHYS 1213 and 1223. Prequisite for PHYS 2762: PHYS 2761.

PHYS 2810 - Radioactivity and Ionizing Radiation.
Ionizing radiation and its biological effects; detection and measurement of radiation, natural background and risk. Prerequisite: PHYS 1213 or instructor's permission.

PHYS 2830 - Natural Optics.
An investigation of naturally occurring optical phenomena with an emphasis on observational characteristics and causes. Prerequisites: PHYS 1113 or PHYS 1213 or instructor’s permission.

PHYS 2910 - Undergraduate Seminar.
Offered irregularly, depending on demand. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

PHYS 2930 - Honors Studies II.
Supplemental material to one of regular courses offered concurrently at this level. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. Co-requisite: registration in designated 2000- level physics course.

PHYS 3050 - Descriptive Astronomy for Teachers.
Primarily for teachers in service who are planning to teach science in either elementary or secondary schools. Can apply toward a graduate degree. Preparation for teaching earth science and general sciences. Meets jointly with PHYS 1050 in lecture and laboratory; extra term project required. Motions of earth, time, calendar, telescopes, solar system, stars and galaxies. Includes laboratory and observations at Chamberlin Observatory. Prerequisite: instructor's permission required.

PHYS 3111 - Quantum Physics I.
Introduction to quantum mechanics; atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics. Prerequisites for PHYS 3111: PHYS 2252, 2260, 2556 or 2513, 2613 and advanced differential equations. Prerequisite for PHYS 3112: PHYS 3111. Prequisite for PHYS 3113: PHYS 3112.

PHYS 3311 - Advanced Laboratory I.
Advanced experimental techniques in physics. PHYS 3311 meets with PHYS 2311; PHYS 3312 meets with PHYS 2312; PHYS 3313 meets with PHYS 2313. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

PHYS 3411 - Condensed Matter Physics I.
Materials structure; structure analysis; elastic properties; defects; thermal properties and phonons; free electron gas; energy bands; semiconductors; quasiparticles and excitations; electrical properties and ferroelectrics; magnetic properties and ferromagnetics; superconductivity. Prerequisite for PHYS 3411: PHYS 2252, 2260. Prerequisite for PHYS 3412: PHYS 3411.

PHYS 3510 - Analytical Mechanics.
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Offered irregularly, depending on demand. Prerequisite: PHYS 2513.

PHYS 3611 - Electromagnetism I.
Intermediate electricity and magnetism; electrostatics; magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction; magnetic materials; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves; radiation; cavity resonators and wave guides; special relativity; mathematical methods including boundary value problems in rectangular, spherical and cylindrical geometries; vector algebra and calculus; method of images. Prerequisite for PHYS 3611: PHYS 1213 and 1223 or PHYS 1113 and PHYS 1123, MATH 2070. Prerequisite for PHYS 3612: PHYS 3611. Prerequisite for PHYS 3613: PHYS 3612.

PHYS 3709 - Advanced Special Topics in Physics - Astrophysics.
Offered irregularly, depending on demand. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

PHYS 3711 - Optics I.
Gaussian optics and ray tracing; matrix methods and application to optical design; elementary theory of aberrations; light as electromagnetic wave, diffraction and interference; interferometers and their applications. Elementary theory of coherence; selected topics. May include laboratory work as appropriate. Offered irregularly, depending on demand. Prerequisites for PHYS 3711: PHYS 1213 and 1223 or PHYS 1113 and 1123, MATH 2070. Prerequisite for PHYS 3712: PHYS 3711. Co-requisite for PHYS 3712: PHYS 2613.

PHYS 3751 - Radiometric Atmospheres I.
Introduction to physical atmosphere; morphology, processes, thermal dynamics, radiation transfer, energy budget and transport; selected methods of parametric modeling and measurement techniques. Prerequisites for PHYS 3751: PHYS 2252, 2260, 2313, MATH 2070. Prerequisite for PHYS 3752: PHYS 3751

PHYS 3781 - Atmospheric Spectroscopy I.
Classical and quantum mechanical radiation theory for atoms and molecules; spectral line profiles and curves of growth; examples from optical radiation of atmospheric gases from air and in laboratory. Prerequisite: bachelor's degree in science or engineering or upper-division course in modern physics.

PHYS 3782 - Atmospheric Spectroscopy II.
Atomic and molecular energy levels and transition probabilities in optical spectrum using angular momentum techniques; examples from spectra of atmospheric gases. Prerequisite: PHYS 3781.

PHYS 3783 - Atmospheric Spectroscopy III.
Line-by-line and band model methods for quantitative interpretation of laboratory and atmospheric radiative transfer; current research problems in atmospheric trace constituents. Prerequisite: PHYS 3782.

PHYS 3841 - Thermal Physics I.
Laws of thermodynamics; thermal properties of gases and condensed matter; kinetic theory of gases, classical and quantum statistics. Usually offered only alternate years. Prerequisites for PHYS 3841: PHYS 1213 and 1223 or PHYS 1113 and 1123, MATH 2070. Prerequisite for PHYS 3842: PHYS 3841.

PHYS 3930 - Honors Studies III.
Supplemental material to one of regular course offered concurrently at this level. Prerequisite: instructor's permission. Co-requisite: registration in designated 3000- level physics course.

PHYS 4111 - Quantum Mechanics I.
Mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, interpretation; stationary states; perturbation theory; scattering theory; angular momentum; identical particles.

PHYS 4141 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics I.
Continuation of sequence PHYS 4111, PHYS 4112, PHYS 4113. Quantum theory of radiation, relativistic quantum mechanics of spin-1/2 particles, covariant perturbation theory; radiative decay, mass shifts, photon/electron scattering; weak, strong interactions. Offered depending on demand. Prerequisite: PHYS 4113.

PHYS 4211 - Atomic and Molecular Structure I.
Atomic, molecular spectra; structure, properties of atoms, molecules; collision processes. Prerequisite: PHYS 4113.

PHYS 4251 - Introduction to Astrophysics I.
Advanced, gateway course. Variety of methods in modern astrophysics, current research literature related to quantitative interpretation of celestial phenomena, including stellar atmospheres and evolution, stellar and galactic dynamics, gravitation, cosmology, cosmogony. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission.

PHYS 4411 - Advanced Condensed Matter Physics I.
Materials structure analysis; elastic properties; defects; plastic mechanical properties; thermal properties and phonons; free electron gas; energy bands and Fermi surfaces; crystalline and amorphous semiconductors; quasiparticles and excitations; electrical properties and ferroelectrics; magnetic properties and ferromagnetics; classical and high-Tc superconductors; other advanced materials. Co-requisite: PHYS 4111, PHYS 4112, PHYS 4113..

PHYS 4511 - Advanced Dynamics I.
Lagrange’s equations, variational principles, Hamilton’s principles; small oscillations, motion of systems of particles, rigid bodies; central forces; perturbation theory; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; canonical transformations.

PHYS 4551 - Mathematical Physics I.
Vector calculus; complex variables; expansion theory; solution of differential equations; special functions, use in solution of problems in physics; study of symmetry; theory of groups, group representations, numerical analysis, statistical analysis of data.

PHYS 4611 - Advanced Electricity and Magnetism I.
Classical theory of electromagnetic phenomena; potential problems; electromagnetic fields, waves; special relativity, relativistic electrodynamics.

PHYS 4811 - Statistical Mechanics I.
Classical and quantum mechanical theory of assemblies of noninteracting particles; Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac, Gibbs statistics, application to ordinary dilute gases; electrons in metals; liquid helium; extensions from kinetic theory, thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 4511. Co-requisites: PHYS 4111, PHYS 4112, PHYS 4513.

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