PHYS - Physics
An introductory descriptive course which develops and illustrates the concepts of physics in terms of phenomena encountered in daily life. Topics include mechanics, electricity and magnetism. (offered fall, summer)
An introductory descriptive course which develops and illustrates the concepts of physics in terms of phenomena encountered in daily life. Topics include sound, light, fluids and heat. (offered spring)
Emphasizes electricity, light, and introduction to modern physics. (offered fall, spring, summer)
Available for pass/fail grading only. An introductory laboratory covering experiments from mechanics, wave motion, heat and sound.
Available for pass/fail grading only. An introductory laboratory covering experiments from electricity, magnetism, and optics.
This seminar will provide students with a broad introduction to the cutting edge of physics research and its applications in diverse areas of contemporary physics. Recommended for incoming students interested in physics and the natural sciences.
Quantum mechanics has had an enormous impact on society since its discovery nearly a century ago and has been instrumental in developing technology such as transistors and lasers. This course will explore the potential benefits of emerging quantum technologies, how they will impact present and future society, and the technical challenges posed in implementing them. Students will develop a conceptual understanding of these technologies and their fundamental underlying principles of superposition, interference, and entanglement. Topics include quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. These ideas will be explored quantitatively using basic algebra. It is strongly recommended that students have passed a college-level math class.
Special topics in Physics.
Student participation in a supervised, undergraduate research experience for which credit will not apply to the degree. Experience must be related to the student's major, minor or career area of interest.
Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors version of PHYS 231N. This course also includes a Recitation Section for more in-depth discussion of advanced problems.
Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors version of PHYS 232N, including a recitation section for discussion of advanced problems.
A general introduction to physics in which the principles of classical and modern physics are applied to the solution of physical problems. The reasoning through which solutions are obtained is stressed. Topics include mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics. This course is designed for majors in the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computational sciences. Students receiving credit for PHYS 231N and PHYS 232N cannot simultaneously or subsequently receive credit for PHYS 101N and PHYS 102N or PHYS 111N and PHYS 112N. (offered fall, spring, summer)
A general introduction to physics in which the principles of classical and modern physics are applied to the solution of physical problems. The reasoning through which solutions are obtained is stressed. This course is designed for majors in the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computational sciences. Topics include electricity and magnetism, and optics. Students receiving credit for PHYS 231N and PHYS 232N cannot simultaneously or subsequently receive credit for PHYS 101N and PHYS 102N or PHYS 111N and PHYS 112N. (offered fall, spring, summer)
This calculus-based course is the required introductory course for Physics majors. In addition to the physics curriculum of PHYS 231N, this course has a recitation section for advanced problems and additional mathematical preparation for advanced courses in physics.
This calculus-based course is the required introductory course for Physics majors. In addition to the physics curriculum of PHYS 232N, this course has a recitation section for advanced problems and additional mathematical preparation for advanced courses in physics.
This course offers students at the Freshman and Sophomore levels their first opportunity to work one-on-one with a research mentor to acquire and develop skills in research techniques, information literacy, research planning, proposal preparation and report writing. Research experiences may include but are not limited to hands-on instrument control to collect and analyze data, including graphical, statistical and error analysis of their data. Students will also be instructed on accepted methods for dissemination of data, including written, oral and poster presentation, as well as procedures for research proposal preparation and submission. Students will be required to deliver to their peers and department faculty at the end of semester an oral and written presentation of their research, as well as a poster presentation at an annual department or university event including the ODU Undergraduate Research Symposium.
A laboratory-oriented course designed to provide students with an introduction to instrumentation and techniques used in modern physics laboratories. Topics to be covered include: basic electronics with an introduction to diode, transistor and op-amp circuitry, and an introduction to microcontrollers.
Physicists should be able to estimate the order-of-magnitude of anything. How many atoms of Julius Caesar do you eat every day? How much waste does a nuclear power plant generate? Will develop concepts, relations and numbers useful for estimation. Will cover little new material, emphasizing already acquired knowledge. Will help students apply physics to real-life questions and understand which physical effects are appropriate on which scales. Seminar course.
Fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy and momentum, central forces and planetary motion, and resonance phenomena. (Offered Spring)
Introduction to the wave nature of matter, with applications in materials science, atomic, and nuclear physics. Introduction to relativity, including applications in mechanics and electrodynamics. (Offered Fall)
This course will provide a strong foundation in the mathematical methods and applications necessary for undergraduate study of physics beyond the introductory level. The course contains a mandatory recitation section. (Offered Fall)
May be repeated for credit. Available for pass/fail grading only. Student participation for credit based on the academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department prior to the semester in which the work experience is to take place.
Available for pass/fail grading only. Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students to gain short duration career-related experience.
This course offers students at the Sophomore and Junior levels an opportunity to work one-on-one with a research mentor on a self-designed research project of mutual interest, and typically within the research field of their mentor. The student will demonstrate their knowledge of the research skills covered in PHYS 297 by formulating their own research plan and then collecting and analyzing their data. Students will also be instructed in research publication skills as well as conference standard presentation techniques. Students will be required to attend at least two conferences, within and outside the university.
The hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, two-electron systems, many-electron atoms, interaction with external fields, theory of atomic spectra.
This course introduces experimental methods through laboratory experiments exploring topics in nuclear physics, atomic physics, optics and lasers and condensed matter physics, including experiments of historical importance. The course develops skills in the collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of experimental data.
An introduction to the structure of the atomic nucleus, natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear decay processes and stability of nuclei, nuclear reactions, properties of nuclear forces, and nuclear models. Also, particle phenomenology, experimental techniques and the standard model. Topics include the spectra of leptons, mesons, and baryons; strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions.
Introduction to solid state physics and materials science, with emphasis placed on the applications of each topic to experimental and analytical techniques. Topics include crystallography, thermal and vibrational properties of crystals and semiconductors, metals and the band theory of solids, superconductivity and the magnetic properties of materials.
Fundamentals of relativistic particle dynamics including particle acceleration; weak and strong focusing; linear beam optics and particle transfer matrices; linear and non-linear synchrotron motion; introduction to the statistical descriptions of particle beams; and radiation production by accelerated relativistic particles. Examples relevant to betatrons, cyclotrons, synchrotrons, and linear accelerators will be given.
Introduction to computationally based problem solving in physics with an emphasis on understanding and applying various numerical algorithms to different types of physics problems. Topics will include numerical integration (quadrature), numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, Runge-Kutta and Numerov methods, polynomial approximations, numerical linear algebra, and Monte-Carlo methods. These computational methods will be applied to problems in classical and quantum mechanics, as well as electromagnetic theory.
A study of the classical theory and phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Topics include the calculation of electric and magnetic fields, magnetic and dielectric properties of matter, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A mathematical study of the concepts of mechanics. Vector calculus methods are used. Topics include mechanics of a system of particles, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamilton's canonical equations, and motion of a rigid body.
Introduction to the physical and mathematical structure of quantum theory. Dirac notation, Spin systems, EPR paradox and Bell’s inequality. The Schrödinger equation is introduced for simple systems. Quantization of bound states, scattering, and tunneling are introduced for the 1-dimensional square-wave potential. In three dimensions, angular momentum and the harmonic oscillator are developed. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A course in electrodynamics developed from Maxwell's Equations. Topics include Maxwell's Equations, Conservation Laws, Electromagnetic Waves, Potentials and Fields, Radiation, and the interplay of electrodynamics and special relativity. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A study of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. Topics include the thermodynamics of simple systems, kinetic theory of gases, statistical mechanics of gases and an introduction to quantum statistics.
Techniques for solving the Schrödinger equation in one, two, and three dimensions. Solution of the Hydrogen atom, variational techniques, perturbation theory and scattering. The Pauli exclusion principle. Optional topics include atoms in an electromagnetic field (Stark effect, Zeeman effect), spontaneous and stimulated emission, hydrogen molecular ion and helium ground states, Bloch waves and elementary theory of solids.
Explores the historical development of accelerators and their past and present applications. Principles of acceleration, including the physics of linear accelerators, synchrotrons, and storage rings. Magnet design; machine lattice design and particle beam optics. Longitudinal and transverse beam dynamics, including synchrotron and betatron particle motion. Special topics will be reviewed, including synchrotron radiation, injection techniques, and collective effects and beam instabilities.
This course will review the style and scope of problems likely to be found on the Physics Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Emphasis is on quick solving of problems based on foundational knowledge and intuition. This course is particularly intended for students preparing to apply for graduate school, but may be of interest to all students.
Emphasizes the tools and techniques used to solve scientific problems. Topics include use and design of experiments, use of statistics to interpret experimental results, mathematical modeling of scientific phenomena, and oral and written presentation of scientific results. Students will perform four independent inquiries, combining skills from mathematics and science to solve research problems. Required for Physics teaching licensure track; not available as upper-division elective in content area. This is a writing intensive course.
Part two of a two-semester option for completing the Senior Thesis. PHYS 489W plus PHYS 490W is equivalent to PHYS 499W. This is a writing intensive course.
In-depth study of a selected topic in physics at the advanced undergraduate level. May include a laboratory or computational component.
These courses afford the student an opportunity to pursue individual study and research.
Each student will undertake a research experience under the supervision of a department faculty member. The experience can be of an experimental, theoretical, or calculational type. A final oral and written report are required. The research may be completed on campus or at one of the department affiliated research organizations. This is a writing intensive course.(offered fall, spring, summer)
This course introduces experimental methods through laboratory experiments exploring topics in nuclear physics, atomic physics, optics and lasers and condensed matter physics, including experiments of historical importance. The course develops skills in the collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of experimental data.
An introduction to the structure of the atomic nucleus, natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear decay processes and stability of nuclei, nuclear reactions, properties of nuclear forces, and nuclear models. Also, particle phenomenology, experimental techniques and the standard model. Topics include the spectra of leptons, mesons, and baryons; strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions.
Introduction to solid state physics and materials science, with emphasis placed on the applications of each topic to experimental and analytical techniques. Topics include crystallography, thermal and vibrational properties of crystals and semiconductors, metals and the band theory of solids, superconductivity and the magnetic properties of materials.
Fundamentals of relativistic particle dynamics including particle acceleration; weak and strong focusing; linear beam optics and particle transfer matrices; linear and non-linear synchrotron motion; introduction to the statistical descriptions of particle beams; and radiation production by accelerated relativistic particles. Examples relevant to betatrons, cyclotrons, synchrotrons, and linear accelerators will be given.
Introduction to computationally based problem solving in physics with an emphasis on understanding and applying various numerical algorithms to different types of physics problems. Topics will include numerical integration (quadrature), numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, Runge-Kutta and Numerov methods, polynomial approximations, numerical linear algebra, and Monte-Carlo methods. These computational methods will be applied to problems in classical and quantum mechanics, as well as electromagnetic theory.
A study of the classical theory and phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Topics include the calculation of electric and magnetic fields, magnetic and dielectric properties of matter, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A mathematical study of the concepts of mechanics. Vector calculus methods are used. Topics include mechanics of a system of particles, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamilton’s canonical equations, and motion of a rigid body.
Introduction to the physical and mathematical structure of quantum theory. Dirac notation, Spin systems, EPR paradox and Bell’s inequality. The Schrödinger equation is introduced for simple systems. Quantization of bound states, scattering, and tunneling are introduced for the 1-dimensional square-wave potential. In three dimensions, angular momentum and the harmonic oscillator are developed. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A course in electrodynamics developed from Maxwell’s Equations. Topics include Maxwell’s Equations, Conservation Laws, Electromagnetic Waves, Potentials and Fields, Radiation, and the interplay of electrodynamics and special relativity. The course contains a mandatory recitation section.
A study of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. Topics include the thermodynamics of simple systems, kinetic theory of gases, statistical mechanics of gases and an introduction to quantum statistics.
Techniques for solving the Schrödinger equation in one, two, and three dimensions. Solution of the Hydrogen atom, variational techniques, perturbation theory and scattering. The Pauli exclusion principle. Optional topics include atoms in an electromagnetic field (Stark effect, Zeeman effect), spontaneous and stimulated emission, hydrogen molecular ion and helium ground states, Bloch waves and elementary theory of solids.
In-depth study of a selected topic in physics at the graduate level. May include a laboratory or computational component.
These courses afford the student an opportunity to pursue individual study and research.
Basic mathematical methods with applications: vector analysis, linear algebra, series and series of functions, Hilbert spaces, complex variable theory.
Continuation of PHYS 601. Basic mathematical methods with applications: integral transforms, ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations.
Particle in a central-force field. Dynamics in a rotating reference frame. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Small oscillations. Kinematics and dynamics of a rigid body. Canonical transformation, Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
Electrostatics: Gauss' Law and Poisson and Laplace equations. Methods for the solution of boundary-value problems with rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical symmetry. Expansion in multipoles. Dielectrics. Magnetostatics and Faraday's law.
Mathematical foundations of Hilbert spaces. Background on Hamiltonian mechanics and electro-magnetism. Postulates of Quantum Mechanics, measurements and Schroedinger equation. Simple systems. Schroedinger Equation in 1-3 dimensions and solutions for specific systems. Symmetries and angular momentum. Time-independent perturbation theory.
These courses afford the student an opportunity to pursue individual study.
Special topics related to particle accelerators and their applications. Departmental approval required.
M.S. level research supervised by the student's thesis advisor.
M.S. level research supervised by the student's thesis advisor.
Electrodynamics: Maxwell equations, plane electromagnetic waves and wave propagation, waveguides, radiating systems, special theory of relativity, including the dynamics of relativistic particles and electromagnetic fields.
Review of thermodynamics. Classical statistical mechanics and applications. The virial expansion. Quantum statistical mechanics and the micro-canonical, canonical, and grand-canonical ensembles. The Fermi and Bose gases, and applications. Special topics in statistical mechanics.
The course is designed to provide graduate students with essential numerical and computational methods used in physical research. Topics include numerical integration, solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, Fourier transforms, and matrix algebra. These methods are illustrated through applications in classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and electromagnetic theory. Students will gain practical experience in writing, compiling, and executing computer programs, along with analyzing results and presenting findings in scientific reports.
Further development of quantum mechanics. Multi-particle states, bosons and fermions. Classical Limit. Variational principle, time-dependent perturbation theory and scattering. Path integral formulation. Symmetry and groups, addition of angular moments. Examples from solid state, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics.
Nuclear forces, models of nuclear structure and reactions, hadron and lepton scattering, introduction to constituent quark model and hadron spectroscopy.
Discrete and continuous symmetries and application to particle physics, SU(2) and SU(3) symmetries and static properties of hadrons. Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, quantum electrodynamics and Feynman rules, strong and weak interactions, Standard Model and physics beyond the Standard Model.
Electronic and lattice properties of solids, band structures of metals, semiconductors and insulators, dynamics of electron and phonons, electromagnetic and optical properties of metals and doped semiconductors, phenomenology of superconductivity and magnetism, and selected experimental methods of solid state physics.
Irreducible tensor methods. Radiative excitation and ionization processes. Atom-atom scattering. Time-evolution of atomic observables in external fields. Multiple channel quantum defect theory and complex atomic and molecular spectra.
Overview of the underlying physics of modern particle accelerators. Beam acceleration, coupled and uncoupled beam transport, nonlinear dynamics, collective effects, phase space cooling, and free-electron lasers will be covered. Depending on the instructor, additional topics of current interest such as coherent synchrotron radiation, wakefields and impedances, and novel methods of acceleration will be discussed.
Overview of the tools and techniques used in the design of particle accelerators and the measurement of their components. The course is targeted for both physicists and engineers, and its intent is to provide them with a common language and understanding. The course consists of 6 modules of 2 weeks each. Each module will be a combination of assigned readings, lectures, computer-based design, and hand-on measurements. Typical topics to be addressed in the 6 modules are: beamline design, electromagnetic cavity design, magnets, beam instrumentation, engineering principles for superconducting rf accelerators, machine learning.
Further developments in classical mechanics and electromagnetism and their application to accelerator physics: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of equations of motion, canonical transformations, adiabatic invariants, linear and nonlinear resonances. Louisville's theorem, solutions of Maxwell's equation in cavities and waveguides, wakefields, radiation and retarded potentials, and synchrotron radiation.
Properties and behavior of materials and systems at low temperature with emphasis on particle accelerator and microwave applications. Macroscopic quantum phenomena in condensates. Superfluidity, electrodynamic properties of superconductors.
This course will introduce design and general operating principles for particle accelerators, including acceleration methods for particles and beams. Topics will include the evolution and descriptions of particle beams under acceleration, physics of accelerated particle beams, as well as the effects of space charge, high-order modes (HOMs), and other collective effects. Aspects of both normal conducting (RF) and superconducting (SRF) particle beam acceleration will be covered.
An introduction to basic Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) methods in hadron-scattering experiments. Focus will be placed on perturbative methods and partonic interpretations of specific processes. The course will begin with a general overview of QCD, and specific processes will be studied in detail to illustrate the general features of patronic physics and their QCD interpretations. The course will close with a summary of questions of current research interest.
This seminar is designed to enhance both written and oral communication skills as applied to physics. Topics include effective display of data, preparation of scientific reports and preparation and delivery of scientific talks.
Thorough coverage of areas selected to meet special needs and interests.
Special topics related to particle accelerators and their applications.
Electrodynamics: Maxwell equations, plane electromagnetic waves and wave propagation, waveguides, radiating systems, special theory of relativity, including the dynamics of relativistic particles and electromagnetic fields.
Review of thermodynamics. Classical statistical mechanics and applications. The virial expansion. Quantum statistical mechanics and the micro-canonical, canonical, and grand-canonical ensembles. The Fermi and Bose gases, and applications. Special topics in statistical mechanics.
The course is designed to provide graduate students with essential numerical and computational methods used in physical research. Topics include numerical integration, solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations, Monte Carlo methods, Fourier transforms, and matrix algebra. These methods are illustrated through applications in classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and electromagnetic theory. Students will gain practical experience in writing, compiling, and executing computer programs, along with analyzing results and presenting findings in scientific reports.
Further development of quantum mechanics. Multi-particle states, bosons and fermions. Classical Limit. Variational principle, time-dependent perturbation theory and scattering. Path integral formulation. Symmetry and groups, addition of angular moments. Examples from solid state, atomic, nuclear and particle physics.
Nuclear forces, models of nuclear structure and reactions, hadron and lepton scattering, introduction to constituent quark model and hadron spectroscopy.
Discrete and continuous symmetries and application to particle physics, SU(2) and SU(3) symmetries and static properties of hadrons. Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, quantum electrodynamics and Feynman rules, strong and weak interactions. Standard Model and physics beyond the Standard Model.
Electronic and lattice properties of solids, band structures of metals, semiconductors and insulators, dynamics of electron and phonons, electromagnetic and optical properties of metals and doped semiconductors, phenomenology of superconductivity and magnetism, and selected experimental methods of solid state physics.
Many body and collective effects in condensed matter, including phase transitions, Bose and Fermi quantum liquids, superfluidity, superconductivity and magnetism, and properties of mesoscopic and low-dimensional systems.
Irreducible tensor methods. Radiative excitation and ionization processes. Atom-atom scattering. Time-evolution of atomic observables in external fields. Multiple channel quantum defect theory and complex atomic and molecular spectra.
Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics; symmetries in relativistic wave equations; solutions to relativistic wave equations for bound states and scattering processes; classical field theory and role of symmetries in construction of conserved currents; introduction to second quantization of fields.
Overview of the underlying physics of modern particle accelerators. Beam acceleration, coupled and uncoupled beam transport, nonlinear dynamics, collective effects, phase space cooling, and free-electron lasers will be covered. Depending on the instructor, additional topics of current interest such as coherent synchrotron radiation, wakefields and impedances, and novel methods of acceleration will be discussed.
Overview of the tools and techniques used in the design of particle accelerators and the measurement of their components. The course is targeted for both physicists and engineers, and its intent is to provide them with a common language and understanding. The course consists of 6 modules of 2 weeks each. Each module will be a combination of assigned readings, lectures, computer-based design, and hand-on measurements. Typical topics to be addressed in the 6 modules are: beamline design, electromagnetic cavity design, magnets, beam instrumentation, engineering principles for superconducting rf accelerators, machine learning.
Motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields. Coulomb collisions and transport processes. Collisional Boltzmann equation. Generation of various forms of plasma in the laboratory. Basic plasma diagnostic methods including plasma and laser spectroscopy, measurements of electron and ion density and energy distribution.
Further development in classical mechanics and electromagnetism and their application to accelerator physics: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of equations of motion, canonical transformations, adiabatic invariants, linear and nonlinear resonances. Louisville's theorem, solutions of Maxwell's equation in cavities and waveguides, wakefields, radiation and retarded potentials, and synchrotron radiation.
Properties and behavior of materials and systems at low temperature with emphasis on particle accelerator and microwave applications. Macroscopic quantum phenomena in condensates. Superfluidity, electrodynamic properties of superconductors.
The Yukawa potential in classical and quantum mechanics. One- and two-meson exchange amplitudes. Pion-exchange interactions: one- and two-pion exchange two-nucleon potentials, and two-pion exchange three-nucleon potentials. Electromagnetic interactions. Nucleon-nucleon scattering. Realistic models of two- and three-nucleon potentials. Relativistic corrections to the nuclear Hamiltonian. Electro-weak currents of nucleons and nuclei.
This course will introduce design and general operating principles for particle accelerators, including acceleration methods for particles and beams. Topics will include the evolution and descriptions of particle beams under acceleration, physics of accelerated particle beams, as well as the effects of space charge, high-order modes (HOMs), and other collective effects. Aspects of both normal conducting (RF) and superconducting (SRF) particle beam acceleration will be covered.
Quantization of the Klein-Gordon field, interactions in quantum field theory and Feynman diagrams, quantization of the Dirac field, quantization of the electromagnetic field, quantum electrodynamics, renormalization, quantum chromodynamics and asymptotic freedom.
Further development of topics in quantum field theory. The course addresses renormalization, non-abelian gauge theories, and advanced calculation techniques.
An introduction to basic Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) methods in hadron-scattering experiments. Focus will be placed on perturbative methods and partonic interpretations of specific processes. The course will begin with a general overview of QCD, and specific processes will be studied in detail to illustrate the general features of patronic physics and their QCD interpretations. The course will close with a summary of questions of current research interest.
This seminar is designed to enhance both written and oral communication skills as applied to physics. Topics include effective display of data, preparation of scientific reports and preparation and delivery of scientific talks.
A continuation of PHYS 891 at an advanced level. This seminar is designed to enhance both written and oral communication skills as applied to physics. Topics include effective display of data, preparation of scientific reports and preparation and delivery of scientific talks.
Thorough coverage of areas selected to meet special needs and interests.
Special topics related to particle accelerators and their applications.