UMiami Physics Department Courses

FNS 193. Complexity Science: Two's Company, Three is a Crowd 3 cr.
Emergence of collective phenomena in biological, social, economic and physical systems. Time-dependent interactions, complex networks, multi-agent dynamics

PSC 101. Physical Science 3 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
An interdisciplinary course to provide the non-science major with an understanding of some of the methods, ideas and accomplishments of Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, and Space Science, and their role in the development of civilization.
Prerequisite: Not for major or minor

101. College Physics I 4 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Elementary mechanics, thermal phenomena, fluids, waves. Courses PHY 101-102-106-108 provide a ten credit `physics with lab' sequence for premedical students and others.
Prerequisite: Mth 108 or 105

102. College Physics II 4 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Prerequisite: Phy 101

103. General Physics 3 cr. (Spring)
Mechanics, waves, electromagnetism.
Prerequisite: Architecture major

106. College Physics Laboratory I 1 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Laboratory course to accompany Phy 101.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Phy 101

108. College Physics Laboratory II 1 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Laboratory course to accompany Phy 102.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Phy 102

110. Descriptive Astronomy 3 cr. (Fall, Spring)
For students not majoring in Mathematics or a Physical Science. brief non-technical treatment of the universe and its contents. Mathematical requirements are minimal with emphasis on our present knowledge about energy and matter in space.
Prerequisite: Not for major or minor

160. Physics of the Arts. 3 cr. (Spring)
Newtonian mechanics, energy, wave motion, atoms, and electricity. Applications to music, art and communications.

201. University Physics I. Life Sciences 3 cr. (Fall)
Calculus based introductory physics: mechanics, heat, fluids, waves, with applications from the life sciences.
Prerequisite: Mth 112 or 132

202. University Physics II. Life Sciences 3 cr. (Spring)
Calculus based introductory physics: electromagnetism, optics, modern physics, with applications from the life sciences.
Prerequisite: Phy 201

205. University Physics I 3 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Mechanics through gravity and harmonic motion, intended for science and engineering students.
Corequisite: Mth 110 or 131 with a B in Mth 105 or 108 or placement into calculus by Mth placement exam. Otherwise, prerequisite: Mth 110, 111, or 131

206. University Physics II 3 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Fluids, waves, optics, thermal phenomena . . .
Prerequisite: Phy 205. Prerequisite or corequisite: Mth 112 or 132

207. University Physics III 3 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Electromagnetism through Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisite: Phy 205 AND Mth 112 or 132

208. University Physics II Lab 1 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Laboratory to accompany Phy 206.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Phy 206

209. University Physics III Lab 1 cr. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Lab to accompany Phy 207.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Phy 207

210. Honors University Physics II-III 5-6 cr. (Fall, Spring)
Fluids, waves, optics, thermal phenomena, electromagnetism. Combines Phy 206 and 207.
Prerequisite: Phy 205, Mth 112 or 132, AND written permission

315. Mathematical Tools for Physics 3 cr.
How to use mathematics in physics. Series, complex algebra, vector calculus, differential equations, etc.
Prerequisite: Phy 207, Mth 310; pre-or corequisite Mth 311

316. Physics of the Solar System 3 cr.
A mathematical treatment of the structure and composition of the solar system. The physical nature of the sun, planets, satellites, comets, and meteors. Occasional observation sessions will be scheduled.
Prerequisite: Phy 206, 207

317. Physics of Stellar Systems 3 cr.
Normal and peculiar stars: their structure and evolution. Galactic structure and some cosmology. Occasional observation sessions will be scheduled.
Prerequisite: Phy 206, 207

321. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory 3 cr. (Spring)
An intermediate course in thermal phenomena, from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view.
Prerequisite: Phy 206 and Mth 310 or 211

340. Classical Mechanics I 3 cr. (Fall)
Includes harmonic motion, orbit theory, coupled oscillations, rigid body motions.
Prerequisite: Phy 206, 207. Pre- or corequisite: Mth 311

350. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I 3 cr. (Fall)
Includes the integral and differential forms of Maxwell's equations, circuit theory, and boundary value problems.
Prerequisite: Phy 206, 207, Mth 310 or 211. Pre- or corequisite: Mth 311

351. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism II 3 cr. (Spring)
A continuation of Phy 350. Includes further application of Maxwell's equations with emphasis on radiation theory.
Prerequisite: Phy 350

360. Introduction to Modern Physics 3 cr. (Fall)
Emphasis on the experimental foundations of modern physics. Relativity, quantization, atomic structure, radiation, nuclei.
Prerequisite: Phy 206. Pre- or corequisite: Phy 207

362. Modern Physics Honors Seminar 1 cr. (Fall, Spring)
Special topics to accompany Phy 360.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Phy 360

401, 402. Senior Thesis 3 cr. each
Prerequisite: Phy 340, 350, 360

500. Research 1-3 cr.
Project course introducing methods of research, individual investigation of current problems.

505, 506. Advanced Laboratory 1-2 cr. each (Fall, Spring)
Advanced experiments such as properties of the electron, optical spectra, electrical measurements, radioactive decay, absorption, etc.
Prerequisite: Phy 208. Pre- or corequisite: Phy 360

515. Mathematical Techniques in Physics 3 cr. (Spring)
Complex variables and applications. Infinite series and their uses, particularly in differential equations. Multiple integrals and Fourier series.
Prerequisite: Phy 340, 350; Mth 311

516-518. Readings in Physics 1-3 cr. each
Prerequisite: Permission of department

520. Solid State Physics 3 cr.
Crystal structure, quantum theory of the electronic structure of solids, mechanical, electric, magnetic and optical properties of solids.
Prerequisite: Phy 560

530. Plasma Physics I 3 cr.
Kinetic theory of plasmas, adiabatic motion of charged particles, magnetofluid dynamics, transport properties of plasmas in electromagnetic fields.
Prerequisite: Phy 340, 351, 360

540. Classical Mechanics II 3 cr. (Fall)
Lagrangian formulation, rigid body dynamics. Topics selected from fluid dynamics, non-linear oscillations, normal modes, phase plane analysis.
Prerequisite: Phy 340

550. Boundary Value Problems 3 cr.
Boundary value problems in electrostatics, designed to develop skills in the solution of problems.
Prerequisite: Phy 351. Corequisite: Phy 515

552. Optical Physics 3 cr.
Geometric optics, interference and diffraction, polarized light, optical pumping, coherence phenomena, applications to modern physical research.
Prerequisite: Phy 351, 360

560. Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics I 3 cr. (Fall)
Introductory theory with applications to simple systems. Perturbation theory and atomic structure.
Pre- or Corequisite: 350

561. Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics II 3 cr. (Spring)
Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular spectroscopy, quantum statistical mechanics, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: Phy 560

564. Nuclear Physics 3 cr.
Theoretical and experimental phenomena related to atomic nuclei. General description of nuclear forces, simple scattering, nuclear energy levels. Qualitative description of various nuclear models.
Prerequisite: Phy 560

601. Condensed Matter Physics Seminar 1 cr.

602. Optical Physics Seminar 1 cr.

603. Particle Physics Seminar 1 cr.

604. Plasma Physics Seminar 1 cr.

610-612. Special Topics in Physics 1-3 cr. each
Topics are typically selected from fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, particle theory, nuclear physics.

615. Methods of Mathematical Physics I 3 cr.
Green's functions, Calculus of variations, PDEs, Special functions.
Prerequisite: Phy 515

616. Methods of Mathematical Physics II 3 cr.
Different topics from Phy 615, including Vector spaces, Operators, Numerical analysis, Statistics
Prerequisite: Phy 515

620. Advanced Solid State Physics 3 cr.
Electronic structure, electron-electron interactions, phonons, many-body problems, transport properties, magnetism, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: Phy 520, 560

623. Statistical Mechanics I 3 cr.
Equilibrium state, irreversibility, statistical description of an ensemble, entropy, partition functions.
Prerequisite: Phy 321, 561

624. Statistical Mechanics II 3 cr.
Statistical description of many body problems, specific heats, Brownian motion in liquids and fields, nonequilibrium states, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: Phy 623

630. Plasma Physics II 3 cr.
Plasmas oscillations and waves, interaction of electromagnetic waves, with plasmas in magnetic fields, plasma turbulence, beam-plasma interactions, methods of experimental investigation.
Prerequisite: Phy 530

650. Electromagnetic Theory I 3 cr.
Electrostatics, magnetostatic, Maxwell's equations, continuous media, waves, antennas, resonant cavities, wave guides.
Prerequisite: Phy 560

651. Electromagnetic Theory II 3 cr.
Relativistic effects, interaction of radiation with matter, multipole radiation, radiation reaction.
Prerequisite: Phy 650

654. General Relativity Theory 3 cr.
Einstein's theory of gravitation. Includes basic differential geometry and tensor analysis, the Einstein field equations, the motion of particles in gravitational fields, tests of general relativity, black holes, and cosmology.

666. Elementary Particles 3 cr.
The Standard Model of elementary particles. Classical theory of fields for spin 0, 1/2, 1; Feynman rules. The Standard Model Lagrangian is postulated, and some of its basic consequences are explored.
Prerequisite: Phy 540, 561, 650

670. Quantum Theory I 3 cr.
Transformation theory, linear operators and vector spaces. Schrodinger's equation, rotation group and angular momentum, statistics (Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac), isotopic spin,

671. Quantum Theory II 3 cr.
One particle relativistic theory; Lorentz group; symmetries of particles; elementary scattering theory; many body problems; Greens' functions techniques; S-matrix.
Prerequisite: Phy 670

672. Quantum Field Theory 3 cr.
Canonical and path integral quantization; renormalization; gauge theories.
Prerequisite: Phy 540, 655, 671

680. Directed Readings or Research 1-4 cr.

710. Master's Thesis 1-6 cr.
The student working on his/her master's thesis enrolls for credit, in most departments not to exceed six, as determined by his/her advisor. Credit is not awarded until the thesis has been accepted.

720. Research in Residence 0 cr.
Used to establish research in residence for the thesis for the master's degree after the student has enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in Phy 710 (usually six credits). Credit not granted. May be regarded as full time residence.

725. Continuous Registration-Master's Study 0 cr.
to establish residence for non-thesis master's students who are preparing for major examinations. Credit not granted. Regards as full time residence.

730. Doctoral Dissertation 1-12 cr.
Required of all candidates for the PhD. The student will enroll for credit as determined by his/her advisor, but for not less than a total of 12 hours. Up to 12 hours may be taken in regular semester, but not more than six in a summer session.

740. Research Project 1-6 cr.
Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Arts degree. Student enrolls for credit as determined by advisor. Credit is not a awarded until the doctoral project has been accepted. Total enrollment may not exceed six credits.

750. Research in Residence 0 cr.
Used to establish research in residence for the PhD. and D.A., after the student has been enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in appropriate doctoral research. Credit not granted. May be regarded as full-time residence as determined by the Dean of the Graduate School.