Department of Physics

Courses Offered

• 1000 Level
• 2000 Level
• 3000 Level
• 4000 Level
• 5000 Level
• 8000 Level

The official description of each course is given in the UMD Catalog The status of individual sections during registration is available here.

The inclusion of dates for planned offerings is intended to give some indication of what will probably occur. Please refer to the official class schedule for the actual offerings of these courses.

Phys 1001. Introduction to Physics I. 5 credits.
Noncalculus general physics course primarily for certain preprofessional fields. Topics in mechanics, heat, and sound.
Prerequisites: Algebra and trigonometry.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1101 and Phys 1102.

Phys 1002. Introduction to Physics II. 5 credits.
Noncalculus general physics course primarily for certain preprofessional fields. Topics in light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Prerequisites: Phys 1001.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1101.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1102 and Phys 1103.

Phys 1011. Ideas in Physics. 3 credits.
Descriptive, nonmathematical survey of basic concepts in physics from Newton to the present. Instructor has considerable latitude with regard to content. Primarily for liberal arts students; not for preprofessional preparation.
Prerequisites: None.
Instructors: Johnson.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1010.

Phys 1021. Exploring Current Topics in Physics. 1 credit.
Introduction to current topics in the field of physics, with emphasis on recent research developments and local research activities.
Prerequisites: None.
Instructors: Hiller.
Next planned offerings: Every Fall semester.
Quarter equivalent: None.

Phys 1101. Solving Physics Problems. 2 credits.
Practice in applying mathematical and reasoning skills to physics problems.
Prerequisites: Math 1296 (may be taken simultaneously).
Instructors: Sydor.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2111.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1106.>

Phys 1201. Mechanics. 4 credits.
Calculus-level general physics course in Newtonian mechanics, including fluid mechanics.
Prerequisites: Math 1296 or Math 1290. Students concerned about their preparation should discuss Phys 1101 with their advisors.
Quarter prerequisites: Math 1296.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2011.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1107.

Phys 1202. Heat and Electricity. 4 credits.
Calculus-level general physics course in heat and electricity, including DC circuits.
Prerequisites: Phys 1201.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1107.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2012.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1108 and Phys 1109.

Phys 1203. Magnetism, Waves and Optics. 4 credits.
Calculus-level general physics course in magnetism, AC circuits, waves, and optics.
Prerequisites: Phys 1202 and Math 1297.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1108 and Math 1297.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2022.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1109 and Phys 3007.

Phys 1204. Electricity, Magnetism and Optics. 5 credits.
Calculus-level general physics course in electricity, magnetism, and optics.
Prerequisites: Phys 1201 and Math 1297.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1107 and Math 1297.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2012.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1108 and Phys 1109.

Phys 1205. Waves and Heat. 3 credits.
Calculus-level general physics course in wave motion and heat, plus AC circuits.
Prerequisites: Phys 1204.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1107 and Math 1297.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2022.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1108 and Phys 3007.

Phys 2001. Oscillations. 2 credits.
Studies of waves and vibrations, superposition of periodic motion, free vibrations of physical systems, forced vibrations, resonance phenomena with examples from electricity, optics, and mechanics; progressive waves, boundary effects, interference.
Prerequisites: Phys 1203 or Phys 1205.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109.
Instructors: Casserberg, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2022.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3010.

Phys 2011. General Physics I. 4 credits.
Calculus-based introduction to Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat.
Prerequisites: Math 1296 or Math 1290. Students concerned about their performance should discuss the optional recitation course Phys 2111 with their advisors.
Quarter prerequisites: Math 1296.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1107.

Phys 2012. General Physics II. 4 credits.
Calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism, and optics.
Prerequisites: Phys 2011 and Math 1297. Students concerned about their performance should discuss the optional recitation course Phys 2112 with their advisors.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1108 and Math 1297.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1109.

Phys 2021. Relativity and Quantum Physics. 4 credits.
Descriptive course; relativity, quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom, multielectron atoms, molecular structure, quantum statistics, thermal radiation, solid state physics, nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109.
Instructors: Gran, Habig, Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Every Spring semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3500.

Phys 2022. Classical Physics. 4 credits.
Survey of various topics in classical physics: vector angular momentum, AC circuits, oscillatory motion, waves, physical optics.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109.
Instructors: Casserberg, Maps.
Next planned offerings: Every Spring semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3007.

Phys 2031. Quantum Physics Laboratory. 1 credit.
Experiments and computer simulations selected to provide experience with both concepts and techniques in modern physics.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021 (may be taken simultaneously).
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500.
Instructors: Casserberg, Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2033.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3071.

Phys 2033. Classical and Quantum Physics Laboratory. 2 credits.
Experiments and computer simulations selected to provide experience with both concepts and techniques in classical and quantum physics.
Corequisites: Phys 2021 and Phys 2022 (may be taken simultaneously).
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500.
Instructors: Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Every Spring semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3071.

Phys 2111. Solving Physics Problems I. 1 credit.
Extended practice in applying basic physics principles and mathematical reasoning to problems in mechanics and thermodynamics.
Corequisite: Phys 2011 (must be taken simultaneously).
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 1106.

Phys 2112. Solving Physics Problems II. 1 credit.
Extended practice in applying basic physics principles and mathematical reasoning to problems in electricity, magnetism and optics.
Corequisite: Phys 2012 (must be taken simultaneously).
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: None.

Phys 2199. Physics Tutoring. 1-2 credits.
Tutoring students in 1000-level physics courses.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012 and consent of department.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109.
Instructors: Maps.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3098.

Phys 3061. Instrumentation. 3 credits.
Introduction to electronics for scientific applications. DC and AC circuits, linear and nonlinear devices, integrated circuits. Analog electronics. Transducers. Digital electronics. Applications of microcomputers to lab data acquisition.
Prerequisites: 1 semester of programming and Phys 2022.
Quarter prerequisites: 1 quarter of programming and Phys 1109.
Instructors: Habig, Maps.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2008.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3041.

Phys 3091. Independent Study. 1-3 credits.
Directed individual study.
Prerequisites: Consent of department and instructor.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3700.

Phys 3094. Physics Research. 1-6 credits.
Supervised research.
Prerequisites: Consent of department and instructor.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3980.

Phys 3099. Physics Tutoring. 1-2 credits.
Tutoring students in 1000-level physics courses.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012 and consent of department.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109.
Instructors: Maps.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 2199.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3098.

Phys 4001. Classical Mechanics. 4 credits.
Theoretical mechanics, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian functions, symmetries and conservation laws.
Prerequisites: Phys 2022 and Math 3280.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3010 and Math 3380.
Instructors: Casserberg, Maps.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2007.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5123 and Phys 5124.

Phys 4011. Electromagnetic Theory. 4 credits.
Electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations and applications, radiation.
Prerequisites: Phys 2022 and Math 3280.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 1109 and Math 3380.
Instructors: Casserberg.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2008.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5124 and Phys 5125.

Phys 4021. Quantum Physics II. 4 credits.
Quantum wave mechanics with applications; Schrodinger equation, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, symmetries, identical particles.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021 and Math 3280.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500 and Math 3380.
Instructors: Hiller, Maps.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2007.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5102 and Phys 5103.

Phys 4031. Thermal and Statistical Physics. 4 credits.
Elements of thermodynamics; principles of statistical physics applied to equilibrium properties of classical and quantum systems.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500.
Instructors: Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2008.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5107 and Phys 5109.

Phys 4110. Physics for Science Teachers. 2 credits.
Preparation for teaching physics at the high school level. Review of physics concepts important at the high school level. Methods for effective presentation, including problem solving, discussions, demonstrations and lab experiments.
Prerequisites: Phys 1002 or Phys 2012.
No Grad School credit.
Instructors: Johnson.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2008.
Quarter equivalent: None.

Phys 5041. Optics. 3 credits.
Fundamentals of physical optics.
Prerequisites: Phys 2022.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3010.
Instructors: Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2009.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5119.

Phys 5043. Environmental Optics. 3 credits.
Application of optics in environmental measurements of irradiance and radiance, optical remote sensing using ship-borne and satellite platforms, diffuse spectra, single vs. multiple scattering, object visibility, inherent vs. apparent optical properties, scattering in Beer’s law, optical algorithms.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012.
Instructors: Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2008.
Quarter equivalent: None.

Phys 5051. Computational Physics. 4 credits.
Application of numerical methods to problems in classical and quantum physics, with emphasis on ordinary and partial differential equations. Computer modeling of physical systems.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021, Math 3280, and 1 semester programming.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500, Math 3380, and 1 quarter programming.
Instructors: Hiller.
Next planned offerings: None; replaced by 5052.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5141 and Phys 5142.

Phys 5052. Computational Methods in Physics. 3 credits.
Applications of numerical methods to problems in classical and quantum physics, emphasizing ordinary and partial differential equations. Computer modeling of physical systems and experimentation with simulations of physical systems.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021, Math 3280, and 1 semester programming.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500, Math 3380, and 1 quarter programming.
Instructors: Hiller.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2007.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5141 and Phys 5142.

Phys 5053. Data Analysis Methods in Physics. 3 credits.
Problems of data analysis in the context of dynamical models. Emphasis will be placed on large datasets that arise in astrophysics, particle dynamics, physical oceanography and meteorology.
Prerequisites: Phys 2012, 1 semester programming, and lab or field experience beyond Phys 2012.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3500, Math 3380, and 1 quarter programming.
Instructors: Gran, Habig.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2008.
Quarter equivalent: None.

Phys 5061. Experimental Methods. 3 credits.
Instruction and practice in methods of experimental physics; microcomputer-based data acquisition, vacuum techniques.
Prerequisites: Phys 2033 and Phys 3061.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3041 and Phys 3071.
Instructors: Habig, Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2009.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5045.

Phys 5062. Advanced Laboratory. 2 credits.
Computational projects and/or experiments in physics or physical limnology.
Prerequisites: Comp 3150 or Comp 3130 (may be taken simultaneously) and consent of instructor.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5094.

Phys 5090. Physics Seminar. 1 credit.
Preparation and presentation of oral reports on approved physics topics, research projects, and journal articles.
Prerequisites: senior or graduate standing.
Instructors: Staff.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2007.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 3981.

Phys 5501. Advanced Classical Mechanics. 3 credits.
Advanced study of classical mechanics: Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations for discrete systems, canonical transformations, nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory.
Prerequisites: Phys 4001.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5124.
Instructors: Casserberg, Jordan.
Next planned offerings: Fall/Spring 2007-8.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5170.

Phys 5511. Electrodynamics. 3 credits.
Maxwell's equations, relativity and electrodynamics, radiation and scattering of electromagnetic waves, relativistic particles in electromagnetic fields and radiation reaction.
Prerequisites: Phys 4011.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5125.
Instructors: Casserberg.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2009.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5174.

Phys 5521. Quantum Mechanics I. 3 credits.
Schrodinger equation, operator formulation, angular momentum, symmetries.
Prerequisites: Phys 4021.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5103.
Instructors: Hiller, Jordan.
Next planned offerings: Fall 2008.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5176 and Phys 5177.

Phys 5522. Quantum Mechanics II. 3 credits.
Identical particles, perturbation theory, scattering, interaction with electromagnetic field.
Prerequisites: Phys 5521.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5177.
Instructors: Hiller, Jordan.
Offered when sufficient demand exists.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5177 and Phys 5178.

Phys 5531. Introduction to Solid State Physics. 3 credits.
Solid structure, thermal, and electronic properties of solids and solid surfaces.
Prerequisites: Phys 4021 and Phys 4031.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5103 and Phys 5107.
Instructors: Maps, Sydor.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2008.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5150 and Phys 5151.

Phys 5541. Fluid Dynamics. 3 credits.
Analytic and numerical treatment of the dynamics of fluids.
Prerequisites: Phys 2022 and Math 3280.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3010 and Math 3380.
Instructors: Austin.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2009.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5166.

Phys 5551. General Relativity. 4 credits.
Differential geometry, tensors, metrics, curvature, Einstein's equation, Newtonian limit, Killing vectors, cosmology, perfect fluids, Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions, observational tests, black holes.
Prerequisites: Phys 4001.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 5123.
Instructors: Jordan.
Offered when sufficient demand exists.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5181 and Phys 5182.

Phys 5561. Astrophysics. 3 credits.
The application of physical laws and processes to the understanding of astrophysical objects: celestial mechanics, energy transport, stellar structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, stellar remnants, galactic structure and dynamics, large scale structure and cosmology.
Prerequisites: Phys 2021, Phys 2022 and Math 3280.
Quarter prerequisites: Phys 3010, Phys 3500 and Math 3380.
Instructors: Habig.
Next planned offerings: Spring 2009.
Quarter equivalent: none.

Phys 5591. Independent Study. 1-3 credits.
Special studies, useful in individual graduate programs, not available in regular course offerings.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and dept director of graduate studies.
Instructors: Graduate faculty.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 5700.

Phys 5594. Physics Research. 1-3 credits.
Research in a selected area of physics.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and dept director of graduate studies.
Instructors: Graduate faculty.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 8200.

Phys 8777. Thesis Credits: Master's. 1-10 credits.
Thesis research and development.
Prerequisites: Consent of advisor and dept director of graduate studies.
Instructors: Graduate faculty.
Next planned offerings: Every semester.
Quarter equivalent: Phys 8777.

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