Department of Physics Main Departmental Office Physics Building, 110 P.O. Box 5368 Denton, TX 76203-0368 (817) 565-2626 Fax: (817) 565-2515 Samuel E. Matteson, Chair Faculty Professors Duggan, Golden, Grigolini, Kobe, Mackey, McDaniel, Pinizzotto, Roberts, Sybert, West. Associate Professors Deering, Harrison, Kowalski, Littler, Matteson, Mueller, Sears. Assistant Professors Hu, Ordonez, Perez, Shiner, Tsironis, Ward, Weathers. Visiting Assistant Professor Hajsaleh. Introduction The physics department trains students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to become professional physicists and provides a foundation in the fundamental physical principles necessary for effective work in other natural sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, technology, and elementary and secondary education. Programs of Study The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas: -Bachelor of Arts, -Master of Arts, -Master of Science, and -Doctor of Philosophy, all with a major in physics; -Bachelor of Science in Physics; and -concentrations under the physics major at the graduate level in theoretical physics, nuclear/atomic physics and solid state physics. Substitutions in either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program may be made only with written consent of the department chair. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all advanced courses in the sciences is required for graduation with a degree in physics. Bachelor of Arts Major in Physics The BA with a major in physics is designed for students planning to teach physics in public school, taking a double major or desiring a liberal arts education with a science concentration. Students who expect to teach physics in secondary schools should elect the Bachelor of Arts program and include all courses required by the State of Texas for teacher certification. Theses requirements are listed under the Department of Teacher Education and Administration in the College of Education section. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in physics is designed to support a wide range of career opportunities by providing for the development of strong analytical thinking and problem-solving techniques. The Bachelor of Arts program is recommended for students taking a double major or combining physics with another major concentration. For example, a major in physics may be combined with a major in engineering technology, computer science, mathematics, chemistry or biology. Also students majoring in physics may choose to group courses toward career interest areas such as technology assessment(a), investment analysis(b), or medical science(c). (a) recommended courses: PSCI 2300, 3200, 3300; ECON 1100, 1110, 3550, 3560 (b) recommended courses: FINA 3770, 4200, 4210, 4310, 4410; ACCT 2010, 2020 (c) recommended courses: BIOL 1610/1630, 1620/1640, 3800/3810, 4200; CHEM 1410/1430, 1420/1440, 3600 Major in Physics Following is one suggested arrangement of courses distributed over four years. BA with a Major in Physics FRESHMAN YEAR FALL HOURS CHEM 1410, General Chemistry{1} 3 CHEM 1430, Laboratory for General Chemistry{1} 1 ENGL 1310, College Writing I 3 MATH 1710, Calculus I{4,5} 4 PHYS 1710, Mechanics 3 PHYS 1730, Laboratory in Mechanics 1 PHED 1000, Scientific Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness, or DANC 1100, Stress Reduction Through Movement 2-3 Total 17-18 SPRING HOURS Communications{2} 3 CHEM 1420, General Chemistry{1} 3 CHEM 1440, Laboratory for General Chemistry 1 ENGL 1320, College Writing II{3} 3 MATH 1720, Calculus II{4,5} 3 PHYS 2220, Electricity and Magnetism 3 PHYS 2240, Laboratory in Wave Motion, Electricity, Magnetism and Optics 1 Total 17 SOPHOMORE YEAR FALL HOURS Computer Science{6} 3 LANG 1010, Foreign Language (elementary){7} 4 MATH 2700, Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry, or MATH 2730, Multivariable Calculus 3 PHYS 3010, Modern Physics{8} 3 PHYS 3030, Laboratory in Modern Physics 1 PHYS 3210, Classical Mechanics 3 Total 17 SPRING HOURS ENGL 2210, World Literature 3 LANG 1020, Foreign Language (elementary){7} 4 MATH 3410, Differential Equations I 3 PHYS Option 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 16 JUNIOR YEAR FALL HOURS Visual and Performing Arts{9} 3 Understanding of Ideas and Values{10}* 3 LANG 2040, Foreign Language (intermediate) 3 HIST 2610, United States History to 1865{11} 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 15 SPRING HOURS ECON 1110, Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Understanding of Ideas and Values{10} * 3 LANG 2050, Foreign Language (intermediate) 3 HIST 2620, United States History Since 1865{9} 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 15 SENIOR YEAR FALL HOURS Natural and Life Science{12} 3 Elective 3 PHIL{13} 3 PSCI 1040, American Government 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 15 SPRING HOURS Natural and Life Science{12} 4 Free Elective 3 PSCI 1050, American Government 3 Minor 3 ENGL 2220, World Literature 3 PHYS Option 1 Total 17 Total Minimum Hours Required: 128 Note: Some courses may require prerequisites not listed in the above plan. {1} CHEM 1413/1430 and 1423/1440 are honors classes. These courses are recommended for freshmen who took honors chemistry in high school. {2} Proficiency exam or COMM 1010, 1440, or 2040. {3} Students who plan to take ENGL 2700 in place of ENGL 1320 should follow this sequence: ENGL 1310, 2210, 2220, 2700. {4} Students should consult the Department of Mathematics for proper placement into the appropriate level before beginning their mathematics program. {5} Mathematics requirements for this degree also meet the requirements for a minor. {6} Proficiency exam or CSCI 1100, CECS 1100, or BCIS 2610. {7} Contact the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures for proper placement into the appropriate level. Students must demonstrate proficiency by exam or complete the required prerequisites (LANG 1010- 1020) before enrolling in LANG 2040 or 2050. {8} 2.5 GPA required in all advanced courses attempted in the division of science. {9} See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog for a list of approved Visual and Performing Arts courses. Note: ART 1300, 2350, may not be used to satisfy both the Visual and Performing Arts requirement and the Understanding of Ideas and Values, Group II requirement. {10} Understanding of Ideas and Values: One course per group from any two of Groups I, II, III. See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog for a list of approved courses. {11} Advanced American/Texas History courses may be substituted to help meet the 42 advanced hours degree requirement. {12} See "Arts and Science Core Curriculum" in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog for a list of approved sciences. {13} PHIL 2050, 2310, or 2330 also will satisfy 3 hours of the Understanding of Ideas and Values, Group I requirement. See "Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum" in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog for a list of approved courses. * Taking courses in the minor and core at the advanced level will aid the student in reaching the 42 advanced hours necessary for graduation. Additional advanced elective courses may be required if this course is not chosen at the advanced level. The student is responsible for reaching 42 advanced hours. See your faculty adviser each semester for help in program decisions and preparation for enrollment. Supplemental Information for BA with a Major in Physics 1. Minimum of 128 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog. 2. Minimum of 31 hours of physics. 3. Required courses: PHYS 1710/1730, 2220/2240, 3010/3030 and 3210, plus {12}hours chosen from: PHYS 3220, 3310, 3420, 4110, 4160, 4210, 4220, 4310, 4420 and 4500; MATH 1710, 1720, 2700 or 2730, and 3410; and CHEM 1410 or 1413/1430 and 1420 or 1423/1440. 4. Students also must satisfy the general requirements of the "Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum" in the College of Arts and Sciences section and the "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog. 5. Physics Options: PHYS 3220, 3420(4), 4050, 4150 or 4160, 4220, 4420, 4500, 4550, 4600, 4710. 6. Advanced-level courses in physics are offered on a two-year cycle. Planning for physics courses must be done by using the frequency of offering schedule below: -(even years): PHYS 3220, 3420, 4150 -(even years): PHYS 3010/3030, 3210, 4210, 4600 -(odd years): PHYS 4160, 4420, 4310 -(odd years): PHYS 3010/3030, 3210, 3310, 4110 Bachelor of Science in Physics Degree Requirements Candidates for the Bachelor of Science must meet the following requirements. 1. Hours Required for the Degree: Completion of a minimum of 134 total semester hours; 42 must be advanced. 2. General University Requirements: See "General Degree Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog. 3. College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum: Minimum 61 hours (includes requirements of University Core Curriculum). See "Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum" in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog for specific core requirements and list of approved courses. See specific degree plan for exact hours. 4. Major Requirements: A major of at least 44 semester hours. Option I Required courses: PHYS 1710/1730, 2220/2240, 3010/3030, 3210, 3310, 3420, 4110, 4150, 4160, 4210, 4310 and 4500, plus 7 advanced hours chosen from PHYS 3220, 4350, 4360, 4420, 4600, 4900 or 4910. Option II Required Courses: PHYS 1710/1730, 2220/2240, 3010/3030, 3210, 3220, 3310, 4110, 4150, 4210, 4220, 4310, 4350 and 4360, plus 2 advanced hours chosen from PHYS 4160, 4550, 4600, 4710, 4900 or 4910. 5. Minor Requirements: A minor of at least 18 hours, of which a minimum of 6 hours must be advanced, in a second department of the sciences. 6. Electives: See degree plan. 7. Other Course Requirements: MATH 1710, 1720, 2700, 2730 and 3410, plus {3}advanced hours numbered above 3200 (may not include 4960 and 4970); CHEM 1410-1420 and 1430-1440; and CSCI 1100 and 1110. 8. Other Requirements: It is recommended that the required foreign language be German, French or Russian. Students who wish to take some other language should consult the department. DRED (Traffic Safety) courses may not be used to satisfy any portion of a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. BS in Physics Following is one suggested arrangement of courses distributed over four years. BS in Physics FRESHMAN YEAR FALL HOURS CHEM 1410, General Chemistry{1} 3 CHEM 1430, Laboratory for General Chemistry 1 ENGL 1310, College Writing I 3 MATH 1710, Calculus I{3,4} 4 PHYS 1710, Mechanics 3 PHYS 1730, Laboratory in Mechanics 1 Total 15 SPRING HOURS CHEM 1420, General Chemistry{1} 3 CHEM 1440, Laboratory for General Chemistry{1} 1 ENGL 1320, College Writing II{2} 3 MATH 1720, Calculus II{3,4} 3 PHYS 2220, Electricity and Magnetism 3 PHYS 2240, Labotatory in Wave Motion, Electricity, Magnetism and Optics 1 PHED 1000, Scientific Principles and Practices of Health-Related Fitness, or DANC 1110, Stress Reduction Through Movement 2-3 Total 16-17 SOPHOMORE YEAR FALL HOURS Communications{5} 3 LANG 1010, Foreign Language (elementary){6} 4 MATH 2730, Multivariable Calculus 3 PHYS 3010, Modern Physics{7} 3 PHYS 3030, Laboratory in Modern Physics{7} 1 PHYS 3210, Classical Mechanics 3 Total 17 SPRING HOURS CSCI 1110, Introduction to Communication 3 ENGL 2210, World Literature 3 LANG 1020, Foreign Language (elementary){6} 4 MATH 3410, Differential Equations I 3 PHYS 4160, or PHYS Option 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 19 JUNIOR YEAR FALL HOURS Understanding of Ideas and Values{8}* 3 LANG 2040, Foreign Language (intermediate) 3 HIST 2610, United States History to 1865{9} 3 PHYS 3310, Mathematical Methods 3 PHYS 4110, Statistical and Thermal Physics 3 MATH 2700, Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry 3 Total 18 SPRING HOURS Understanding of Ideas and Values{8} * 3 LANG 2050, Foreign Language (intermediate) 3 HIST 2620, United States History Since 1865{9} 3 PHYS Option 3 PHYS 4150, or PHYS Option 3 MATH Option (above 3200) 3 Total 18 SENIOR YEAR FALL HOURS Visual and Performing Arts{10} 3 PSCI 1040, American Government 3 PHYS 4210, Electricity and Magnetism 3 PHYS Option 3 PHYS Option 3 Total 15 SPRING HOURS ECON 1110, Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Philosophy Option{11} 3 PSCI 1050, American Government 3 PHYS 4310, Quantum Mechanics 3 ENGL 2220, World Literature 3 PHYS Option 1 Total 16 Total Minimum Hours Required: 134 Note: Some courses may require prerequisites not listed in the above plan. {1} CHEM 1413/1430 and 1423/1440 are honors classes. These courses are recommended for freshmen who took honors chemistry in high school. {2} Students who plan to take ENGL 2700 in place of ENGL 1320 should follow this sequence: ENGL 1310, 2210, 2220, 2700. {3} Students should consult the Department of Mathematics for proper placement into the appropriate level before beginning their mathematics program. {4} Mathematics requirements for this degree also meet the requirements for a minor. {5} Proficiency exam or COMM 1010, 1440, or 2040. {6} Contact the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures for proper placement into the appropriate level. Students must demonstrate proficiency by exam or complete the required prerequisites (LANG 1010- 1020) before enrolling in LANG 2040 or 2050. {7} 2.5 GPA required in all advanced courses attempted in the division of science. {8} Understanding of Ideas and Values: One course per group from any two of Groups I, II, III. See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog for a list of approved courses. {9} Advanced American/Texas History courses may be substituted to help meet the 42 advanced hours degree requirement. {10} See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog for a list of approved Visual and Performing Arts courses. Note: ART 1300, 2350 may not be used to satisfy both the Visual and Performing Arts requirement and the Understanding of Ideas and Values, Group II requirement. {11} PHIL 2050, 2310, 2330 also will satisfy 3 hours of the Understanding of Ideas and Values, Group I requirement. See "Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum" in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog for a list of approved courses. * Taking courses in the minor and core at the advanced level will aid the student in reaching the 42 advanced hours necessary for graduation. Additional advanced elective courses may be required if this course is not chosen at the advanced level. The student is responsible for reaching 42 total advanced hours. See your faculty adviser each semester for help in program decisions and preparation for enrollment. Supplemental Information for BS in Physics 1. Physics Options: PHYS 3220, 3420(4), 4050, 4150 or 4160, 4220, 4500, 4550, 4600, 4710 2. Advanced-level courses in physics are offered on a two-year cycle. Planning for physics courses must be done by using the frequency of offering schedule below: -Spring (even years): PHYS 3220, 3420, 4150 -Fall (even years): PHYS 3010/3030, 3210, 4210, 4600 -Spring (odd years): PHYS 4160, 4420, 4310 -Fall (odd years): PHYS 3010/3030, 3210, 3310, 4110 3. Mathematics Requirements: Students who must schedule Physics courses with mathematics prerequisites must plan their mathematics programs carefully. Freshmen should note mathematics placement procedures described in the Department of Mathematics section of this catalog. Physics majors who are advised to take MATH 1650 prior to PHYS 1710 may count this courses as elective credit. 4. Minimum total of hours required for degree: 134 Mathematics Requirements Students who must schedule physics courses with mathematics prerequisites must plan their mathematics programs carefully. Freshmen should note mathematics placement procedures described in the Department of Mathematics section of this catalog. Physics majors who are advised to take MATH 1650 prior to 1710 may count this course as elective credit. Minor in Physics Students majoring in science who select a physics minor should take PHYS 1710/1730, 2220/2240, and 10 advanced hours chosen in consultation with the student's major department. Students who are not majoring in science and who do not wish to follow this minor sequence must have their programs approved by the chair of the physics department. Teacher Certification The department recommends that students who wish to teach physics in high school pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students who expect to teach physics in secondary schools must complete the requirements of the state of Texas for teacher certification as listed by the Department of Teacher Education and Administration in the College of Education section. Graduate Degrees The department offers degree programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. For information, consult the Graduate Catalog. Courses of Instruction All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.