Programs

Students will be guided by the outline of baccalaureate Degrees, the University Core Curriculum, and the concentration areas listed below.

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COURSES:

PHYSICS (PHYCS)

100 Conceptual Physics. (3)
Includes a survey of physics with conceptual emphasis on basic classical and modern concepts of matter, motion, energy, and forces with application to mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, atomic, nuclear, and elementary particles.

101 Physical Science Concepts for Teachers. (1-3) Principles and concepts of the laws of nature involving mechanical, heat, light, electrical, nuclear, and chemical energy and the conservation laws associated with these forms of energy. Emphasizes applications appropriate to the classroom. Designed primarily for students in elementary education programs.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

102 Preparation of Physical Science Teaching Materials. (3)
Selected topics in physical science stressing the construction of models and experimentation appropriate to the classroom. Designed primarily for students in elementary education programs.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 101 or permission of the department chairperson.
Open only to students in the teacher education curriculum.

110 General Physics 1. (4) 
Studies the laws of Newtonian mechanics.  Introductory fluid statics and dynamics, heat and thermodynamics, and wave motion and sound.  Recommended background: one year of college preparatory physics in high school.  Prerequisite: MATHS 112, trigonometry or appropriate trigonometry sub scores on Mathematics placement exam or passing grade in high school physics.  
Parallel: PHYCS 111 is recommended for students who have not attained the recommended background.

111 Problem Solving in General Physics 1. (1) 
Helps students master problem solving in physics.  Work in small groups with the assistance of a professor who will guide their work and teach them to analyze and set up problems on mechanics and thermodynamics.  Intended to help students succeed in physics.

112 General Physics 2. (4)
Static and current electricity, magnetism, light and optics, and an introduction to modern physics including relativity and elements of atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 110.

120 General Physics 1. (5)
First course in calculus-based physics for students in pre-engineering, the physical sciences, or mathematics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, motion, impulse and momentum, elasticity and wave motion, sound, and hydrostatics and hydrodynamics.
Prerequisite or parallel: MATHS 161 or 165.

122 General Physics 2. (5)
Continuation of PHYCS 120. Topics include heat and laws of thermodynamics, Coulomb's law and the electric field, Ampere's law and the magnetic field, introduction to Maxwell's equation, DC and AC circuits; the nature, propagation, and properties of light; and lens systems.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 120.
Parallel: MATHS 162 or 166.

140 General Physics 1 (Calculus-based). (4)
First course in calculus-based general physics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, impulse and momentum, elasticity, wave motion and sound, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Computer-based content delivery for self-paced learning.
Prerequisite or parallel: MATHS 161 or 165; permission of the department chairperson.
Not open to students who have credit in PHYCS 120.

141 General Physics 1 (Calculus-based) Lab. (1)
Laboratory component to accompany PHYCS 140. Computer simulations and in-lab experiments are performed.
Prerequisite or parallel: PHYCS 140.
Not open to students who have credit in PHYCS 120.

142 General Physics 2 (Calculus-based). (4)
Continuation of PHYCS 140. Topics include heat and thermodynamics, Coulomb's Law, electric fields, magnetic fields, AC and DC circuits, geometric and physical optics. Computer-based content delivery for self-paced learning.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 120 or 140; permission of the department chairperson.
Prerequisite or parallel: MATHS 162 or 166.
Not open to students who have credit in PHYCS 122.

143 General Physics 2 (Calculus-based) Lab. (1)
The laboratory component to accompany PHYCS 142. Computer simulations and in-lab experiments are performed.
Prerequisite or parallel: PHYCS 142.
Not open to students who have credit in PHYCS 122.

200 Topics in Physics. (1-3)
Discussion of specific topics in physics, such as lasers, holography, and solid-state electronics. Designed for students not majoring in Physics, the course requires no math or science background. Students may consult their curricular advisors or the Department of Physics and Astronomy for the specific topics being studied during a given semester.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

260 Introduction to Modern Physics. (4) 
Basic concepts, underlying principles, theories, and applications of modern physics. Some topics include special relativity, quantum physics, atomic structure and models, molecules, solids, nuclei, particles, statistical mechanics, astrophysics, and cosmology.  Applications include lasers, scanning tunneling microscopes, semiconductor devices, and nanoelectronics.  
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122.

262 Modern Physics Laboratory. (1)
Classic experiments such as the Cavendish measurement of G, determination of Planck's Constant, Rutherford Scattering, Millikan Oil Drop Experiment, Franck-Hertz Experiment, and the Hall Effect will be performed. Use of computer software for report generation will be stressed.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260.

330 Mechanics. (3) 
Basic concepts of mechanics, general motion of particles in three dimensions. Simple and damped harmonic motion. Particle dynamics in noninertial frames of reference, central forces. Dynamics of systems of particles. Motion of rigid bodies in three dimensions. Dynamics of oscillation systems. 
Prerequisite: PHYCS 120; MATHS 162.

340 Physical Optics. (3)
The electromagnetic wave theory of light, spectra, interference, diffraction, polarization, and double refraction.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122.

346 Acoustics. (3)
Elements of pure and applied acoustics. Topics include solutions to the wave equation, acoustic impedances, electro-mechanical-acoustic analogies, direct-radiator loudspeaker and enclosure theory, and a discussion of room acoustics.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122.

354 Electronics 1. (4)
Introductory DC and AC circuit theory, semiconductor components, power supplies, transistor amplification; integrated circuit operational amplifiers, active filters, oscillators, and function generators. Basic combinational logic circuits and Boolean algebra. Emphasizes applications of integrated circuits.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122 or permission of the department chairperson.

356 Electronics 2. (4)
Sequential logic circuits including scalars, displays, memories, shift registers, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion techniques. Microprocessor architecture and support electronics for microcomputer design. IC chips and circuits for experiment-to-microcomputer interfacing. Use of a microprocessor development system.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 354 or permission of the department chairperson.

360 Introductory Nuclear Techniques. (3)
Emphasizes experimental studies of radioactive disintegrations and decay products and their relation to nuclear structure. Instrumentation in radioisotope measurements. Two lectures and two two-hour laboratory periods a week.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260.

369 Professional Experience. (1-3)
Paid work and learning experience in applied or theoretical physics or astronomy in an institutional, industrial, or university research or development setting. May occur during one or more semesters.
Prerequisite: approval of proposed program by the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

370 Introductory Mathematical Physics 1. (3)
Application of mathematical techniques to the formulation and solution of physical problems in classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory, and in quantum mechanics. Topics include computer algebra systems and applications.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122, 260; or permission of the department chairperson.

372 Introductory Mathematical Physics 2. (3)
Techniques in the formulation and solution of physical problems. Computer algebra systems (e.g. Mathematica) may be introduced for the study of topics such as boundary value problems, transforms, special functions of mathematical physics, and applications of tensor analysis in physics. 
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122, 260; or permission of the department chairperson.

380 Descriptive Astronomy. (3)
The celestial sphere, the solar system, formation and decay of stars, instruments and basic laws of astronomy, nebulae, galactic structure, theories of the origin of the universe; constellation and telescope work.

390 Honors Colloquium in Physics. (1-3)
Exploration of selected topics in physics, with emphasis on individual projects, study, and discussion.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.
Open only to honors students or with permission of the department chairperson.

396 The Teaching of Physics in the Secondary
School. (1-3)  
Aims, nature of the subject matter, calculus concepts, and applications in the teaching of physics; amount and nature of laboratory work, standardized tests, and textbooks used in the teaching of physics. No regularly scheduled laboratory.
Prerequisite: 16 hours of credit in physics or permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

434 Thermodynamics. (3)
Classical and statistical thermodynamics. Basic concepts, principles, and theories of thermodynamics. Equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, introduction to the kinetic theory of gases, and classical and quantum statistics. Prerequisite: PHYCS 330; MATHS 267 or permission of the department chairperson.

450 Electricity and Magnetism. (3)
Application of vector analysis to electrostatics, dipole and multipole fields, and dielectric theory, alternating currents, magnetic fields, and Maxwell's equation. No regularly scheduled laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122; MATHS 267.

452 Electromagnetic Theory. (3)
Electrostatic boundary-value problems, multipoles, dielectrics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equation, EM waves and radiation, plasmas, relativistic kinematics and dynamics, and radiation of moving changes.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 450.

461 Elementary Particles. (3)
The nature and behavior of elementary particles through the study of the symmetries and dynamics responsible for their production, reactions, and decays.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 465.

463 Nuclear Physics. (3)
Nucleus and nuclear interactions. Emphasizes experimental facts about nuclear processes in discussions of particle accelerators, detectors, radioactivity (alpha, beta, and gamma decay), interaction of radiation with matter, nuclear reactions, nuclear structure, nuclear models, and nuclear applications in science and technology.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260.

464 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. (3)
De Broglie's postulate, the uncertainty principle, the Schroedinger equation, the free particle, square well potentials, harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum and other selected wave mechanics problems. No regularly scheduled laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260; MATHS 267.

465 Quantum Mechanics. (3)
Review of barrier problems, the harmonic oscillator, and angular momentum using matrix methods. Problems involving perturbation theory, one-electron atoms, magnetic moments, spin, relativistic effects, symmetric and anti-symmetric wave functions, the helium atom, transition rates, and scattering theory.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 464.

466 Condensed Matter Physics. (3)
Structure and physical properties of matter in the solid state. Electrical and magnetic properties, and band theory of solids with special emphasis on semiconductors.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260.

479 Practical Experience. (1-3)
Unpaid work and learning experience in applied or theoretical physics or astronomy in an institutional, industrial, or university research or development setting. May occur during one or more semesters.
Prerequisite: approval of a proposed program by the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

482 Independent Studies in Physics. (1-3)
Pursuit of special lines of scientific investigation in physics on an individual basis. Experimental work, wide reading, and development of research techniques and skills.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

483 Seminar in Physics. (1-2) 
Selected literature on current physics, astronomy, education, or other science research. Students will report on departmental seminar series presentations and make presentations on selected research topics.  
A total 2 hours of credit may be earned.

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APPLIED PHYSICS (APHYS)

310 Introduction to Nanoscience and Technology. (3) Explores science and technology at the nanoscale.  Studies the physical properties of nanomaterials, the tools and techniques for nanosystem fabrication and investigation; principles of mechanical, optical, electrical, and magnetic nanosystems; current state of technology in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and information systems; and future applications.  
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260.   

312 Fundamentals of Nano Materials Growth and Device Fabrication. (4)
Introduces basic experimental techniques in: nano materials growth, nano devices fabrication, and materials and devices characterization. Introductory laboratory in the field of nanoscience and technology. Intended for those
interested in semiconductor technology or experimental work in general.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260 or permission of the department chairperson.

315 Medical Physics 1. (3)
Biomechanics, statistical physics, bioelectric fields, biomagnetic fields, electricity, and magnetism at the cellular level.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 112 or 122.
Prerequisite recommended: BIO 111, 215; MATHS 161, 162, or 165, 166.

316 Medical Physics 2. (3)
Signal analysis, images, biomagnetism, x-rays, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 260; APHYS 315 or permission of the department chairperson or instructor.

420 Solar Thermal Systems. (3)
Physics of the solar energy resource, solar collection, concentration, thermal conversion, energy storage, and the design and performance of solar thermal energy systems.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122; MATHS 162 or 166.

422 Photovoltaics. (3) 
Physics of photovoltaic systems, including basic operating principles, design and technology, and performance of individual solar cells and solar cells systems.  
Prerequisite: APHYS 420.

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ASTRONOMY (ASTRO)

100 Introductory Astronomy: A Study of the Solar System and Beyond. (3)
Study of the physical nature of objects in the universe and methods used by astronomers to understand them. Topics selected from basic laws of nature, the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology.

101 Astronomy Materials for the Teacher. (3)
Fundamentals of astronomy including historical aspects and modern astronomy concepts. Emphasizes construction of models and experimentation appropriate to the classroom. Designed primarily for students in education programs.

102 Observational Astronomy. (3)
Continuation of ASTRO 100 providing practical experience in observing celestial objects by using telescopes and other astronomical apparatus.
Prerequisite: ASTRO 100 or permission of the department chairperson.

120 Stars and Stellar Systems. (3)
Introduction to modern stellar astronomy. Topics include celestial coordinate systems, gravity and orbital motion, light, properties of stars, stellar evolution, and the Milky Way.
Prerequisite: at least two years of high school algebra.

121 Honors Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Introduction to observational stellar astronomy. The student will plan and execute sessions in the Ball State University Observatory and analyze and interpret astronomical data related to the determination of the properties of stars.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite or parallel: ASTRO 120.

122 Cosmology and Life in the Universe. (3)
Introduction to the large-scale structure of the universe, planetary systems, and extraterrestrial life. Topics include galaxies, quasars, cosmology, planetary systems, and life in the universe.
Prerequisite: ASTRO 120.

200 Topics in Astronomy. (1-3)
Discussion of specific topics in astronomy, such as comets, eclipses, UFOs, and interstellar travel. Designed for students not majoring in physics, the course requires no math or science background. Students may consult their curricular advisors or the Department of Physics and Astronomy for specific topics being studied during a given semester.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.

330 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1. (4)
A review of mechanics, electromagnetic radiation, and atomic structure in the context of modern observational astrophysics. Solar system astrophysics--including an introduction to celestial mechanics and astronomical coordinate and time systems--are surveyed, and astronomical instruments are discussed.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 120, 122.

332 Astronomy and Astrophysics 2. (4)
An examination of observational stellar astronomy with applications to the study of stellar structure and evolution, and a review of the physics of stellar systems such as star clusters, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies.
Prerequisite: ASTRO 330.

380 Seminar in Modern Astronomy. (3)
Selected topics in contemporary astronomy. Extensive use of library facilities including current journals and periodicals in astronomy. Topics for study may include astronomical research in progress and such esoteric subjects as UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
Prerequisite: PHYCS 122; permission of the department chairperson.

382 Instruments and Techniques in Planetarium Operations. (3)
Use of planetarium instruments, console, and chamber. Creation and presentation of planetarium programs including slide-duplicating techniques, slide opaquing, and the production of sound tracks.
Prerequisite: permission of the planetarium director.

386 Theories and Instruments of the Astronomer. (3) Reviews of various atlases, catalogs, ephemerides, and charts. The development of methods used to compute and update stellar positions. Discusses astronomical instruments in the context of their use by research astronomers. Analyzes specific techniques employed in astronomical photometry, spectroscopy, and photography.
Prerequisite: ASTRO 332.

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