UMC Physics
About Us
| Undergraduate
Program
| Graduate
Program
| Courses | People | Events
& News
| Research
& Resources
| Physics
Club
| PAGSA

GRADUATE
PROGRAM
Overview
Application
Process

Master
of Science

Doctor of
Philosophy

Course
Work

Qualifying
Exam

Courses
Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Flyer


GRADUATE PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY COURSES

For a list of all courses offered during a particular semester, please see the Schedule of Courses in MyZou.

Physics 7085: Problems (credit by  arrangement)
Laboratory work involving study of literature of  special experiments in physics. Introduces research methods.

Physics 7087: Seminar in Physics (1).
Topics of current interest selected for discussion. May be elected  repeatedly. S/U Graded only. Prerequisite: 8150.

Physics 7110: Light and Modern Optics (4).
Interaction of light with matter, spectroscopic techniques, wave optics, interferometry, multilayer films, polarization, nonlinear optics, design of optical instruments, matrix methods, waveguides, fiber optics, acousto-optic and photo-elastic modulation. Includes both Lectures and Laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYSCS 2760 or equivalent.

Physics/Astronomy 7180: Solar System Science (3) (same as Geology and Astronomy 7180)
Investigates physical states, interior structures and comparative geology of solar systems bodies: planets, moons, asteroids, comets, sun. Solar system formation and evolution. Prerequisites: Physics 1220 or 2760 or instructor's consent.

Physics 7190: Physics and Chemistry of Materials (3) (same as Nuclear Engineering 7319 and Chemistry 7490).
This course will cover fundamental and applied aspects relating to the Physics, Chemistry and Biology of material with specific emphasis on Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. Consists of lectures and experiments in nanoscience.  Prerequisite: Physics 2760 and Chemistry 1320 or equivalent and consent of instructor.

Physics 7230: Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis (3)
This course is designed for senior undergraduate/graduate students and covers the basic principles and practical considerations using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) in the characterization of materials. The structure of the course consists of a series of lectures followed by computer simulation labs covering the lecture topics. This is followed by hands-on lab assignments reinforcing the same material while also servicing as operational training and analytical methods. Also covered in this course is a sample preparation techniques, digital imaging and data acquisition and processing. Prerequisites: Physics 3150 and instructor's consent.

Physics/Astronomy 7301: Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics (3)
Selected topics from solar system, stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and astrophysics. May be repeated for credit. Graded on A/F basis only.

Physics 7310: Physics in Cell and Developmental Biology (3) (same as Biological Science 7310).
Discusses the role of physical mechanisms in specific cellular and developmental processes and phenomena, in particular those characterizing the embryonic stage of multicellular organisms. Each process and phenomenon is first described in biological terms and then within a physical model, with special emphasis on the interplay between the two descriptions. Prerequisite: PHYSCS 1220 or 2760 and BIO SC 2300 or instructor's consent.

Physics 7400: Physics of Electronic Devices (3)
This course is designed for graduate and undergraduate students of Physics and Electrical Engineering who have an interest in learning the basic physical idea underlying the operation of electronic devices. The course consists of lectures, handout lecture notes, problem sets, two mid-term and one final exam. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of modern physics (electromagnetism and quantum mechanics) at the level of Physics 3150 or equivalent, or approval by instructors.

Physics 7450: Introduction to Cosmology (3)
Develops the physical concepts necessary for understanding the major recent discoveries in cosmology, such as the acceleration of the universe and dark energy. No prior knowledge of general relativity is assumed. Prerequisite: PHYSCS 3150 or equivalent or instructor's consent. Graded on A/F basis only.

Physics 7500: Computational Biological Physics (3)
Provides a practical introduction (hands-on approach) to the study of the structure and function of biomolecular systems by employing computational methods and theoretical concepts familiar from the physical sciences. Prerequisites: graduate standing and PHYSCS 1220 or 2760 or instructor's consent.

Physics 7600: Semiconductor Optics (3)
It is an introductory-level course in the field of optical processes in semiconductors (both inorganic and organic) and solid-state optoelectronics, designed both for graduate and undergraduate students of Physics, Chemistry, and Electrical engineering. Prerequisite: Physics 3150 or instructor's consent. Graded on A/F basis only.

Physics 8040: Study of Techniques of Teaching College Physics (1-3).
Objectives, methods, and problems related to teaching college physics. Some credit in this course is required for all students teaching physics. May repeat for 3 hours maximum.

Physics 8090: Research in Physics and Astronomy (cr.arr.).
Graduate research in physics and astronomy. Prerequisites: graduate standing required. Graded on an S/U basis only.

Physics 8101: Topics of Physics and Astronomy (1-3)
Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: instructor's consent. Departmental consent for repetition.

Physics 8150: Condensed Matter Physics I (3).
Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, phonons, neutron &  x-ray scattering, free electron theory of metals, Fermi surfaces,  energy bands, static properties of solids, semiconductors, devices  and quantum structures, optical properties, excitons, introduction  to magnetism, and superconductivity. Prerequisite: 4800 or  equivalent.

Physics 8160: Condensed Matter Physics II (3).
The basic Hamiltonian, phonons, theory of the electron  gas, second quantization, hartree and Hartee-Fock approximation,  local-density, tight-binding theory, electron-electron interaction  and screening, Fermi liquid theory, transport properties,  impurities, Green's functions, Localization, Quantum Hall effect,  magnetism, superconductivity. Prerequisite: 8150. Continuation of  8150.

Physics 8230: Scanning Electron Microscopy (3).
This course is designed for graduate/senior undergraduates. This course covers the basic principles and practical considerations using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) in the characterization of materials. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Astronomy 8301: Topics in Astronomy and  Astrophysics (3).
Selected topics  from solar system, stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy,  and astrophysics. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.  Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Physics 8400: Low Energy Neutron Scattering (3).
Theory, application of low energy neutron scattering to  investigation of structure and dynamics of aggregate matter, to  include lattice vibrations, ordered spin systems, spin waves,  diffusive motions in liquids; experimental techniques discussed.  Prerequisite: 8150.

Physics 8450: Plasma Physics (3).
Single  particle motion, plasma kinetic theory, magnetohydrodynamics and  other fluid theories, waves in unmagnetized and magnetized plasmas,  transport phenomena, instabilities, controlled fusion.  Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Physics/Astronomy 8550: Stellar Structure and Evolution (3).
Reviews of atomic and molecular spectra. Investigates quantum radiation law, emission and adsorption processes, radiation transfer theory, continuous and discrete line spectra of stars, stellar composition. Prerequisites: Astro 4250, Physics 4800, or instructor' consent.

Physics 8560: Quantitative X-Ray Microanalysis and Advanced Imaging (3).
This course is designed for graduates/senior undergraduate students. This course covers the theory and methodology to quantitatively analyze materials using both energy-dispersive (EDS) and wavelength-dispersive (WDS) spectrometry along with image processing and analysis techniques. Prerequisites: Physics 8230

Physics 8610: Classical Mechanics (3).
The interplay of dynamics and symmetry, Hamilton's principle and  Neother's theorem, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, Hamilton-Jacobi theories  of mechanics. Mechanics in special relativity. Rigid body motion,  small oscillations, canonical transformations and fields as  continuous mechanical systems. Prerequisite: 4140 or equivalent.

Physics 8620: Electromagnetic Theory (3).
Electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, method of images,  Green's functions, Maxwell's equations, time-varying fields, plane  electromagnetic wave propagation, reflection, refraction, wave  guides. Additional topics may include plasma physics, diffraction,  radiation. Prerequisite: Physics 8610.

Physics 8640: Electrodynamics (3).
Tensors, special relativity, and the Lorentz group. Variational  approach to classical field theory, Noether's theorem, and  invariance principles. Microscopic Maxwell equations, conservation  laws for electromagnetism, application to radiation problems.  Prerequisite: Physics 8620 or instructor's consent.

Physics 8660: Methods in Mathematical Physics (3).
Concentrates on mathematical techniques used in modern  physics. Infinite series, functions of a complex variable,  differential equations, Fourier series and integral, etc.  Prerequisite:Physics  4700 or instructor's consent.

Physics 8680: Thermodynamics and Statistical  Mechanics (3).
Thermodynamics as applied in physics, chemistry;  laws of distribution; statistical methods of study matter,  radiation. Prerequisite: 8710 or concurrently.

Physics 8710: Quantum Mechanics I (3).
Non-relativistic quantum theory in Hilbert space. States and self- adjoint observables, unitary time evolution in various pictures, the  path-integral, identical particles, Fock space, angular momentum,  and some perturbation theory. Prerequisite: Physics 8610.

Physics 8720: Quantum Mechanics II (3).
More perturbation theory, variational methods, semi-classical  methods and application to radiation theory, scattering theory,  linear response theory, and rudiment of relativistic quantum  mechanics, including the Klein-Gordan and the Dirac equations.  Prerequisite: Physics 8710.

Physics 8730: Quantum Mechanics III (3).
Properties of many-particle systems at low temperature. General  Formalism for Fermi and Bose systems, Theory of superconductivity  and superfluidity, Introduction to quantum spin model - Diagromatic  formulation of quantum electrodynamics. Scattering of electrons and  positrons, introduction to radioactive corrections. Prerequisites: Physics 8720. Graded on S/U basis only.

Physics 8801: Topics in Solid State Theory (3).
Selected topics in solid-state theory, including various  elementary excitations in solids and their interactions. May be  elected more than once. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Physics 8820: Relativity and Gravitation (3).
Special and general theories of relativity. Discussion of  accelerated observers and the principle of equivalence. Einstein's  gravitational field equations, black holes, gravitational waves, and  cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 8610 and Physics 8620.

Physics 9090: Research (credit by  arrangement).
Research leading to PhD dissertation. Prerequisite:  PhD candidacy has been established. Graded on an S/U basis only.


Search www.physics.missouri.edu:


Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Missouri Columbia

223 Physics Building UMC,
Columbia MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-3335 
Fax: (573) 882-4195
Copyright © 2007 — Curators of the University of Missouri.
All rights reserved. DMCA and other copyright information.
An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.


Please send comments or questions to webmaster