Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics

CH 1100. Chemistry Seminar I. 1 Semester Hour.

This seminar is an introduction to the college chemistry experience and successful learning in chemistry. The students will familiarize themselves with Chemistry and Biochemistry department resources, classes and faculty. The integrating theme of the course is the science of learning as applied to chemistry. Content of the course includes strategic use of academic resources. The course involves practicing new skills through participating in chemistry outreach events and personal reflection. Presentations by faculty, and invited speakers from industry and academia on careers in Chemistry/Biochemistry, as well as research/internship/job opportunities. (Spring only).

CH 1101. General Chemistry I Lab. 1 Semester Hour.

CH 1303. Preparatory Chemistry. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is designed for students with inadequate background for CH1401. Manipulative skills and basic concepts requiring problem solving will be stressed. Not accepted in lieu of CH1401, CH1402. This course satisfies the general education requirement.

CH 1304. Chemistry Concepts & Applications. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is designed for the non-science major as part of one's general education. Basic chemistry concepts will be developed as well as some of its applications to everyday life. Topics will vary.

CH 1305. Chemistry for Health Professions. 3 Semester Hours.

Introduction to elementary inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases, structures of organic compounds, and the chemistry of lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins. This course is suitable for non-science majors and students pursuing degrees in allied health and nursing. (Lecture 2 hours; Lab 2 hours).

CH 1401. General Chemistry I. 4 Semester Hours.

Fundamentals of chemistry for scientists and engineers; the first semester is an introduction to chemical reactivity, aqueous solution chemistry, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, molecular structure, and bonding. Prerequisite: eligibility for MT1411. (Fall; Spring; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

CH 1402. General Chemistry II. 4 Semester Hours.

Fundamentals of chemistry for scientists and engineers; the second semester of general chemistry is an introduction to chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, aqueous acids and bases, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CH 1401. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Fall; Spring; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 4 hours). Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

CH 1404. Intro to Organic & Biochemistry. 4 Semester Hours.

This course is designed to provide a general overview of these two specific areas of chemistry for non- majors. It will provide the general basics of organic chemistry including basic carbon chemistry, nomenclature, structures of organic compounds, chemical characteristics and function,reactions, and mechanisms. This will provide the background necessary to study the concepts of organic chemistry that apply to the structure and function of biological macro molecules. Topics in this course will cover the main biological macro molecules of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, and their role in cellular metabolism, states of disease, and drug applications. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts needed to pursue studies in related professional fields. Prerequisite: CH 1401. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lec ture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.).

CH 2411. Organic Chemistry I. 4 Semester Hours.

The study of the compounds of carbon. The major functional groups are examined on their basis of the physical and chemical properties. Fundamental theories of bonding, structures, mechanisms, synthesis, and spectros copy are topics covered in the organic chemistry curriculum. (Fall only) Prerequisite: CH1402 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.).

CH 2412. Organic Chemistry II. 4 Semester Hours.

The study of the compounds of carbon. The major functional groups are examined on their basis of the physical and chemical properties. Fundamental theories of bonding, structures, mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy are topics covered in the organic chemistry curriculum. (Spring only) Prerequisite: CH2411 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.)(Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.).

CH 3100. Chemistry Seminar II. 1 Semester Hour.

This seminar is an introduction to topics in current chemical research and career planning/reparation. Students will participate in a semester-long research project connecting the frontiers of chemistry research with career planning. Students will develop professional skills by attending presentations by faculty and invited speakers from industry and academia on careers in Chemistry/Biochemistry, as well as research/internship/job opportunities. (Spring only).

CH 3423. Analytical Chemistry. 4 Semester Hours.

The objective of this course is to explore the theory and methods associated with quantitative chemical analysis. The focus will be on problem solving in the context of analyzing the components in a chemical system. In the laboratory, students will learn proper laboratory technique, experimental design, and basic scientific writing. Prerequisites: CH1402 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Fall; Spring) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

CH 3424. Instrumental Analysis. 4 Semester Hours.

The objective of this course is to learn the theory and methods associated with instrumental chemical analysis. The focus will be on instrument design, experimental design, and data analysis. In the laboratory, students will learn proper use of instruments, experimental methods, and basic scientific writing. (Spring only) Prerequisite: CH2411 and CH3423 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

CH 3433. Physical Chemistry I. 4 Semester Hours.

This is an introduction for chemistry and biochemistry students to chemical thermodynamics, classical statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and transport properties with a writing intensive laboratory. (Fall only) Prerequisites: CH1402, MT2413, PY1402 or PY2404. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

CH 3434. Physical Chemistry II. 4 Semester Hours.

An introduction to quantum mechanics applied to chemistry. This includes the quantization of motion, atomic structure and spectroscopy, molecular electronic structure, molecular rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy, quantum computational chemistry and magnetic resonance. The laboratory is writing intensive. (Spring only) Prerequisites: CH1402, MT2413, PY1402 or PY2404. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

CH 3440. Inorganic Chemistry. 4 Semester Hours.

Introduction to the fundamentals of atomic/molecular structure and bonding, molecular symmetry, solid state chemistry, acid-base theories, redox chemistry, periodicity, coordination compounds, ligand field theory, molecular magnetism and electronic spectra in transition metal complexes, main group and descriptive chemistry. Includes the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds and the use of specialized laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: CH 1402 (3 hr lecture and 4 hr lab) (Fall only).

CH 3450. Forensic Chemistry. 4 Semester Hours.

This course will cover the major techniques and instruments used in the analysis of non-biological trace chemical evidence and pattern evidence commonly encountered at crime scenes. The techniques covered will include gas and liquid chromatography, UV-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and others. Impressions and physical matches will also be covered. The laboratory will focus on the hands-on use of these techniques on samples of forensic interest. Prerequisites: CH 3411, CH 3412 and FS 3301 OR permission of instructor (Fall even years).

CH 4100. Seminar in Chemistry. 1 Semester Hour.

Presentation and discussion of current research in the field of chemistry. (May be repeated for a maximum of 2 semester hours.) Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

CH 4125. Chemical Reseach. 1 Semester Hour.

Practical literature and laboratory experience with an original problem in chemical research. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours.) Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor.

CH 4150. Spec. Topics Chemistry/Biochem. 1 Semester Hour.

This advanced course introduces a field of chemistry that is of current interest in the chemistry community of today. Examples of possible topics are material sciences, polymer chemistry, chemical separations, and chemical spectroscopy. This course may be repeated only if the current topic is different from any previous enrollment of that student. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

CH 4225. Chemical Research. 2 Semester Hours.

Practical literature and laboratory experience with an original problem in chemical research. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours.) Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor.

CH 4250. Spec. Topics Chemistry/Biochem. 2 Semester Hours.

This advanced course introduces a field of chemistry that is of current interest in the chemistry community of today. Examples of possible topics are material sciences, polymer chemistry, chemical separations, and chemical spectroscopy. This course may be repeated only if the current topic is different from any previous enrollment of that student. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

CH 4310. Advanced Organic Chemistry. 3 Semester Hours.

This course presents advanced theory and current topics in organic chemistry which build on and expand on those covered in Organic Chemistry I and II, including stereochemistry, molecular orbital theory, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis. Emphasis is on theoretical and empirical generalizations including organic reaction mechanisms and modern methods of organic synthesis. (Fall even years) Prerequisite: CH 2411 and CH 2412 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (3 hr lecture).

CH 4325. Chemical Research. 3 Semester Hours.

Practical literature and laboratory experience with an original problem in chemical research. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours.) Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor.

CH 4330. Chemical Thermodynamics. 3 Semester Hours.

An introduction to statistical thermodynamics and its application to chemistry and biochemistry. The course may conclude with non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Prerequisites: CH3433 and CH3434. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

CH 4340. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. 3 Semester Hours.

This course will extend general principles of inorganic chemistry with an in-depth view across the periodic table. Particular emphasis is placed on the descriptive main group, transition metal and f-block chemistry, catalysis, organometallic and solid state chemistry. The chemical behavior together with the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of these families of materials will be discussed in detail. (Spring even years) Prerequisite: CH 3443 (Lecture 3 hrs).

CH 4350. Spec. Topics Chemistry/Biochem. 3 Semester Hours.

This advanced course introduces a field of chemistry that is of current interest in the chemistry community of today. Examples of possible topics are material sciences, polymer chemistry, chemical separations, and chemical spectroscopy. This course may be repeated only if the current topic is different from any previous enrollment of that student. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

CH 4353. Biochem of Specialized Tissues. 3 Semester Hours.

Biomolecular aspects of the structure and controlled functioning of specialized systems in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, highlighted by studies of the sensory and immune systems, muscle contraction/mobility and membrane transport phenomena. Prerequisites: CH/BL4451 or concurrent registration. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

CH 4354. Biochemistry of the Hormones. 3 Semester Hours.

The biochemical basis of normal versus abnormal functioning of the hormonal control mechanisms in mammalian systems; this will include a detailed discussion of molecular mechanisms for hormonal control of the path ways of intermediary metabolism and of the absence/aberration of such regulatory processes evidenced in metabolic disease. Prerequisites: CH/BL4452 or concurrent registration. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

CH 4355. Immunochemistry. 3 Semester Hours.

The molecular basis of the normal operation of the vertebrate immune system and studies of aberrations of immune mechanisms in disease processes. The latter is exemplified by the biomolecular aspects of infectious diseases (caused by pathogenic microorganisms) autoimmune disorders, tissue damage, and cancer. Prerequisites: CH/BL 4451 or concurrent registration. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

CH 4356. Enzyme Chemistry. 3 Semester Hours.

The molecular architecture of enzymes and the dynamics of enzyme mediated catalysis. Topics include a classification of enzyme systems, enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of enzyme action and the regulation of the activity of enzymes. Prerequisites: CH/BL 4451. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

CH 4400. Field Based Environmental Chemistry. 4 Semester Hours.

Environmental Chemistry is a project-based course during which students apply environmental science and chemistry concepts to the analysis of a natural environment. The course is focused on the analysis of soil and water chemistry at a field site in San Antonio. Students will design and implement sampling plans based on best practices. Field measurements will be performed on site. Samples will be analyzed in the laboratory using major chemical instrumentation. An emphasis will be placed on quality control and assurance in the design of the laboratory analysis. Students will prepare the results of their analysis in written and oral forms. (Spring odd years) Prerequisites: CH1402. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours, Lab 4 hours).

CH 4451. Biochemistry I. 4 Semester Hours.

Study of the processes of life at the molecular level. The physiochemical properties of the biologically important molecules and macromolecules is presented with the goal of understanding their structure vs. biological activity relationships. Major topics include the study of enzymes, metabolism, bioenergetics, and regulation of biochemical processes, membranes and molecular genetics. (Fall only) Prerequisites: CH 3411, CH 3412 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

CH 4452. Biochemistry II. 4 Semester Hours.

Study of the processes of life at the molecular level. The physiochemical properties of the biologically important molecules and macromolecules is presented with the goal of understanding their structure vs. biological activity relationships. Major topics include the study of enzymes, metabolism, bioenergetics, and regulation of biochemical processes, membranes and molecular genetics. (Spring only) Prerequisites: CH 4451 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours).

PY 1101. General Physics I LAB. 1 Semester Hour.

PY 1300. Physics Concepts & Application. 3 Semester Hours.

Designed to convey the considerable bearing physical laws have on common experience. Applications in trades, professions and industry are provided. Directed to ward non-science majors to help them evaluate the evidence of their own experience and see the pervasiveness of physics in virtually every aspect of technological society. Topics: Motion, Gravity, Relativity, Energy and Power, Energy Resources, Waves, Sound and Electricity.

PY 1301. General Physics I. 3 Semester Hours.

PY 1310. Modern Astronomy. 3 Semester Hours.

A course that will be of interest to students not majoring in science, engineering or mathematics as well as those majoring in these fields. This course deals mainly with stellar and galactic astronomy but begins with a brief survey of our solar system including orbits and Kepler's laws. The emphasis is placed upon how compositions, ages and evolution are deduced. The course will be somewhat quantitative but the mathematical requirements are minimal.

PY 1401. General Physics I. 4 Semester Hours.

This course is an algebra-based introduction intended for non-physics and non-engineering students. Topics covered include kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, work, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, simple harmonic oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. (Fall; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.) (PHYS 1401) Additional fee associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 1402. General Physics II. 4 Semester Hours.

This course is an algebra-based introduction intended for non-physics and non-engineering students. Topics covered include electricity, magnetism, waves and optics, atomic and nuclear physics (Fall; Spring; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.) (PHYS 1402) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/. Prerequisite: PY1401.

PY 1404. University Physics I. 4 Semester Hours.

Calculus-based physics course intended for physics, chemistry, and engineering students. This course covers the basics of Newtonian Mechanics including kinematics and dynamics of linear and rotating systems. The energy and momentum approach is also covered in this course as are applications of these concepts to rotational dynamics, simple harmonic oscillations, acoustics, and fluid mechanics. (Fall; Spring; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.) If you took MT2412 or are concurrently taking MT2412, you will be able to register for this course. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) An additional fee is associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 2404. University Physics II. 4 Semester Hours.

Calculus-based physics course intended for physics, chemistry, and engineering students. This course covers the concepts of thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity, DC and AC circuits, and magnetism. (Spring; Summer) (Lecture 3 hours; Lab 4 hours.) Prerequisite PY1404, MT 2412 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) You must have taken MT2413 or are concurrently taking MT2413 to register for this class. An additional fee is associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3101. Modern Physics Lab. 1 Semester Hour.

This course focuses on the exploration of modern scientific methods through the measurement of several classical and modern physical constants. Experiments include: e/m, Millikan Oil Drop, Photo-electric Effect, Speed of Light, Franck-Hertz, plus additional experiments available in the department. (Fall only) (Lab 4 hours per week; usually con current with PY 3301.) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/. Prerequisite: PY2404.

PY 3102. Nuclear Physics Lab. 1 Semester Hour.

This course focuses on the experiments relevant to the behavior of atomic nuclei including studies of nuclear decay, nucleon scattering, radiation scattering. (Lab 4 hours per week; usually concurrent with PY 3302.) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3110. Computational Physics Lab. 1 Semester Hour.

This course may be students’ first exposure to computer programming, so the first three weeks are devoted to developing a competency in the programming language Python. After this, students will write code in Python using computational techniques, such as least-squares fitting, finite difference (numerical differentiation), quadrature (numerical integration), and the Runge-Kutta method (ordinary differential equation solver), to solve problems ranging from quantum mechanical theory to biological models (predator-prey interaction). An independent project will be assigned utilizing additional computational methods (matrix methods, partial differential equation solvers, and Monte Carlo methods). (Fall or Spring). An additional fee is associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3113. Electronics Lab I. 1 Semester Hour.

DC circuits; the diode as a nonlinear device; the oscilloscope; RC circuits; RC filters; LC resonant circuit; rectifier; signal diodes; diode clamp; emitter follower; current source; common emitter amplifier; transistor as a switch; op-amp open-loop gain; inverting and non-inverting op-amps; op-amp follower and current source; summing amplifier; op-amp as an integrator, a differentiator, an active rectifier, and an active clamp; FET transistor; FET current source and source follower; FET as a voltage-controlled resistance; amplitude modulation and AM radio; input and output characteristics of integrated gates: TTL and CMOS. Prerequisite: EG 2152; corequisite: EG 3356. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3114. Electronics Laboratory II. 1 Semester Hour.

Flip-flops; counters; shift registers; the cascading 16-bit counter with added display and keypad; programmable divide-by-n counters; period meters; capacitance meters; memory; RAM; divide-by-3; memory-based state machines; the dynamic diode curve tracer; the grounded emitter amplifier; current sources; the Ebers-Moll model; push-pull amplifiers; differential amplifiers; the bootstrap circuit; the Miller effect; the Darlingtonpair; the super beta; the analog switch and its applications: chopper circuits; sample-and-hold circuits; switched capacitor filters; voltage inverter circuits; A/D and D/A converters; the phase-locked loop circuit; the frequency multiplier. Prerequisite: EG 3156; Co-requisite: EG 3357. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3120. Robotics Lab. 1 Semester Hour.

This is a beginning course in robotics. We will be utilizing Vex Robotics kits, Robolab software and various Lego Robotics materials. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a robot, capable of performing a number of simple tasks. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, propulsion systems and binary number systems. (Fall or Spring). An additional fee is associated with this course. See the fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3125. Special Topics Laboratory. 1 Semester Hour.

Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

PY 3301. Modern Physics. 3 Semester Hours.

This is an introductory course on modern physics developed during the early twentieth century. There is a very large historical component outlining the key scientists (Einstein, Planck, Thomson, Compton, Rutherford, Bohr, Schrodinger, Heisenberg, and others) and their experiments that demonstrated the need for the classical theory of physics to be revised, as well as a quantitative component with many opportunities in applying these new revised theories for solving problems. Material mainly covered is the special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. In addition to being an introductory course, students will also be better prepared after completion to handle the theoretical concepts and mathematics of a more advanced relativity or quantum mechanics course. (Fall) (Lecture 3 hours) Prerequisite PY2404, MT 2413 (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3302. Nuclear Physics. 3 Semester Hours.

A course that focuses on the scientific study of the properties and behavior of atomic nuclei instruction in nuclear reaction theory, quantum mechanics, energy conservation, nuclear fission and fusion, strong and weak atomic forces, nuclear modeling, nuclear decay, nucleon scattering, pairing, photon and electron reactions, statistical methods, and research equipment operation and maintenance. (Lab 4 hours per week) Prerequisite: PY 3301. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3303. Mathematical Methods in Physics. 3 Semester Hours.

This course introduces students to some of the more advanced mathematical methods and ideas most widely used to describe physical processes covered in upper-level courses. Major topics to be covered include vector calculus, orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, topics in linear algebra, topics in ordinary and partial differential equations, complex analysis, and asymptotics. Prerequisite: PY2404, MT2413. (Fall).

PY 3304. Thermodynamics. 3 Semester Hours.

This course focuses on the basic concepts of thermodynamics from the microscopic point of view. Methods of statistical physics are used to define entropy and temperature, heat and work, ideal gas behavior. Applications to chemical reactions, Fermi and Bose systems in condensed matter physics and phase transformations are discussed. Prerequisite: PY3303 (Fall or Spring) (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3305. Physical Optics. 3 Semester Hours.

Physical principles are used to develop a firm fundamental understanding of optics and imaging. Main topics include light as an electromagnetic wave, light at an interface, polarization, interference, and diffraction. Also includes a brief introduction to modern optics and a discussion of the fundamental limitations of an optical system and its effect on images. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3307. Mechanics. 3 Semester Hours.

This course presents kinematics and dynamics of particles using Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian techniques. Topics include central force motion, oscillations and normal mode analysis, non-linear dynamics, rotating rigid bodies and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Prerequisite: PY3301. (Spring) (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3308. Quantum Mechanics. 3 Semester Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and includes following topics: formal development of the postulates of quantum theory, representation of states, quantum mechanics in one and three dimensions, angular momentum, spin and perturbation theory. Prerequisite: PY3301. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3313. Electronics. 3 Semester Hours.

Theory of semiconductors; discrete devices and integrated circuits; linear and digital operation. (EG 2341, EG 2152, EG 2352, EG 2353 are prerequisites.) Note: PY 1404 and PY 2404 are prerequisites and MT 3311 is a co-requisite for 3000 level physics courses. (same as EG3356) (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3314. Electronics. 3 Semester Hours.

Theory of semiconductors; discrete devices and integrated circuits; linear and digital operation. (EG 2341, EG 2152, EG 2352, EG 2353 are prerequisites.) Note: PY 1404 and PY 2404 are prerequisites and MT 3311 is a co-requisite for 3000 level physics courses. (same as EG3357) (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3325. Special Topics. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is used to introduce special topics of interest. Topics in the past have included the following: Particle Physics, Biophysics, Functional Neuroimaging, Fiesta of Physics Outreach, Astrophysics, and Cosmology. Note: PY 1404 and PY 2404 are prerequisites and MT 3311 is a co-requisite for 3000-level physics courses. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.).

PY 3350. Biophysics. 3 Semester Hours.

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that employs and develops theories and methods of the physical sciences for the investigation of biological systems. Currently, biophysics is one of the fastest growing physics research areas that is vital to many other fields, including medicine, bioengineering, and biology. There are two major ways that the biological processes are affected by physics: (i) through physical principles underlying molecular interactions and (ii) through development and application of physical methods to studies of biological systems: DNA, proteins, lipid membranes, and cells. (Spring even years). Prerequisite: PY3301 and BL1402).

PY 4308. Advanced Quantum Mechanics. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is the second semester continuation of Quantum Mechanics. We will revisit angular momentum then proceed to perturbation theory and scattering. The remainder of the semester will be devoted to understanding the application of quantum mechanics to a variety of disciplines and phenomena including relativistic quantum mechanics, and brief introductions to quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics. Prerequisite: PY3308. (Fall odd years).

PY 4309. Electromagnetic Theory. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is an intermediate level discussion of Maxwell's Equations and their applications: electrostatics and dynamics, magnetic fields and magnetic effects, and electro-magnetic waves, both in vacuum and in materials. (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) (Fall even years).

PY 4310. Advanced Electromagnetic Theory. 3 Semester Hours.

The goal of this course is to expose students to advances topics in classical electromagnetism with a contemporary point of view. Broadly, four areas will be considered: Electromagnetic sources, propagation of electromagnetic radiation, the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with materials, and physical optics. Specific topics include antennas, Lienard-Wiechert potentials, synchrotrons, lasers, Gaussian beam propagation, electrodynamics of materials (electrons, phonons, plasmons, artificial materials, magneto-electrics), and nonlinear optics. Connections with current research will be made for each of these topics. An approximate lecture schedule is included below. The emphasis on this course is not mathematical physics, but rather stepping back and developing some physical insight into modern topics in E&M. Prerequisite: PY 4309. (Spring even years).