Undergraduate Physics courses
PES 100 Physics in Everyday LifeA nonmathematical overview of physics and how it affects our everyday life. Topics to be included are balancing and equilibrium, tornados, weather patterns, circus balancing acts, air conditioners, musical instruments and other interesting applications of physics. Recommended for students with no science or mathematics background. (3 credits) Students needing lab should take PES 114. PES 101 - 102 Physics for Life Science I and IIGeneral physics with an emphasis on applications to life sciences and health professions. Prer., two years of high school algebra or equivalent. (4 credits each) PES 101 students needing lab should take PES 115. PES 102 students need lab should take PES 215. PES 104 Physics in Science FictionA study of the physics that exists in commonly occurring science fiction themes. Topics include a general discussion of conditions for life on other planets, orbital motion, Einstein's theory of relativity, and electromagnetic phenomena. (3 credits) PES 105 General Astronomy IThe methods and results of modern astronomy (solar systems and stars) at an elementary level. (3 credits) PES 106 General Astronomy IIThe methods and results of modern astronomy (solar systems, stars, galaxies, blackholes, quasars, cosmology) at an elementary level. (3 credits) PES 108 Science on the NanoscaleExplores nanoscale science and applications to technology on on the scale of sub-atomic particles, atoms and molecules where concepts of quantum theory are important. After an introduction to concepts of quantum physics, applications to physics, biology and engineering will be examined. PES 109 General Astronomy Laboratory IA mixture of evening viewing and indoor exercises, weather dependent. covering such topics as constellations and telescope observations, lunar geology, distance measurements, and earth seasons. (1 credit) PES 110 General Astronomy Laboratory IIA mixture of evening viewing and indoor exercises, weather dependent. Covering such topics as constellations and telescope observations, nebula and galaxy classification, distance measurements and spectroscopy. (1 credit) PES 111 General Physics IRigorous calculus-level course in classical physics for science and engineering students. Includes measurements, vectors, motion in one dimension, motion in three dimensions, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, rotation of rigid bodies, static equilibrium, oscillation and gravity. Prer., a thorough understanding of high school algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and physics. Coreq., Calculus I. (4 credits) Students needing lab should take PES 116. PES 112 General Physics IIA continuation of Physics I. Topics covered include electrostatics, the electric field, Gauss's Law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, the magnetic field, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, inductance, oscillations, and electromagnetic waves. Prer., PES 111 and Coreq. Calculus II. (4 credits) Students needing lab should take PES 216. PES 114 Introductory Physics LaboratoryExperiments designed to qualitatively verify concepts in mechanics, light, and optics. To be taken concurrently with PES 100 only. This lab is not required but must be taken if the student wishes credit for a natural science lab course in the natural science requirements. (1 credit) PES 115 General Physics Laboratory IDesigned to be taken with PES 101. Experiments in mechanics and graphical analysis of results. (1 credit) PES 116 Advanced Physics Laboratory I Advanced calculus-based labs covering all of the major topics in mechanics ranging from projectile motion to Newton's Laws to Conservation of Energy to Rotational Motion. Designed to be taken concurrently with PES 111. (1 credit)PES 117 Honors Physics Laboratory IAdvanced calculus-based labs designed to be taken concurrently with PES 171. (1 credit) PES 171 Honors Physics IDesigned for physics majors or students seriously interested in physics. Topics covered include classical mechanics and special relativity. It is a rigorous calculus-level course. The attendance of recitation class associated with lectures is obligatory. (4 credits) Students needing lab should take PES 117. PES 172 Honors Physics II Designed for physics majors or students seriously interested in physics. This second semester of Honors Physics covers electricity and magnetism. It is a rigorous calculus-level course. The attendance of recitation class associated with lectures is obligatory. (4 credits) PES 195, 196, 197 Special TopicsCourses covering subjects of current interest on a one-time basis. (1 to 3 credits) PES 213 General Physics IIIA continuation of PES 112. Topics covered include fluid mechanics, waves, temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, light, and quantum physics. Prer., PES 112; Coreq., Calculus III. (3 credits) PES 215 Physics Laboratory IIDesigned to be taken with PES 102. Covers radiation physics, electrostatics, AC and AC circuits, magnetic fields. Prer., PES 115. (1 credit) PES 216 Advanced Physics Laboratory II Advanced calculus-based labs covering all of the major topics in electricity and magnetism ranging from electric fields to circuit analysis to AC circuits to magnetism. Designed to be taken concurrently with PES 112. (1 credit) PES 295, 296, 297 Special TopicsCourses covering subjects of current interest on a one-time basis. (1 to 3 credits)
PES 306 AstrophysicsA classic look at stellar characteristics, the structure and content of our galaxy and the universe in a rigorously mathematical fashion. The theory of stellar spectra is stressed along with steller distances, magnitudes, and stellar evolution on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Prer. PES 213. (3 credits) (offered only Fall of even numbered years) PES 313 Modern PhysicsSpecial relativity, development of wave-particle duality, atomic structure, Schroedinger wave equation, the hydrogen atom, atomic and molecular spectra, introduction to the solid state and band theory. Prer., PES 213. (3 credits) PES 315 Modern Physics LaboratoryTeaches the methods and procedures of experimental physics at an advanced level, including such topics as physical optics, high resolution spectroscopy, and energies of radioactive decay products. Prer., PES 215. (2 credits) (offered only Fall of even numbered years) PES 317 Instrumentation Laboratory IDesign and operation of devices for modern physics experiments. Interfacing computers with real world experiments. Requires a knowledge of LABVIEW. Prer., PES 215. (2 credits) (offered only in Fall of odd numbered years) PES 318 Instrumentation Laboratory II Design and operation of devices for modern physics experiments. Interfacing computers with real world experiments. Requires a knowledge of LABVIEW. Prer., PES 215 and PES 317. (2 credits) (offered only in Spring of odd numbered years) PES 321 Classical MechanicsNewtonian mechanics, oscillations, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, central forces, scattering, and rigid body motion. Employs vector analysis and calculus. Prer., PES 213; prer. or coreq., Math. 235. (3 credits) PES 325 Mathematical Methods of Physics and EngineeringSurvey of mathematical methods as preparation for advanced physics and engineering courses. Includes vector calculus, partial differential equations, special functions, Fourier analysis, and generalized functions such as the Dirac delta function. (3 credits) PES 331-332 Principles of Electricity and MagnetismElements of the mathematical theory of electricity and magnetism, including electrostatics, magnetostatics, polarized media, direct and alternating current theory, and an introduction to electromagnetic fields and waves. Prer., for PES 331 is PES 213 and Math. 235; for PES 332 is PES 331. (3 credits each) PES 341 Thermodynamics and Statistical MechanicsStatistical mechanics applied to macroscopic physical systems; statistical thermodynamics; classical thermodynamic systems; applications to simple systems. Relationship of statistical mechanics to thermodynamics. Prer. PES 313. (3 credits) PES 365 Nuclear Physics and Energy TechnologyNuclear structure, radioisotopes, nuclear reactions, fission, and fusion. Emphasis on nuclear power production and its environmental impact. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits) other links: PES 367 Wind EnergyA survey of the technology of wind energy conversion, including climatic aspects, site selection and tower height, generator and propeller design, control systems, and legal aspects. (3 credits) PES 395, 396, 397 Special TopicsCourses covering subjects of current interest on a one-time basis. (1-3 credits) PES 415 Solid State LaboratoryAdvanced lab on the measurement of fundamental properties of solids. Includes introduction to vacuum and thin film technologies. One lect. and one lab. session per week. Prer., PES 215 and 313. (2 credits) PES 416 Thin Films LaboratoryIntroduction to thin film deposition and characterization. Facilities include evaporation, sputtering, Auger electron spectroscopy, ellipsometry and scanning electron microscopy. Coreq. PES 449. PES 425 - 426 Quantum Mechanics I and IIA sophisticated treatment of quantum theory for students intending graduate work in physics. Topics include foundations of wave mechanics, wave pockets and the uncertainty principle, Schroedinger's equation, operators and eigenfunctions, scattering and matrix mechanics. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits each) PES 446 Solid State PhysicsTheory of solids including crystal structure, x-ray diffraction, phonons, thermal properties of insulators, theories of metals, band structure, semiconductors, impurities and doping in semiconductors, junctions, superconductivity, and magnetism. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits)
PES 448 Surface and Interface PhysicsAn introduction to the solid state physics of surfaces and interfaces inicluding structural, thermodynamic, and electrical properties. Gas-surface interactions and characterization techniques will also be examined. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits)
PES 449 Physics of Thin FilmsA combined lecture/lab course where students will study the most common techniques for the production and characterization of thin films and the physics that underlies these methods. Lab techniques and equipment available at UCCS include thermal evaporation, ion-cluster-beam deposition, Auger spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and the scanning electron microscope. (3 or 4 credits)
PES 451 OpticsAn advanced undergraduate treatment of topics in geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Prer., PES 213 and either PES 313 or 331. (3 credits) (offered only in Spring of odd numbered years) PES 460 Special and General RelativityInvestigates the theoretical and experimental basis for Einstein's Theory of Relativity. The concept of four dimensional space-time is introduced through Special Relativity. The concept of curved space-time is presented using the mathematics of tensors. Open to juniors and seniors only. Prer., PES 213. meets with PHYS 560 (3 credits) PES 472 Stellar Structure and EvolutionBasic stellar astronomy and astrophysics. H-R diagrams. Principles of stellar structure including energy generation and energy transport. Stellar formation and evolution to compact objects. Prer. PES 306, 313, and 341. (3 credits) PES 481 Senior Physics SeminarPresentation methods in physics. Students present on a wide variety of topics in physics culminating in a formal presentation by the student on a current research topic. Student is graded by a faculty panel on his/her presentation, defense of topic and general knowledge of physics. Prer., Senior status in physics or consent of instructor. ( 2 credits) PES 485 Senior ProjectSpecial experimental or theoretical research project in a field of physics or physics-related energy science. Project to be chosen in conjunction with instructor and should represent a new contribution to knowledge in the field, or a repetition of current experimental research, or a literature search and demonstrated knowledge of current theoretical research. A written report is required. Prer., senior status in physics and consent of instructor. (3 credits) PES 910, 920, 930, 940 Independent StudyUndergraduate independent study. Prer., consent of instructor. (1 to 3 credits)
Graduate Physics Courses
PHYS 500 Physics for TeachersDesigned for practicing teachers in the fourth through eighth grades. Physics content has been selected (e.g., light, heat, and sound; astronomy; electricity; matter and energy, etc.) to blend with similar science topics in local school districts. Course includes laboratory experiences. (2 credits) PHYS 503 Mathematical Methods in PhysicsSurvey of classical mathematical physics. Includes complex variable theory, boundary value problems, Green's functions, matrices and vector spaces, and the use of numerical methods for solving physical problems. Prer., PES 325 or equivalent. (3 credits) PES 515 Solid State LaboratoryAdvanced lab on the measurement of fundamental properties of solids. Includes introduction to vacuum and thin film technologies. One lecture and one lab session per week. Prer., PES 215 and 313. (2 credits) PHYS 516 Thin Films LaboratoryIntroduction to thin film deposition and characterization. Facilities include evaporation, sputtering, Auger electron spectroscopy, ellipsometry and scanning electron microscopy. Coreq. PHYS 549. PHYS 520 Computational PhysicsAn introduction to methods of solving physics problems with computers. Topics include molecular dynamics, electronic states, calculation of electromagnetic fields, and Monte Carlo methods applied to statistical mechanics and quantum systems. (3 credits) PHYS 541 Introduction to Statistical MechanicsAn introduction to equilibrium statistical mechanics. Topics include classical or Boltzmann statistics. Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, partition function and ensembles. Also included are applications to the liquid and solid state. (3 credits) PHYS 546 Introduction to Solid State PhysicsTheory of solids including crystal structure, x-ray diffraction, phonons, thermal properties of insulators, theories of metals, band structure, semiconductors, impurities and doping in semiconductors, junctions, superconductivity, and magnetism. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits) PES 548 Surface and Interface PhysicsAn introduction to the solid state physics of surfaces and interfaces including structural, thermodynamic, and electrical properties. Gas-surface interactions and characterization techniques will also be examined. Prer., PES 313. (3 credits) PHYS 549 Physics of Thin FilmsA combined lecture/lab course where students will study the most common techniques for the production and characterization of thin films and the physics that underlies these methods. Lab techniques and equipment available at UCCS include thermal evaporation, ion-cluster-beam deposition, Auger spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and the scanning electron microscope. (3 or 4 credits) PHYS 560 Special and General RelativityInvestigates the theoretical and experimental basis for Einstein's Theory of Relativity. The concept of four dimensional space-time is introduced through Special Relativity. The concept of curved space-time is presented using the mathematics of tensors. Open to juniors and seniors only. Prer., PES 213. (3 credits) PES 572 Stellar Structure and EvolutionBasic stellar astronomy and astrophysics. H-R diagrams. Principles of stellar structure including energy generation and energy transport. Stellar formation and evolution to compact objects. (3 credits) PHYS 621 Theoretical MechanicsVariational principles, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, motion of a rigid body, relativistic mechanics, transformation theory, continuum mechanics, small oscillations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory. (3 credits) PHYS 625 - 626 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I and IIQuantum phenomena, relation to classical physics, Schroedinger and Heisenberg picture, application to problems, approximation techniques, angular momentum; scattering theory, Pauli spin theory, radiation theory, relativistic wave equations with simple applications, introduction to field theory and second quantization. Prer., PES 425 or equivalent. (3 credits each) PHYS 631 - 632 Electromagnetic Theory I and IIElectromagnetic fields; applications of Maxwell's equations to electromagnetic wave propagation, and fundamental properties of light; relativistic electrodynamics, radiation theory. Prer., PES 331/332, or equivalent. (3 credits each) PHYS 644 Statistical MechanicsClassical and quantum statistical theory, including the study of both equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems. Topics include kinetic theory, degenerate gases, macrocanonical and grand canonical ensembles, and irreversible processes. Prer., Phys. 625/626. (3 credits) PHYS 695 Special Topics in PhysicsVarious topics such as group theory in quantum mechanics, astrophysics, surface physics, magnetism, collision theory, Laser theory, plasma physics, spectroscopy, etc. (1 to 3 credits) PHYS 700 Master's ThesisAn approved problem in theoretical or experimental physics under the direction of faculty members. Intended to introduce the student to procedures in research and development work. Work of an original nature is expected. (3 to 6 credits) PHYS 950 Independent StudyGraduate independent study. Prer., consent of instructor. (1 to 3 credits)
Energy Science Courses
PES 150, 151 Introduction to Energy Sciences I, IIBrief history of human energy use; rudimentary energy concepts and fundamental dimensions; fossil fuels; magnetism and electricity; power plants; and environmental effects of energy production and use. Meets with ENSC 150 and 151. PES 151 may be taken without having taken PES 150. (3 credits each) PES 160 Introductory Solar EnergyBrief history of human solar energy use, rudimentary energy concepts and fundamental dimensions; basic operation of the sun; fundamentals of thermal energy transfer and storage; economics and application of solar principles to construction; frequent computer simulation and web activities. Meets with ENSC 160 (3 credits) PES 162 Solar Energy LaboratoryHands-on lab class emphasizing experimental techniques and the scientific method applied to solar phenomena (position and intensity) and both passive and active solar energy systems. Prer., or coreq., PES 160. (1 credit) PES 250 Energy FundamentalsPast, present, and future of human energy use; rudimentary energy concepts and fundamental dimensions; efficiency of energy conversions; heat transfer; commercial electricity; alternative energy sources; environmental ramifications; energy conservation; computer simulation and web activities. This survey course is designed for science majors and assumes some knowledge of calculus and the physical sciences. (3 credits) PES 365 Nuclear EnergyNuclear structure, radioisotopes, nuclear reactions, fission, and fusion. Emphasis on nuclear power production and its environmental impact. Prer. PES 313 (3 credits) PES 367 Wind EnergyA survey of the technology of wind energy conversion, including climatic aspects, site selection and towere height, generator and propeller design, control systems and legal aspects. (3 credits) |