Department Of Physics
Graduate Catalog
The Department of Physics provides course work training and research experience to students who wish to further their education beyond the bachelor 's level in order to achieve a greater degree of competence and recognition in their profession.
The Department of Physics offers two master 's degree programs. The Master of Science in physics with research thesis is ordinarily chosen by those students preparing for industrial employment, college teaching, or for further graduate study leading to the Ph.D. degree. The Master of Science without thesis is usually chosen by students preparing to teach in middle and secondary public schools or by students who plan to pursue applied physics careers in industry. The broad-field program with a concentration in physics is offered for students who wish to prepare to teach in several science fields in secondary schools The physical facilities of the department include well equipped instructional and research laboratories. Sophisticated equipment and faculty direction are available for experimental research in solid state physics, x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray Photoelectron, auger electron, appearance potential spectroscopy of surfaces, and signal analysis of speech signals, microcomputer hardware and software development, and digital electronics.
Theoretical investigations are carried out in statistical properties associated with step formation 's on crystals. The department also has an active space pshycis research program and has extensive equipment to aid in the preparation of teachers to introduce and teach the latest physics Curriculum developments in public schools.
Programs of Graduate Work
The Master of Science degree program with research thesis consists of a 10-course sequence (30 sh), including two courses allotted to the thesis. The Master of Science degree program without thesis consists of a 12-cTourse sequence (36 sh).
A broad-field program,
offered primarily for teachers, is available over the several fields of science
with a concentration in physics. This program requires 15 hours in physics,
including Physics 595 and 6 hours each in two other science areas.
A physics minor is appropriate for several majors including mathematics, chemistry, and technology. The digital electronics, signal processing, and microprocessor hardware courses are particularly relevant for computer science and telecommunications students.
A comprehensive minor in physics is available for doctoral degree students majoring in supervision, curriculum, and instruction. This program is recommended for community and senior college teachers of science and for school supervisors. (See Doctor of Education degree program, Department of Secondary and Higher Education.)
Master of Science Degree in Physics
Option I (Thesis)
Required
core courses include:
Phys 511 Introduction to Theoretical Mechanics
Phys 512 Classical Electricity and Magnetism
Phys 517 Principles of Mathematical Physics
Phys 520 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Phys 518 Thesis, 6 hrs.
Four courses on approval of graduate advisor
Option II (Non-Thesis)
Physics
Teaching Emphasis
Phys 526 Modern Physics
Phys 531 Physical Science for Teachers
Phys 532 Electrical Circuits
Phys 561 Astronomy Problems
Phys 595 Research Literature and Techniques
Three physics courses on approval of graduate advisor
Four courses-chosen to support major teaching field
Applied Physics Emphasis
Phys
511 Introduction to Theoretical Physics
Phys 512 Classical Electricity and Magnetism
Phys 517 Principles of Mathematical Physics
Phys 595 Research Literature and Techniques
The physics component of this program may be completed
by either of two blocks of four courses:
Phys
520 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Phys 521 Introduction to Solid State Physics
Phys 523 Advanced Atomic Physics
Phys 524 Surface Physics OR Phys 514 Statistical Physics
Phys 542 Microntroller Instrumentation and Control
Phys 552 Advanced Micro-Controller Electronics
Phys 562 Signal Processing
Four courses chosen in consultation with graduate advisor
Note: The Department reserves the
right to suspend from the program any student, who in the judgment of a duly
constituted departmental committee, would not meet the professional
expectations of the field.
Special Departmental Requirements
Acceptance will be based on admission to the Graduate School, scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and undergraduate grade point average. All physics graduate students must register for PHYS 501 (Seminar) each semester in residence. An "Admission to Candidacy Examination" is required of all students majoring in physics.
PHYS 501 - Graduate Seminar; (one semester hour)
PHYS 511 - Introduction to Theoretical Mechanics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 512 - Classical Electricity and Magnetism; (three semester hour)
PHYS 514 - Statistical Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 517 - Principles of Mathematical Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 518 - Research Leading to a Masters Thesis; (three or six semester hour)
PHYS 520 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 521 - Introduction to Solid State Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 523 - Advanced Atomic Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 524 - Surface Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 526 - Modern Physics; (three semester hour)
PHYS 529 - Science Workshop; (three to six semester hour)
PHYS 532 - Electrical Circuits; (three semester hour)
PHYS 542 - Advanced Digital Logic and Design; (three semester hour)
PHYS 552- Applied Microprocessor Techniques; (three semester hour)
PHYS 561 - Astronomy Problems; (three semester hour)
PHY 572- Parallel Computing. Three semester hours. (Same as CSci 572)
PHYS 589 - Independent Study; (one to four semester hour)
PHYS 595 - Research Literature and Techniques; (three semester hour)
PHYS 597 - Special Topics; (one to four semester hour)
501.
Graduate Seminar. One semester hour.
This course may be
taken each of four semesters for credit. Graded on a (S) satisfactory or (U)
unsatisfactory basis.
511.
Introduction to Theoretical Mechanics. Three semester hours.
A course in classical
mechanics including the methods of Lagrange, Hamilton, matrices, tensors, and
Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
512.
Classical Electricity and Magnetism. Three semester hours.
Electrostatics,
magnetostatics, multiple expansions, solution of boundary value problems, slowly
varying currents, electromagnetic energy and momentum, Maxwells equations and
applications.
514.
Statistical Physics. Three semester hours.
General principles of statistical
thermodynamics, equilibrium statistics of special systems, kinetic theory, diffusion
and transport phenomena, and classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Prerequisite:
PHYS 511 or consent of the instructor.
517.
Principles of Mathematical Physics. Three semester hours.
Covers mathematical
methods used in classical and modern physics and in the engineering sciences.
Topics include vectors and curvilinear coordinates, matrices and linear algebra,
operators and eigenvalues, boundary value problems, Fourier and Laplace transforms,
partial differential equations of physics, Greenā's functions, and variational
methods. Emphasis is placed on problem solving.
518. Research Leading to the Master 's Thesis. Three or six semester hours.
520.
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Three semester hours.
An introduction
to modern quantum mechanics as applied to the hydrogen atom, the diatomic molecule,
and solids.
521.Introduction
to Solid State Physics. Three semester hours.
A study of
crystal structure, lattice vibrations, thermal dieletric, and magnetic properties
of solids; semiconductors and transistors.
523.
Advanced Atomic Physics. Three semester hours.
A study of theoretical and applied
aspects of atomic structure. Topics include atomic models, ionization phenomena,
X-ray flourescence, X-ray diffraction, and atomic collisions.
Experimental investigations of atomic phenomena will be stressed.Prerequisite:
Phys 520 or equivalent or Consent of instructor.
524.
Surface Physics. Three semester hours.
Theory, principles and applications
of surface characterization techniques to modern technological problems. Topics
covered include ultra-high vacuum techniques, x-ray, ion and electron spectroscopes.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
526. Modern Physics.
Three semester hours.
A course designed to
acquaint teachers and others with the principles of atomic and nuclear science
to prepare them to have a more adequate understanding of technical and news
articles.
529.
Science Workshop. Three to six semester hours.
Topics will be selected with reference
to the needs of teachers. Prerequisite:
Consent of the instructor.
531.
Physical Science for Teachers. Three semester hours.
Basic and contemporary
topics in motion, forces, properties of matter, energy, and related topics will
be explored. The emphasis will be placed on physical science content but the
class format will model methods of instruction based upon educational learning
research. This course is appropriate for teachers and others who desire a strong
conceptual understanding in these topics.
532.
Electricity and Magnetism for Teachers. Three semester hours.
Basic and contemporary
topics in electricity, magnetism, electrical circuits and related topics will
be explored. The emphasis will be placed on physics content but the class format
will model methods of instruction based upon educational learning research.
This course is appropriate for teachers and others who desire a strong conceptual
understanding
in these topics.
542.
Micromputer Instrumentation and Control. Three semester hours.
The electronics for real-time microcomputer
controlled systems. Topics include the physics of sensors and actuators, sensor
signal conditioning, real-time data acquisition, elementary signal prociessing,
motion control, and software for the instrumentation and control. Prerequisite:
Consent of the Instructor.
552.
Advanced Micro-Controller Electronics. Three semester hours.
Embedded logic design and programming.
Topics include micro-controller selection, peripheral interfacing, low and high-level
programming languages, and microcontroller development tools.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor.
561.
Astronomy Problems. Three semester hours.
This is a basic non-mathematical
course designed to introduce public school teachers to current concepts in astronomy.
Topics covered include motions of the earth, stellar evolution, stellar classes
and spectroscopy, telescopes and observatories, galaxies and cosmology.
562.
Signal Processing. Three semester hours. (Same as CSci 562)
Theoretical models of information
processing; includes methods of signal representation,
data conversion, decision making, filtering, and digital error problems.
Prerequisite: CSci 317 or Phys 317.
572.
Parallel Computing. Three semester hours. (Same as CSci 572)
Computer topologies and networks,
programming techniques, and parallel algorithms for multiprocessor and multi-computer
systems including microcomputer clusters.
Prerequisites: Physics 319 or CSci
322. Cross-listed with CSci 572.
589.
Independent Study. One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research
at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a
faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies.
Prerequisite: Consent of department
head.
595.
Research Literature and Techniques. Three semester hours.
A course designed to acquaint the
student with the role of research in the initiation, development, and modification
of concepts and theories in physics. Articles in professional journals in the
field will be assigned for review, especially in areas in which theories are
in a state of flux. The student will be encouraged to devise experiments through
which clarification of concepts may result.
597.
Special Topics. One to Four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when
topics vary. Some sections are graded on a Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory
(U) basis.
Note: For Undergrad Courses, See Undergrad Catalog
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While every effort has been made to reflect the information
contained in the current Texas A&M-Commerce Undergraduate Catalog, this
document should not be considered as an official publication of the University.
Copies of the Catalog may be obtained free of charge from the Registrar's Office.