The breakdown of classical mechanics and the development of quantum theory, the foundations of the Schroedinger Equation, the uncertainty principle, quantum systems in one dimension, angular momentum, spin, and atomic physics. Fall, odd-numbered years. PHYS 420 Introduction to Computational Physics 3 cr. Introduction to the methods of computational physics. Explores some of the basic techniques and ideas used to solve physics problems with the aid of computers.
Students develop computer programs in a high-level programming language to solve specific problems.
Topics include examples from several fields of engineering such as mechanics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electricity and acoustics. PHYS 436 Mathematical Physics 3 cr. Also offered as MATH 436. Acoustics 3 cr. Introduction to the theory of wave motions.