Topics courses in astrophysics, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, and nuclear physics are offered to provide breadth in contemporary physics. Each course addresses the current state of these fields. Courses may be taught from a research perspective with the possibility of either an experimental or theoretical component or both. A student desiring a specific topic should petition the Physics Department. Statistical and Thermal Physics. 4 semester hours.
Statistical mechanics approach to the study of many particle systems.
Topics include the Maxwellian distributions, classical and quantum physics, entropy, heat, and thermodynamics. 4 semester hours. Mathematical theory of electric and magnetic fields. Emphasizes three-dimensional boundary value problems for evaluating the physical behavior of electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell's equations are developed in both the differential and the integral forms and are used in the analysis of electromagnetic phenomena.