PHYS 404 Nuclear and Particle Physics 3 credits This course is an introduction to subatomic physics. The course examines the properties and constituents of the nucleus, the strong nuclear force, models of the nucleus, radioactive decay including alpha, beta and gamma decay, and nuclear reactions such as fission and fusion. Particle physics is discussed, including the classes and properties of various subatomic particles, virtual particles, conservation laws, the quark model, the weak force, and parity violation. This course is a survey of physics for review and correlation of various fields within the discipline. PHYS 480 Methods and Materials in Teaching Physical and Life Sciences 3 credits This course is a study of the aims and methods of teaching the physical and life sciences in the secondary schools.
Special attention is given to teaching general laboratory procedures and techniques of teaching.
Each of the departments in the physical and life sciences participates in the program. This course offers seniors independent work on research problems in theoretical or experimental physics. Theoretical physics projects are unlimited in scope, and often involve computer modeling of physical systems. All projects are arranged through consultation with the student's advisor.