PHYSICS (PHYS)
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics
Owens Science Hall (OWS) 153, (651) 962-5213
Lopez del Puerto (chair), Green, Jalkio, Johnston, Ohmann, Ruch, Wood; Davies, Nellermoe, Schuler, Thomas
Physics majors learn the fundamental laws that govern the physical universe, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxies to the very structure of space and time. Emphasis is placed on general understanding, problem solving, and the communication skills essential for success in a career grounded in science. In the laboratory, students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in applying physics to a wide variety of systems. Opportunities are available for students to participate in research projects during the school year and over the summer.
There are three educational options from which to choose: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree; a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree; or a minor in physics. The B.S. degree provides the necessary background for students interested in graduate school, engineering or industrial work; the Bachelor of Arts degree gives a solid background in physics with the flexibility to meet other needs, including preparation for professional programs such as medicine or patent law, or for students double majoring in areas such as mathematics or electrical engineering.
For students interested in teacher licensure, see the various combinations of science education in the School of Education Department of Teacher Education in this catalog.
Transfer students can transfer a maximum of 16 credits in physics towards the physics degree and 12 credits towards the minor. Physics courses taken at other colleges by students already matriculated at St. Thomas may be credited toward the requirements of the major only with prior and explicit written approval of the department chair.
The department offers courses for non-majors to fulfill the laboratory science component of the core curriculum.
Graduation with Honors in Physics
Students graduating with a B.A. or B.S. degree in physics may also qualify for departmental honors. Students interested in this designation must consult with the department chair one year or more before graduation. All requirements must be met one month before graduation.
- Complete four credits in 400-level physics research or the equivalent research experience
- Prepare a written thesis in the format of primary literature
- Defend the thesis before a panel composed of:
- Thesis director (chair of committee)
- Two additional St. Thomas physics faculty
- One St. Thomas faculty member outside of physics
- Achieve a final cumulative grade point average in physics department courses of 3.50 and overall GPA of 3.50
- Present their research at a scientific meeting beyond the St. Thomas community
Major in Physics (B.S.)
76 credits
- PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- PHYS 212 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)
- PHYS 215 Foundations of Modern Physics (4 credits)
- PHYS 225 Applications of Modern Physics (4 credits)
- PHYS 331 Theoretical Mechanics (4 credits)
- PHYS 341 Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits)
- PHYS 410 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (4 credits)
- PHYS 431 Quantum Mechanics (4 credits)
Plus 8 credits from the following:
- PHYS 323 Methods of Experimental Physics (4 credits)
- PHYS 325 Methods of Computational Physics (4 credits)
- ENGR 481 Engineering Design Clinic II (4 credits)
Plus:
- Four additional Physics elective credits
Plus:
- eight additional Physics or Allied elective credits
Allied Requirements:
- MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits)
- MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)
- MATH 200 Multi-Variable Calculus (4 credits)
- MATH 210 Introduction to Differential Equations and Systems (4 credits)
- MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
- CISC 130 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving in the Sciences
OR CISC 131 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving (4 credits)
Physics Elective Courses:
- PHYS 104 Astronomy (4 credits)
- Any PHYS course numbered 150 or above.
Allied Elective Courses:
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry (4 credits)
- Engineering courses at or above ENGR 200.
- Mathematics courses at or above MATH 300
Note: Depending on a student’s interest and career goals, substitutions may be made for other advanced courses in Engineering, Mathematics, or Chemistry, for certain listed courses, in consultation with the physics department chair.
Major in Physics (B.A.)
56 credits
- PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- PHYS 212 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)
- PHYS 215 Foundations of Modern Physics (4 credits)
- PHYS 225 Applications of Modern Physics (4 credits)
Plus four credits from the following:
- PHYS 323 Methods of Experimental Physics (4 credits)
- PHYS 325 Methods of Computational Physics (4 credits)
- ENGR 481 Engineering Design Clinic II (4 credits)
Plus:
- Eight additional Physics elective credits
Plus:
- Eight additional Physics or Allied elective credits
Allied Requirements:
- MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits)
- MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)
- MATH 200 Multi-variable Calculus (4 credits)
- MATH 210 Introduction to Differential Equations and Systems (4 credits)
- CISC 130 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving in the Sciences
OR CISC 131 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving (4 credits)
Physics Electives Courses:
- Any PHYS course numbered 150 or above.
Allied Electives Courses:
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry (4 credits)
- MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
- Engineering courses at or above ENGR 200.
- Mathematics courses at or above MATH 300.
Note: Depending on a student’s interest and career goals, substitutions may be made for other advanced courses in Engineering, Mathematics, or Chemistry, for certain listed courses, in consultation with the physics department chair.
Additional Physics and Allied Electives Courses for Education Co-Majors:
- One of
- PHYS 104 Astronomy (4 credits)
- PHYS 105 Musical Acoustics (4 credits)
- Biology courses at or above BIOL 207.
- Chemistry courses at or above CHEM 109.
- Engineering courses at or above ENGR 100.
- Geology courses at or above GEOL 111.
Teacher Licensure
Elementary Education with a Co-major in Science and Mathematics for Elementary Education
Elementary Education with a Specialty in Science (5-8)
Co-major in Science (5-8) – Physics (9-12) and a Co-major in Secondary Education
See Education
Minor in Physics
20 credits
- PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- PHYS 212 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)
Plus:
- Eight additional Physics elective credits
Plus:
- Four additional Physics or Allied elective credits
Physics Elective Courses:
- PHYS 104 Astronomy (4 credits)
- Any PHYS course numbered 150 or above.
Allied Elective Courses:
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry (4 credits)
- MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
- Mathematics courses at of above MATH 300.
- Engineering courses at or above ENGR 200.
Note: Depending on a student’s interest and career goals, substitutions may be made for other advanced courses in Engineering, Mathematics, or Chemistry, for certain listed courses, in consultation with the physics department chair.
Physics Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS 101 | Physics for Liberal Arts I | 4 | |
| Description of course Physics for Liberal Arts I : | Intended for non-science majors; treats fundamental principles of physics and their application to familiar phenomena, stressing qualitative understanding. The course will survey topics from mechanics, fluids, temperature and heat, oscillations, waves and sound, light and optics, and properties of matter. The course consists of lecture, discussion and laboratory. This course is designed especially for elementary education majors. It is not intended for students who have had high school physics. Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics NOTE: Students who receive credit for PHYS 101 may not receive credit for PHYS 109 or 211. | ||
| PHYS 104 | Astronomy | 4 | |
| Description of course Astronomy : | Introduction to physical principles and their application to astronomy for non-science majors. Emphasis is on comprehension of ideas and principles. Topics include the motions of the sun, moon, stars and planets; properties of the solar system; the stars including giants, dwarfs, pulsars and black holes; nebulae, galaxies and quasars; cosmology and life. The course consists of lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH placement at or above 100 or a C‐ or above in MATH 005 | ||
| PHYS 105 | Musical Acoustics | 4 | |
| Description of course Musical Acoustics : | An introductory course intended for non-science majors; treats fundamental principles of physics and acoustics as they relate to musical sounds and musical instruments. The course consists of lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisites: High school algebra and a music background (one year practice, instrument or voice, or one course) | ||
| PHYS 109 | Physics for Life Sciences I | 4 | |
| Description of course Physics for Life Sciences I : | This algebra-based course and its continuation PHYS 110 serve as a two-semester introduction to classical and modern physics. Applications are chosen that focus on the life sciences. Topics include principles of classical mechanics: description of motion, force, torque and rotational motion, energy, momentum and their conservation, fluid mechanics; thermodynamics. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in MATH 108, or Math placement at a level of MATH 111 or above. NOTE: Students who receive credit for PHYS 109 may not receive credit for PHYS 211. | ||
| PHYS 110 | Physics for Life Sciences II | 4 | |
| Description of course Physics for Life Sciences II : | This algebra-based course is a continuation of PHYS 109. Topics include oscillations, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism; light and optics; atomic, quantum and nuclear physics. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 109, 111, or 211. NOTE: Students who receive credit for PHYS 110 may not receive credit for PHYS 212. | ||
| PHYS 211 | Classical Physics I | 4 | |
| Description of course Classical Physics I : | This calculus-based course and its continuation PHYS 212 serve as a two-semester introduction to classical physics. Applications are chosen that focus on engineering and the physical sciences. Topics include principles of classical mechanics: vectors, kinematics, particle and rigid body rotational dynamics and statics; conservation laws; and thermodynamics. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in MATH 109 or MATH 113. NOTE: Students who receive credit for PHYS 211 may not receive credit for PHYS 109. | ||
| PHYS 212 | Classical Physics II | 4 | |
| Description of course Classical Physics II : | This calculus-based course is a continuation of PHYS 211. Topics include waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; geometric and physical optics. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in both PHYS 211 and MATH 114 or 200 NOTE: Students who receive credit for PHYS 212 may not receive credit for PHYS 110. | ||
| PHYS 215 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 4 | |
| Description of course Foundations of Modern Physics : | This course connects the subatomic world of particle and nuclear physics to the evolution of the universe after the Big Bang through the study of relativity and the four fundamental forces of nature. The course consists of lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in either PHYS 110 or 212 and in MATH 114. | ||
| PHYS 225 | Applications of Modern Physics | 4 | |
| Description of course Applications of Modern Physics : | This course investigates the quantum theory of light, wave- particle duality, quantum mechanics in one-dimension, statistical physics, lasers, and solid state physics. The course consists of lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 212. | ||
| PHYS 243 | Individual Study | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| PHYS 269 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| PHYS 295 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 296 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 297 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 298 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 323 | Methods of Exp. Physics | 4 | |
| Description of course Methods of Exp. Physics : | Standard tools and techniques used in experimental physics are introduced while conducting an in-depth investigation of a non-linear system. Technical topics include: identifying and characterizing chaotic systems, data acquisition and instrument control using LabVIEW, signal conditioning, data and error analysis, and experimental design. This course consists of lecture and discussion. Offered spring semester of even years. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 212 and MATH 200 | ||
| PHYS 325 | Methods of Comp. Physics | 4 | |
| Description of course Methods of Comp. Physics : | This is a one semester course in computational physics that provides a grounding in the standard tools and techniques involved in the use of computers to solve problems in physics. Topics include numerically solving differential equations, minimization and optimization as they apply to parameter estimation, software engineering and object oriented programming, Newtonian dynamics and N-body simulation, and animation and visualization of computational results. This course consists of lecture, lab, and discussion. Offered spring semester of odd years. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 212 and either CISC 131 or CISC 130 or permission of instructor. | ||
| PHYS 331 | Theoretical Mechanics | 4 | |
| Description of course Theoretical Mechanics : | Careful examination of Newtonian dynamics, conservation laws, development of variational calculus, the Lagrangian formulation and Hamiltonian dynamics. Applications to particles and systems of particles, rigid bodies, and coupled systems. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in either PHYS 215 or 225 and in MATH 200 and 210. | ||
| PHYS 341 | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 | |
| Description of course Electricity & Magnetism : | Electrostatic and magnetostatic fields in vacuum and material media; energy and force relations; methods for the solution of static problems; fields and currents in conducting media; Maxwell's equations and time-dependent fields. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in either PHYS 215 or 225 and in MATH 200 and either 210 or 230. | ||
| PHYS 347 | Optics | 4 | |
| Description of course Optics : | This course will give you a mathematical and conceptual understanding of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with matter. You will also acquire practical laboratory skills using modern optical equipment. Typical lecture topics include general wave theory, Maxwell’s equations, dipole radiation, the Poynting vector, polarization, coherence theory, interference, diffraction, scattering from particles, and optical properties of dielectrics, metals, plasmas, and crystals. Laboratory experiments typically include laser alignment techniques, small-signal detection with lock-in amplifiers, characterization of common optical components, Schlieren imaging, spectroscopy, polarimetry, interferometry, and construction of an optical tweezers system from scratch. (Maximum enrollment is limited by lab space and equipment.) Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 212, plus either MATH 200 or MATH 210, plus one of the following: PHYS 215 or PHYS 225 or junior standing. | ||
| PHYS 354 | Astrophysics | 4 | |
| Description of course Astrophysics : | Introduction to advanced topics in astronomy. Course topics will include stellar formation, structure, and evolution; spectroscopy and the interaction of light with stellar atmospheres; stellar nucleosynthesis; interactions of stars and the interstellar medium; and the morphology and formation of galaxies. This course consists of lecture and laboratory/observation. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 212 and either PHYS 215 or PHYS 225 or CHEM 332. | ||
| PHYS 389 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| PHYS 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| PHYS 398 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 410 | Stat Mech and Thermodynamics | 4 | |
| Description of course Stat Mech and Thermodynamics : | Concepts and laws of thermodynamics and of statistical mechanics. Applications of these to various systems, including gases, liquids, solids and chemical systems. The course meets three times a week for two consecutive periods consisting of integrated lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 215, 225, and MATH 200 and 210. | ||
| PHYS 431 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 | |
| Description of course Quantum Mechanics : | The foundation of Quantum Mechanics will be explored with mathematical rigor. Specific topics include the time-independent Schrodinger equation, the hydrogen atom, and angular momentum including spin. Discussion of identical particles will lead to an introduction of quantum statistical mechanics. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in PHYS 215, PHYS 225, MATH 200, 210, and 240. | ||
| PHYS 487 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 488 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 489 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 490 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| PHYS 491 | Individual Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Research : | No description is available. | ||
| PHYS 495 | Individual Study | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||