08 - 09 Undergraduate Catalog | Physics and Astronomy (Phscs) Courses

PHSCS 101 : Fundamentals of Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
DESCRIPTION:	Principles of classical and modern physics as they relate to current concepts of our physical environment.

PHSCS 105 : Introductory Applied Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	High school algebra and trigonometry.
RECOMMENDED:	Concurrent enrollment in Phscs 107.
DESCRIPTION:	Applied physics course not requiring calculus. Topics include mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound.

PHSCS 106 : Introductory Applied Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 105 or equivalent.
RECOMMENDED:	Concurrent enrollment in Phscs 108.
DESCRIPTION:	Continuation of Phscs 105. Topics include electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, and optics.

PHSCS 107 : Introductory Applied Physics Laboratory. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 105 or concurrent enrollment.

PHSCS 108 : Introductory Applied Physics Laboratory. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 106 or concurrent enrollment.

PHSCS 121 : Principles of Physics 1. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Calculus or concurrent enrollment.
DESCRIPTION:	Newtonian mechanics. Weekly lab.

PHSCS 123 : Principles of Physics 2. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121.
DESCRIPTION:	Waves, thermal physics, optics, special relativity, and introduction to modern physics. Weekly lab.

PHSCS 127 : Descriptive Astronomy. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp; Honors also.
DESCRIPTION:	Nonmathematical presentation of knowledge of the content and history of the cosmos, frequently using observatory and planetarium.

: Honors Descriptive Astronomy.

PHSCS 137 : Introduction to the Atmosphere and Weather. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W
PREREQUISITE:	PhyS 100 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Nonmathematical introduction to characteristics of the atmosphere, emphasizing structure and dynamic behavior, including the environmental impact of man.

PHSCS 140 : Electronics Lab. (1:1:2)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, Sp
DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to analog and digital circuits.

PHSCS 145 : Experimental Methods in Physics. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 140.
DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to physical measurement and analysis, optics, sensors, actuators, and computer-based data acquisition.

PHSCS 167 : Descriptive Acoustics of Music and Speech. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phy S 100 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Introductory acoustics course, emphasizing physical principles underlying production and perception of music and speech.

PHSCS 191 : Introduction to Physics Careers and Research. (.5:1:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
DESCRIPTION:	Survey of BYU undergraduate physics and astronomy programs, careers in physics and astronomy, and current physics and astronomy research.
NOTE:	Take first semester after registered as physics major.

PHSCS 198 : Physics and Mathematics Review. (1:2:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F 1st block.
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121; Math 113 or concurrent enrollment.
DESCRIPTION:	Review of mathematics and introductory physics for returning missionaries and others returning after a significant break.

PHSCS 220 : Principles of Physics 3. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121 or equivalent; Math 113 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Electricity and magnetism. Weekly lab.

PHSCS 222 : Modern Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 123, 220.
DESCRIPTION:	Quantum physics, atoms, molecules, condensed matter, nuclei, elementary particles, and selected topics in contemporary physics.

PHSCS 227 : Solar System Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 123; Math 113 or concurrent enrollment.
DESCRIPTION:	Physics of light and matter, Newton's laws, solar-system dynamics, and planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

PHSCS 228 : Stellar and Extragalactic Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Math 113, Phscs 227.
DESCRIPTION:	Stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, interstellar matter, galactic structure, external galaxies, and cosmology.

PHSCS 230 : Computational Physics Lab 1. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 220 or concurrent enrollment.
DESCRIPTION:	Numerical and symbolic differentiation, integration, and differential equations, using Maple. Applications in mechanics, optics, and special relativity.

PHSCS 240 : Design, Fabrication, and Use of Scientific Apparatus. (2:0:6)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 123, 145.
DESCRIPTION:	Machining, computer interfacing, controls, and vacuum systems.

PHSCS 245 : Experiments in Contemporary Physics. (2:0:6)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 220, 240.
DESCRIPTION:	In-depth, multi-period experiments in contemporary physics, using advanced instrumentation.

PHSCS 281 : Principles of Solid State Physics. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 122.
DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to physics of solids, including laboratory experience.
NOTE:	For students in science, computer science, technology, and engineering.

PHSCS 297R : Introduction to Research. (1-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
DESCRIPTION:	Faculty-supervised research experience.

PHSCS 313R : Special Topics in Physics. (.5-3:ARR:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	On demand
DESCRIPTION:	Special topics in physics for undergraduate physics majors.

PHSCS 314 : (Phscs-Phil 423) History and Philosophy of Science. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

PREREQUISITE:	PhyS 100 or instructor's consent.
DESCRIPTION:	Scientific explanation, concepts, and models. Philosophical assumptions and criteria for theory selection, as exemplified by historical development of basic ideas in science.

PHSCS 318 : Introduction to Classical Field Theory. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Math 303 or 334; Phscs 230.
DESCRIPTION:	Classical equations of physical fields; algebra of complex variables; applying Fourier analysis, Fourier transforms, and orthogonal functions.

PHSCS 321 : Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 121, 230; Math 303 or 334 or concurrent enrollment.
RECOMMENDED:	Concurrent enrollment in Phscs 330.
DESCRIPTION:	Newton's laws applied to particles and systems of particles, including rigid bodies. Conservation principles and Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations.

PHSCS 329 : Observational Astronomy. (3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 127 (or 227 and 228).
DESCRIPTION:	Basic techniques of observational astronomy, emphasizing practical experience in optical data acquisition and analysis.

PHSCS 330 : Computational Physics Lab 2. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 230; 321 or concurrent enrollment; Math 303 or 334 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, linear algebra and eigenvalues, chaos theory. Applications to dynamics. Introduction to programming in Matlab.

PHSCS 360 : Statistical and Thermal Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222; Math 303 or 334.
DESCRIPTION:	Principles of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, with applications.

PHSCS 391R : Seminar in Current Physics. (1:1:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:

F, W on demand

PHSCS 399R : Academic Internship. (.5-9:ARR:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Both department chair's and cooperative education coordinator's consent.
NOTE:	For students engaged in the cooperative education program.

PHSCS 416A : Writing in Physics 1. (1:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W on block, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Completed research for thesis or capstone project.
DESCRIPTION:	Writing scientific and technical articles and proposals. Writing and presentation skills applied to senior thesis or capstone project. Resources and guidelines for publishing in physics.

PHSCS 416B : Writing in Physics 2. (2:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W on block, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 416A.
DESCRIPTION:	Writing scientific and technical articles and proposals. Writing and presentation skills applied to senior thesis or capstone project. Resources and guidelines for publishing in physics.

PHSCS 427 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 227, 228.
DESCRIPTION:	Principles and observational techniques of astrophysics.

PHSCS 428 : Introduction to Astrophysics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 227, 228.
DESCRIPTION:	Principles and observational techniques of astrophysics.

PHSCS 430 : Computational Physics Lab 3. (1:0:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222, 318, 330.
DESCRIPTION:	Static and dynamic boundary value problems, partial differential equations. Applications in electrostatics, thermodynamics, waves, and quantum mechanics. Programming with Matlab.

PHSCS 441 : Electrostatics and Magnetism. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, Sp
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 220, 318.
DESCRIPTION:	Classical theory of static electric and magnetic fields.

PHSCS 442 : Electrodynamics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W, Su
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 441.
DESCRIPTION:	Maxwell?s equations, radiation, interaction of electromagnetic fields with matter, and special relativity.

PHSCS 451 : Quantum Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222, 318, or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Analytical foundations of quantum mechanics.

PHSCS 452 : Applications of Quantum Mechanics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 451.
DESCRIPTION:	Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, molecular, statistical, condensed-matter, and nuclear physics; elementary particles.

PHSCS 471 : Principles of Optics. (3:3:1)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 123, 220.
RECOMMENDED:	Phscs 318.
DESCRIPTION:	Electromagnetic wave phenomena, including polarization effects, interference, coherence, dispersion, ray theory, diffraction; introduction to quantum nature of light. Laboratory component emphasizes applications.

PHSCS 492R : Capstone Project in Applied Physics. (.5-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
DESCRIPTION:	Senior capstone projects in applied physics. Topic must be approved by department applied physics capstone project coordinator or department chair.

PHSCS 497R : Research in Physics. (1-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:

F, W, Sp, Su

PHSCS 498R : Senior Thesis. (.5-3:0:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
DESCRIPTION:	Individually directed research for seniors.
NOTE:	Thesis topic must be cleared by faculty member before registration.

PHSCS 513R : Special Topics in Contemporary Physics. (.5-3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	On demand.
PREREQUISITE:	Instructor's consent.
DESCRIPTION:	Topics generally related to recent developments in physics.

PHSCS 529 : Advanced Observational Astronomy. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 427, 428.
DESCRIPTION:	Advanced techniques of observational astronomy, emphasizing knowledge and skills necessary to carry out observational scientific investigation in astronomy.

PHSCS 545 : Introduction to Plasma Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F alternate years
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 321, 431, 441.
DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to plasma physics, including single-particle motion and both fluid and kinetic models of plasma behavior.

PHSCS 561 : (Phscs-Me En) Fundamentals of Acoustics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 123 or equivalent; Math 303 or 334 or equivalent.
RECOMMENDED:	Phscs 318, 321; or equivalents.
DESCRIPTION:	Sound generation, transmission, reflection, and reception. Vibrating systems, elastic media, mechanical energy, and radiation. Sound in tubes and cavities. Acoustic filters. Noise measurement and perception.

PHSCS 571 : Laser Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F alt. yr.
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 471 or basic understanding of electromagnetic waves and optics.
DESCRIPTION:	Laser amplification, cavity design, and control and characterization of temporal and spatial modes. Applications in nonlinear optics and atomic physics.

PHSCS 581 : Solid-State Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Introduction to the physics of solids. Crystal structure and symmetry, X-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, metals and semiconductors, superconductivity, thermal properties, magnetic properties, and dielectric and optical properties.

PHSCS 583 : Physics of Nanostructures, Surfaces, and Interfaces. (3:3.0:0.0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	On demand.
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222 or equivalent.
RECOMMENDED:	Phscs 281 or 581 or equivalent; Phscs 451 or Chem 462 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Properties of nanostructures, surfaces, and interfaces; experimental methods. Applications to emerging problems and opportunities in science and technology. Emphasis on concepts.

PHSCS 585 : Thin-Film Physics. (3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	W alternate years
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 222 or equivalent.
DESCRIPTION:	Preparation, characterization, use, and special properties of modern thin films; interdisciplinary treatment. Of interest to students in applied physics and engineering.

PHSCS 587 : Physics of Semiconductor Devices. (3:3.0:0.0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F alternate years.
PREREQUISITE:	Phscs 281 or 581 or ECEn 450.
DESCRIPTION:	Device physics, with an in-depth study of the MOS transistor and other nanoscale computing devices.

PHSCS 599R : Academic Internship. (.5-9:ARR:ARR)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)

OFFERED:	F, W, Sp, Su
PREREQUISITE:	department cooperative education coordinator's consent.
DESCRIPTION:	Cooperative education internships off campus.

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2008 - 2009

Physics and Astronomy (Phscs)

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