Department of Physics and Astronomy
This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.
Major Advisors: Torsten Clay, Mark Novotny, and Jeffry Winger
Office: 125 Hilbun Hall
Physics plays a basic role in all science and engineering disciplines. Physics is concerned with the study of the structure of matter, the nature of radiation, and the interaction of radiation and matter. Among the major branches are optical, laser, atomic, nuclear, molecular particle, condensed matter, bio-, astro-, plasma and computational physics. The B.S. program in physics provides an excellent, broadly based course of study with electives that allow the student to pursue his/her special interests in other subjects. The B.S. degree provides the necessary training for either employment in industry or government, or continued study at the graduate level.
The department also has a Physics/Pre-Medical curriculum for those students who wish to compete for admission to medical and dental schools. An applied physics curriculum is available for those who wish to work in research and development or pursue graduate work in applied physics, engineering physics or some branch of engineering. In addition, the department offers the Master of Science in physics, a Ph.D. in physics, and a Ph.D. in Engineering with a concentration in applied physics. Information may be obtained by writing the Department of Physics and Astronomy, P.O. Box 5167, Mississippi State, MS 39762. http://physics.msstate.edu/
A minor in physics requires 12 hours of physics at the 3000 level or above. These courses should be selected in consultation with a physics advisor.
The following is a recommended physics B.S. curriculum. Requirements for graduation are 124 hours with a GPA of at least 2.0. In addition, the student is required to maintain at least a C average in all physics courses.
General Education and College Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| 2 semesters - one Foreign Language - see advisor | 6 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature - see University/A&S Core | 3 | |
| History - see University/A&S Core | 3 | |
| Math | ||
| See Major Core | ||
| Fine Arts | ||
| See A&S Requirements | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| See Major Core | ||
| Social Sciences | ||
| See A&S requirements | 6 | |
| Major Core | ||
| Some substitutions for required courses are possible for double majors. Student should check prerequisites for all courses. Consult advisor. | ||
| PH 1063 | Descriptive Astronomy | 3 |
| PH 2213 | Physics I | 3 |
| PH 2223 | Physics II | 3 |
| PH 2233 | Physics III | 3 |
| PH 3613 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PH 4113 | Electronic Circuits for Scientists | 3 |
| PH 4143 | Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| PH 4213 | Intermediate Mechanics I | 3 |
| PH 4323 | Electromagnetic Fields I | 3 |
| PH 4413 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PH 4513 | Intermediate Optics | 3 |
| PH 4152 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PH 4713 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Physics Electives | ||
| 6 hours; 3 hours must be above 3000 and 3 hours must be from: | 6 | |
| Intermediate Mechanics II | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields II | ||
| Applications of Quantum Mechanics | ||
| Required Math and Science Courses | ||
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I (Lab) | 1 |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II (Lab) | 1 |
| MA 1713 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MA 1723 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MA 2733 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MA 2743 | Calculus IV | 3 |
| MA 3113 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 3253 | Differential Equations I | 3 |
| MA 3353 | Differential Equations II | 3 |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| GE 3513 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Computer Literacy | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Computer Programming with C (recommended) | ||
| Introduction to Computer Programming | ||
| Science and Math Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | 9 | |
| General Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
(31 hours must be 3000/4000 from A&S)
Physics/Pre-Medical Curriculum
For this curriculum the required courses for the physics major are reduced by 9 hours of physics (two physics electives and PH 4413) and 3 hours of math (MA 3353). The recommended use of these 12 hours and 15 elective hours follows (check with Pre-medical advisor):
| CH 4513 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 4511 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CH 4523 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 4521 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| BCH 4013 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| Choose two of the following: | 8 | |
| General Microbiology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy | ||
| Comparative Vertebrate Embryology | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Applied Physics Curriculum
For this curriculum the required physics courses for the physics major are reduced by 6 hours of physics electives. The recommended use of these 6 hours and 15 elective hours follows:
| PH 4333 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| or ECE 3323 | Electromagnetics II | |
| Technical electives; consult advisor | 18 | |
Courses
PH 1001 Introduction to Physics: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). One hour lecture. Only open to Freshmen and transfer physics majors or prospective majors. Introduction to the profession. Historical perspectives. Use of microcomputers in physics
PH 1011 Physical Science Laboratory I: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Experiments in mechanics, sound. light, electricity and magnetism. Recommended lab to accompany PH 1013
PH 1013 Physical Science Survey I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C' or better in MA 0103, or MA 1313, or MA 1323, or ACT math subscore of at least 19). Three hours lecture. Topics include mechanics, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Recommended laboratory PH 1011
PH 1021 Physical Science Laboratory 2: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Experiments in chemistry,heat, astronomy, and energy. Recommended lab to accompany PH 1023. Could also accompany PH 1063
PH 1023 Physical Science Survey 2: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Topics include chemistry, heat, astronomy, and energy. PH 1013 is not a prerequisite. Recommended laboratory PH 1021
PH 1031 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
PH 1063 Descriptive Astronomy: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Night observation. The solar system; description and evolution of stars and the universe; methods of obtaining astronomical information; applications of astronomical knowledge
PH 1113 General Physics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 1323 or an ACT Math subscore of at least 26). Two hours lecture, one hour drill, two hours laboratory). Non-calculus-based study of the fundamental laws of mechanics and fluids
PH 1123 General Physics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 1113 or PH 2213). Two hours lecture, one hour drill, two hours laboratory. Noncalculus-based study of thermal physics, waves, sound, and light
PH 1133 General Physics III: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 1113 or PH 2213). Two hours lecture, one hour drill, two hours laboratory. Noncalculus-based study of electricity and magnetism and selected topics in modern physics
PH 1990 Special Topics in Physics: 9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PH 2213 Physics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:Grade of C or better in MA 1713). Three hours lecture. Calculus-based course emphasizing Newtonian mechanics and conservation laws. Honors section available
PH 2223 Physics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 2213 and MA 1723). Two hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours laboratory. Calculus-based introduction to gravitation, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory emphasizes concepts of force and motion, conservation laws, and simple electrical circuits. Honors section available
PH 2233 Physics III: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 2223). Two hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours laboratory. Calculus-based course in simple harmonic motion, waves, optics and an introduction to modern physics. Laboratory emphasizes optics and electronics
PH 2990 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PH 3063 Astrophysics: 3 hours.
(Co-requisite: PH 3613 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Quantitative treatment of astronomical topics. Stellar evolution, black holes, neutron stars, gamma-ray bursts, Newtonian and relativistic cosmologies, Big Bang
PH 3613 Modern Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 2233 or PH 1133; MA 2733, or registration in MA 2733). Three hours lecture. Special relativity, quantum physics, atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics
PH 4000 Directed Individual Study in Physics: 1-6 hours.
PH 4113 Electronic Circuits for Scientists: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2223 and MA 2733). Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory. DC and AC circuits. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes and transistors in basic analog circuits. Topics include filters, tuned circuits, power supplies, amplifiers and oscillators
PH 4143 Intermediate Laboratory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Six hours laboratory. Data analysis. Experiments in classical and modern physics. Scientific report writing
PH 4152 Modern Physics Laboratory: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4143/6143) Six hours Laboratory.Scientific report writing. Experiments in modern physics, optics, and classical physics
PH 4213 Intermediate Mechanics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2233 and MA 2733). Three hours lecture. Plane statics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles with emphasis on both derivation and application of principles involved
PH 4223 Intermediate Mechanics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4213/6213). Three hours lecture. Statics and dynamics of particles in three dimensional space using vector notation; Lagrange's equations; introduction to the special theory of relativity
PH 4323 Electromagnetic Fields I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2233 and MA 2743). Three hours lecture. Electrostatics, dielectrics, electric current, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, magnetic properties of matter
PH 4333 Electromagnetic Fields II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4323/6323). Three hours lecture. Maxwell's equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space and in matter, reflection and refraction, radiation
PH 4413 Thermal Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 3613 and MA 2743). Three hours lecture. Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Applications to low temperature physics, solid-state physics and plasma physics
PH 4433 Computational Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 3253, Co-requisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. An Introduction to modern methods of computational physics including topics such as solution of differential equations, numerical matrix methods, and Monte Carlo simulation
PH 4513 Intermediate Optics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1123 or PH 2233 and MA 2733). Three hours lecture. Geometrical optics and physical optics
PH 4613 Nuclear and Particle Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. Special theory of relativity; nuclear structure; radioactivity; nuclear reactions; nuclear forces; fission; fusion; high energy particle and astrophysics. Experimental apparatuses and techniques
PH 4713 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 3613 and MA 3253). Three hours lecture. Principles of quantum mechanics, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, angular momentum; the Schrodinger wave equation in one and three dimensions; the one-electron atom
PH 4723 Applications of Quantum Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4713/6713). Three hours lecture. Introduction to perturbation theory and quantum statistics. Topics selected from multi-electron atoms, diatomic molecules, solid state and nuclear physics
PH 4813 Introduction to Solid State Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. Crystal structure, crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, free electron gas, energy bands, and semiconductors
PH 4990 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PH 6013 Selected Topics in Physics for Teachers: 3 hours.
Two hours classwork, three hours laboratory. For teachers. Basic concepts of physics. Will include discussion and clarification of material from currently adopted public school textbooks
PH 6113 Electronic Circuits for Scientists: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2223 and MA 2733). Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory. DC and AC circuits. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes and transistors in basic analog circuits. Topics include filters, tuned circuits, power supplies, amplifiers and oscillators
PH 6143 Intermediate Laboratory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Six hours laboratory. Data analysis. Experiments in classical and modern physics. Scientific report writing
PH 6213 Intermediate Mechanics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2233 and MA 2733). Three hours lecture. Plane statics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles with emphasis on both derivation and application of principles involved
PH 6223 Intermediate Mechanics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4213/6213). Three hours lecture. Statics and dynamics of particles in three dimensional space using vector notation; Lagrange's equations; introduction to the special theory of relativity
PH 6323 Electromagnetic Fields I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1133 or PH 2233 and MA 2743). Three hours lecture. Electrostatics, dielectrics, electric current, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, magnetic properties of matter
PH 6333 Electromagnetic Fields II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4323/6323). Three hours lecture. Maxwell's equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space and in matter, reflection and refraction, radiation
PH 6413 Thermal Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 3613 and MA 2743). Three hours lecture. Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Applications to low temperature physics, solid-state physics and plasma physics
PH 6433 Computational Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 3253, Co-requisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. An Introduction to modern methods of computational physics including topics such as solution of differential equations, numerical matrix methods, and Monte Carlo simulation
PH 6513 Intermediate Optics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 1123 or PH 2233 and MA 2733). Three hours lecture. Geometrical optics and physical optics
PH 6613 Nuclear and Particle Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. Special theory of relativity; nuclear structure; radioactivity; nuclear reactions; nuclear forces; fission; fusion; high energy particle and astrophysics. Experimental apparatuses and techniques
PH 6713 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 3613 and MA 3253). Three hours lecture. Principles of quantum mechanics, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, angular momentum; the Schrodinger wave equation in one and three dimensions; the one-electron atom
PH 6723 Applications of Quantum Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4713/6713). Three hours lecture. Introduction to perturbation theory and quantum statistics. Topics selected from multi-electron atoms, diatomic molecules, solid state and nuclear physics
PH 6813 Introduction to Solid State Physics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 3613). Three hours lecture. Crystal structure, crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, free electron gas, energy bands, and semiconductors
PH 6990 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PH 7000 Directed Individual Study in Physics and Astronomy: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PH 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Physics and Astronomy: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PH 8111 Seminars and Colloquia: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). One hour lecture. Course is focused on presentations of original research studies related to various research areas in the department. It is given by experts in their fields and required to be completed in each semester that the graduate student is in residence at MSU
PH 8213 Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: A good undergraduate training in physics and mathematics consent of instructor). Coordinate systems and transformations, tensors, and matrices. Particle dynamics, variational principles, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, rigid body motion, special relativity in mechanics
PH 8233 Methods of Theoretical Physics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Topics will vary, but may include linear vector spaces, tensor analysis, group theory, function space and orthogonal polynomials
PH 8243 Methods of Theoretical Physics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 8233). Topics will vary but may include analytic functions, Fourier analysis, Green's functions, integral transforms, partial differential equations and integral equations
PH 8313 Electromagnetic Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4333 or equivalent). Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism. Boundary value problems in electrostatics, static multipole moments, theory of dielectrics, magnetostatics, plane electromagnetic waves, simple radiating systems. (Same as ECE 8313)
PH 8323 Electromagnetic Theory II: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Maxwwell's theory of electromagnetism: Electromagnetic waves,time-dependent multipole, expansions, radiation, waveguides, scattering diffraction, and specialty relativity . (Same as ECE 8323 )
PH 8513 Statistical Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 4713 and PH 4413 ). Classical and quantum statistical mechanics and statistical interpretation of thermodynamic quantities
PH 8613 Nuclear Physics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 4723). Nuclear two-body problem and nuclear forces. Interpretation of experimental data through a study of nuclear models. Nuclear reactions and spectroscopy
PH 8743 Quantum Mechanics I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 4723 and MA 3313). Schrodinger theory, spherically symmetric systems, matrix mechanics, angular momentum and spin, time-independent perturbation theory
PH 8753 Quantum Mechanics II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 8743). Time dependent perturbation theory, identical particles, theory of scattering, quantum-statistical mechanics, introduction of relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics
PH 8803 Molecular Structure: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PH 8743). Theory of rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra of molecules. Molecular structure and determination of molecular constants
PH 8883 Many Body Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PH 8753) Three hours lecture. Boson and Fermion Green functions at zero and finite temperature, electron conductivity, interacting electron gas, magnetism, electron-phonon interaction and superconductivity
PH 8990 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PH 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Physics: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged