Physics (PHYS)

University Directory
University Courses

PHYS 451/551 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 113 or PHYS 213 and prerequisite or corequisite MATH 321. This is a systematic introduction to classical mechanics emphasizing motion in three dimensions. Topics include central forces, harmonic oscillations, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body motion, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. Students enrolled in PHYS 551 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 451.

PHYS 471/571 QUANTUM MECHANICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 321 or permission of instructor. This is a systematic introduction to quantum mechanics, emphasizing the Schrödinger equation. Topics include simple soluble problems, the hydrogen atom, approximation methods and other aspects of quantum theory. Students enrolled in PHYS 571 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 471.

PHYS 481/581 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. This course looks at mathematical methods used to formulate and solve problems in various fields of physics. Topics are chosen from: series solutions, special functions, computational methods, complex variables, multi-variate methods, transform methods, and other areas of mathematical applications to physics. Students enrolled in PHYS 581 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 481.

PHYS 491 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic.

PHYS 492 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.

PHYS 671 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 432 or equivalent. The formulation and solution of problems in the various fields of physics. Topics include the use of series, complex variables, Green’s functions, transform methods, variational methods, eigenfunctions, and an introduction to perturbation theory.

PHYS 673 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 432 or equivalent. The formulation and solution of problems in the various fields of physics. Topics include the use of series, complex variables, Green’s functions, transform methods, variational methods, eigenfunctions, and an introduction to perturbation theory.

PHYS 691 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory or fieldwork, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor.

PHYS 692 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor.

PHYS 721 ADVANCED ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 423 or equivalent. A continuation of PHYS 421 and PHYS 423, this course treats advanced problems with special emphasis on solutions of the wave equation, Laplace’s equation, and Poisson’s equation. Through introduction of the methods of special relativity, the unity of electrical and magnetic phenomena and the covariance of Maxwell’s equations are demonstrated. If time permits, topics such as MHD and plasma physics are also introduced.

PHYS 743 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 343. Review fundamentals of thermodynamics, introduce Legendre transforms and develop the concepts of phase equilibria and stability, ensembles, partition functions, and the role of fluctuations. Statistical mechanics of non-interacting ideal systems and phase transformations, mean field theory, renormalization group theory and Monte Carlo calculations applied to the Ising Model.

PHYS 751 ADVANCED DYNAMICS I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 357 or equivalent. Advanced treatment of classical mechanics, including Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations, rigid-body motion, canonical transformations, calculus of variations, and relativity using vectors, matrices, and tensors.

PHYS 777 QUANTUM MECHANICS I
(3-0) 3 credits each. Physical basis of quantum mechanics, Schroedinger’s equation and its solution, matrix mechanics, operator methods, approximate methods with an introduction to the relativistic wave equation.

PHYS 779 QUANTUM MECHANICS II
(3-0) 3 credits each. Physical basis of quantum mechanics, Schroedinger’s equation and its solution, matrix mechanics, operator methods, approximate methods with an introduction to the relativistic wave equation.

PHYS 791 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory or fieldwork, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor.

PHYS 792 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor.

PHYS 581 Mathmatical Physics

PHYS 386/386L OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 185. This course is designed to help students expand their knowledge of astronomy through interactive seminars and observing sessions. The focus of this course will be on: 1) developing a more comprehensive background in stellar and galactic astronomy as well as solar system structure, and 2) developing observational and data collection skills using state of the art telescopes. Background knowledge in the above mentioned subjects will be fostered through instructor-supervised seminars led by the students. Students will use current web-based and advanced amateur/professional publications to lead the seminar sessions. Current theories on the formation of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe will also be covered. Advanced observing sessions will be held off-campus at the Badlands Observatory in Quinn, SD. Observing sessions will incorporate advanced 18 inch and 26 inch telescopes provided by the instructors also with CCD cameras and software for data collection and image manipulation. Observing sessions will involve students in ongoing searches for near-earth asteroids.

PHYS 111 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or MATH 123 or permission of instructor. This is the first course in a two (2) semester algebra-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. This sequence is appropriate for preprofessional majors requiring two (2) semesters of physics. Topics include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. SDSM&T covers classical mechanics only. May not be used for credit toward an engineering or science degree (except interdisciplinary science, geology (paleontology emphasis), applied chemistry, and associate of arts).

PHYS 111L INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I LAB
(0-1)1 credit. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 111. This laboratory accompanies PHYS 111. May not be used for credit toward an engineering or science degree (except interdisciplinary science, geology (paleontology emphasis), applied chemistry, and associate of arts).

PHYS 113 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II/LAB
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 111. This course is the second course in a two (2) semester algebra-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. Topics include electricity and magnetism, sound, light, optics, and some modern physics concepts. SDSM&T course covers electricity and magnetism only. May not be used for credit toward an engineering or science degree (except interdisciplinary science, geology - paleontology emphasis, chemistry - applied chemistry option, and associate of arts).

PHYS 211/211A UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 123 or permission of instructor. This is the first course in a two (2) semester calculus-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Topics include classical mechanics and thermodynamics. SDSM&T course covers classical mechanics only.

PHYS 213/213A UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 211. This course is the second course in a two (2) semester calculus-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Topics include electricity and magnetism, sound, light, and optics. SDSM&T course covers electricity and magnetism only.

PHYS 213L UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II LABORATORY
(0-1) 1 credit. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 213. This laboratory accompanies PHYS 213. Introduction to physical phenomena and measurements. Recording and processing data, determining uncertainties, reporting results. The experiments supplement the work in PHYS 211 and PHYS 213.

PHYS 275 RELATIVITY
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: A working knowledge of elementary algebra and trigonometry. Michelson-Morley experiment, inertial reference frames, the principle of relativity, space-time coordinates of an event, Lorentz Transformations, clock paradox, momentum-energy 4-vector, equivalence of energy and rest mass, the principle of equivalence, curved space-time and qualitative features of general relativity and cosmology, relevance of relativity to space travel.

PHYS 291 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic

PHYS 292 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.

PHYS 312 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS DESIGN I
(0-2) 2 credits each. Prerequisite: CENG 244 or permission of instructor. This course is structured to acquaint the student with the experimental design methods. The experiments are chosen to cover as many areas as possible in keeping with the backgrounds of faculty and abilities of the students.

PHYS 314 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS DESIGN II
(0-2) 2 credits each. Prerequisite: CENG 244 or permission of instructor. This course is structured to acquaint the student with the experimental design methods. The experiments are chosen to cover as many areas as possible in keeping with the backgrounds of faculty and abilities of the students.

PHYS 341 THERMODYNAMICS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 213 and MATH 225 or permission of instructor. This is an intermediate level thermodynamics course dealing with systems from a macroscopic perspective. Topics include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, phase diagrams, and equilibria.

PHYS 343 STATISTICAL PHYSICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 331, PHYS 341, and MATH 321 or permission of instructor. This course provides a systematic introduction to the use of statistical principles applied to the study of thermodynamic systems.

PHYS 357 DYNAMICS II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 213 and concurrent registration in MATH 321 or equivalent. Methods of classical mechanics developed from Newton’s laws, Lagrange’s equations, and conservation principles with applications to equilibrium, particle motion, central forces, small oscillations, and rigid-body dynamics. Uses vectors, calculus, and generalized coordinates.

PHYS 361 OPTICS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 113 or PHYS 213 and MATH 225 or permission of instructor. This is an intermediate level study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include analysis of refraction phenomena, thick lenses, wave nature of light, interference, diffraction, and polarization.

PHYS 363 ACOUSTICS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 213. Basic principles of vibration and sound with applications to musical instruments, sound reproduction systems, architectural acoustics, and control of noise and vibration.

PHYS 391 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic.

PHYS 392 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.

PHYS 412 ADVANCED DESIGN PROJECTS I
(0-2) 2 credits each. The student designs and carries out original projects. The aim is to involve the student in project design and the application of knowledge to a realistic problem. Students will be significantly engaged in the research efforts of the department.

PHYS 414 ADVANCED DESIGN PROJECTS II
(0-2) 2 credits each. The student designs and carries out original projects. The aim is to involve the student in project design and the application of knowledge to a realistic problem. Students will be significantly engaged in the research efforts of the department.

PHYS 421/521 ELECTROMAGNETISM
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 213 and MATH 321. This is a course in the principles of electricity and magnetism, with applications to dielectric and magnetic materials. Topics include the development of Maxwell’s equations, and applications. Students enrolled in PHYS 521 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 421.

PHYS 423 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 213; concurrent registration in MATH 321 or equivalent. Fundamental laws of static electricity and magnetism with application of solutions of Laplace’s equation. Maxwell’s equations are developed and applied to problems such as reflection and refraction at dielectric boundaries, radiation from antennas, plasma physics, superconductivity, etc.

PHYS 433/533 NUCLEAR AND ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 471 or permission of instructor. This course covers fundamental topics in nuclear physics and elementary particles. Topics include radioactivity, nuclear spectra and structure, nuclear models, elementary particle theories and high energy physics. Students enrolled in PHYS 533 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 433.

PHYS 439/539 SOLID STATE PHYSICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 321 or permission of instructor. This course looks at solid materials from a microscopic level. Topics include basic crystal structure, mechanical and thermal properties, and electronic processes with reference to electrical properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Students enrolled in PHYS 539 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in PHYS 439.

PHYS 571 Quantum Mechanics

PHYS 445 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
(4-0) 4 credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 451 and MATH 321 or permission of instructor. This course provides a systematic introduction to the use of statistical principles applied to the study of thermodynamic systems.

PHYS 521 Electromagnetism

PHYS 533 Nuclear & Elem Particles

PHYS 551 CLASSICAL MECHANICS

PHYS 113L Intro to Physics Lab
(0-1) 1 credit. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 113 This laboratory accompanies PHYS 113. May not be used for credit toward an engineering or science degree (except interdisciplinary science, geology - paleontology emphasis, applied chemistry, and associate of arts).

Contact: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
http://www.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/directory/courses/phys