Undergraduate Department of Physics

College of Arts and Sciences

Chair: Paul Eugenio; Associate Chair: Paul Cottle; Professors: Adams, Askew, Blessing, Boebinger, Bonesteel, Cao, Capstick, Chiorescu, Cottle, Credé, Dobrosavljevic, Eugenio, Greene, Hill, Hoeflich, Huffenberger, Manousakis, Marengo, Okui, Piekarewicz, Prosper, Reina, Riley, Roberts, Sanchez, Tabor, Vafek, Van Winkle, Volya, Wiedenhoever, Xiong, Yang; Associate Professors: Almaraz-Calderon, Beekman, Collins, Febres Cordero, Gao, Hsiao, Kolberg, Lind, Murphy, Yohay; Assistant Professors: Changlani, Dobbs, Fossez, Lewandowski, Ni, Spieker, Tobioka, Tripathi; Research Professors: Balicas, Frawley, Green, Myers, Popovic; Research Faculty I: Martinez, Ostrovidov; Research Faculty II: Baumbach, Graf, McGill, Shehter, Song, Tang; Research Faculty III: Baby, Choi, Engel, Hannahs, Johnson, Park, A. Reyes, Smirnov, Tozer, Xin; Teaching Faculty II: Hori; Instructional Specialist III: B. Reyes; Professors Emeriti: Albright, Berg, Duke, S. Hagopian, V. Hagopian, Kemper, Ng, Owens, Philpott, Rikvold, Schlottmann, Skofronick, Wahl

Florida State University's Department of Physics offers exciting programs and opportunities for students interested in learning physics. Our physics curriculum provides a solid foundation for future graduate work or immediate employment. There are many reasons students seek the challenges and rigors that come from making physics a part of their undergraduate studies. Those who choose physics find themselves in a field that both expands their abilities and provides them with an immense feeling of accomplishment. Perhaps the most important benefits gained from an education in physics are the confidence and the ability to tackle complex technical problems. As a result, physicists can contribute to many professions.

Physics is the foundation of all sciences and has been the pursuit of some of the greatest minds in history, including Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, and Dirac. Their discoveries and quest for knowledge form the foundation of our physics program. This proud tradition and passion for inquiry has produced a modern professional community of physicists whose contributions are continually expanding and changing our society. Whether it is on the end of a space-boom fixing the Hubble telescope, creating and developing the World Wide Web, searching for the fundamental fabric of our universe, exploring safer and more reliable ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, or finding new and better ways to live, you will always find physicists on the frontier. So if you enjoy mathematics and science and are ready for a challenge, you should make physics a part of your education.

The internationally recognized faculty includes many who have earned prestigious awards for their research and teaching. The faculty believe that the quality of teaching, at all levels, is enhanced by a strong research program. Undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows participate in all aspects of research in physics at Florida State University. In fact, most undergraduate physics majors participate in research projects, and many are co-authors on publications. This research includes strong programs in both experimental and theoretical studies in astrophysics and elementary particle, nuclear, condensed matter, and atomic and molecular physics. There are also many opportunities for interdisciplinary research, particularly at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics (IMB).

Experimental facilities include: a 9.5 MV Super FN Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator with superconducting post accelerator; the RESOLUT radioactive beam facility; a state-of-the-art gamma spectrometer array; electron spin resonance and electron double nuclear resonance spectrometers; liquid helium refrigerators; thin film preparation facilities including sputtering and laser ablation; ultrahigh vacuum instrumentation including surface analysis (LEED, Auger, optical) and molecular beam epitaxy; synthesis and characterization facilities for novel materials; X-ray diffractometers with various sample stages for high and low temperature studies, multi-sample analysis and small angle studies; scanning electron, tunneling, and optical microscopes with image analysis; SQUID and vibrating sample magnetometers; a helium atom surface scattering facility; and a modern astronomical observatory, including a 17-inch primary science-grade telescope housed in a 10-foot fiberglass dome. The NHMFL provides a modern infrastructure enabling research in magnetic fields, including the highest-powered DC fields in the world, mainly used for materials science research, and facilities providing the highest fields in the world for nuclear, ion cyclotron, and electron magnetic resonance spectrometers as well as magnetic resonance imaging. Experimental work in elementary particle physics is done at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois and at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland.

Computers are an integral part of all research programs in the department. The computational infrastructure is upgraded continuously to keep pace with advances in technology. In addition to using computers in research, students are expected to utilize numerical methods for problem solving in their course work.

Programs Offered

The Department of Physics offers programs leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The department offers the following majors: Physics, Physics & Astrophysics, and Physical Science. The departmental course offerings include courses for non-science majors, for non-physical-science majors, for K–12 educators, and for physical science majors. Honors work is available.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in Physics and Physics & Astrophysics satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in PHZ 1140C. Undergraduate majors in Physical Science satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in COP 3014, COP 3363, ISC 3313, or PHZ 1140C.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Physics

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Physics. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/7/182.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Requirements

Note: The Physics, Physics & Astrophysics, and Physical Science programs do not require any chemistry courses; transfer students will be admitted without having taken them. Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the “College of Arts and Sciences” chapter of this General Bulletin. Outlines of undergraduate programs that will meet all departmental and University requirements are available at https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Physical Science majors may take any university course satisfying the University communication requirement. The University digital literacy requirement is satisfied for Physics and Physics & Astrophysics majors by taking PHZ 1140C; it is satisfied for Physical Science majors by taking COP 3014, COP 3363, ISC 3313, or PHZ 1140C.

Policy on Prerequisites

All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of “C–” or better.

Physics Major

A Physics major is required to take:

The following core courses: Discovering Physics (PHY 1090), General Physics A (PHY 2048C), General Physics B (PHY 2049C), Intermediate Modern Physics (PHY 3101), Physics Problem Solving (PHY 3045), Mathematical Physics I (PHZ 3113), Mechanics I (PHY 3221), Intermediate Laboratory (PHY 3802L), Electricity and Magnetism I (PHY 4323), Thermal and Statistical Physics (PHY 4513), Quantum Theory of Matter A (PHY 4604), and Advanced Laboratory (PHY 4822Lr).
At least four of the following courses, including at least one asterisked (*) course: *Introduction to Astrophysics (AST 4211), *Fluid and Plasma Physics (PHZ 4530), *Optics (PHY 3424), Mechanics II (PHY 4222), Electricity and Magnetism II (PHY 4324), Quantum Theory of Matter B (PHY 4605), Math Physics II (PHZ 4117), *Phenomena in Condensed Matter Physics (PHZ 3400), *Particle and Nuclear Physics (PHZ 4390), and *Special and General Relativity (PHZ 4601).
The following computational course: Computational Physics Lab (PHZ 1140C).
The following mathematics classes: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAC 2311), Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (MAC 2312), Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (MAC 2313), and Ordinary Differential Equations (MAP 2302) or Engineering Mathematics I (MAP 3305).

Students who are planning to conduct graduate work in physics are strongly advised to include Quantum Theory of Matter B (PHY 4605), Mechanics II (PHY 4222), Math Physics II (PHZ 4117), and Electricity and Magnetism II (PHY 4324) in their programs.

An Honors Thesis or Senior Thesis (minimum of 6 credit hours) may be substituted for the Advanced Lab (PHY 4822Lr).

No physics or math course with a grade below “C–” may be used to satisfy the above requirements. A student who has received more than two unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the major, excluding the Term 1–4 State Common Prerequisites milestone courses, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with this major. Required courses at this level consist of the following: MAP 2302/MAP 3305, PHY 1090, PHY 3045, PHY 3101, PHY 3221, PHY 3802L, PHY 4323, PHY 4513, PHY 4604, PHY 4822Lr, PHZ 3113, PHZ 1140C.

The required mathematics courses for the Physics program constitute a minor in mathematics, but a student who so desires may take an additional approved minor.

In addition to satisfying the above requirements, students must satisfy the general requirements of both the College of Arts and Sciences and the University.

Physics & Astrophysics Major

A Physics & Astrophysics major is required to take:

The following core courses: Discovering Physics (PHY 1090), General Physics A (PHY 2048C), General Physics B (PHY 2049C), Intermediate Modern Physics (PHY 3101), Physics Problem Solving (PHY 3045), Mathematical Physics I (PHZ 3113), Mechanics I (PHY 3221), Electricity and Magnetism I (PHY 4323), Thermal and Statistical Physics (PHY 4513), Quantum Theory of Matter A (PHY 4604), Astrophysics Laboratory (AST 3721L) or Intermediate Laboratory (PHY 3802L), Introduction to Astrophysics (AST 4211), Extragalactic Astronomy (AST 4419), and Observational Techniques in Astrophysics (AST 4722).
At least two of the following courses: Physics of Stars (AST 4217), Fluid and Plasma Physics (PHZ 4530), Cosmology and Structure Formation (AST 4414), Particle and Nuclear Physics (PHZ 4390), Special and General Relativity (PHZ 4601), and Nuclear Astrophysics (PHZ 4316).
The following computational course: Computational Physics Laboratory (PHZ 1140C).
The following mathematics classes: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAC 2311), Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (MAC 2312), Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (MAC 2313), and Ordinary Differential Equations (MAP 2302) or Engineering Mathematics I (MAP 3305).

Students who are planning to conduct graduate work in astrophysics are strongly advised to include Mechanics II (PHY 4222), Math Physics II (PHZ 4117), Quantum Theory of Matter B (PHY 4605), and Electricity and Magnetism II (PHY 4324) in their programs.

No physics or math course with a grade below “C–” may be used to satisfy the above requirements. A student who has received more than two unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the major, excluding the Term 1–4 State Common Prerequisites milestone courses, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with this major. Required courses at this level consist of the following: AST 3721L or PHY 3802L, AST 4211, AST 4419, AST 4722, MAP 2302/MAP 3305, PHY 1090, PHY 3045, PHY 3101, PHY 3221, PHY 4323, PHY 4513, PHY 4604, PHZ 3113, PHZ 1140C.

The required mathematics courses for the Physics & Astrophysics program constitute a minor in mathematics, but a student who so desires may take an additional approved minor.

In addition to satisfying the above requirements, students must satisfy the general requirements of both the College of Arts and Sciences and the University.

Physical Science Major

The Physical Science program is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore the natural and technological worlds broadly, from the Earth and space sciences to modern physics to computer science and mathematics. A Physical Science major is required to take:

The following core courses: General Physics A (PHY 2048C), General Physics B (PHY 2049C), and Intermediate Modern Physics (PHY 3101).
One of the following computational courses: Programming I (COP 3014), Introduction to Programming in C++ for Majors (COP 3363), Computational Physics Lab (PHZ 1140C), or Introduction to Scientific Computing (ISC 3313).
The following mathematics courses: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAC 2311), Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (MAC 2312), and Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (MAC 2313).
At least eleven courses (at least thirty-five credit hours): General Chemistry I and Lab (CHM 1045/1045L), General Chemistry II and Lab (CHM 1046/1046L), Ordinary Differential Equations (MAP 2302) or Engineering Math I (MAP 3305), Applied Linear Algebra I (MAS 3105), Introduction to Astrophysics (AST 4211), Physics Problem Solving (PHY 3045), Mechanics I (PHY 3221), Optics (PHY 3424), Intermediate Laboratory (PHY 3802L) or Astrophysics Laboratory (AST 3721L), Mathematical Physics I (PHZ 3113), Phenomena in Condensed Matter Physics (PHZ 3400), Particle and Nuclear Physics (PHZ 4390), Survey of Organic Chemistry and Lab (CHM 2200 and 2200L) or Organic Chemistry I (CHM 2210), Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Lab (CHM 3120 and 3120L), General Physical Chemistry (CHM 3400), Programming I (COP 3014, unless used to satisfy the computer skills requirement), Object Oriented Programming (COP 3330), Introduction to Unix (COP 3353), Physical Geology (GLY 2010C), History of Earth Systems (ESC 3100C), Mineralogy and Crystallography (GLY 3200C), Physical Climatology (MET 3101), General Meteorology (MET 2700), Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics (MET 3300).
Other upper-division courses in physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, meteorology, and mathematics may also be accepted. Acceptable courses are those intended for majors within the above departments; courses designated as “for non-majors” and courses intended for students outside of these majors will not be accepted. Please speak with a Physics advisor before enrolling to see if particular courses satisfy this requirement. Courses required for a minor or an additional major will not be counted toward satisfying this requirement.

No physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, meteorology, math or scientific computing course with a grade below “C–” may be used to satisfy the above requirements.

The required mathematics courses for the Physical Science program constitute a minor in mathematics, but a student who so desires may take an additional approved minor.

In addition to satisfying the above requirements, students must satisfy the general requirements of both the College of Arts and Sciences and the University.

Minor

The required mathematics courses for the Physics, Physics & Astrophysics, and Physical Science programs constitute a minor in mathematics, but a student who so desires may take an additional approved minor.

Minor in Physics

To obtain a minor in physics, a student is required to take General Physics A (PHY 2048C), General Physics B (PHY 2049C), and Intermediate Modern Physics (PHY 3101). Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for a minor.

Minor in Biomedical Physics

The Physics Department offers a minor in Biomedical Physics designed for students preparing for graduate studies in the biological sciences, for medical school, or for medical professions such as physical therapy. Students are required to take either General Physics A and B (PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C) or College Physics A and B (PHY 2053C and PHY 2054C), and Biomedical Physics I and II (PHZ 4702 and PHZ 4703). Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for a minor.

Minor in Astrophysics

To obtain a minor in astrophysics, a student is required to take General Physics A (PHY 2048C), General Physics B (PHY 2049C), and Introduction to Astrophysics (AST 4211). Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for a minor.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Physics offers a program in Honors in the Major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Definition of Prefixes

AST—Astronomy

COP—Computer Programming

MAP—Mathematics Applied

PHY—Physics

PHZ—Physics: Continued

PSC—Physical Sciences

Undergraduate Courses

Courses for Non-Science Majors

AST 1002. Planets, Stars, and Galaxies (3). This course provides general acquaintance with some of the facts, concepts and scientific methods of astronomy. As a liberal study course, the goal is to help students learn some basic facts of astronomy as well as gain an appreciation of astronomy as a science, the universe, and the current scientific ideas about its history and its future.

AST 1002L. Planets, Stars, and Galaxies Laboratory (1). Corequisite: AST 1002. This course, which consists of outdoor and indoor labs, provides a hands-on introduction to astronomy as an observational science. In the outdoor labs students learn how to make observations and measurements of planetary, stellar and galactic objects using either your unaided eyes, binoculars or a telescope. The indoor labs acquaint them with the telescope, the coordinate system used to locate astronomical objects on the sky, the motion of objects in the sky and other basic concepts of astronomy.

PHY 1020. Physics and Technology for Future Presidents (3). This course is for non-science majors and contains the essential physics students need in order to understand today's core science and technology issues, and to become the next generation of world leaders. The course empowers students possessing any level of scientific background with the tools they need to make informed decisions and to argue their views persuasively with anyone, expert or otherwise.

PHY 1020L. Physics and Technology for Future Presidents Laboratory (1). Corequisite: PHY 1020. This course is designed to accompany the PHY 1020 lecture course. Although the lab material generally follows the lecture, some topics may be treated earlier or later in the lab syllabus.

Courses for Non-Physical-Science Majors

PHY 2053C. College Physics A (4). Prerequisites: MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 with grades of “C–” or better or suitable mathematics examination placement score. Corequisite: PHY 2053L. This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence for life-sciences students and is intended to provide a general knowledge of the basic concepts of physics relating to mechanics, energy, gravity, rotational motion, fluids, heat, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves. Physics is based on problem solving and this class involves both solving word problems and performing laboratory exercises. The level of mathematical skill necessary to complete this course is a strong proficiency with algebra (especially word problems) and trigonometric functions; calculus is not used.

PHY 2053L. College Physics A Laboratory (0).

PHY 2054C. College Physics B (4). Prerequisite: PHY 2053C or PHY 2048C. Corequisite: PHY 2054L. This course is an introduction to electromagnetism, light, and modern physics for non-physical-science majors. Two lectures, one recitation, and one laboratory each week. Students who have previously received credit for PHY 2049C may not register for PHY 2054C.

PHY 2054L. College Physics B Laboratory (0).

PHZ 4702. Biomedical Physics I (3). Prerequisites: PHY 2053C and PHY 2054C or PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C. This course is the first in a series of two introductory courses on the applications of physics in biology and medicine. The course discusses applications of classical mechanics, hydrodynamics, and thermodynamics to motion, to the structure of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and circulatory systems, as well as to the biology of the cell. The course is intended for students preparing for graduate studies in the biological sciences, for medical school, or for medical professions such as physical therapy and nursing.

PHZ 4703. Biomedical Physics II (3). Prerequisites: PHY 2053C and PHY 2054C or PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C. This course is the second in a series of two introductory courses on the applications of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics to the nervous system, to vision, to modern topics in biomolecular research, as well as to microscopy and to modern biomedical imaging techniques. The course is intended for students preparing for graduate studies in the biological sciences, for medical school, or for medical professions such as physical therapy and nursing.

Physics for K–12 Educators

PSC 2801C. Physical Science for EC/EE Teachers (4). This course is designed for prospective elementary and early childhood education majors. The course combines physics and chemistry and the laboratory is integral to the course. Students work in groups in a hands-on, minds-on approach to learning physical science.

PHY 3012. Learning Assistantship in Physics (2). Prerequisites: PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C. Corequisite: PHY 3101. This course focuses on apprentice teaching in an inquiry-based physics learning environment under the direction of a faculty member. In addition, the course provides an examination of theoretical issues such as conceptual development, conceptual change, collaborative learning, technology in education, and students' conceptions of various topics in physics, as well as practical issues encountered in facilitating learning, managing the classroom, formative and summative assessment, and differentiating instruction in a collaborative environment.

General Physics for Physical-Science Majors

PHY 2048C. General Physics A (5). Prerequisite: MAC 2311. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how and why things move. Topics covered include kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, oscillations, and thermodynamics. The course is intended for physical science majors and engineers and to be taken as a sequence with General Physics B (PHY 2049C) and Intermediate Modern Physics (PHY 3101). Completing Modern Physics entitles students to a minor in physics. Calculus is used in this course.

PHY 2048L. General Physics A Laboratory (0).

PHY 2049C. General Physics B (5). Prerequisites: PHY 2048C and MAC 2312. Corequisite: PHY 2049L. This course is a calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism, and optics for physical science majors. Course consists of lectures, recitations, and laboratory.

PHY 2049L. General Physics B Laboratory (0).

Courses for Majors

AST 3721L. Astrophysics Laboratory (2). Prerequisite: PHY 3101. This course offers an introduction to experimental methodology, data analysis and interpretation, calibration techniques, scientific model validation, as well as data presentation and communication of results. The laboratory experiments have astrophysical relevance.

AST 4211. Introduction to Astrophysics (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2312 and PHY 2049C; science majors only. This introductory course covers key aspects and concepts of modern astronomy and astrophysics, including coordinate systems, instrumentation, our sun and planets, stars and stellar evolution, binary systems and variable stars, stellar explosions, as well as galaxies and the evolution of the universe.

AST 4217. The Physics of Stars (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3101 and PHY 3221. This course serves as an introduction to star formation, evolution, and death through simple theoretical modeling and through a strong emphasis on the underlying physics concepts.

AST 4414. Cosmology and Structure Formation (3). Prerequisites: AST 4211 and PHY 3101. This course covers the evolution of the universe from the “Hot Big Bang” to the current epoch. Topics include cosmological expansion, the Hubble constant and other cosmological parameters, the microwave background radiation, early universe nucleosynthesis, the growth of large-scale structure, the “dark ages” and the re-ionization of the universe, the horizon and other fine-tuning problems, distance determinations, redshift surveys, inflation, cosmological acceleration, as well as dark matter and dark energy.

AST 4419. Extragalactic Astronomy (3). Prerequisite: AST 4211. This course offers a survey of the physics and phenomenology of galaxies and galaxy structures. Topics include stellar populations, classifications systems, interstellar and intergalactic material, chemical abundances and evolution, galaxy formation, structure, dynamics and evolution, extragalactic distance determination, interacting systems, as well as active galactic nuclei.

AST 4722. Observational Techniques in Astrophysics (3). Prerequisite: AST 4211. This course covers principles and techniques used in obtaining modern astronomical data. Includes an overview of current and next-generation astronomical instrumentation, discussion of calibration schemes and observing strategies, and an introduction to analysis techniques.

PHY 1102. Applications of Modern Physics Research (3). This course describes how a specific subfield of modern physics is used to understand how nature works in an interdisciplinary way and how knowledge from the same subfield has been applied to medical science, energy production, and other areas that impact our everyday lives.

PHY 1090r. Discovering Physics (1). This course is an introduction to being and becoming a physicist. May be repeated to a maximum of two semester hours.

PHY 3045. Physics Problem Solving (3). Prerequisites: PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C. Corequisites: PHY 3101 and MAC 2313 and MAP 2302, or instructor permission. This course includes instruction and practice in solving advanced, calculus-based, multi-step problems in classical mechanics and E&M.

PHY 3091. Communication in Physics (2). Prerequisite: PHY 3045 and PHY 3101. This course consists of instruction and practice in oral communications for physicists. Students choose physics topics in consultation with instructor and present them to the class.

PHY 3101. Intermediate Modern Physics (3). Prerequisite: PHY 2049C. This course focuses on special relativity, quantum properties of light and matter, and origins of the universe.

PHY 3221. Mechanics I (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3045, PHY 3101, and MAP 2302. Corequisite: MAC 2313. This course focuses on Newtonian mechanics of a single particle, oscillations, nonlinear oscillations and chaos, gravitation, central force motion, systems of particles, and motion in noninertial reference frames.

PHY 3424. Optics (3). Prerequisite: PHY 2049C. This course focuses on topics such as: geometrical optics, wave optics, optical instrumentation, properties of light, lasers, fiber optics.

PHY 3802L. Intermediate Laboratory (2). Prerequisite: PHY 3101. This course focuses on experiments in optics, modern physics and electricity and magnetism. The emphasis is on the development of experimental technique, assessment of the validity of experimental data, and the development of skill in the written presentation of results.

PHY 4222. Mechanics II (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3221, PHZ 3113, or instructor permission. This course focuses on Lagrangian dynamics, Hamiltonian dynamics, dynamics of rigid bodies, coupled oscillations, waves in one-dimensional continuous systems, and special relativity.

PHY 4323. Electricity and Magnetism I (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3221 and PHZ 3113. This course focuses on electric fields for static charge distributions, electric fields in matter, magnetic fields for constant current configurations, magnetic fields in matter, and Maxwell's equations.

PHY 4324. Electricity and Magnetism II (3). Prerequisite: PHY 4323. This course focuses on electromagnetic wave solutions to Maxwell's equations; reflection, transmission, dispersion, and absorption of electromagnetic waves; scalar and vector potentials; electromagnetic dipole radiation; electrodynamics; and relativity.

PHY 4513. Thermal and Statistical Physics (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2313, PHY 3221, and PHZ 3113. This course studies the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and their application to simple systems, the kinetic theory of an ideal gas, and is an introduction to the classical and quantum statistical mechanics of weakly interacting systems.

PHY 4604. Quantum Theory of Matter A (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3101, PHY 3221, and PHZ 3113. This course focuses on quantum mechanics and its applications to particles, nuclei, atoms, molecules, and condensed matter.

PHY 4605. Quantum Theory of Matter B (3). Prerequisite: PHY 4604. This course focuses on quantum mechanics and its applications to particles, nuclei, atoms, molecules, and condensed matter.

PHY 4822Lr. Advanced Laboratory (2). Prerequisite: PHY 3802L. This course consists of experiments in atomic physics, nuclear physics, and other areas of modern physics. Students are expected to work without detailed instructions. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours for special projects arranged in advance between the student and the instructor.

PHZ 1140C. Computational Physics Laboratory (3). Prerequisites: High school algebra and trigonometry. This course provides a hands-on approach to learning about physical systems through numerical and symbolic computation using freely available computational software.

PHZ 3113. Mathematical Physics (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3045 and PHY 3101. Corequisite: MAP 2302 or MAP 3305. This course focuses on: mathematical methods applied to physical systems; vectors, specialized techniques of integration, integral transforms, special functions, boundary-value problems, numerical methods.

PHZ 3400. Phenomena in Condensed Matter Physics (3). Prerequisite: PHY 3101. This course covers topics such as: crystal structures, phonons and thermal properties, electron energy bands, metals, semiconductors, superconductors, and magnetism.

PHZ 4117. Mathematical Physics II (3). Prerequisite: PHZ 3113. This course is an introduction to additional, more advanced mathematical techniques that are useful in physics.

PHZ 4316. Nuclear Astrophysics (3). Prerequisite: AST 4211. Corequisite: PHY 4604. This course offers an introduction to the role of nuclear reactions and decays in astrophysics. Topics cover the origin of elements in the context of Big Bang, major burning stages in the life of a star, stellar explosions, and processes in interstellar matter.

PHZ 4390. Particle and Nuclear Physics (3). Prerequisites: MAP 2302 or MAP 3305 and PHY 3101, or instructor permission. This course examines the properties of nuclei and particles, nuclear and particle decays, the Standard Model, and accelerator and detector techniques.

PHZ 4470. Materials Characterization (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2313, PHZ 3400, and PHZ 4471. This course is an introduction to a large variety of materials characterization techniques that have been developed and are currently used in materials science research.

PHZ 4471. Materials Synthesis and Applications (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2313, PHY 3101, and PHZ 3400. This course is an introduction to materials synthesis and materials applications.

PHZ 4530. Fluid and Plasma Physics (3). Prerequisites: PHY 3221 and PHZ 3113. This course introduces hydrodynamics, plasma physics, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).

PHZ 4601. Special and General Relativity (3). Prerequisite: PHY 3221. Corequisite: PHY 4323. This course examines the special theory of relativity, tensor analysis and curvature, general theory of relativity, experimental tests, black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology.

Research and Special Topics

AST 4218r. Astrophysics Seminar (1). Prerequisite: AST 4211. This seminar introduces students to current research topics in astronomy and astrophysics through presentation and discussion of recently published research papers, their own research work, and occasional review publications. Topics cover observational and theoretical astrophysics alike. May be repeated to a maximum of two semester hours.

PHY 1921r. WIMSE Colloquium (1). This course is a colloquium for the Women in Math, Science and Engineering Living-Learning Community. Students must be members of the WIMSE Living-Learning Community.

PHY 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). A dedicated, academic study over the course of a semester of a specific topic performed under supervision of a member of the teaching or research faculty of the physics department. May be repeated to a maximum of eighteen semester hours.

PHY 4910r. Research Participation (1–3). This course consists of projects in theoretical or experimental physics arranged in advance between the student and a member of the teaching faculty of the physics department. May be repeated to a maximum of eighteen semester hours.

PHY 4936r. Special Topics in Physics (1–3). Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor permission. This course consists of advanced applications of physics to topics of interest, such as relativity, astrophysics, particle physics, advanced solid state physics, or advanced nuclear physics. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

PHY 4937r. Undergraduate Tutorial in Physics (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Upper-division undergraduate standing. This course consists of selected topics in modern physics. Examination of primary research literature. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen semester hours. A maximum of eight students allowed in each tutorial.

PHY 4942r. Formative Experience in Physics (0). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Must be taken during the semester the student is participating in a Formative Experience. This zero-credit-hour course accompanies a Formative Experience in Physics to meet FSU Liberal Studies requirements.

PHY 4970r. Honors in the Major Research (1–6). In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours total, but may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credit hours in total.

PHY 4975. Senior Thesis (1). Pre- or corequisite: PHY 4910. This course consists of a written report and an oral presentation discussing research work done under PHY 4910. The grade is assigned by a committee of three faculty members.

For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.

2024-2025 UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN