Department of Physics & Astronomy

Areas of Study & Degrees

B.S. Physics
Minors:
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Engineering

Faculty

Regents Professors
- Thomas O. Callaway (1998-1999)
- Norman L. Markworth (2000-2001)
Professors
- W. Dan Bruton
- Harry D. Downing
- Robert W. Gruebel
Associate Professors
- Robert B. Friedfeld
- Walter L. Trikosko
Assistant Professors
- Joseph A. Musser
Lecturers
- Edward J. Michaels
- Ali A. Piran

Objectives

The courses in physics, astronomy and engineering are designed to acquaint students with the general all-embracing principles that are the foundations of the present understanding of physics, astronomy and engineering, and to furnish experiences in lecture and laboratory that will develop scientific attitudes, insights and techniques. The department seeks to prepare students for graduate study or to provide students preparing to teach at pre-college level with a background appropriate with their needs; to provide students with the physics background required for work in engineering, related sciences and medicine; and to assist non-science majors in developing an insight into the physical aspects of our environment and the extensive scientific activity of our society.

Definition of Majors and Minors

Programs for physics majors and minors vary with the student's goals and interests. The recommended curriculum for the student preparing for graduate study in physics or employment as a professional physicist is detailed below. Students interested in both physics and engineering may wish to consider the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Program described in the next section of this bulletin. The minimum course requirements for a major in physics consist of 36 hours of physics, astronomy and engineering, of which 20 hours must be advanced. This must include PHY 241 (or 131 with department permission), 242 (or 132 with department permission), 250 (or EGR 250), 321 (or EGR 321), 333, 347, 440 and 470, plus one course from PHY 430, 431, 441. The remaining hours to meet the 36 hours with 20 advanced must be from the following courses: PHY 110, 262 (or EGR 215), 343 (or EGR 343), 430, 431, 441, 475 (or 476), or AST 105, 305, 335. CHE 133 and 134 are also required.

The requirements for a minor in physics are 18 semester hours and must include PHY 241 (or 131 with department permission), 242 (or 132 with department permission), and 333 plus six hours (two must be advanced) from the following courses: PHY 110, 250 (or EGR 250), 321 (or EGR 321), 262 (or EGR 215), 343 (or EGR 343), 347, 430, 431, 440, 441, 470, 475 (or 476) or AST 105, 305, 335. All programs must be approved on the degree plan by the chair of the department. Majors, minors and those seeking teacher certification should consult with an adviser in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at their earliest opportunity to plan their program with the proper sequencing of courses.

Astronomy Minor

The astronomy minor has been developed for students who have interests in astronomy beyond the introductory level. The course of study includes introductory physics, introductory astronomy, observational astronomy and astrophysics. A student majoring in physics may minor in astronomy, but those courses that are applied to the minor cannot be applied to the major at the same time unless the student has a second minor from a different department.

The requirements for the minor in astronomy are PHY 241 (or 131 with department permission), 242 (or 132 with department permission), AST 105, 305 and 335. All minor programs must be approved on the degree plan by the chair of the department.

Engineering Minor (18 hours)

The engineering minor includes courses in introductory engineering, statics, dynamics, electrical circuits and devices, and digital systems. This minor would prepare students for employment or continued study in the areas of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. (This minor does not qualify a student to take the professional engineering exam.)

A minor in engineering requires a minimum of 18 hours of engineering course work. The requirements for the minor in engineering are EGR 111 or 112, 215, 250, 321 and 343. All minor programs must be approved on the degree plan by the chair of the department.

A student majoring in physics may minor in engineering, but those courses that are applied to the minor cannot be applied to the major at the same time unless the student has a second minor from a different department.

Teacher Certification Programs

Requirements for certification in the physical sciences are listed in the Teacher Certification section of this bulletin.

Physics Freshman Scholarships and Financial Aid

In addition to those opportunities provided through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a number of scholarships to well-qualified students majoring in physics. Inquiries regarding scholarships should be directed to the chair of the physics and astronomy department. Beginning freshmen are advised to make application for a scholarship during their senior year in high school. Part-time employment opportunities within the department are usually available to physics majors and minors, astronomy minors, and engineering minors who have completed, with good academic records, a portion of their physics, astronomy and engineering courses.

Student Organizations

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at SFA has been extremely active since the 1970s. The club is a support organization involved with activities that serve the department, the university and the local public. These activities include public viewing sessions at the SFA Observatory, Physics Olympics and Physics Magic Shows for local area schools. From 1990-2010, SPS won 15 National Outstanding Chapter Awards. Twelve to sixteen students each semester attend SPS Zone 13 meetings held in conjunction with the Texas Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society.

Recommended Curriculum for Majors

During the summer prior to their beginning the program outlined below, students unprepared for MTH 233 are encouraged to enroll for preparatory mathematics courses equivalent to MTH 133, 138 and 139. Students who cannot obtain the preparatory mathematics before beginning this program may, in consultation with the physics faculty, work out an alternate plan, that leads to the B.S. degree with a major in physics.

Students majoring in physics regularly minor in mathematics. Many elect to pursue a double major in physics and mathematics. The following recommended curriculum includes courses meeting the requirements for a major in physics and a minor in mathematics. To obtain a double major in physics and mathematics, students should take additional mathematics courses in place of electives to meet the requirements listed in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Major in Physics, Minor in Mathematics (120-123 hours)

Recommended Curriculum For Professional Physics Option

Freshman Year (29-30 hours)
PHY 108 or 110 or AST 105	3-4	*PHY 241	4
CHE 133	4	CHE 134	4
MTH 233	4	MTH 234	4
Required English	3	Required English	3
Total	14-15		15

Sophomore Year (32 hours)
*PHY 242	4	PHY 321	4
PHY 250	4	PHY 262	4
MTH 333	4	CSC 102	3
HIS 133	3	HIS 134	3
		Required Literature	3
	15		17

Junior Year (31-33 hours)
PHY 333	4	Advanced PHY/AST	3
PSC 141	3	PSC 142	3
MTH 317	3	MTH 337	3
Core Req.	3-4	Core Req.	3-4
ART/MUS/THR/DAN	3	Elective	3
Total	16-17		15-16

Senior Year (25-28 hours)
PHY 347	3	PHY 440	3
PHY 431	3	Advanced PHY/AST	3
Core Req.	3	PHY 470	2
Elective	5	Electives	3-6
Total	14		11-14

*Not open to students with junior and senior physics major or minor standing without approval of the chair of the department.

CO-REQUISITE AND PREREQUISITE COURSES

Physics, astronomy and engineering courses that are co-requisites must be taken together during the same semester. Separate grades will be awarded for these courses unless otherwise specified in the course description. Withdrawal from one co-requisite course requires the dropping of the other course. A student is not required to repeat a co-requisite course for which he/she has received a passing grade.

A minimum grade of C or departmental approval is required in all prerequisite courses to a physics, astronomy or engineering course.

Courses in Physics (PHY)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

* May be offered as an internet course.

101.	General Physics I - (PHYS 1305) - Presentation with a minimum of mathematics of the basic concepts of mechanics, light and sound. May not be used to meet graduation requirements by students majoring in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 101L.
101L.	General Physics I Laboratory - (PHYS 1105) - One semester hour, two hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 101. Lab fee required.
102.	General Physics II - (PHYS 1307) - Continuation of PHY 101 presenting with a minimum of mathematics the basic concepts of heat, electricity, magnetism and certain aspects of modern physics. May not be used to meet graduation requirements by students majoring in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 102L.
102L.	General Physics II Laboratory - (PHYS 1107) - One semester hour, two hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 102. Lab fee required.
108.	Introduction to Engineering/Physics - Three semester hours, two hours lecture and two hours recitation per week. Introductory course on engineering/physics analysis with practice in analyzing and solving problems in physics and engineering. Includes use of computational devices and methods.
110.	Fundamentals of Electronics - Introductory study of fundamental electrical circuits, including DC and AC circuits, filter networks, amplifiers, diodes, transistors, and logic gates. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 110L.
110L.	Fundamentals of Electronics Laboratory - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 110. Lab fee required.
118*.	Musical Acoustics* - Waves, resonance, frequency, pitch, waveform, hearing, intervals, scales, strings, air columns, rods, plates, vocal apparatus, instruments. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisite: ability to read music. Co-requisite: PHY 118L.
118L.	Musical Acoustics Laboratory - One semester hour, two hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 118. Lab fee required.
125.	Introductory Physical Science - Four semester hours, three hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to properties of matter, kinematics, dynamics and chemical bonding. Presentation of selected topics in a manner that will integrate principles of physics and chemistry.
131.	Mechanics and Heat (PHYS 1301) - Fundamental principles of mechanics and heat. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisites: MTH 133 and 138, or permission from the department chair. Co-requisite: PHY 131L.
131L.	Mechanics and Heat Laboratory (PHYS 1101) - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 131. Lab fee required.
132.	Electricity, Sound, and Light (PHYS 1302) - Basic electrical and magnetic phenomena, wave motion, sound and light. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisite: PHY 131. Co-requisite: PHY 132L.
132L.	Electricity, Sound, and Light Laboratory (PHYS 1102) - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 132. Lab fee required.
214.	Selected Topics - Non-advanced. One to four hours. Material covered will vary from semester to semester and will be announced. May be repeated for additional credit in a different topic.
241.	Technical Physics I (PHYS 2325) - Presentation of the principles of mechanics and heat. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisites: MTH 233, PHY 241L.
241L.	Technical Physics I Laboratory (PHYS 2125) - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHYS 241. Lab fee required.
242.	Technical Physics II (PHYS 2326) - Presentation of the principles of sound, electricity, magnetism and optics. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisites: MTH 233, PHY 241. Co-requisite: PHY 242L.
242L.	Technical Physics II Laboratory (PHYS 2126) - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 242. Lab fee required.
250.	Engineering Statics - Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Prerequisites: MTH 234 and PHY 241. (Same as EGR 250.)
262.	Electrical Circuits and Devices - Basic AC, DC and digital circuits and their applications in instrumentation. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisites: PHY 132 (or 242) and MTH 233. Co-requisite: PHY 262L (Same as EGR 215.)
262L.	Electrical Circuits and Devices Laboratory - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 262. Lab fee required. (Same as EGR 215L.)
315.	A, B. Selected Topics - One to four hours. Material covered varies from semester to semester and will be announced. May be repeated for additional credit in a different topic. Prerequisite: eight hours from any of the sciences.
321.	Engineering Dynamics - Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Prerequisite: PHY 250 or EGR 250. (Same as EGR 321.)
333.	Modern Physics - Introduction to relativity, quantum phenomena, atomic and nuclear physics. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Prerequisites: PHY 132 (or 242) and MTH 233. Co-requisite: PHY 333L.
333L.	Modern Physics Laboratory - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and lab. Co-requisite: PHY 333. Lab fee required.
343.	Electronics - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Design and integration of basic circuits into electronic instrumentation. Prerequisite: PHY 132 (or 242). Lab fee required. (Same as EGR 343.)
347.	Mathematical Applications in Physics I - Formulation and solution of physical problems using vector analysis, partial differential equations, complex variables and transforms. Prerequisites: PHY 132 (or 242) and MTH 234.
410.	Experimental Techniques of Physics - Four semester hours, three hours lecture and two hours lab per week. Presentation of the experimental techniques used to measure the physical observables associated with matter, mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PHY 101 and either PHY 102 or AST 105. Lab fee required.
430.	Thermodynamics - Includes the kinetic theory of gases, Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, Fermi-Dirac statistics, the Debye Approximation, magnetic cooling and the theory of heat engines. Prerequisite: PHY 333.
431.	Introductory Quantum Mechanics - DeBroglie wave, Schroedinger formulation, step and barrier potentials, perturbation theory, harmonic oscillator, annihilation and creation operations, commutation relations, representations. Prerequisite: PHY 333.
440.	Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism - Electrical and magnetic field theory, properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials. Prerequisites: PHY 132 (or 242) and MTH 234.
441.	Optics - Four semester hours, three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Fundamentals of physical and geometrical optics, including polarization and diffraction. Prerequisite: PHY 440. Lab fee required.
470.	Undergraduate Research and Technical Presentations - Two semester hours. An individual instruction course involving undergraduate research and technical presentations. The purpose of this course is to give the student experience in research and preparation of oral presentations on scientific research. Prerequisite: junior or senior major status or permission of department chair.
475.	Special Problems - One to four hours. For undergraduate credit only. Experimental or theoretical independent study in research. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours of physics.
476.	Special Problems - One to four hours. For undergraduate credit only. A continuation of PHY 475. Prerequisite: PHY 475.
485.	Internship in Physics and Engineering - One to three hours. Supervised on-the-job training in one or more facets of the field of physics or engineering. Internships are to be arranged by students and approved by instructor. This course is an elective and cannot be used to satisfy any of the course requirements for a major or minor in physics.

Courses in Astronomy (AST)