CHAIR: REX
ISHAM
NAVIGATION: Major
in Physics BS | Physical Science
w/Secondary Certification BS | Physics/Engineering
Dual Degree | Pre-Engineering
| Course Descriptions
FACULTY: Friedman,
Hall, James,
Liang, Meitzler,
Palma
Physics is the study of how nature behaves.
It is concerned with the basic principles of the universe
and is one of the foundations on which other physical sciences
are based. The beauty of physics is exhibited by the simplicity
of its fundamental theories and in the way a small number
of basic concepts, equations and assumptions can expand
the students’ understanding of the world.
Physics students will learn the simplicity
of nature and the unifying aspects of the laws of physics.
This is accomplished by recognizing physical problems,
developing a hypothesis and predicting the consequences
of it, performing experiments to test the predictions,
and formulating the results into a theory. The skills of
inquiry, observation, and experimentation are used in all
scientific careers including engineering, business, teaching,
and administration.
Physics students may pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Physics or a dual degree consisting of a Bachelor of
Science in Physics from Sam Houston State University and
a Bachelor’s degree in a engineering field at a university
with an accredited degree program in the chosen engineering
field. Students also may enroll in a two-year pre-engineering
program. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Science
with Secondary Certification is available to students seeking
careers in secondary education.
The Physics Department has basic research
laboratories in selected fields and provides opportunities
for advanced students to be involved in research projects.
The University operates computer laboratories containing
terminals, desktop computers, and work stations at several
locations on campus. Physics students are encouraged to
join the Society of Physics students, a nationally recognized
organization. The society sponsors field trips, campus
visits by potential students and attendance at professional
meetings.
Scholarships: The Physics Department awards
scholarships on a competitive basis. Other general scholarships
are available from the University. Information on University
scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic
Scholarships web
site or telephone (936) 294-1672. Prospective students
should contact the chair of the Physics Department, Box
2267, Huntsville, Texas 77341.
|
REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR
|
| The Bachelor of Science degree requires
37 hours in Physics as follows: |
|
| Required Courses: PHY 141, 242, 243,
391/311, 471, 466, 468, 470, 495 |
31 hrs. |
| Advanced Physics Laboratory Electives:
PHY 393/313, 395/315, or 433/413 |
4 hrs. |
| Advanced Physics Electives: PHY 467, 496 |
|
| All Physics majors obtain a minor in mathematics. |
|
Curriculum: Bachelor
of Science
Major in Physics |
| |
|
|
|
| First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
| PHY 138*, 141 |
4-7 |
PHY 242, 243 |
8 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
MTH 244 |
4 |
| MTH 142, 143 |
8 |
Component Area 4 (Literature)
|
3 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 |
8 |
ENG (200 level or higher) or SCM |
3 |
| KIN 215 |
1 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
| KIN activity elective |
1 |
HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
| |
28-31 |
CS 162 or 164 |
3 |
| |
|
|
33 |
| |
|
|
|
| Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| PHY 391/311, 471 |
7 |
PHY 466, 468, 470, 495 |
12 |
| MTH 376, 476 |
6 |
Advanced PHY elective |
6 |
BIO 138/118, 139/119 or
GEL 133/113, 134/114 |
8 |
Advanced General elective |
8-11 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
MTH (Adv.) or Science (Adv.) |
6-8 |
| Component Area 5 |
3 |
|
34-37 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing
Arts) |
3 |
|
|
| |
30 |
|
|
Curriculum: Bachelor
of Science
Physical Science with Secondary Certification |
| |
|
|
|
| First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
| PHY 138**, 141 |
4-7 |
PHY 242, 243 |
8 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 |
8 |
CHM 238/218, 239/219 |
8 |
| MTH 142, 143 |
8 |
MTH 244 |
4 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Cultural
Studies) 3 |
3 |
| KIN 215 |
1 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
| KIN activity elective |
1 |
CS 133, 162 or 164 |
3 |
| |
34-37 |
|
35 |
| |
|
|
|
| Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| PHY 391/311, 395/315, 397/317 |
12 |
PHY (Adv.) |
14 |
| SCM 161 or 384 |
3 |
SED 394, 464, 480, 496, 497 |
15 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual
and Performing Arts) |
3 |
CHM (Adv.) |
4 |
| SED 374, 383, RDG 392 |
9 |
|
33 |
| Component Area 5 |
3 |
|
|
| CHM 241, 440 |
8 |
|
|
| |
37 |
|
|
* A student may need preparatory work in
mathematics or might be eligible for advanced placement,
either of which necessitates adjustment of his schedule.
Such a student should consult a member of the physics or
mathematics faculty concerning his schedule. PHY 138 is
considered a preparatory course in physics and as such
cannot be used to meet major hour requirements for the
B.S. degree.
Curriculum: Minor in Physics
A minor in Physics requires a minimum of 24 hours of course
work and shall include PHY 141 and 242, 243, 391/311, and
eight semester hours of advanced electives in physics.
| Curriculum: Physics/Engineering
Dual Degree |
| |
|
|
|
| First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
| PHY 141 |
4 |
PHY 242, 243 |
8 |
| MTH 142, 143 |
8 |
MTH 244 |
4 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 |
8 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
ENG 330 |
3 |
| KIN 215 |
1 |
IT 161 |
3 |
| KIN activity elective |
1-3 |
KIN elective |
1 |
| |
34-36 |
Component Area 6 (Computer Literacy) |
3 |
| |
|
CS 162 or 164 |
3 |
| |
|
|
34 |
| |
|
|
|
| Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| PHY 395/315, 360, 361, 391/311 |
14 |
University with Recognized |
|
| Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing
Arts) |
3 |
Accredited Engineering |
|
| MTH 376, 476 |
6 |
Degree Program |
|
| PHY (Adv.)** |
3-4 |
|
|
| Component Area 5 |
3 |
|
|
| Advanced Elective |
3 |
|
|
| |
32-33 |
|
|
**Advanced PHY electives include PHY 393/313,433/413, 466,
468, and 471.
Pre-Engineering
Students wishing to major in any of the many
fields of engineering may take their first two years in pre-engineering
at Sam Houston State University and transfer to a college
of engineering to complete their degree requirements.
| Curriculum: Pre-Engineering |
| |
|
|
|
| First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
| PHY 141 |
4 |
PHY 242, 243 |
8 |
| MTH 142, 143 |
8 |
MTH 244 |
4 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 |
8 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
ENG 330 |
3 |
| KIN 215 |
1 |
IT 161 |
3 |
| KIN activity elective |
1-3 |
KIN elective |
1 |
| |
34-36 |
Component Area 6 (Computer Literacy) |
3 |
| |
|
|
34 |
For the Dual Degree Plan the student completes
three years in Physics at Sam Houston State University and
the curriculum in an engineering field at a university with
a recognized accredited degree program in the chosen engineering
field. After successfully completing this program, the student
receives two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Physics
from Sam Houston State University and one in an engineering
specialty from the university with the recognized accredited
engineering degree program. The applicable engineering specialties
are aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical,
industrial, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, and radiation
protection engineering. For the chemical engineering option,
a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry would be received from
Sam Houston State University.
For more information on this program contact:
Dual Degree Plan Coordinator
Department of Physics
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas 77341-2267
Students in either of these programs should consult with
the Physics/Engineering advisor to adjust the recommended
programs to meet the requirements of the particular field
of engineering at the terminal university. To contact the
Department of Physics call (936) 294-1601; FAX: (936) 294-1585.
PHYSICS COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
PHY 133 INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY.
[PHYS 1311] The development of astronomy, the solar
system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology are studied. Emphasis
is placed on discovering astronomical phenomena through individual
observational activities. The Sam Houston planetarium and
observatory are also used in laboratory activities. No mathematics
or physics prerequisites. Credit 3.
PHY 113 INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY
LABORATORY. [PHYS 1111] Credit 1
PHY 135, 136 GENERAL PHYSICS FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS.
These courses are for liberal arts students. They are NOT
open to students majoring in programs offered by Chemistry,
Physics, Biological Sciences, Geology, or Mathematics. Concepts
and principles are stressed. No Mathematics or Physics prerequisites.
PHY 135 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS
I. [PHYS 1305] This is an elementary course covering
the fundamentals of motion, forces and heat. Credit 3.
PHY 115 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS
I LABORATORY. [PHYS 1105] Credit 1.
PHY 136 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS
II. [PHYS 1307] The course is a continuation of
PHY 135. Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, sound,
light, and modern physics are included. Credit 3.
PHY 116 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS
II LABORATORY. [PHYS 1107] Credit 1.
PHY 138, 139 GENERAL PHYSICS. These courses
are designed for students majoring in biological sciences
and their related pre-professional programs.
PHY 138 GENERAL PHYSICS —
MECHANICS AND HEAT. [PHYS 1301] A modern treatment
is made of the laws and principles of mechanics and heat.
Derivations are carefully done using a non-calculus approach
and considerable problem work is required. The laboratory
work consists of quantitative experiments. Prerequisite:
Credit or registration for MTH 163 or equivalent. Credit
3.
PHY 118 GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
I. [PHYS 1101] Credit 1.
PHY 139 GENERAL PHYSICS —
SOUND, LIGHT, ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM. [PHYS 1302]
The course is a continuation of PHY 138, covering the subjects
of sound, light, electricity and magnetism. The same emphasis
is placed on derivations and problem solving as in PHY 138.
The laboratory work consists of quantitative experiments.
Prerequisites: PHY 138, MTH 163. Credit 3.
PHY 119 GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
II. [PHYS 1102] Credit 1.
PHY 141, 242, 243 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS.
These are comprehensive courses for students majoring or
minoring in physics, pre-engineering, chemistry, and programs
requiring calculus level mathematics.
PHY 141 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
I. [PHYS 2425] A thorough introduction to the more
general topics in mechanics. Considerable attention is given
to the solution of problems with the emphasis placed on fundamental
concepts. A laboratory/problem session is an integral part
of the course. Prerequisites MTH 142. If high school physics
or calculus has been taken, then MTH 142 may be taken concurrently.
Credit 4.
PHY 242 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
II. [PHYS 2426] An introduction to topics in heat
and wave motion including sound and light. The quantitative
description of phenomena is emphasized. The laboratory continues
as an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: PHY 141
and MTH 142. Credit 4.
PHY 243 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
III. [PHYS 2427] An introduction to the general
topics of electricity and magnetism, and basic electrical
circuits. The emphasis continues to be on problem solving
with the laboratory/problem session an integral part of the
course. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and MTH 143. Credit 4.
PHY 360 STATICS.
Study of equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, forces,
friction, center of gravity, and moments of inertia. Vector
algebra and calculus are used. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and
MTH 244. Credit 3.
PHY 361 DYNAMICS.
The study of kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid
bodies using the concepts of force, mass and acceleration,
energy, and impulse and momentum. Vectors, calculus and differential
equations are used. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and MTH 244. Credit
3.
PHY 391 MODERN PHYSICS I.
Relativity is introduced, quantum theory of light, Compton
effect, photoelectric effect, Bohr atom, particles as waves,
quantum mechanics in one dimension, tunneling, and atomic
structure are covered. Prerequisites: PHY 243 and MTH 244.
PHY 311 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 311 MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY
I. Credit 1.
PHY 393 MODERN PHYSICS II.
Statistical physics, lasers, molecular structure, solid state,
superconductivity, low energy nuclear physics, nuclear physics
applications, and elementary particles are covered. Prerequisite:
PHY 391. PHY 313 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 313 MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY
II Credit 1.
PHY 395 ELECTRONICS AND CIRCUIT
ANALYSIS. Active circuit analysis, analog and digital
integrated circuits, selected discrete components, and application
to certain digital and analog systems are studied. PHY 315
must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 315 ELECTRONICS AND CIRCUIT
ANALYSIS LABORATORY. Credit 1.
PHY 397 ASTRONOMY.
A study is made of the solar system, sun, stars, and stellar
systems, their motions, structure, energy sources and evolution,
star clusters, interstellar matter, galaxies, and cosmology.
PHY 317 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 317 ASTRONOMY LABORATORY.
Credit 1.
PHY 410 ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE
LABORATORY I. This laboratory course provides additional,
in-depth laboratory experience for physics majors and minors
and transfer students. It will emphasize measurement and
data handling. Credit 1.
PHY 433 LIGHT AND OPTICS.
The wave theory of light is emphasized. The phenomena
of interference, diffraction and polarization are treated
both theoretically and in selected laboratory experiments.
The theory and applications of lasers are discussed and investigated
in the laboratory. PHY 413 must be taken concurrently. Credit
3.
PHY 413 LIGHT AND OPTICS LABORATORY.
Credit 1.
PHY 466 INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM
MECHANICS. This course includes introductory quantum
mechanics, application of quantum theory to the harmonic
oscillator, potential barriers, the hydrogen atom, theory
of atomic spectra, the free electron, and elementary band
theory of solids. Prerequisite: PHY 391. Credit 3.
PHY 467 INTRODUCTION TO SOLID
STATE PHYSICS. This course introduces the concepts
of crystal structure, crystal diffraction, reciprocal lattices,
crystal binding, phonons, free electron Fermi gas, semi-conductors,
energy bands, Fermi surfaces, point defects, and optical
properties of crystals. Credit 3.
PHY 468 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM.
Properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials, electromagnetic
fields, and Maxwell’s equations are studied. Prerequisite:
MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 470 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL
PHYSICS. The dynamics of rigid bodies, vibrating
systems and normal coordinates, and other selected topics
of advanced mechanics are stressed. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
concepts are introduced. Prerequisite: MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 471 THERMODYNAMICS AND
STATISTICAL MECHANICS. Basic concepts of classical
thermodynamics, including the first and second laws, properties
of gases, entropy, thermodynamic functions, and introductory
statistical mechanics are studied. Prerequisites: PHY 391
and MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 495 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH.
This course consists of special projects or topics in experimental
or theoretical physics for individual physics students. Each
student pursues an approved project of interest to him, or
he may participate in one of the organized research programs
conducted by the physics faculty. The projects are supervised
by the physics faculty, but each student is expected to demonstrate
individual initiative in planning and conducting the research
program or topic. Prerequisite: consent of Department Chair.
The course may be repeated for an additional three semester
hours credit with consent of Department Chair. This course
should be taken in addition to hours required for physics
major or minor and may be taken for Academic Distinction
credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalogue.
Credit 3.
PHY 496 SELECTED TOPICS IN
PHYSICS. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
May be repeated for additional credit. Credit 3.
|
