Courses

An introductory laboratory course stressing the techniques of astronomical observation and analysis of observed data. Students will have an opportunity to use telescopes and instruments at the Baker Observatory.

A general interest course which will explore in detail, but nonmathematically, current subject areas of astronomy and astrophysics, such as quasars, black holes, and the origin of the universe, which attract the greatest attention in the media and among the general public.

An exploration of the prospects for life on other worlds and what that detection, or non-detection, means to humanity. Topics include the origin of elements in the Universe and how they form the building blocks of life, how conditions favorable for life can occur on planets, how life evolves, recent discoveries of exoplanets, and possible effects of the discovery of extraterrestrial life on society.

An introduction to our present knowledge of the nature of the universe, the galaxies, the stars, and the planets. A description of the natural laws and physical observations which are leading us to an understanding of our place in the cosmos. May only receive credit for one of AST 113, AST 114, or AST 115.

Historical and descriptive aspects of astronomy; topics of current interest related to space science. May only receive credit for one of AST 113, AST 114, or AST 115.

Historical and descriptive aspects of astronomy; topics of current interest related to space science. Laboratory consists of observations with telescopes and of experiments pertinent to the field. May only receive credit for one of AST 113, AST 114, or AST 115.

Intermediate level course; actual techniques of astronomical observation, methods of analysis of these observations, possible interpretations of acquired data. In laboratory, each student obtains observations for study in spectroscopy, photometry, and CCD imaging.

A modern inquiry of the planets, comets, asteroids, and other members of our solar system and the planets of other stellar systems, based on recent interplanetary explorations and Earth-based observations. May only receive credit for one of AST 313, AST 513, or AST 613.

The structure of stars, processes at work in stellar atmospheres, the formation process, and the evolution of stars into white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. May only receive credit for one of AST 315, AST 515, and AST 615.

Modern views on the structure of the Universe: its past, present, and future. Topics include the structure and content of our Galaxy and other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the Big Bang theory (including Inflation), and the eventual fate of our Universe. May only receive credit for one of AST 317, AST 517, and AST 617.

Formation of planetary systems, planetary dynamics, and comparative planetology. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 313 and/or AST 613. May only receive credit for one of AST 313, AST 513, and AST 613.

Basic concepts of stellar structure, atmospheres, and evolution. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 315 and/or AST 615. May only receive credit for one of AST 315, AST 515, and AST 615.

Study of galaxies and the Universe. Topics include the structure and content of our Galaxy and other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the Big Bang theory (including Inflation), and the eventual fate of our Universe. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 317 and/or 617. May only receive credit for one of AST 317, AST 517, and AST 617.

Formation of planetary systems, planetary dynamics, and comparative planetology. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 313 and/or AST 513. May only receive credit for one of AST 313, AST 513, and AST 613.

Basic concepts of stellar structure, atmospheres, and evolution. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 315 and/or AST 615. May only receive credit for one of AST 315, AST 515, and AST 615.

Study of galaxies and the Universe. Topics include the structure and content of our Galaxy and other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the Big Bang theory (including Inflation), and the eventual fate of our Universe. Project required. May be taught concurrently with AST 317 and/or 617. May only receive credit for one of AST 317, AST 517, and AST 617.

Theory and techniques of observational astronomy.

Advanced astronomical observational techniques in imaging, photometry, spectroscopy, and astrometry. Techniques of data and error analysis. Laboratory portion will include obtaining and analyzing observational data.

Variable content course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest in Materials Science. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with a different topic. May be taught concurrently with MAT 609. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 509 and MAT 609.

An introduction to techniques in electron microscopy with a primary emphasis on scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Theoretical background and experimental procedures involve both techniques but the major focus will be on obtaining secondary electron images. Additional coverage will include sample preparation, back-scattered electron imaging, X-ray mapping, and related image processing techniques. May be taught concurrently with MAT 614. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 514 and MAT 614.

Review of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium in thermodynamic systems, the statistical interpretation of entropy, unary and multi-component systems, thermodynamics of phase diagrams and phase equilibrium. May be taught concurrently with MAT 640. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 540 and MAT 640.

Investigation of the relationships that exist between the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials. Different types of materials will be studied with a special emphasis on polymers and semiconductors. Structure-property correlations, including electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties, will be presented for these materials. May be taught concurrently with MAT 651. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 550 and MAT 651.

Review of quantum mechanics, followed by an in-depth study of crystal structures, energy band structures in solids, lattice dynamics, and a survey of the physical properties of solids. May be taught concurrently with MAT 681. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 580 and MAT 681.

Variable content course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest in Materials Science. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with a different topic. May be taught concurrently with MAT 509. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 509 and MAT 609.

An introduction to techniques in electron microscopy with a primary emphasis on scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Theoretical background and experimental procedures involve both techniques but the major focus will be on obtaining secondary electron images. Additional coverage will include sample preparation, back-scattered electron imaging, X-ray mapping, and related image processing techniques. May be taught concurrently with MAT 514. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 514 and MAT 614.

Review of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium in thermodynamic systems, the statistical interpretation of entropy, unary and multi-component systems, thermodynamics of phase diagrams and phase equilibrium. May be taught concurrently with MAT 540. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 540 and MAT 640.

Investigation of the relationships that exist between the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials. Different types of materials will be studied with a special emphasis on polymers and semiconductors. Structure-property correlations, including electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties, will be presented for these materials. May be taught concurrently with MAT 550. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 550 and MAT 651.

Review of quantum mechanics, followed by an in-depth study of crystal structures, energy band structures in solids, lattice dynamics, and a survey of the physical properties of solids. May be taught concurrently with MAT 580. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 580 and MAT 681.

Advanced topics in quantum mechanics including variational methods, approximation techniques, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, second quantization, and the interactions of light with matter.

Laboratory techniques necessary for the development of instrumentation. Topics will include elementary computer interfacing, prototype design, mechanical and electronic construction, and reliability testing. The student will develop, design and build a test instrument and study each of the above topics during this process.

Course includes the study of advanced electronic properties of materials, lattice dynamics, and a survey of the optical-electronic interactions in materials.

Experimental techniques in the synthesis of advanced materials applications in electronics and energy technology. The mechanism of growth of thin films using different deposition techniques will be studied. Structural and physical characterization of the thin films will also be studied. Experimental methods including physical vapor deposition, X-ray diffraction, and optical spetrocopies and analysis will be studied.

Preparation of polymers, including the techniques of condensation polymerization, free radical polymerization, and if time permits, plasma polymerization. Characterization experiments will be viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Film preparation including spin coating, aspiration, and doctor blade systems will also be investigated.

Selective topics in materials science important to the design, testing, fabrication, and manufacture of materials whose underlying theme is mathematical modeling based in statistical methods. The topics include mass transport in solids, atomic diffusion on surfaces, adsorption and desorption on surfaces, epitaxial growth, degradation of materials, queuing theory, and operations research.

The course aims to provide an introduction to and practical applications in high-performance computing as implemented in atomistic-based computational materials science. Topics include electronic structure calculations, classical molecular dynamics, Monte-Carlo simulations and crystal structure predictions for materials processes and/or fundamental materials properties.

Completion of an internship project (480 hours) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a master's degree.

Selected topics in materials science of a theoretical, experimental, or applied nature with an emphasis on recent developments and their impact. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

Supervised research in areas of materials science. May be repeated, but no more than 12 hours may be counted toward the MS degree.

Description of nature as seen by physicists; effects this description and new scientific discoveries will have on society. Laboratories consist of discussions of current relations between science and society, demonstration of precise experimental apparatus, some actual involvement with the experimental method.

Laboratory experiences model inquiry teaching methods appropriate for use in early childhood, elementary and middle school science lessons. Science content includes mechanics, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism, properties of materials. Students will increase their understanding of the nature of science.

Topics may include Big Bang Theory, Quantum Theory, String Theory, Special and General Relativity, High-Energy (particle accelerator) Physics, Exoplanets and Life in the Universe. Also includes an introduction to the profession, culture, and discipline of physics, astronomy, and materials science and the facilities, faculty and current research at Missouri State University. This course is primarily for those either considering or intending to pursue a career in physics, astronomy, and/or materials science. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

An introduction to physical theories covering the content areas of mechanics, fluids, sound, and thermodynamics. A knowledge of the laws of Physics will help the student better understand the world and how these laws can be used to make informed decisions to improve society. A C grade or better is required in this course in order to take PHY 124.

A continuation of PHY 123 in the content areas of electricity and magnetism, electronics, and optics.

A course whose various sections treat physics or astronomy from a contemporary, historical and/or theoretical point of view. Students should check the current registration schedule to determine the topic associated with each section being offered. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of five hours provided topic and title are different.

A laboratory course explaining the use of scientific equipment and experimental procedures. Students should check the current registration schedule to determine the topic and titles for any given semester. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of five hours provided the topic title is different.

Students must be skilled in using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program (see the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science for a list of required spreadsheet skills). First of two semesters in basic calculus physics. Lecture and laboratory topics covered include mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics. A C grade or better is required in this course in order to take PHY 204.

Students must be skilled in using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program (see the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science for a list of required spreadsheet skills). Continuation of PHY 203 with lecture and laboratories covering electricity, magnetism, and optics.

Introduction to the internal structures of digital computers; design of gates, flipflops, registers, and memories to perform operations on numerical and other data represented in binary form. Laboratory uses logical blocks for experiments with combinational and sequential networks and simple digital systems.

Application of mechanics to equilibrium problems; topics include principles of center of mass, resultant force, friction, moment of inertia, torque, etc. Course does not satisfy any requirement for a physics major or minor.

A study of Kirkoff's current and voltage laws, resistive circuits with DC sources, network analysis by node voltages and mesh currents, Thevenin's and Norton's theorems, and first order circuits.

Numerical and computer methods related to physics modeling and data analysis. Introduction of physics applications using symbolic, matrix, and spreadsheet software including programming. Programming applied directly to physical simulations. Recent advances in physics-related computing.

This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in Physics to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the specific course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service-Learning Office. May be repeated.

A study of mathematical techniques widely used in science and engineering. Topics covered include series solutions to differential equations, Fourier series and transforms, vector calculus, matrix algebra, complex functions, and partial differential equations.

The use of instrumentation to acquire and process data in physics and astronomy. Equipment will include multimeters, oscilloscopes, filters, lock-in amplifiers, detectors and related systems. The laboratory work will cover direct applications of all equipment and techniques covered in lecture.

Classical mechanics of particles. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, oscillations, central forces, conservation theorems, scattering, and an introduction to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics.

The macroscopic laws of thermodynamics and the microscopic foundation for those laws. Topics include the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles; Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics; equation of state, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell's relations, and phase transitions.

Review of circuits. Transfer functions, passive and active filters, and signal processing. Amplifiers including classes, operational, differential and instrumentation, logic, number systems, and mixed-signal electronics. Digital and analog experimental sensing and control. Further use of circuit modeling software.

An introduction to the theory of electric and magnetic fields and their sources. Topics include electrostatic and magnetostatic fields in a vacuum, electric potential, magnetic vector potential, electromagnetic fields, and Maxwell's equations.

Basic principles of electromagnetic and particulate radiation physics including production of ionizing radiation and its interactions with biological tissue, radioactive decay, radiation detectors, dosimetry, and radiation imaging. The course will include lectures, experiments, and demonstrations.

An introduction to the major developments in physics during the twentieth century. Topics include the special theory of relativity, the experimental basis for quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, introductory quantum mechanics of one-dimensional systems, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics.

A study of basic experimental techniques, data analysis, and analysis of experimental errors. Laboratory experiments chosen from physical phenomena discovered in the twentieth century and may include photoelectric effect, Hall effect, Frank-Hertz experiment, electron spin resonance, and others. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

An introduction to research that requires the selection of a suitable research project, completing a written feasibility study for the proposed project, and making all necessary preparations for the actual pursuit of the project in PHY 486. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Topics of interdisciplinary nature; usually team-taught by members of the disciplines involved. Typical topics chosen from: space physics (e.g. lunar studies), chemical physics (e.g. spectroscopy), biophysics, geophysics, mathematical physics, etc. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

A continuation of PHY 319 with topics selected from complex integration, numerical solutions to differential equations, special functions, probability distribution functions, and group theory.

The opportunity to earn academic credit in a planned learning process that integrates academic training with a supervised work experience. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

Advanced topics in physics which may vary from year to year. Some typical topics: solid state, nuclear structure, plasmas, fluids, astrophysics, applied group theory. Inter-disciplinary topics such as atmospheric physics and spectroscopy might also be offered. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

Studies subatomic structure, basic constituents and their mutual interactions. Topics include nuclei, radioactivity, interactions of radiation with matter, particle detection, accelerators, nuclear models and reactions, and classification and interactions of quarks and other elementary particles.

A continuation of PHY 386 in which the feasibility study from PHY 386 and the research project outcome are to be combined in a written report following a format required for journal publication. An oral presentation of this work will be reviewed by the faculty. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Independent reading; topics not offered in regular courses. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

The goal of this course is to provide senior-level students with current research-level information in physics, astronomy, and materials science to help them make post-graduate decisions. This course will involve current research reviews, also including insights into ethics, historical ethnic bias, and the trends in equity and inclusion. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Enrollment limited to students of distinguished capability and industry. Students must consult with the physics and astronomy staff concerning their proposed problem prior to enrollment for this course. May be repeated to a maximum of five hours.

This course is a continuation of PHY 101. Additional topics in mechanics, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism will be covered. The course will also include an introduction to Astronomy. Concepts will be explored using the inquiry approach. Will not count towards a major or minor in physics. May be taught concurrently with PHY 602. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 501 and PHY 602.

Variable content, variable credit course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with different topic. May be taught concurrently with PHY 609. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 509 and PHY 609.

A mathematical development of the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to selected systems. Topics include Schrodinger's equation, operators, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, angular momentum, and applications, including the hydrogen atom. May be taught concurrently with PHY 675. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 575 and PHY 675.

Computational techniques related to physical sciences including techniques used for data analysis. An exploration of scientific operating systems, programs used for analysis and simulations, and methods for analyzing data and producing simulations. May be taught concurrently with PHY 692. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 591 and PHY 692.

This course is a continuation of PHY 101. Additional topics in mechanics, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism will be covered. The course will also include an introduction to Astronomy. Concepts will be explored using the inquiry approach. Will not count towards a major or minor in physics. May be taught concurrently with PHY 501. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 501 and PHY 602.

Variable content, variable credit course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with different topic. May be taught concurrently with PHY 509. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 509 and PHY 609.

A mathematical development of the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to selected systems. Topics include Schrodinger's equation, operators, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, angular momentum, and applications, including the hydrogen atom. May be taught concurrently with PHY 575. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 575 and PHY 675.

Computational techniques related to physical sciences including techniques used for data analysis. An exploration of scientific operating systems, programs used for analysis and simulations, and methods for analyzing data and producing simulations. May be taught concurrently with PHY 591. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 591 and PHY 692.

Workshop to upgrade understanding of selected topics in science, and improve elementary, middle school and/or secondary science teaching. Each workshop will include performance and analysis of appropriate investigations to enhance understanding of the selected topics. Number of class hours determined by semester hours of credit. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours provided the topics are different.

Performance and analysis of secondary laboratory experiments in physics.

Extensive paper on agreed topic in physics or astronomy to be read before staff seminars. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours.

Completion of an internship project (80 hours/credit hour) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a master's degree.

Supervised research in the natural and applied sciences. May be repeated, but no more than 12 hours may be counted toward the master's degree. Cannot be applied toward the MS degree in Materials Science.