NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

430 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS two-body central force problems, coupled oscillators and normal modes, Hamiltonian mechanics, non-inertial frames, and rigid body motion. Prerequisite: PHYS 3500. PHYS 4600 Quantum Mechanics l (3 credits) First of a two-part series covering the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, covering the wave function, the Schrödinger equation, and elementary statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 3500 and PHYS 3700 and MATH 3200. PHYS 4650 Quantum Mechanics ll (3 credits) This course is a second of two-part series covering the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, applications using the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, time- independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, the variational principle, the WKB approximation, the adiabatic approximation, and scattering. Prerequisites: PHYS 4600 PHYS 4900 Special Topics in Physics (1–3 credits) Topics in physical science that are not included in regular course offerings and may be taken without prerequisites. Special content is announced in the course schedule for a given term. Students may re-enroll for special topics covering differing content. PHYS 4950 Internship in Physics (1-12 credits) A work experience for 16 weeks in the student’s major area of study or area of career interest. Consult academic division for specific details and requirements. Prerequisites: cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, major GPA of 3.0 or higher, completion of 60 or more credit hours, supervision of instructor, and permission of academic director. PHYS 4990 Independent Study in Physics (1–12 credits) The student selects, and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisite: to be determined by the faculty and division director. PHYS 4990A Independent Study in Physics (A) (1–12 credits) The student selects, and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisite: to be determined by the faculty and division director. PHYS 4990B Independent Study in Physics (B) (1–12 credits) The student selects, and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisite: to be determined by the faculty and division director. PHYS 3800 Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics (3 credits) Introduction to particle physics, covering topics that include group theory, properties of elementary particles, the electromagnetic, strong and weak nuclear interactions, gauge theories, and unification. This course has been exempted from the requirements of the Writing Across the Curriculum policy. Prerequisites: PHYS 3650 or PHYS 3750. PHYS 3900 Mathematical Methods for Physicists (3 credits) This course introduces and applies the relevant mathematics required to solve advanced problems in physics. Among the topics included are vector analysis, linear algebra, Fourier series and transforms, differential equations, special and complex functions, and probability and statistics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3500 and MATH 3200. PHYS 4000 Advanced Physics Laboratory I (2 credits) This is an upper-level laboratory course in which a variety of advanced experiments will be performed. This is an intensive laboratory course, with a strong emphasis on independent data analysis and dissemination of results. Students will learn laboratory skills and also gain valuable practice using statistical methods of data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 3700. PHYS 4050 Advanced Physics Laboratory ll (2 credits) This is the second part of an upper-level laboratory course in which a variety of advanced experiments will be performed. This is an intensive laboratory course, with a strong emphasis on independent data analysis and dissemination of results. Students will learn laboratory skills and also gain valuable practice using statistical methods of data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 4000. PHYS 4400 Science of Planets and Solar Systems (3 credits) This interdisciplinary course is an advanced introduction to the linked research of planetary systems, extrasolar planets, astrobiology, astrochemistry, and astronautics, as well as the cultural changes expected from future discoveries in those fields. Topics include the physics of the solar system such as the sun, planets, moons, comets and asteroids; the properties of other solar systems and ultimately the search for another Earth and life in space. This course is designed for physics and science students and is also suited for engineering students interested in space science and astronautics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3400. PHYS 4500 Advanced Mechanics (3 credits) This course will cover advanced topics in mechanics. Topics to be covered include Lagrangian mechanics,