DEPARTMENT of

CHEMISTRY | GEOSCIENCE | PHYSICS

Physics Courses


COLLEGE PHYSICS I PHYS 201 S PHYS (4.00 credits)
This course is the first of the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed for physics, mathematics, and other science majors. It includes principles of mechanics and their applications and is taught in an integrated lecture-lab format that meets in three two-hour sessions per week. The core of the curriculum is the study of motion with various levels of complexity. Some specific topics include: kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamics, and Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, and conservation of energy, linear momentum and collisions, and rotational kinematics and dynamics. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 231.
COLLEGE PHYSICS II PHYS 202 S PHYS (4.00 credits)
This course is second of the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed for physics, mathematics, and other science majors. It is taught in three two-hour sessions per week in integrated lecture-lab format. This course includes principles of waves, electricity, magnetism and their applications. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 201 or PHYS 130; and concurrent enrollment or completion of MATH 231, or consent of instructor
ELECTROMAGNETISM PHYS 320 PHYS (3.00 credits)
An advanced look at problems in electromagnetism including electrostatic fields, capacitance and dielectrics, magneto statics, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 202 or PHYS 131; and MATH 241 with a C or better (MATH 251 recommended)
ENGINEERING MODELING & DESIGN PHYS 170 PHYS (3.00 credits)
An introduction to design tools and practices associated with the design and fabrication of engineering systems. Students will gain experience with solid modeling tools, including part modeling, assembly modeling and the reading and creation of layout drawings. This is a project-based class in which students will have hands-on experience designing systems with 3D modeling software and fabricating the objects that they design. Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 114A or higher, or math placement score of 3 or higher.
INDEPENDENT STUDY - PHYSICS PHYS 379 PHYS (1.00 credits)
Independent study of selected topics in physics conducted by the student with the approval and supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor
INDEPENDENT STUDY - PHYSICS PHYS 479 PHYS (1.00 - 3.00 credits)
Independent Study of selected topics in physics conducted by the student with the approval and supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
INTRO HUMAN BIOMECHANICS PHYS 220 V PHYS (3.00 credits)
Biomechanics is a field which uses mechanical analyses to investigate biological problems. Biomechanics involves combining what we know about the anatomy and physiology of the body, and physics to investigate problems. It is an increasingly popular field of study, as it has applications in health, prosthetic design, ergonomics, athletics, and computer gaming. Students who complete this course will study the methods that are currently used in investigating human biomechanical problems. Topics covered will include: mechanical and structural properties of living tissues, loads applied to joints, common sports injuries and treatments, linear and angular kinematics, linear and angular kinetics, equilibrium and torque. Prerequisites: Math placement level 3 or placement into MATH 114A or placement into MATH 114B 
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING PHYS 160 PHYS (3.00 credits)
This course will provide the opportunity for students to explore various fields of engineering. This is a hands-on, project-based course that includes an introduction to computer tools and laboratory techniques used by engineers. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems. Prerequisites: None.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS PHYS 300 PHYS (3.00 credits)
The physics content of the general physics sequence will be examined in greater detail using the tools of calculus to examine physical problems from classical mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Focus will be an interpretation of graphs, basic differential equations, and vector analysis of physical problems. Students will use the tools and language of mathematics to understand physics. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; and MATH 241 with a C or better (MATH 251 recommended)
PHYS OF LIGHT & ELECTROMAGNETISM A PHYS 131A PHYS (0.00 credits)
This half-semester course includes principles of optics, modern physics, electricity, and circuits. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This is an integrated lecture/laboratory course. Completion of PHYS 131A and PHYS 131B  is equivalent to completion of PHYS 131.
PHYS OF LIGHT & ELECTROMAGNETISM B PHYS 131B PHYS (4.00 credits)
This half-semester course includes principles of electricity and magnetism, heat transfer, and medical imaging. Emphasis is place on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This is an integrated lecture/laboratory course. Completion of PHYS 131A  and PHYS 131B is equivalent to completion of PHYS 131.
PHYSICS OF ENERGY, FORCE & MOTION PHYS 130 S PHYS (4.00 credits)
This semester includes principles of classic mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's Laws, and energy. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on the concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This course is an integrated lecture/laboratory that meets in three two-hour sessions per week. Math Placement Level 3 or prior completion of MATH 114A is strongly recommended. Offered: Fall
PHYSICS OF LIGHT & ELECTROMAGNETISM PHYS 131 S PHYS (4.00 credits)
This semester includes principles of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This course is an integrated lecture/laboratory that meets in three two-hour sessions per week.  Math Placement Level 3 or prior completion of MATH 114A is strongly recommended.  Offered: Spring
PHYSICS SEMINAR PHYS 480 K PHYS (1.00 credits)
A seminar for upper-level physics majors to practice scientific communication skills and participate in discussion of topics in current research with fellow students and faculty. Students present a topic from the primary physics literature. One seminar-format meeting per week. Prerequisites: Four semesters of physics coursework (16 credits).
PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS PHYS 310 PHYS (3.00 credits)
Origin and development of classical mechanics; mathematical techniques, especially vector analysis; conservation laws and their relation to symmetry principles; brief introduction to orbit theory and harmonic oscillators. Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 241; Completion of PHYS 131 or PHYS 202.
RELATIVITY & QUANTUM MECHANICS PHYS 360 X PHYS (4.00 credits)
An introduction to relativity and quantum mechanics, and applications to atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics and chemistry. The laboratory component will explore these applications in more detail and also emphasize various forms of writing in the sciences. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; and MATH 231 with a C or better. Completion of MATH 241 recommended.
SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING PHYS 350 I PHYS (3.00 credits)
Introduces computing tools useful in solving scientific problems. Considers a variety of techniques of tackling scientific calculations such as spreadsheets, symbolic packages (or other suitable programming languages). Additional emphasis is placed on the acquisition of scientific information in an ethical and legal manner, including an exploration of the primary literature. Examples will be drawn from such diverse fields as astronomy, physics, chemistry, earth science, biology and mathematics. Prerequisites: PHYS 130 or PHYS 201, and MATH 231 
SOCIETY'S GRAND CHALLENGES PHYS 110 1V PHYS (3.00 credits)
This course will introduce engineering as a field concerned with solving the challenges facing modern society. These challenges include finding clean water resources, improving solar power, developing medical technology, and rebuilding aging infrastructure, among others. The focus will be on the intersection of science, technology, and society (STS), and explore how scientists and engineers can work to build a more just and compassionate world. Students will engage in the engineering design process, evaluate various solutions to society's challenges, and meet engineers who work in the Madison community. Prerequisites: First semester freshman or freshman transfer students; Math placement level 2 or higher.  
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS PHYS 469 PHYS (1.00 credits)
Advanced study of topics of special current interest in physics and related fields. Seminar/discussion format.
STATICS PHYS 311 PHYS (3.00 credits)
Statis is a study of force systems acting on rigid bodies not in motion. The analysis includes forces acting in and on beams, trusses and frames in equilibrium. Topical content includes 2-D and 3-D systems, free body diagrams, pulley systems, friction, centroids and moments of inertia. Course also includes the application of basic mechanics principles for the analysis of static engineering structures, including shear force and bending moment in beams. Analysis includes both scalar and vector methods. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 130 or PHYS 201; and completion or concurrent enrollment in MATH 241.
SURVEY OF ASTRONOMY PHYS 150 S PHYS (4.00 credits)
Modern exploration of the physical universe. Topics include the sky and celestial motions, our solar system, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology with emphasis on origin and evolution. Observing sessions may be required outside of scheduled class time. Math Placement Level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100-level or higher) is strongly recommended. Cross-listed GEOS 150
THERMODYNAMICS & KINETICS PHYS 361 PHYS (3.00 credits)
Investigates the law of thermodynamics, properties of the states of matter and dynamics. Prerequisites: CHEM 121; PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; MATH 241 with a grade of C or higher.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PHYS 489 PHYS (1.00 - 3.00 credits)
Opportunities are available for students to engage in physics research, in conjunction with collaborative student-faculty research projects of with projects done with researchers from various governmental agencies. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
WORKSHOP IN PHYSICS PHYS 670 PHYS (1.00 - 3.00 credits)
Physics Teaching Resources Workshops, plus development of either a Physics Teaching Resource Conference or a course implementation plan for building a teaching unit. Prerequisites: None.