Academic Catalog

Department of Physics

If you are interested in a physics career, we know you are already inspired to study space, time, matter and energy and eager to advance your grasp of the vast physical world around us.

Our physics program will provide you with a strong foundation in the logic and philosophy of physics as well as opportunities for high-level scientific research, theory and practical, outcome-seeking experimentation. You will examine matter at every level, from subatomic particles to the galaxies, through theory and practical experimentation.

We welcome your intensely curious ways and desire to seek satisfying explanations about the world we live in. If you enjoy mathematics and analysis, you will learn to solve complex, real-world problems as you accomplish your academic and career goals backed by the following resources and services:

  • Exceptional faculty will mentor you and help you get involved in the world of research early on in your college career
  • The resources of a state university with a small college atmosphere where you don't have to “wait your turn” to get involved in research
  • Hands-on learning experience in areas like robotics, laser bio-effects, atomic physics, material science, and more through our quality academic programs
  • Share your passion for physics with classmates through science-driven student organizations
  • Unique internships and research opportunities with leading scientists around the country will expose you to new cultures and ideas
  • Small classes afford you the attention that ensures your success at engineering school, in your career and throughout your life
  • The skills you learn, combined with extensive undergraduate research experience, will help you secure a rewarding career or earn acceptance to prominent graduate school programs

So You Want To Be An Engineer?

We have a Pre-Engineering (2+2) program; Dual Degree (3+2) program; or a Physics degree.

HOW IT WORKS
Pre-Engineering (2+2)
  • Spend two years at FHSU taking the science, math, and general education classes that are required for your engineering degree.
  • Choose from a growing list of classes that are guaranteed to transfer within the state of Kansas.
  • Transfer your credits earned at FHSU to an engineering school, and complete their program requirements.
  • Earn an engineering degree from your engineering school.
Dual Degree (3+2)
  • Complete the Pre-Engineering program at FHSU, and stay for another year to take upper-level physics classes. 
  • Transfer the credits you earn at FHSU to an engineering school, and complete their program requirements.
  • Earn an engineering degree from your engineering school. 
  • Transfer the engineering degree you earn back to FHSU, and receive a physics degree from FHSU.
Physics Degree
  • Stay at FHSU and complete the physics degree in four years. 
  • With a B.S. in physics, you will be qualified to work in a variety of technical positions, including many with an engineering component. 
  • You will still have the option to go to graduate school to earn a masters or doctoral degree in engineering. 

Bachelors

Minors

PHYS 100  Introduction to Physics and Engineering     (3 Credits)  
The course will introduce the physics and engineering disciplines and develop the student's abilities in problem solving, experimental design and technical writing through individual and group activities. Career fields and pathways in physics and engineering will also be explored.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 102  Physical Science     (3 Credits)  

Concepts of the physical sciences are presented as related to our physical environment for students who have little or no previous physical science. Basic high school level math skills are expected.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 103  Physical Science Laboratory     (1 Credit)  

The process of science is investigated including observation, data collection, predicting, and formulating hypotheses by selecting activities from the broad physical science areas of chemistry, geology, meterology, astronomy, and physics. This laboratory meets two contact hours per week.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 103A  SWT: Descriptive Astronomy Lab (Transfer Only)     (0-2 Credits)  

This identifies the transfer in of a systemwide transfer course designated as the descriptive astronomy lab


  
  
  
  
PHYS 103M  SWT: Meteorology Lab (Transfer Only)     (0-2 Credits)  

Designates the transfer of a lab designated as the systemwide Meteorology Lab


  
  
  
  
PHYS 104  Conceptual Physics     (3 Credits)  
A brief introduction to physics with the idea of conveying physics as a human activity. Concepts of physics, as well as their historical and philosophical implications, are stressed rather than mathematical concepts.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 105  Critical Thinking for Scientists     (3 Credits)  

A course on critical thinking geared toward scientists. Critical thinking involves the systematic evaluation of arguments (identifying arguments and their conclusion, classifying arguments, determining validity/strength, etc.) and constructing arguments. This course develops critical thinking skills with many examples drawn from the various fields of science. 


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed ENG101, ENG102  
  
  
PHYS 111  Physics I  #  (4 Credits)  

An introduction to forces, motion, matter, and energy with special emphasis to life sciences. Designed for pre-professional students, lifescience majors, the general liberal arts student and prospective teachers.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH110 with a grade of C or higher  
  
  
PHYS 111L  Physics I Laboratory     (1 Credit)  

  
  
  
  
PHYS 112  Physics II  #  (4 Credits)  

A continuation of introductory physics covering wave motion (includes light and sound), electricity and magnetism, and modern physics again stressing applications to the life sciences in each of those areas.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS111  
  
  
PHYS 112L  Physics II Laboratory     (1 Credit)  

  
  
  
  
PHYS 199  Physics Elective  (1-12 Credits)  

This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.


  
PHYS 199L  Physics Lab Elective  +  (1-12 Credits)  

This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit from lab courses.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 208  Elementary Meteorology  *  (3 Credits)  

A study of weather phenomena, general climatology, meteorological controls, and the techniques and problems of weather forecasting.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 211  Engineering Physics I  #  (4 Credits)  

A calculus-based study of mechanics, wave motion and thermodynamics for majors in science and engineering.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed or is currently enrolled in MATH234 or MATH331  
  
  
PHYS 211L  Engineering Physics I Laboratory     (1 Credit)  

  
  
  
  
PHYS 212  Engineering Physics II  #  (4 Credits)  

A calculus-based study of electricity, magnetism, and optics.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS 211 and has completed or currently enrolled in MATH235  
  
  
PHYS 212L  Engineering Physics II Laboratory     (1 Credit)  

  
  
  
  
PHYS 221  Statics     (3 Credits)  
Coplanar forces, friction, force analysis of simple structures, and machine elements (cross referenced with MATH 221).

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS211  
  
  
PHYS 277  Early Field Experience: Physical Science Education     (1 Credit)  

  
  
  
  
PHYS 303  Applied Physics     (3 Credits)  

A study of principles and application of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism with particular emphais on applications in applied technology.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH110  
  
  
PHYS 309  Descriptive Astronomy  *  (3 Credits)  
Topics include the history of astronomy, constellation identification, characteristics and evolution of stars and galaxies, the nature of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. A few night observations.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 312  Scientific Computing and Productivity     (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the Linux operating system and its use in many fields of science. Several tools used for creating plots, analyzing data, writing scientific papers, and running simulations are covered.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 313  Modern Physics     (3 Credits)  
A survey of atomic physics, relativity and an introduction to quantum theory.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS212  
  
  
PHYS 331  Electronic Circuits     (3 Credits)  
An introduction to the study of electronic circuits. Included are circuit theory, diodes, transistors and integrated circuits as used in power supplies, amplifiers; and logic circuitry.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS212  
  
  
PHYS 332  Analog and Digital Electronics     (3 Credits)  
This course is an introduction to the principles and characteristics of reactive and active circuits, and the concepts of digital circuits.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS212  
  
  
PHYS 333  Introduction to Computational Physics     (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the methods used to solve problems in science and engineering by utilizing freely available software. The course will emphasize utilizing existing software libraries to solve problems that are not feasible using analytical techniques. Data visualization and computer graphics will also be introduced.


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS211 or Permission for PHYS333  
  
  
PHYS 399  Physics Elective  (1-12 Credits)  
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.

  
PHYS 399L  Physics Lab Elective  +  (1-12 Credits)  

This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit from lab courses.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 476  Apprenticeship--Physical Science     (1-3 Credits)  
This course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching and administration in physical science.

  
Eligibility Rules: Permission for PHYS476  
  
  
PHYS 601  Computational Physics Laboratory     (1 Credit)  
Anaylsis of experimental data using computers to perform common analyses including statistics, function fitting, data filtering, and error correction. An emphasis will be given to automation. In addition students will conduct experiments to analyze various aspects of numerical methods used in data analysis and simulation.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS213, PHYS333  
  
  
PHYS 601G  Computational Physics Laboratory     (1 Credit)  
Anaylsis of experimental data using computers to perform common analyses including statistics, function fitting, data filtering, and error correction. An emphasis will be given to automation. In addition students will conduct experiments to analyze various aspects of numerical methods used in data analysis and simulation.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 603  Projects I  +  (1-3 Credits)  

Provides an opportunity for participants to select a project for study. May be repeated for credit so long as content is not duplicated.


  
  
  
  
PHYS 603G  Projects I  +  (1-3 Credits)  

Provides an opportunity for participants to select a project for study. May be repeated for credit so long as content is not duplicated.


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 608  Special Topics I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Topics selected from areas of physics such as classical mechanics, modern physics, relativity and wave mechanics are studied from a theoretical viewpoint.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 608G  Special Topics I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Topics selected from areas of physics such as classical mechanics, modern physics, relativity and wave mechanics are studied from a theoretical viewpoint.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 620  Mathematics for the Physical Sciences     (3 Credits)  
An elementary working knowledge of the application of vector analysis, differential equations, orthogonal functions, complex variables, probability and statistics. May also be used as MATH 540 Mathematics for the Physical Sciences.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH236  
  
  
PHYS 620G  Mathematics for the Physical Sciences     (3 Credits)  
An elementary working knowledge of the application of vector analysis, differential equations, orthogonal functions, complex variables, probability and statistics. May also be used as MATH 540 Mathematics for the Physical Sciences.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 621  Mechanics     (3 Credits)  
A study of the motion of particles and rigid bodies using methods of calculus and vector algebra. Includes an introduction to Lagrange equations.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 621G  Mechanics     (3 Credits)  
A study of the motion of particles and rigid bodies using methods of calculus and vector algebra. Includes an introduction to Lagrange equations.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 632  Electricity and Magnetism     (3 Credits)  
A study of electrostatics, magnetostatics and Maxwell's equations.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 632G  Electricity and Magnetism     (3 Credits)  
A study of electrostatics, magnetostatics and Maxwell's equations.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 651  Advanced Physics Laboratory I     (2 Credits)  

Students will conduct experiments in the areas of optics, electricity and magnetism, heat, mechanics, and atomic physics. Students will perform experiments and analyze data. They will also report their results in both a group presentation, and an individually written paper (in a style like a scientific journal article).


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS313  
  
  
PHYS 651G  Advanced Physics Laboratory I     (2 Credits)  

Students will conduct experiments in the areas of optics, electricity and magnetism, heat, mechanics, and atomic physics. Students will perform experiments and analyze data. They will also report their results in both a group presentation, and an individually written paper (in a style like a scientific journal article).


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 652  Optics     (3 Credits)  
A study of geometrical and physical optics. Taught spring semester of even-numbered years.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH236, PHYS212  
  
  
PHYS 652G  Optics     (3 Credits)  
A study of geometrical and physical optics. Taught spring semester of even-numbered years.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 654  Advanced Physics Laboratory II     (2 Credits)  

Students will conduct experiments in various fields of modern physics such as gamma and x-ray spectroscopy, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Students will perform experiments and analyze data. They will also report their results in both a group presentation, and an individually written paper (in style like a scientific journal article).


  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS313  
  
  
PHYS 654G  Advanced Physics Laboratory II     (2 Credits)  

Students will conduct experiments in various fields of modern physics such as gamma and x-ray spectroscopy, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Students will perform experiments and analyze data. They will also report their results in both a group presentation, and an individually written paper (in style like a scientific journal article)


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 660  Solid State Physics     (3 Credits)  
An introduction to the physics governing the crystalline state of matter. Modern theories describing lattice vibrations, energy bands, crystal binding, and optical properties are presented. These ideas are then applied to the understanding of technologically important areas such as superconductivity, doped semiconductors, ferroelectric materials, and photorefractivity.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH354, PHYS313  
  
  
PHYS 660G  Solid State Physics     (3 Credits)  
An introduction to the physics governing the crystalline state of matter. Modern theories describing lattice vibrations, energy bands, crystal binding, and optical properties are presented. These ideas are then applied to the understanding of technologically important areas such as superconductivity, doped semiconductors, ferroelectric materials, and photorefractivity.

  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 670  Workshop I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Concentrated study by teachers of selected areas from the natural sciences. Problems of special interest to teachers will be discussed. May be repeated for credit as long as subject matter is not duplicated.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 670G  Workshop I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Concentrated study by teachers of selected areas from the natural sciences. Problems of special interest to teachers will be discussed. May be repeated for credit as long as subject matter is not duplicated.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 672  Thermal Physics     (3 Credits)  
A study of temperature, heat, heat transfer, entrophy, the kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics. Taught spring semester of odd-numbered years.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 672G  Thermal Physics     (3 Credits)  
A study of temperature, heat, heat transfer, entrophy, the kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics. Taught spring semester of odd-numbered years.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 673  Special Problems I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Opportunity is given for advanced students to work on problems of their own choosing.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 673G  Special Problems I  +  (1-5 Credits)  
Opportunity is given for advanced students to work on problems of their own choosing.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 675  Senior Seminar  +  (1 Credit)  
An experimental or theoretical project will be undertaken by the student and the results reported in a seminar. Students who have not taken the ETS major field test in physics are required to do so while enrolled in seminar.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS313  
  
  
PHYS 676  Apprenticeship in Physical Science Teaching     (1-3 Credits)  
This course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching and administration in physics and physical science.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 676G  Apprenticeship in Physical Science Teaching     (1-3 Credits)  
This course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching and administration in physics and physical science.

  
  
  
  
PHYS 677  Quantum Mechanics I     (3 Credits)  
Course covers wave mechanics, postulates of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, particles and spin.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed MATH354, PHYS313  
  
  
PHYS 677G  Quantum Mechanics I     (3 Credits)  

Course covers wave mechanics, postulates of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, particles and spin.


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 678  Quantum Mechanics II     (3 Credits)  
Course covers perturbation theory, scattering, atoms, molecules and nuclei.

  
Eligibility Rules: Has completed PHYS677  
  
  
PHYS 678G  Quantum Mechanics II     (3 Credits)  

Course covers perturbation theory, scattering, atoms, molecules and nuclei.


  
Eligibility Rules: Academic level is Masters, EdS, Grad Non-Degree OR Doctoral  
  
  
PHYS 870  Workshop II  +  (1-5 Credits)  

Concentrated study by teachers of selected areas from the natural sciences. Problems of special interest to teachers will be discussed. May be repeated for credit as long as subject matter is not duplicated.


  
Eligibility Rules: Graduate Standing