Course Search
To filter and search by keywords in course titles, see the Course Search.
Courses by Subject Area
Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.
1010Q. Elements Of Physics
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1201 or 1401 or 1501 or 1601.
Grading Basis: Graded
Basic concepts and applications of physics for the non-science major. Scientific principles and quantitative relationships involving mechanics, energy, heat and temperature, waves, electricity and magnetism, and the theory of the atom are covered. A laboratory provides hands-on experience with the principles of physics. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1020Q. Introductory Astronomy
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open to students who have passed PHYS 1025.
Grading Basis: Graded
A basic introductory astronomy course without laboratories, including principles of celestial coordinate systems and telescope design; applications of fundamental physical laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe; recent space probe results, modern cosmology, astrobiology. Night observing sessions are an integral part of the course. CA 3.
View Classes »1025Q. Introductory Astronomy with Laboratory
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open to students who have passed PHYS 1020.
Grading Basis: Graded
A basic introductory astronomy course including principles of celestial coordinate systems and telescope design; applications of fundamental physical laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe; recent space probe results, modern cosmology, astrobiology. Basic quantitative laboratory techniques relevant to astronomy. Night observing sessions are an integral part of the course. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1030Q. Physics of the Environment
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Concepts of physics applied to current problems of the physical environment: energy, transportation, pollution. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed. Not applicable to any requirement that specifies a course in "general physics." CA 3.
View Classes »1035Q. Physics of the Environment with Laboratory
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1030.
Grading Basis: Graded
Concepts of physics applied to the physical environment, particularly to current problems related to energy, transportation, and pollution. These relationships will be further explored in the laboratory section. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1040QE. Cosmic Origins of Life
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Principles of physics and quantitative reasoning applied to astrobiology, the search for extraterrestrial life, and cosmic, stellar, and atmospheric conditions for habitability. A systems perspective on the impacts of human civilization on habitability. CA 3.
View Classes »1075Q. Physics of Music
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Basic principles of physics and scientific reasoning will be taught in the context of the production and perception of music, emphasizing the historic and scientific interplay between physics and music. Basic quantitative laboratories pertaining to sound, music, and waves. No previous knowledge of physics or music is assumed. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1201Q. General Physics I
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 1060Q or a qualifying score equivalent to pre-Calculus on the math placement assessment (placement.uconn.edu/mathematics-placement). Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1401Q, 1501Q, or 1601Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 1202Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
A non-calculus based course introducing the laws of force and motion applied to mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1202Q. General Physics II
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1201Q. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1402Q, 1502Q, or 1602Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
A non-calculus based course introducing the principles governing electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1230. General Physics Problems
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1202Q, and MATH 1122 or 1132Q, any of which may be taken concurrently. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1401Q, 1501Q or 1601Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Physics problems, emphasizing applications of calculus, dealing with topics in general physics. Intended for those students who have taken or are taking PHYS 1202Q and who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence equivalent to PHYS 1401Q-1402Q or 1501Q-1502Q
View Classes »1300. Physics for the Pharmacy Profession
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 1121Q or 1126Q, either of which may be taken concurrently, or MATH 1131Q or 1151Q. Not open to students who have passed PHYS 1230, 1401Q, 1402Q, 1501Q, 1502Q, 1601Q, or 1602Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Survey of the principles of physics and their application to the pharmaceutical sciences. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Examples from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, fluids, waves, and atomic and nuclear physics.
View Classes »1401Q. General Physics with Calculus I
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: MATH 1121Q or 1131Q. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1501Q or 1601Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 1402Q. May be taken for not more than two credits, with the permission of the instructor, after passing PHYS 1201Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1402Q. General Physics with Calculus II
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1401Q. Recommended preparation: MATH 1122Q or 1132Q. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1502Q or 1602Q. May be taken for not more than two credits, with the permission of the instructor, by students who have passed PHYS 1202Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1501Q. Physics for Engineers I
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: PHYS 1010Q or high school physics; CE 2110; MATH 2110Q or 2130Q, which may be taken concurrently. Not open for credit after passing PHYS 1401Q or 1601Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing 1502Q. May be taken for not more than two credits, with the permission of the instructor, by students who have passed PHYS 1201Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to Newton's laws, their extensions and applications. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Engineering majors. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1502Q. Physics for Engineers II
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1501Q. Not open to students who have passed PHYS 1402Q or 1602Q. May be taken for not more than two credits, with instructor's permission, by students who have passed PHYS 1202Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to principles of electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations, including electric circuits, electromagnetic wave propagation, optics, and other relevant applications to engineering. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Engineering majors. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1600Q. Introduction to Modern Physics
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: MATH 1060, which may be taken concurrently, or a qualifying score on the mathematics placement assessment.
Grading Basis: Graded
Quantitative exploration of the structure of matter, including gas laws, electric and magnetic forces, the electron, x-rays, waves and lights, relativity, radioactivity, and spectra. This course is recommended for prospective Physics majors. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1601Q. Fundamentals of Physics I
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: MATH 1121Q or 1131Q or 1151Q (1151Q is preferred for physics majors). Not open to students who have passed PHYS 1401Q or 1501Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 1602Q. May be taken for not more than three credits, with instructor's permission, by students who passed PHYS 1201Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Foundational principles of mechanics: kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, angular momentum, torque, gravitation, waves, harmonic motion and nonlinear dynamics. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Physics majors, this course is taught integrating theory, experimental activities, and collaborative problem solving in an active learning setting. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »1602Q. Fundamentals of Physics II
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: PHYS 1601Q; MATH 1122Q or 1132Q or 1152Q (1152Q preferred for Physics majors). Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 1402Q or 1502Q. May be taken for not more than three credits, with instructor's permission, after passing PHYS 1202Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Foundational principles of electromagnetism: electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation, and optics, including some of their relevant applications to physics. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Physics majors, this course is taught integrating theory, experimental activities, and collaborative problem solving in an active learning setting. CA 3-LAB.
View Classes »2200. Computational Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q, any of which may be taken concurrently; MATH 2410Q, which may be taken concurrently.
Grading Basis: Graded
A basic introduction to numerical and mathematical methods required for the solution of physics problems using currently available scientific software for computation and graphics.
View Classes »2300. The Development of Quantum Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q , which may be taken concurrently; or PHYS 1202 with consent of instructor. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 3300, 3401, 4300, or 4900.
Grading Basis: Graded
The inadequacies of classical physical concepts in the submicroscopic domain. The revision of physical principles that led to special relativity and modern quantum theory. Application to topics chosen from atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics and elementary particle physics.
View Classes »2400. Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1402Q or PHYS 1502Q or PHYS 1530 or PHYS 1602Q; and MATH 2110Q; either or both may be taken concurrently; or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Theoretical mathematical methods required for physical science courses.
View Classes »2501W. Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1201Q or 1401Q or 1501Q or 1601Q; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.
Grading Basis: Graded
Experiments in classical and/or quantum phenomena with an emphasis on acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data. Extensive writing in the style of experimental reports and/or journal articles.
View Classes »2701. Foundations of Modern Astrophysics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1401Q or 1501Q or 1601Q; MATH 1131Q (or 1151Q) and 1132Q (or 1152Q). Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 1402Q or 1502Q or 1602Q; MATH 2110Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 2702 or PHYS 4740.
Grading Basis: Graded
The conceptual framework describing astronomical objects. Topics include orbits, light, and stars. Concepts of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and relativity as needed for astrophysical topics.
View Classes »2702. Techniques of Modern Astrophysics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2701. May not be taken out of sequence after passing PHYS 4710, 4720, or 4740.
Grading Basis: Graded
Observational astronomy and applications to astrophysical phenomena. Topics include telescopes and astronomical instrumentation, production of chemical elements and molecules, distance scales, black holes and compact objects, gravitational lensing, galaxy kinematics and structure, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic rays, gravitational waves, and Big Bang cosmology.
View Classes »3101. Mechanics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q; MATH 2110Q or 2130Q which may be taken concurrently.
Grading Basis: Graded
Newton's Laws of motion applied to mass points, systems of particles, and rigid bodies.
View Classes »3102. Mechanics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 2410Q or 2420Q; PHYS 3101 or CE 2120.
Grading Basis: Graded
Further applications of Newton's Laws; continuous media; Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulation of dynamics.
View Classes »3150. Electronics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
The principles of devices and their applications to instrumentation in science and engineering. Rectification, filtering, regulation, input and output impedance, basic transistor circuits, operational amplifiers, preamplifiers for photodiodes and other transducers, logic gates, and digital circuits.
View Classes »3201. Electricity and Magnetism I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q or instructor's consent; MATH 2110Q and 2410Q, or MATH 2130Q and 2420Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Advanced theory and applications of electrostatics, magnetostatics, potentials, and electromagnetic fields in matter.
View Classes »3202. Electricity and Magnetism II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 3201.
Grading Basis: Graded
Advanced theory and applications of electromagnetic fields. Gauge transformations, electromagnetic waves and radiation, and relativistic corrections to electrodynamics.
View Classes »3300. Statistical and Thermal Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q; PHYS 2300; MATH 2110Q and 2410Q, or MATH 2130Q and 2420Q. Recommended preparation: PHYS 3201 and 3401.
Grading Basis: Graded
The laws of thermodynamics and their microscopic statistical basis; entropy, temperature, Boltzmann factor, chemical potential, Gibbs factor, and the distribution functions.
View Classes »3401. Quantum Mechanics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2300; MATH 2110 and 2410 or MATH 2130 and 2420.
Grading Basis: Graded
Elementary Principles of quantum mechanics; solutions to the Schrödinger equation for bound states and scattering in one dimension; general solution for central forces in two and three dimensions, orbital angular momentum and spin, and other fundamental quantum mechanical principles.
View Classes »3402. Quantum Mechanics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 3401.
Grading Basis: Graded
Applications of quantum mechanics, useful approximation methods, the variational method, the WKB method, scattering and other advanced topics.
View Classes »3501. Modern Experimental Methods
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1202Q or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1602Q; and 2501W.
Grading Basis: Graded
In-depth exploration of classical and quantum phenomena through advanced experimentation using contemporary methods.
View Classes »3989. Undergraduate Research
1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to original investigation performed by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a brief report at the end of each semester.
View Classes »4093. Foreign Study
1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Special topics taken in a foreign study program. Consent of Department Head required, normally to be granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.
View Classes »4095. Special Topics
1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.
Grading Basis: Graded
4096W. Research Thesis in Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011.
Grading Basis: Graded
Research investigation for the advanced undergraduate. Research and writing of a Thesis are required. Final public presentation is recommended.
View Classes »4098. Variable Topics
3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.
Grading Basis: Graded
4099. Independent Study
1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
4100. Physics of the Earth's Interior
Also offered as: ERTH 4550
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q, any of which may be taken concurrently; MATH 1122Q or 1126Q or 1131Q any of which may be taken concurrently. Recommended preparation: MATH 1132Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
The composition, structure, and dynamics of the Earth's core, mantle, and crust inferred from observations of seismology, geomagnetism, and heat flow. Formerly offered as GSCI 4550.
View Classes »4130. Fundamentals of Planetary Science
Also offered as: ERTH 4560
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q, any of which may be taken concurrently; MATH 1122 or 1126Q or 1131Q, any of which may be taken concurrently.
Grading Basis: Graded
Evolution of the solar system, celestial mechanics, tidal friction, internal composition of planets, black-body radiation, planetary atmospheres. Formerly offered as GSCI 4560.
View Classes »4140. Principles of Lasers
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 3202 and 3401. Recommended Preparation: PHYS 4150.
Grading Basis: Graded
The physics of lasers, including optical pumping and stimulated emission, laser rate equations, optical resonators, Gaussian beam propagation, Q-switching, mode-locking and nonlinear optics. Applications to gas, solid-state and tunable laser systems.
View Classes »4150. Optics
4.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1530 or 1602Q or instructor consent. Recommended preparation: PHYS 3103 or 3201.
Grading Basis: Graded
An introduction to geometrical and physical optics. Thick lenses, stops, aberrations, interference, diffraction, polarization.
View Classes »4210. Introduction to Solid State Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 1230 or 1530 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1602Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
Crystal lattices, lattice waves, thermal and electronic properties, imperfections in solids.
View Classes »4350. Nuclei and Particles
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 3401.
Grading Basis: Graded
Properties of nuclei and particles, conserved quantities, isospin, quark model, Fermi gas model, electroweak interaction, high energy scattering.
View Classes »4710. Stars and Compact Objects
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2701 and 2702; MATH 2410Q.
Grading Basis: Graded
The structure and evolution of stars. Gravitational collapse, hydrostatic equilibrium, novae and shocks, and compact objects with degenerate matter.
View Classes »4720. Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2701 and 2702; MATH 2410Q. Recommended preparation: proficiency in calculus.
Grading Basis: Graded
Galaxy formation and evolution in the hierarchical expanding Universe. Properties of the interstellar medium, including star formation and radiative transfer; stellar populations, structure, kinematics and dynamics of galaxies.
View Classes »4730. General Relativity and Cosmology
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2300, 3101, and 3201; or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Gravity and the problem of motion from the ancient Greeks to Newton to Einstein. Special relativity. General relativity. Curvature. Classic tests of general relativity. Gravitational waves. Black holes. Newtonian cosmology. Big Bang theory. Inflation. Dark matter. Dark energy. Accelerating universe.
View Classes »4740. Advanced Methods in Astrophysics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2701 and PHYS 2702.
Grading Basis: Graded
Basic principles and techniques of observational and computational astrophysics. Statistical techniques for data analysis and interpretation of astronomical data. Data mining, visualization, and numerical techniques in simulations of astrophysical systems. Includes short research projects using data from observations and/or simulations.
View Classes »4900. Experimental Physics Design Laboratory
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 2300 or 3101 or 3102; PHYS 3202; PHYS 3401, which may be taken concurrently; PHYS 2501W or 2502 or MSE 4003.
Grading Basis: Graded
Experiments in modern and classical physics are independently designed, performed, and evaluated. Experiments are chosen from the areas of atomic, solid state and thermal physics, as well as from acoustics and optics. Computers are utilized for control of the experimental process, data acquisition and analysis. A written description of the proposed method must be submitted and approved before each experiment, and a subsequent written critical evaluation of each experiment is required.
View Classes »