Department of Physics
http://www.physics.ncat.edu
Abdellah Amidouch, Chairperson

OBJECTIVES

The Department of Physics will provide North Carolina A&T State University with a comprehensive and robust program of physics designed to educate, train, and prepare a diverse group of students for careers in science, technology, engineering, physics and mathematics. Physics majors at both the undergraduate and graduate levels will learn how to analyze complex phenomena, think critically, solve problems, develop independent learning skills, and use good judgment and practical skills in various laboratory environments. These graduates will be prepared to meet our nation’s scientific workforce needs in state and federal governments, the industrial workplace, research laboratories, higher education, and secondary schools.

DEGREES OFFERED

Physics  – Bachelor of Science

Physics (Environmental Geophysics)  – Bachelor of Science

Physics (Space Science) – Bachelor of Science

Engineering Physics – Bachelor of Science

Interdisciplinary Physics – Bachelor of Science

Physics – Master of Science*

Computational Science and Engineering – Master of Science*

Energy and Environmental Studies – Doctor of Philosophy*

*See the Graduate School Bulletin

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the general admission requirements of the University, a student must have two units of algebra, one unit of plane geometry, and 1/2 unit of trigonometry.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS courses

Common Courses for All Concentrations (75 hours)

A.	Required Major Core Courses for Physics for All Concentrations (32 hours)

PHYS 241 PHYS 242 PHYS 251 PHYS 252

PHYS 400 PHYS 405  PHYS 406 PHYS 415

PHYS 420 PHYS 430 PHYS 445 PHYS 550

B.	Required Math Courses for Physics for All Concentrations (12 hours)

MATH 131

MATH 132

MATH 231

C.	Required UNST Courses for Physics for All Concentrations (25 hours)

	UNST 100 UNST 110	UNST 120 UNST 130	UNST 140
	Four UNST Elective courses

D.	Required Elective Courses for Physics for All Concentrations (6 hours)

CHEM 106

CHEM 116

GEEN 102

Physics Major - As a major in physics all students in all concentrations must complete 124-128 semester hours of University courses depending on the concentration. Included in the 124-128 semester hours are 75 semester hours of core physics, mathematics, university studies and science electives courses. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all math and physics courses.

Space Science concentration – The concentration in space science must complete 124-128 semester hours of University courses. In this program students can choose electives applicable to space science and technology such as image processing, digital communication, artificial intelligence, aerospace, computational fluid dynamics and Earth System Science. A minimum grade of "C" must be achieved in all math and physics courses.

Environmental Geophysics concentration – The Concentration in environmental geophysics must complete 125 semester hours of University courses. The program is designed to provide international field experience to students, and the senior level geophysics courses are taken at NC State University.

Interdisciplinary Physicist concentration – The concentration in Interdisciplinary physics must complete 124 semester hours of University courses. Students can choose a secondary discipline in biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology or journalism and mass communication based on interest.

Engineering Physics concentration – The concentration in engineering physics must complete 128 semester hours of University courses. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all math and physics courses.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Physics provides quality instruction, mentoring, and training in order to produce competitive graduates who are trained in the arts of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, independent learning, and problem solving.  The department has strong and active collaborations with major research institutions such as Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stanford University, the University of Connecticut, and Pennsylvania State University.  Collaborations with national laboratories include the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab).  International collaborations include the University of Marseilles in France and the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.  More than half of our physics majors participate in summer research at these institutions.

ENRICHMENT FACILITIES

Departmental teaching facilities include smart classrooms, computerized undergraduate laboratories, an astronomy observatory, and a planetarium. The department plays a major role in many interdisciplinary campus research activities and program developments. In addition, the department provides numerous service courses to meet the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical needs for the university’s engineering, science, and non-science programs.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND FACILITES

There are five research groups in the department with adequate facilities.

1. Low and Medium Energy Physics: Research carried out on campus and at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory with support by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

2. Chemical Physics: Experimental and Theoretical: Facilities include: Two 20 Hz ND: YAG Laser two Continuum ND 6000 dye lasers, a UVX: frequency doubling and tracking system. A Continuum Leopard pico second laser with second, third and fourth harmonic generating crystals. Reflectron Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer: with pulsed source and effusive source. Other Accessories include a 35 cm McPherson Monochromator, a SPEX Spectrometer, a Tektronix digital oscilloscope, Le Croy 4 channel, 3GHz with 20 GS/s sampling rate oscilloscope, Box Car averager and gated integrator system (Stanford System), Power Supply (Stanford), Temperature controllers (Omega Engineering), PMT, PMT cooled housing, and optical components. In addition for theoretical and computational work facilities include: Eight paralleled dual- processor Apple Macintosh G5’s (“Big-Mac”), several IBM and SUN servers. The National Science Foundation supports the research.

3. Physics of Materials: Research in low temperature and semiconductor physics. Facilities include: Closed cycle refrigerators, LR-400AC Resistance bridge, tube furnace, AC susceptibility set up, crystal growth setup, water cooled electromagnet (Varian), Lakeshore EM4-HV water cooled electromagnet

4. Physics Education: Research on web-based education and innovative teaching methods and creating a responsive learning environment. The research is supported by a grant from The National Science Foundation and The Department of Education. Space and Earth Science Education development through NASA and NSF grants.

5. Seismic Data Processing Facility: the research in seismic physical modeling, seismic data analysis, subsurface imaging and non-destructive testing using ultrasonic waves. The research is supported by a grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world but also supplies the scientist with the insight to develop new and innovative ideas. The technology and devices that influence our daily lives are based upon the discoveries of physics. Theoretical and experimental physicists are on the cutting edge of this exciting and vital progress. They are everywhere: they work in industry, in national laboratories, and on college campuses, and on Wall Street. They are astronauts on the space shuttle. They are astronomers who hunt for new planets beyond our solar system and who are concerned with the origin and evolution of the universe. They are men and women who are interested in how things work and in how things might work. A physics education develops problem-solving skills and provides a firm knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace. Owing to their training, physicists excel at solving complex problems, which allows them to seek employment in a surprisingly wide range of academic, government, and industrial settings, well beyond the traditional boundaries of physics.

Total Credit Hours: 124
Physics core requirements: PHYS: 241,251,242,252,405,406,445,400,415,430,420,550

Physics and MATH additional requirements: PHYS 401,416,422; MATH 450

MATH and SCIENCE: MATH 131,132,231; CHEM106, 116, GEEN 102.

UNST: 25 hours: 100,110,120 130,140 + 4 courses UNST Electives

Physics electives: PHYS 520,467,468,465,450, 510,520

Free electives: 18 hours, Foreign language: 6 hours

# PHYS 550 – capstone course

REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES FOR PHYSICS (ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS)

In addition to the ones listed for all concentrations the environmental geophysics track has the following additional requirements:

Students spend a senior semester at North Carolina State University in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and take the following courses:

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR PHYSICS (ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS)

Total Credit Hours: 125

Physics core requirements: PHYS: 241,251,242,252, 405,406,445,400,415,430,420,550

Geophysics requirements: GEOG 200; AGEN 116; PHYS: 440,300,441; EASC: 201,309,433; CIEN 310, CHEM 107, 117

MATHS and SCIENCE: MATH 131,132,231; CHEM106, 116,GEEN 102.

UNST: 25 hours: 100,110,120 130,140 + 4 courses UNST Electives

# PHYS 550 – capstone course

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR PHYSICS (SPACE SCIENCE)

Total Credit Hours: 125
Physics core requirements: PHYS: 241,251,242,252,406,445,400,415,430,420,550
Space science requirements: PHYS: 101,280, 440,451,480,500, 490,580; EASC 330

MATHS and SCIENCE: MATH 131,132,231,431,432, CHEM106, and 116, GEEN 102

UNST: 25 hours: 100,110,120 130,140 + 4 courses UNST Electives

Note:  MATH 431 used instead of PHYS 405

** Electives can be taken in three categories:

1. Earth System Science: ESAC: 201, 309,330,622,616,666, 699

2. Electrical Engineering: EELN: 200,300400,650,651,66657,658,674,678,685,686

3. Mechanical Engineering: MEEN: 335,336,337,415,422,416,653,655

4. Other Electives: PHYS: 401,416,450,441,490 ECT 634

# PHYS 550 – capstone course

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR PHYSICS (INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS)

Total Credit Hours: 124
Disciplinary Electives  (22 credit hours) to be determined by the student’s interest and approved by an advisor in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Psychology

Physics core requirements: PHYS: 241,251,242,252,406,445,400,415,430,420,550,405

MATHS and SCIENCE: MATH 131,132,231, CHEM106, and 116, GEEN 102

UNST: 25 hours: 100,110,120 130,140 + 4 courses UNST Electives

Foreign language requirements: 6 hours

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR PHYSICS (ENGINEERING PHYSICS)

FRESHMAN YEAR

Total Credit Hours: 128

1.  Students must choose one cluster theme and take 12 hours in that cluster

2.  Students can choose any engineering discipline and follow a defined track guided by a faculty advisor.

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR THE MINOR IN PHYSICS

Grades of “C” or Better in:

* Chosen with prior approval by the Chairperson of the Department of Physics.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN PHYSICS

The fundamentals of astronomy with emphasis on methods of observation and the solar system; astronomical instruments including optical and radio telescopes; and the nature of the sun, moon, planets and other objects of the solar system will be studied. (F;S)

The course introduces students to the subject area of physics, the various branches of physics. The applications of physics in science, engineering technology  as well as current advances in physics  will be discussed. The role of physics in interdisciplinary programs and research is discussed. Other topics may include African Americans  and women in physics, physics and society, physics and religion, physics and politics, history of physics and physics and the national economy.  (F)

This course is intended for non-science students. It is a qualitative introduction to topics at the forefront of modern physics, with an emphasis on conceptual understanding. Mathematics use is reduced to a minimum. The course stresses the major role physics plays in our everyday life and aims at helping students evaluate the importance of the new scientific developments and their technological and socio-economical implications. It covers a wide variety of topics such as the building blocks of matter, the evolution of our universe, superconductivity and superfluidity, MRI and medical imaging techniques, the physics of lasers, the physics of semiconductors and transistors, nanosicence and nanotechnology, modern and future energy sources and their effects on the environment. (F;S)

This is a one-semester study of selected topics in physics from each of the following: Newtonian mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, atomic, and nuclear physics, and relativity. Prerequisites: MATH 102, 110 or 111. Corequisite: PHYS 111. (F;S;SS)

This is a laboratory course to be taken concurrently with PHYS 110, Survey of Physics. Students will perform experiments designed to verify and/or clarify physics concepts. Corequisite: PHYS 110. (F;S;SS)

This is a study of the basic principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Emphasis is placed on applications of physics in modern technology. Prerequisite: MATH 111. Corequisites: MATH 112 and PHYS 216. (DEMAND)

This is a continuation of PHYS 211. Prerequisite: PHYS 211. Corequisite: PHYS 217. (DEMAND)

This is a qualitative and quantitative study of certain physical systems; critical observations and codification of data are emphasized. Corequisite: PHYS 211. (DEMAND)

This is a continuation of PHYS 216. Corequisite: PHYS 212. (DEMAND)

This is an algebra-based course. No calculus is used. The course is a study of fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, heat ,and thermodynamics. Corequisite PHYS 235 MATH 110 or 111. (F;S;SS)

 FORMTEXT This is an algebra-based continuation of PHYS 225. No calculus is used. The course covers the fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, wave motion, and optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 225. Corequisite: PHYS 236. (F;S;SS)

This is a course which will emphasize the importance of experimentation and observations in the development of a physical science. A selected group of experiments will be undertaken. Corequisite: PHYS 225. (F;S;SS)

This is a continuation of PHYS 235. Corequisite: PHYS 226. (F;S;SS)

PHYS 241 is a calculus-based physics course that covers the fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, heat, and thermodynamics.  Corequisites: MATH 132, PHYS 251. (F;S;SS)

This is a continuation of PHYS 241. It is  a  calculus-based study of physics, which covers the fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, wave motion, and optics. Corequisite: PHYS 252. (F;S;SS)

This is a laboratory course where a selected group of physics experiments will be performed. Emphasis is placed on the development of experimental technique, analysis of data, and physical interpretation of experimental results. Corequisite: PHYS 241. (F;S;SS)

This course is a continuation of PHYS 251. Corequisite: PHYS 242. (F;S;SS)

This course explores major components of space science which  include the science that studies properties of outer space (the region beyond the Earth's atmosphere), and/or that requires a space-based operation. Space science areas include both remote sensing studies of Earth and more distant objects including the near-Earth space environment. : PHYS 101. (F;S)

This course provides an introduction to the use of physical measurements to determine the structure and composition of the solid Earth. Topics include plate tectonics, the gravity and magnetic fields, elasticity and seismic properties of the Earth, seismic waves, earthquakeseismology, isostasy, and elementary concepts in geodynamics. The course summarizes current knowledge of the interior of the Earth as determined by modern geophysical techniques. Prerequisite: PHYS 242 (F;S)

This is a course in Newtonian mechanics which along with PHYS 401 includes particle dynamics, conservation laws, vibrational motion, central field motion, rigid body dynamics, Hamilton’s principle and Lagrange’s equation, and Hamilton’s equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 242 and MATH 231. (F)

This course is a continuation of Physics 400 and continues coverage of particle dynamics, conservation laws, vibrational motion, central field motion, rigid body dynamics, Hamilton’s principle and Lagrange’s equation, and Hamilton’s equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 400. (S)

This is a course in the applications of mathematics to solutions of physical problems. It covers selected topics in vector analysis, differential equations, special functions, calculus of variations, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, and matrices. Prerequisite: MATH 231. (F;S)

This course is a study of the basics of special relativity, quantum, atomic, molecular, statistical, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 242 or 226 and MATH 132. (F;S;SS)

This is an intermediate course in electromagnetism which along with PHYS 416 includes the study of electric fields and potentials, electric current and magnetic fields, solutions to Maxwell’s equations, plane waves, polarization, propagation in media, wave guides and resonant cavities, refraction, and dispersion. Prerequisites: PHYS 242 and MATH 231. (F)

This course is a continuation of PHYS 415. Prerequisite: PHYS 415. (S)

This course presents a mathematical introduction required for the understanding of quantum mechanics. The solutions of the Schrodinger equation for a free particle and a particle in one-dimensional potentials (square, barrier, etc.), and the postulates of quantum mechanics are presented. Eigenvalue equations, eigenfunctions, and commutation relations will be introduced. Time development of the state function and the time development of expectation values that lead to the concept of constants of motion are developed. The simple harmonic oscillator eigenstates are constructed using the operator method and by solving the Schrodinger equation.

This course is a continuation of Physics 420. Topics include: angular momentum, basic properties and eigenvalues of angular momentum operator, addition of angular momentum, the two-particle problem and the hydrogen atom, hydrogenic wave functions, elements of matrix mechanics, spin wave functions, basis and representations, energy representations, angular momentum matrices, Pauli spin matrices, magnetic moment of an electron, addition of spins, time-independent perturbations theory, fine structure of hydrogen atom, Zeeman effect, time-dependent perturbation theory, two-level system, emission and absorption of radiation, spontaneous emission, the variational principle and scattering theory.

This course reviews the principles of thermodynamics which include macroscopic variables, thermodynamic equilibrium, the thermodynamic laws, and kinematic theory. The fundamentals of statistical mechanics are covered which include microcanonical and canonical ensembles, partition functions, Bose and Fermi statistics, and the Boltzmann equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 400. (F;S)

This course offers an overview of the field procedures employed to collect different types of geophysical data, and provides an introduction to the techniques employed to analyze and interpret geophysical data collected for applied and engineering purposes. It covers the major geophysical methods employed in resource exploration, environmental assessment, and geotechnical investigations and includes theory and technical background for seismic refraction and reflection methods, electrical resistivity and electromagnetic methods, ground penetrating radar method, gravity method, and magnetic method. Case studies, field and computer exercises are also included. Students will be given hands-on exercises with geophysical survey equipment. Prerequisite: PHYS 300 (F;S)

This course covers the fundamental principles and methods that are commonly used to analyze geophysical data. It includes the following topics: transforms, onesided functions, spectral factorization, resolution, matrices and multi-channel time series, data modeling by least squares, waveform applications of least squares, layers revealed by scattered wave filtering, and mathematical physics in stratified media. Prerequisite PHYS 440. (F;S)

This course will introduce and use computational techniques to analyze and solve physical problems. Techniques to be used include visual programming language, graphing package, spread sheet, symbolic packages, and other applications. Prerequisites: PHYS 241, PHYS 242 and a course in programming. (F;S)

This course explores wave phenomena. It covers the propagation, reflection, refraction of light and includes studies of lenses and optical instruments, interference, diffraction, polarization, line spectra, and thermal radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 242. (F;S)

This course is a study of radiation from stars and nebulae to determine the basic stellar characteristics, the composition and physical conditions of matter in and between the stars. It also investigates the structural properties of our Milky Way galaxy, as evidenced by the spatial distribution of dust, gas, stars, and magnetic fields. Prerequisite: PHYS 242. (DEMAND)

This course is an extended study of electromagnetism which covers simple radiating systems, multi-pole radiation, and radiation by moving charges, and relativistic kinematics. Prerequisite: PHYS 416. (DEMAND)

This is a study of one-electron atoms, interaction, of one-electron atoms, molecular structure, molecular spectra, emission, absorption and rate equations, laser oscillations, multimode and transient oscillations, specific lasers, laser resonators, and laser applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 406. (S)

This is a study of the basics of the topics of binding, crystal structure, the reciprocal lattice, phonons, free and nearly free electron gas models, energy bands, metals semiconductors, insulators, super-conductors, and magnetic properties. Prerequisite: PHYS 406. (F)

This is a study of the properties of the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, elementary particles, and particle accelerators. Prerequisite: PHYS 406. (F)

This course examines the Sun as a star its radius, mass, and luminosity as well as  measuring of these parameters. It also explores other characteristics of the Sun such as variability of rotation, magnetism, chemical structure, and planetary system. The course will also address the structure of solar bowels and atmosphere. Contemporary research on the Sun will also be discussed. Prerequisites: PHYS 406, 415. (F;S)

This is a course in space radiation environment, space exploration and radiation protection requirements. The course covers cosmic rays and radiation environment, biological effect induced by space radiation, effects of space radiation on the spacecraft on-board electronics and equipment, space radiation measurement, monitoring and dosimetry, radiation protection for space exploration and shield design. Prerequisite: PHYS 242, MATH 231. (F;S)

This is a junior-senior level course on selected topics in physics not covered in other courses. A descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit must have received departmental approval before scheduling. Students’ records will carry both course number and descriptive title. The course may be repeated to earn a maximum of six credits. (DEMAND)

This is a study of current developments in physics. The topics and the amount of credit will be determined before the beginning of the course. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (DEMAND)

This is a laboratory course which emphasizes performing selected experiments in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics. This course may be repeated to earn a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 242. (F;S)

This course is an application of numerical methods to solve problems in physics. It includes root finding, systems of equations, integration, differentiation, boundary-value problems, and Monte Carlo methods. Prerequisite: PHYS 405. (DEMAND)

This course surveys experimental methods in physics. It involves experiment development, including techniques in instrumentation design and data acquisition. Also, it involves oral and written presentations of experimental results. Prerequisite: PHYS 242. (DEMAND)

This course involves student participation in research conducted by faculty. Topics may be analytical and/or experimental and encourage independent study. The amount of credit will be determined before the beginning of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (F;S;SS)

Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate

PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS PROGRAM

This course is for in service teachers. It covers fundamentals of astronomy and earth science. Full descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit must have received departmental approval before scheduling. Prerequisite: MATH 111 or equivalent. (DEMAND)

This course is for in service teachers. Lecture and integrated lab study of the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics will be included. Full descriptive title, syllabus and the amount of credit must have received departmental approval before scheduling. Focus: Mechanics and Thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MATH 111 or equivalent. (DEMAND)

This course is a continuation of PHYS 706. Focus: Wave motion and electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 706 or equivalent. (DEMAND)

This course is a continuation of PHYS 707. Focus: Optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 707 or equivalent. (DEMAND)

This course is a continuation of PHYS 078. Focus: Modern Physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 708 or equivalent. (DEMAND)

DIRECTORY OF FACULTY

B.S., Mohammed V. University; M.S., Joseph Fourier Grenoble I University; Ph.D., University of Geneva

B.S., M.S., Addis Ababa University; Ph.D., University of Iowa

B.A., Hope College; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

M.S., Ph.D., Yerevan Physics Institute

B.S., Ph.D., Yerevan Physics Institute

B.S., M.S., University of North Carolina; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.S., Addis Ababa University; M.A, Ph.D., Temple University

B.A., Jacksonville University; Ph.D., Duke University

B.S., Santa Clara University; M.S., Ph.D., Purdue University

B.S., North Carolina State University; M.S., University of Wisconsin; Ph.D., University of California

B.S., Anhui University; M.S., Nanjing University of Science and Technology; Ph.D., Rutgers University

Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences

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