Department of

Physics & Astronomy

The Allen F. Blocher Planetarium presented programs to over 11,000 visitors last year, including university classes, school groups, community groups, and the general public.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointCollege of Letters & Science

Mission StatementThe Department of Physics and Astronomy, as a member of the College of Letters and Science, strives to aid students to: 1) understand, effectively use, and appreciate the process of learning; 2) recognize the complexity of problems and develop creative solutions; and 3) join a community of teachers, scholars, and students who endeavor to higher

standards of achievement.

As a science department, we regard our mission to also include: 1) exposingstudentstoscientificmethodsforevaluatingphysicalevidenceor

information; 2) helping students understand and apply the process of building and testing

scientifichypothesesandtheories;and3) fostering the development of students’ critical thinking skills, such as the

ability to draw conclusions, infer relationships, solve problems, and make predictions about the physical world.

In addition to the above, as a department of physics and astronomy we are committed to providing: 1) a rigorous and effective curriculum for physics majors and minors, with

sufficientdepthofstudyforthosestudentswhoexpecttopursuephysics,astronomy, or engineering at the graduate level, or to embark on a career in technology or science education;

2) effective and relevant service courses for the many students whose majors or career goals require physics or astronomy courses;

3) effective and engaging courses for the many students who choose to take physics or astronomy courses as part of the breadth of a liberal arts education;

4) educational experiences in physics and astronomy, for Central Wisconsin and beyond, through public outreach,

5) opportunities for student and faculty engagement in research; and 6) an understanding of how physics and astronomy relate to the individual and to society.

Table of ContentsFacilities ...................................................................................................................1Majors, Minors, and Emphases ................................................................................2Faculty ......................................................................................................................3Physics Major...........................................................................................................3Physics Major – Applied Emphases .........................................................................5PhysicsMajorforTeachingCertification ................................................................8Natural Science – Physical Science Option ...........................................................10Pre-engineering Program ....................................................................................... 11Scholastic Opportunities ........................................................................................12

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Facilities▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

Teaching and Research FacilitiesSix laboratories for introductory and advanced coursework are well equipped for the study of astronomy, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, optics, and modern physics. Advanced experimental work is conducted in specialized solid state, atomic, molecular and laser physics laboratories. The solid state laboratories provide analytical capabilities employing x-ray diffraction, electrical conductivity, and tensiometry. Equipment for sample preparationincludesseveralfurnaces,athinfilmcoatingunit,andaphotochemicalreactor. The Femtosecond Laser Laboratory houses a 5-watt argon-ion laser that is used to “pump” a Ti:sapphire laser capable of producing 10-femtosecond laser pulses.The Department operates the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium as an instructional tool for university classes as well as a public resource serving all of Central Wisconsin. AnobservatoryatoptheScienceBuildinghousesa16-inchreflectingtelescopeused for both student research projects and public viewing sessions. Several smaller telescopes are also available. The Department currently has access to the 0.9m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona as well as the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Faculty and students travel to these observatories to collect data for astronomical research.

Student FacilitiesTutoring Room: The tutoring room is located in A-105 where tutors are available for introductory physics and astronomy classes at no charge. The schedule of tutors is posted on the door of A-105 each semester.Student Study Room: The student study lounge is located in C-101 and contains reference books, study tables, computers and lounge area. Students often meet here to work on homework sets or relax between classes. The room is open only to declaredphysicsmajorsandminors.SeeNancyStokosainthedepartmentoffice,B-109, for a key to access the room.

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Majors, Minors, and Emphases▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers many options for students studying physics.

Physics Major — This is a traditional physics major. Students completing this major would be prepared to pursue a career straight out of college or be prepared to continue their studies in graduate school in physics, engineering, astronomyorrelatedfields.Studentstakeallcoreupper-levelphysicscoursesaswell as participate in a research project with a faculty member.

Physics Major with Applied Mechanics or Electronics Emphases — These emphases are designed for a student that is planning on pursuing a career in industry straight out of college. Students take most of the core upper-level physics courses, with more emphasis on the laboratory courses. Students are also required to participate in an internship at either a local business or in London through the Semester Abroad program.

Physics Major for Teaching Certification — This major is designed for students pursuing a career in secondary education. Students take fewer credits of physics courses. They must work with the School of Education programfortheireducationcoursesandcertification.

Pre-engineering — This is a two year program in which students take core math, physics and chemistry classes in preparation for acceptance into an engineering program. Students need to transfer to another institution to complete their engineering degree.

Natural Science-Physical Science Option — This major is designed primarily for students pursuing a career in secondary education. Students take courses in a wide range of sciences in addition to completing a minor in chemistry or physics.

Physics Minor — This minor includes upper and lower level courses in physics. Students pursuing a career in secondary education may substitute one physicscoursewithaspecificastronomycourse.

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Faculty▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀Dr. Seth Ashman

Ph.D. - Lehigh UniversityInterests: Spectroscopic Investigations of Alkali Atoms and Diatomic

MoleculesDr. Adriana Durbala

Ph.D. - University of Alabama - TuscaloosaInterests: Galaxy Formation and Evolution

Dr. Brad HinausPh.D. - University of Wisconsin – MadisonInterests: Superconductivity

Dr. Kenneth Menningen Ph.D. – University of Wisconsin – MadisonInterests: Alternative Fuels, Plasma Spectroscopy

Dr. Randy OlsonPh.D – New Mexico State UniversityInterests: Planetarium and Observatory Director

Dr. David TamresPh.D. – University of California – San DiegoInterests: Stellar Physics

Dr. Chris VerzaniPh.D. – Kansas State UniversityInterests: Femto-second Laser research

Dr. Mick VeumPh.D. – University of Minnesota – Twin CitiesInterests: Liquid crystals: surface tension, phase transitions, surface-induced

order,calorimetry,opticalreflectivity

Physics Major▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀This major is designed for students that are planning on career in industry or to continuing their education in graduate school in either engineering, physics, or astronomy.

Physics Major - RequirementsThe physics major consists of a minimum of 61 credits including: 1. Math 120, 121, 222, 213. (Calculus I, II and III and Linear Algebra)2. Chemistry 105 and 106; or 117. (Introductory Chemistry)3. Physics 111 (Freshman Seminar), 150, 250 (University Physics I and II),

300 (Modern Physics), 320 (Electricity and Magnetism), 335 (Classical Mechanics), 405 (Quantum Mechanics), 435 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics), 470 (Experimental Physics), and one credit of 388 (Research Participation) or 499 (Special Work).

4. Physics 315 (Computational Physics) or 370 (Electronics). 5. Additional physics courses numbered above 300 not including 390 or 490 to

attain 61 credits.

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Physics Major – Four Year PlanThe following table illustrates a typical plan to complete the major within a four-year time frame. Students taking different paths may take longer than the four year plan here. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major – some physics courses are taught only in alternate years.

Year OneFall SemesterPhys 111: Introduction to Physics ...................................................................... 1 crMath 120: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I .................................................... 4 crEngl 101 and Elective credits ........................................................................... 10 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 150: University Physics I ....................................................................... 5 crMath 121: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II ................................................... 4 crEngl 102 and Elective Credits ............................................................................. 6 cr 15 cr

Year TwoFall SemesterPhys 250: University Physics II .......................................................................... 5 crMath 222: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III .................................................. 4 crChem 105 or 117 ................................................................................................. 5 crElective Credits ............................................................................................... 0-3 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhysics 300: Modern Physics ............................................................................. 3 crMath 213: Introduction to Linear Algebra .......................................................... 4 crChem 106 or elective Credits .............................................................................. 5 crElective .............................................................................................................. 3 cr 15 cr

Year ThreeFall SemesterPhys 320: Electricity and Magnetism ................................................................. 4 crPhys 370: Electronics (and/or Phys 315) ............................................................ 4 crPhysics 435: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics ................................. 3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 3-6 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ............................................................................................ 12-15 cr 15 cr

Year FourFall SemesterPhys 335: Advanced Mechanics ......................................................................... 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits .............................................................................................. 6-12 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhys 315: Computational Physics (and/or Phys 370) ......................................... 3 crPhys 470: Experimental Physics ......................................................................... 2 crPhys 405: Quantum Mechanics .......................................................................... 3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 6-9 cr 14-17 cr

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Physics Major – Applied Emphases▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀These emphases are designed for a student that is planning on pursuing a career in industry straight out of college. Students take most of the core upper-level physics courses, with more emphasis on the laboratory courses. Students are also required to participate in an internship at either a local business or in London through the Semester Abroad program.

Physics Major with Applied Mechanics EmphasisConsists of a minimum of 59 credits including:1. Math 120, 121, 222, 213. (Calculus I, II and III and Linear Algebra)2. Chemistry 105 or 117. (Introductory Chemistry)3. Physics 111 (Freshman Seminar), 150, 250 (University Physics I and II), 300

(Modern Physics), 315 (Computational Physics), 335 (Classical Mechanics), 370 (Electronics), 435 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics), 470 (Experimental Physics).

4. Physics 490 (Internship), 6 cr. 5. Economics 110 (Principles of Macroeconomics) or Business 320 (Principles

of Management).

Physics Major with Applied Electronics EmphasisConsists of a minimum of 60 credits including:1. Math 120, 121, 222, 213. (Calculus I, II and III and Linear Algebra)2. Chemistry 105 or 117. (Introductory Chemistry)3. Physics 111 (Freshman Seminar), 150, 250 (University Physics I and II),

300 (Modern Physics), 315 (Computational Physics), 320 (Electricity and Magnetism), 370 (Electronics), 470 (Experimental Physics).

4. Physics 383 (Optics) or 385 (Solid State Physics). 5. Physics 490 (Internship), 6 cr. 6. Economics 110 (Principles of Macroeconomics) or Business 320 (Principles

of Management).

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Physics Major-Applied Mechanics Emphasis — Four Year PlanThe following table illustrates a typical plan to complete the major within a four-year time frame. Students taking different paths may take longer than the four year plan here. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major – some physics courses are taught only in alternate years.

Year OneFall SemesterPhys 111: Introduction to Physics ....................................................................... 1 crMath 120: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I .................................................... 4 crEngl 101 and Elective credits ........................................................................... 10 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 150: University Physics I ....................................................................... 5 crMath 121: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II ................................................... 4 crEngl 102 and Elective Credits ............................................................................. 6 cr 15 cr

Year TwoFall SemesterPhys 250: University Physics II .......................................................................... 5 crMath 222: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III .................................................. 4 crChem 105 or 117 ................................................................................................. 5 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-3 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhysics 300: Modern Physics ............................................................................. 3 crMath 213: Introduction to Linear Algebra .......................................................... 4 crElective Credits ................................................................................................... 8 cr 15 cr

Year ThreeFall SemesterPhys 370: Electronics .......................................................................................... 4 crPhysics 435: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics ................................. 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 3-6 cr 13-16 crSpring SemesterPhys 315: Computational Physics ....................................................................... 3 crPhys 470: Experimental Physics ......................................................................... 2 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 6-9 cr 14-17 cr

Year FourFall SemesterPhys 335: Advanced Mechanics ......................................................................... 3 crEcon 110 or Bus 320 ........................................................................................... 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-6 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhys 490: Internship ........................................................................................... 6 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-6 cr 14-17 cr

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Physics Major-Applied Electronics Emphasis — Four Year PlanThe following table illustrates a typical plan to complete the major within a four-year time frame. Students taking different paths may take longer than the four year plan here. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major – some physics courses are taught only in alternate years.Year One

Fall SemesterPhys 111: Introduction to Physics ....................................................................... 1 crMath 120: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I .................................................... 4 crEngl 101 and Elective credits ........................................................................... 10 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 150: University Physics I ....................................................................... 5 crMath 121: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II ................................................... 4 crEngl 102 and Elective Credits ............................................................................. 6 cr 15 cr

Year TwoFall SemesterPhys 250: University Physics II .......................................................................... 5 crMath 222: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III .................................................. 4 crChem 105 or 117 ................................................................................................. 5 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-3 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhysics 300: Modern Physics ............................................................................. 3 crMath 213: Introduction to Linear Algebra .......................................................... 4 crElective Credits ................................................................................................... 8 cr 15 cr

Year ThreeFall SemesterPhys 370: Electronics .......................................................................................... 4 crPhysics 320: Electricity and Magnetism ............................................................. 4 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 6-9 cr 17 crSpring SemesterPhys 315: Computational Physics ....................................................................... 3 crPhys 470: Experimental Physics ......................................................................... 2 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 6-9 cr 14-17 cr

Year FourFall SemesterPhys 383: Solid State (and/or 385) .................................................................. 0-3 crPhys 385: Optics(and/or 383) .......................................................................... 0-3 crEcon 110 or Bus 320 ........................................................................................... 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-6 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhys 490: Internship ........................................................................................... 6 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-6 cr 14-17 cr

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Physics▀Major▀for▀Teaching▀Certification▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀This major is designed for students pursuing a career in secondary education. Students take fewer credits of physics courses. They must work with the School of Educationprogramfortheireducationcoursesandcertification.

Physics Major for Teacher Certification Consists of a minimum of 49 credits including: 1. Math 120, 121, 222, 213. (Calculus I, II and III and Linear Algebra)2. Physics 111(Freshman Seminar), 150, 250 (University Physics I and II),

300 (Modern Physics), 320 (Electricity and Magnetism), 335 (Classical Mechanics), 470 (Experimental Physics).

3. Physics 315 (Computational Physics) or 370 (Electronics). 4. Astronomy 205 or 206 or 311 or physics courses numbered above 300 not

including 390 or 490 to attain 49 credits. NOTE: Enrollment caps are in effect for those students seeking teacher certification.ContacttheDepartmentofPhysicsandAstronomyearlyforentrance requirements and application procedures. Also see information about the Professional Education Program and the secondary education curriculum for teachercertificationintheEducationsectionofthiscatalog.

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Physics Major for Teaching Certification — Four Year PlanThe following table illustrates a typical plan to complete the major within a four-year time frame. Students taking different paths may take longer than the four year plan here. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major – some physics courses are taught only in alternate years. Please see an advisor in the School of Education for information additional requirements beyond the physics coursesforcertification.

Year OneFall SemesterPhys 111: Introduction to Physics ....................................................................... 1 crMath 120: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I .................................................... 4 crEngl 101 and Elective credits ........................................................................... 10 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 150: University Physics I ....................................................................... 5 crMath 121: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II ................................................... 4 crEngl 102 and Elective Credits ............................................................................. 6 cr 15 cr

Year TwoFall SemesterPhys 250: University Physics II .......................................................................... 5 crMath 222: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III .................................................. 4 crElectives Credits ................................................................................................. 6 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 300: Modern Physics ............................................................................. 3 crMath 213: Introduction to Linear Algebra .......................................................... 4 crElective Credits ................................................................................................... 8 cr 15 cr

Year ThreeFall SemesterPhys 320: Electricity and Magnetism ................................................................. 4 crPhys 370: Electronics (and/or Phys 315) ............................................................ 4 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 3-9 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhys 470: Experimental Physics ......................................................................... 2 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits ............................................................................................ 12-15 cr 4-17 cr

Year FourFall SemesterPhys 335: Advanced Mechanics ......................................................................... 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-6 crElective Credits .............................................................................................. 6-12 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhys 315: Computational Physics (and/or Phys 370) ......................................... 3 crPhysics Electives .............................................................................................. 0-3 crElective Credits .............................................................................................. 9-12 cr 15 cr

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Natural Science – Physical Science Option▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀The major in natural science may be applied toward a degree in the College of Letters and Science or used in the School of Education of the College of ProfessionalStudiesforDepartmentofPublicInstructioncertificationinbroad-fieldscience.Enrollmentcapsareineffectforthoseseekingteachercertification.Pleasecontactthe natural science coordinator early for entrance requirements and application procedures. Also contact the School of Education for information about the Professional Education Program and the secondary education curriculum for teachercertification.The Natural Science major has three options as listed below.

Earth Science Option (see Biology brochure for information)

Life Science Option (see Geography/Geology Brochure for information)

Physical Science Option: This option is advised within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It requires:1. A minimum of 38 credits in physical science: a. A minor in chemistry (24 credits) or physics (25 credits); b. Fourteen credits in the other area. If your minor is chemistry, these credits

must consist of Physics 203 and 204, or Physics 150 and 250, and any physics courses numbered 300 and above.

2. Biology 130 and 160, 10 credits. 3. Earth science, 8-10 credits selected from: Geography 101, 352, 353, 354;

Geology 104, 106, 200, 330, 370; Astronomy 205, 206 or 311. 4. Collateral: For chemistry minor take Math 111 or 120; for the physics minor

take Math 120, 121, 222.

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Pre-engineering Program▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀This is a two year program in which students take core math, physics and chemistry classes in preparation for acceptance into an engineering program. Students need to transfer to another institution to complete their engineering degree. Students interested in Pre-Chemical Engineering and/or ABET accredited engineering should consult with the Department of Paper Science and Engineering.Thefollowingtableillustratesatypicalplanforthefirsttwoyears.Studentsplanning on transferring to another institution should consult with that school and their advisor to choose appropriate elective courses. Year One

Fall SemesterPhys 111: Introduction to Physics ....................................................................... 1 crMath 120: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I .................................................... 4 crEngl 101 and Elective credits ........................................................................... 10 cr 15 crSpring SemesterPhysics 150: University Physics I ....................................................................... 5 crMath 121: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II ................................................... 4 crEngl 102 and Elective Credits ............................................................................. 6 cr 15 cr

Year TwoFall SemesterPhys 250: University Physics II .......................................................................... 5 crMath 222: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III .................................................. 4 crChem 105 or 117 ................................................................................................. 5 crElective Credits ................................................................................................ 0-3 cr 14-17 crSpring SemesterPhysics 300: Modern Physics ............................................................................. 3 crMath 213: Introduction to Linear Algebra .......................................................... 4 crElective Credits ................................................................................................... 8 cr 15 cr

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Scholastic Opportunities▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀Student ScholarshipsThe Department administers several scholarships for students studying physics. Students are awarded these scholarships on the basis of academic achievement and scholastic merit. The Arthur Pejsa Aerospace Scholarship in the amount $1000 is annually given by the faculty to a student with an interest in aerospace science. The Monica E. Bainter Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a continuing junior level student majoring in physics. The primary criterion for this scholarship is demonstrated academic excellence, particularly in the study of physics. The recipient is selected by the faculty. The award ranges in value up to $1500. Additional Bainter Scholarships are awarded to students majoring or minoring in physics. The primary criterion for awarding these scholarships is demonstrated academic excellence, especially in the study of physics or astronomy. Financial need is also considered. Generally, two or three recipients are selected annually by the faculty. These awards are typically $500. The Allen F. Blocher Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a physics major who will be participating in an international internship during that calendar year. Recipients are selected by the faculty. These awards are typically $700.The Culver-Rogers Award is given to an outstanding major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics or natural science. The student must have junior standing or above and must be a returning student. Award amount varies.The Thalacker-Trytten Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding junior or senior chemistry, physics or mathematics major with minimum GPA of 3.0. Student must be pursuing a career in teaching secondary education or intending to continue graduate studies in chemistry, physics or mathematics. The award ranges in value up to $2000.Freshman Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who intend to major in physics. The primary criterion is academic performance in high school, particularly in science. Recipients are selected by the faculty and award amounts range in value up to $1000.

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Undergraduate ResearchPhysics majors have the opportunity to do research with one or more faculty member while studying at UWSP. Students are strongly encouraged to start research projects early in their studies. The faculty specialize in three main areasCondensed Matter Physics Students would use the newly remodeled Condensed Matter Research Laboratory to study different aspects of superconductivity and liquid crystal physics. They can investigate how the entrance of magnetic vortices affects the superconducting properties of high temperature superconducting grain boundaries or study the surfacetensionofliquid-crystalfilmsinordertobetterunderstandthewaymolecules arrange themselves at the surface of materials. Atomic Physics, Molecular Physics and OpticsResearch opportunities include exploring the renewable production of hydrogen fuel, working in the Femto-second laser lab to use ultra-short pulses of laser light to study ultra-fast changes in materials, or using tunable, continuous wave lasers to study atomic and molecular alkali samples.AstronomyStudents pursuing research in astronomy can do computational studies of the properties of stars and stellar remnants. They can also do research on the structure and evolution of galaxies. Faculty and students have access to the WIYN 0.9m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico.

Department of

Physics & AstronomyMick Veum, Chair

Room: B-107 Science Building 1848 Maria Drive

Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone: 715-342-5848physastr@uwsp.edu

www.uwsp.edu/physastr

Phystronomy (digital composition by UWSP Printing & Design).

University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointCollege of Letters & Science