Courses Offered
The courses you will study in our department will furnish you with a sound foundation in basic and applied physics and astronomy. We will challenge you. And, if you are willing to work, we will help you to succeed. The following are the physics and astronomy courses offered at UMaine. (If you are interested in the courses of other departments on the UMaine campus, check the UMaine Course Catalog and department websites.)
Graduate level courses are also available for advanced undergraduates.
- AST 109 Introduction to Astronomy
- AST 110 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory
- AST 114 Navigation
- AST 221 Planetary Systems
- AST 227 Stars and Galaxies
- AST 451 Astrophysics I
- AST 497 Topics in Astrophysics
- AST 598 Special Topics in Theor. or Exp. Astrophysics
- PHY 100 Introduction to Physics and Astronomy
- PHY 101 Physics by Inquiry I
- PHY 102 Physics by Inquiry II
- PHY 105 Descriptive Physics
- PHY 107 Technical Physics I
- PHY 108 Technical Physics II
- PHY 111 General Physics I
- PHY 112 General Physics II
- PHY 121 Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists I
- PHY 122 Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists II
- PHY 200 Career Preparation in Physics and Engineering Physics I
- PHY 223 Special Relativity
- PHY 224 Special Relativity Laboratory
- PHY 231 Mathematical Methods in Physics
- PHY 236 Introductory Quantum Physics
- PHY 241 Computational Physics
- PHY 261 Physical Measurements Laboratory
- PHY 262 Electronics
- PHY 364 Modern Experimental Physics
- PHY 365 Mechanics Laboratory
- PHY 400 Career Preparation in Physics and Engineering Physics II
- PHY 447 Molecular Biophysics
- PHY 451 Mechanics
- PHY 454 Electricity and Magnetism I
- PHY 455 Electricity and Magnetism II
- PHY 462 Physical Thermodynamics
- PHY 463 Statistical Mechanics
- PHY 469 Quantum and Atomic Physics
- PHY 470 Nuclear Physics
- PHY 471 Nuclear Physics Laboratory
- PHY 472 Geometrical and Fourier Optics
- PHY 473 Modern Optics Laboratory
- PHY 480 Physics of Materials
- PHY 481 Project Laboratory in Physics I
- PHY 482 Project Laboratory in Physics II
- PHY 495 Engineering Physics Practice
- PHY 496 Field Experience in Physics
- PHY 497 Problems in Physics
AST 109 Introduction to Astronomy
A descriptive survey of astronomy including contemporary views of the universe. Topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, black holes, quasars, and cosmology. May be taken without AST 110. Lec 3.
General Education Requirements: Applications of Scientific Knowledge when taken without AST 110.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
3 Cr.
AST 110 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory
Laboratory and observational exercises to accompany AST 109. Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Together with AST 109, this course satisfies the General Education Lab in the Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement.
Corequisites: AST 109
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
1 Cr.
Covers piloting, dead-reckoning, and celestial navigation. A working knowledge of trigonometry is required. (Satisfies the General Education Science Applications of Scientific Knowledge Requirement.)
Lec 3.
3 Cr.
A more detailed introduction to astronomy and astrophysics than AST 109 covering solar system astronomy including celestial mechanics, astronomical coordinate systems, Kepler’s laws, and the sun. Lec 3.
Prerequisites: MAT 127, a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122 or permission.
Course Typically Offered: Variable
3 Credits.
An introduction to one or more of: stars, galaxies, quasars, and/or cosmology. Not given every year. This course is independent of AST 221 which is not a prerequisite. Lec 3.
Prerequisites: MAT 127, a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122 or permission.
Course Typically Offered: Variable
3 Credits.
Application of the principles of physics to selected topics in the study of cosmogony, stellar evolution and dynamics, interstellar processes, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisites: MAT 259, a grade of C- or better in PHY 236, PHY 451 and PHY 455 or permission
Course Typically Offered: Variable
1-3 Credits.
A continuation of AST 451.
Prerequisite: C- or better in AST 451.
1-3 Credits.
AST 497 Topics in Astrophysics
Selected topics in areas not already covered by regular course offerings in the Department.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
1-3 Credits.
AST 598 Special Topics in Theoretical or Experimental Astrophysics
Prerequisite: departmental permission.
Credits arranged.
PHY 100 Introduction to Physics and Astronomy
Introduces first-year physics and engineering physics students to the professions and opportunities in physics, engineering physics, and astronomy, including departmental faculty, research opportunities, and facilities, as well as career options. In addition to discipline-specific information, the course will introduce students to departmental, college, and university resources that will help them succeed in their education. (Pass/Fail Grade Only.)
Prerequisites: First-year standing within the BA or BS in Physics or the BS in Engineering Physics or permission.
Course Typically Offered: Fall
1 Credit.
A basic “hands-on” inquiry course. Students make observations in the laboratory which provide a basis for constructing physical concepts and developing the reasoning skills necessary to apply them to simple phenomena. Each semester, two or three topics will be chosen from the following list: properties of matter, observational astronomy, heat and temperature, light and optics (including color), electricity and magnetism and kinematics.
Satisfies the General Education Lab in the Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement.
Prerequisite: Education majors or permission of instructor.
4 Cr.
A basic “hands-on” inquiry course. Students make observations in the laboratory which provide a basis for constructing physical concepts and developing the reasoning skills necessary to apply them to simple phenomena. Each semester, two or three topics will be chosen from the following list: properties of matter, observational astronomy, heat and temperature, light and optics (including color), electricity and magnetism and kinematics. (NOTE: PHY 101 is NOT a prerequisite for PHY 102. Different topics will be covered. See instructor for details.)
Prerequisite: Education majors or permission.
4 Cr.
A introduction to basic concepts of physics intended for the non-science major. (Satisfies the General Education Science Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement.) Lec 3, Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Lab in Basic or Applied Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Fall
4 Cr.
An introduction to the basic concepts of mechanics and heat with illustrations taken from technical applications. Algebra and trigonometry are used. Intended for Engineering Technology students. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 107, PHY 111 and PHY 121. Satisfies the General Education Lab in the Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement. Lec 3, Rec 1, Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Lab in Basic or Applied Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Fall
4 Cr.
An introduction to the basic concepts of electricity, magnetism and light with illustrations taken from technical applications. Algebra and trigonometry are used. Intended for Engineering Technology students. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 108, PHY 112 and PHY 122. Lec 3, Rec 1, Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Lab in Basic or Applied Sciences
Prerequisites: PHY 107
Course Typically Offered: Spring
4 Cr.
An introduction to the principles of mechanics, energy, heat, sound and properties of matter. Designed for science majors as well as premedical and predental students. No calculus. A working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 107, PHY 111 and PHY 121. (Satisfies the General Education Science Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement.) Lec 2, Rec 1, Problem Workshop 1, Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Lab in Basic or Applied Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
4 Cr.
A continuation of PHY 111. Introducing electricity, magnetism, optics and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 108, PHY 112 and PHY 122. (Satisfies the General Education Science Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement.) Lec 2, Rec 1, Problem Workshop 1, Lab 2.
General Education Requirements: Lab in Basic or Applied Sciences
Prerequisites: PHY 111
Course Typically Offered: Spring, Summer
4 Cr.
PHY 121 Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists I
An introductory calculus-based physics course, primarily serving students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences. Focuses on mechanics. NOTE: While Calc I (MAT 126 or equivalent) is not a pre- or corequisite for PHY 121 (Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists I), it is a prerequisite for PHY 122 (Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists II). Since PHY 121 is calculus based, it is expected that students are either concurrently enrolled in or have prior credit for MAT 126. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 107, PHY 111 and PHY 121.
General Education Requirements: Lab in the Basic or Applied Sciences
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT 122, or no grade record in MAT 122 and a passing score (for MAT 126) on the Math Placement Exam.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
4 Cr.
PHY 122 Physics for Eng. & Physical Scientists II
A continuation of PHY 121 including electricity, magnetism, and optics. While not required, it is recommended that MAT 127 be taken concurrently with, or prior to PHY 122. NOTE: Because of overlapping subject matter, no more than four (4) degree credits are allowed for any combination of PHY 108, PHY 112 and PHY 122.
General Education Requirements: Science Basic or Applied Sciences
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in PHY 121 and a grade of C or better in MAT 126
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
4 Cr.
PHY 200 Career Preparation in Physics and Engineering Physics I
A sophomore level course required of all physics and engineering physics majors. An introduction to the professions of physics and engineering physics, including the ethical standards of professional practice. Technical communication skills and practice in working on teams are developed through projects, presentations, and class discussions of contemporary issues and strategies to enhance professional qualifications.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
Course Typically Offered: Fall
1 Cr.
The basic principles of special relativity with a primary emphasis on mechanics.
Prerequisites: MAT 126, and a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122
Course Typically Offered: Spring
1 Cr.
PHY 224 Special Relativity Laboratory
Experiments illustrating the major predictions of the Theory of Special Relativity.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both PHY 261 and PHY 236 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: PHY 223.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
1-3 Cr.
PHY 231 Mathematical Methods in Physics
Mathematical methods with applications to physics. Topics include: infinite series, power series, complex numbers, linear algebra, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector analysis, Fourier series and Fourier transforms, ordinary and partial differential equations. If this course was taken as a topics course in PHY 497, it cannot be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT 228
Corequisites: MAT 259 or instructor permission
Course Typically Offered: Spring
3 Cr.
PHY 236 Introductory Quantum Physics
The basic principles of quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear structure, and some aspects of molecular, solid state, and elementary particle physics.
Prerequisite: MAT 127, a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
This course is a problem-solving course, developing the ability to solve numerical problems in physics and astronomy using computer programming methods with the Python language. Upon completion of this course, the student will possess the basic knowledge of numerical modeling that may be required for graduate school or in a position at a technical corporation.
If this course was taken as a topics course in PHY 497, it cannot be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in PHY 236
Course Typically Offered: Spring
3 Cr.
PHY 261 Physical Measurements Laboratory
Experiments primarily in modern physics. Lab 2.
Prerequisites: MAT 127, a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122
Course Typically Offered: Fall
2 Cr.
A laboratory-based introduction to analog and digital electronics and to the collaborative design and testing of circuits for a variety of practical applications. If this course was taken as a topics course in PHY 497, it cannot be repeated for credit. Primarily for physics and engineering physics majors; others admitted by permission.
Prerequisites: MAT 127, A grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122
Corequisites: PHY 231
Course Typically Offered: Spring
2 Cr.
PHY 364 Modern Experimental Physics
Experiments selected from various topics in physics including x-ray diffraction, microwaves, nuclear magnetic resonance, Hall effect, etc. Students develop their own experimental methods. Normally taken by junior physics and engineering physics majors. Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement when combined with PHY 365.
General Education Requirements: Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement.
Prerequisites: MAT 228 and a grade of C- or better in PHY 236
Course Typically Offered: Fall
2 Cr.
Theories and practices in the measurement of physical quantities in mechanics. Primarily for physics and engineering physics majors; others admitted by permission. Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement when combined with PHY 364.
General Education Requirements: Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement.
Prerequisites: MAT 259 and a grade of C- or better in PHY 451
Course Typically Offered: Spring
2 Cr.
PHY 400 Career Preparation in Physics and Engineering Physics II
A senior level course required of all physics and engineering physics majors. Refinement of technical communication skills through projects, presentations and class discussions of contemporary issues in science and engineering and strategies for career enhancement after graduation.
Together with PHY 481 or PHY 482, this course Satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement.
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in PHY 200; senior standing.
Course Typically Offered: Fall
1 Cr.
An introduction to physical properties of biological macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids and membranes. Solution thermodynamics developed as needed. Some statistical mechanics introduced. Topics include macromolecular structure, dynamics and functions, inter- and intra-molecular interactions, ligand binding equilibria, helix-coil transitions, physical techniques used in biophysics such as calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Four credit version contains additional term project to be arranged with instructor.
Prerequisites: MAT 126, CHY 121, and a grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122 or permission
Course Typically Offered: Spring
3-4 Cr.
A detailed treatment of mechanics using Netwonian and Lagrangian methods. Newton’s laws, particle motion in a plane, linear oscillations, damped oscillations, coupled oscillators, rigid body rotation, and potential methods.
Prerequisites: A Grade of C- or better in PHY 231
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
PHY 454 Electricity and Magnetism I
An intermediate level course in the fundamentals of the theory of electricity and magnetism. Treats electrostatics and magnetostatics, both in vacuum and in matter. Rec 3.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122 and in PHY 231
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
PHY 455 Electricity and Magnetism II
A continuation of PHY 454. Treats electrodynamics by developing Maxwell’s equations and applying them to systems of general interest. Rec 3.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in PHY 454.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
3 Cr.
PHY 462 Physical Thermodynamics
A theoretical study of the structure and concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics including the thermodynamic descriptions of the properties and phases of matter, analysis of processes and practical applications. Normally taken as a junior or senior elective by students in the sciences or engineering.
3 Cr.
Introduces statistical mechanics and thermodynamics with examples chosen from magnetic systems, ideal gases, metals, superfluidity, chemical reactions, phase transformations, mixtures, semiconductors, kinetic theory or related topics. Normally taken as a junior or senior elective by students in the sciences or engineering. Rec 3.
Prerequisites: MAT 258 or MAT 259 and a grade of C- or better in PHY 236.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
3 Cr.
PHY 469 Quantum and Atomic Physics
Introductory quantum mechanics applied to simple systems and molecules. Wavepackets, Schrödinger equation, operator methods and angular momentum.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both PHY 231 and PHY 236
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
Properties of the nucleus, nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, nuclear models, nuclear reactors and nuclear health physics. May be taken without the laboratory, PHY 471.
Prerequisites: MAT 259 and a grade of C- or better in PHY 236
Course Typically Offered: Spring
2 Cr.
PHY 471 Nuclear Physics Laboratory
Laboratory exercises to accompany PHY 470. Lab 2.
Corequisites: PHY 470
Course Typically Offered: Spring
1 Cr.
PHY 472 Geometrical and Fourier Optics
Covers geometrical optics, refraction and reflection at plane and spherical surfaces, optical instruments; Fourier optics, interference of waves and diffraction by a single and a double aperture; Lasers – theory of their operation, mode locking and pulse formation. Rec 3.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in either PHY 112 or PHY 122.
Corequisites: MAT 228
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
PHY 473 Modern Optics Laboratory
Laboratory exercises to accompany PHY 472, Geometrical and Fourier Optics.
Corequisite: PHY 472 or permission of instructor.
Lab 2-4.
1-2 Cr.
A senior level introductory course in the physics of materials, primarily solid state physics. Structural, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials are discussed. This course is appropriate for upper level undergraduates and graduate students in the field of physical sciences and engineering. The topics will build upon and utilize concepts from materials science, quantum physics, mechanics, and electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both PHY 231 and PHY 236
Course Typically Offered: Fall
3 Cr.
PHY 481 Project Laboratory in Physics I
An individual project laboratory tailored to the student’s particular interests. In consultation with a faculty sponsor, each student is expected to develop a suitable project, approved by the sponsor and the course coordinator. The project may or may not be related to the sponsor’s research. Full written reports are required.
General Education Requirements: Together with PHY 400, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement.
Prerequisites: Open to Physics or Engineering Physics majors with senior standing; others by permission of instructor.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
3 Cr.
PHY 482 Project Laboratory in Physics II
Completion of the project begun in PHY 481.
General Education Requirements: Together with PHY 400, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in PHY 481
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
3 Cr.
PHY 495 Engineering Physics Practice
Supervised engineering practice in an industrial setting. Placement is off-campus and usually of several month’s duration. Prior approval of department chairperson is required.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing with successful completion of 16 hours of physics courses and a declared major in Engineering Physics.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
1-6 Cr.
PHY 496 Field Experience in Physics
Supervised research or development in an academic laboratory, government laboratory, or industrial environment. Placements are usually off-campus and of several month’s duration. Prior approval of the department chairman is required.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing with successful completion of 16 hours of physics courses and a declared major in Engineering Physics.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
1-6 Cr.
Selected topics in areas not already covered by regular course offerings in the department. Primarily for undergraduates.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit Ar.
This online resource lists all of the University of Maine courses by Department. There is also a search function available. The available information includes:
- All UMaine courses listed by department
- Course designator and title (e.g. PHY 469 Quantum and Atomic Physics)
- Brief course descriptions
- Prerequisite courses (e.g. completed PHY 236, or instructor’s permission)
- Credit hours of study (e.g. Cr 3 is equal to 3 hours of in-class time per week).
