Physics Courses | 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog | SIU

Vector spaces and operators in physics. Hilbert spaces and complete orthonormal sets of functions. Elements and applications of the theory of analytic functions. Methods for the solution of partial differential equations of physics.

Credit Hours: 3

Generalized coordinates and forces. Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and variational formulations of mechanics. Noether's Theorem. Central forces, oscillations.

Credit Hours: 3

Maxwell's equations, electrostatics, boundary-value problems in electrostatics, magnetostatics, microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of electric and magnetic materials, and multipole expansion.

Credit Hours: 3

Maxwell's equations, conservation principles, special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformation of electric and magnetic fields, radiation by moving charges, propagation of electromagnetic waves, and scattering.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure of a crystalline solid; lattice vibrations and thermal properties; electrons in metals; band theory; electrons and holes in semiconductors; opto-electronic phenomena in solids; dielectric and magnetic properties; superconductivity. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

Properties of electromagnetic waves in space and media, polarization and interference phenomena and devices, electro- and magneto-optic effects, optical gain, and lasers. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

The course covers the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics using bra-ket vectors and operators. It encompasses quantum dynamics, angular momentum, and quantum entanglement and non-locality. The topics include the Hilbert space description of quantum states, quantum measurement, the probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics, uncertainty relations, spin dynamics, harmonic oscillators, the rotational spectrum of molecules, and the spectrum of a hydrogen atom.

Credit Hours: 3

The course covers symmetries of quantum systems, various perturbation methods, identical particles, scattering theory, and relativistic quantum mechanics. The topics include the discrete symmetries and gauge symmetries, variational methods, time-independent and time-dependent perturbations, the interaction of quantum systems with radiation fields, selection rules, fermions and bosons, and the Dirac equation.

Credit Hours: 3

The course covers relativistic quantum mechanics and the quantum field theory and its application to particle physics, quantum many-body systems, and quantum optics. The topics include the second quantization, propagators and Feynman diagrams, renormalization, gauge symmetry, and symmetry breaking. Prerequisite: PHYS 530B.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic nuclear properties and structure; radioactivity, nuclear excitation, and reactions, nuclear forces; fission and fusion. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

Atomic spectra and structure; molecular spectra and structure.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of classical and quantum equilibrium statistics; fluctuation phenomena; special topics in equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

Fundamental concepts in solid state physics. Lattice vibrations, band theory of solids, the Fermi surface, dynamics of electrons. Transport, cohesive, optical, magnetic and other properties of solids.

Credit Hours: 3

Each student works on a definite investigative topic under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. The projects are taken from the current research in the department. Resourcefulness and initiative are required. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-9

The courses reflect special research interests of the faculty and current developments in physics. They are offered as the need arises and interest and time permit. Students are required to give presentations. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-4

This course provides an introduction to the modern scientific study of the universe. The laws of physics will be used to explore a wide range of astrophysical processes such as comparative planetology, orbital dynamics, stellar evolution, and cosmology.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to how physics principles and techniques are applied to study and describe complex and emergent processes found at the biological and biomolecular level. This course combines several topics not usually covered in standard physics courses to qualify and quantify cell structure, mechanics, dynamics, self-assembly, and biological functionality.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides foundational knowledge in the usage of computers for solving natural problems in different types of physical systems. The class will give a thorough understanding of various numerical techniques such as interpolating/extrapolating data, integrating ordinary and partial differential equations, and solving linear algebra problems. Students will be guided to write programs for solving several applied physics problems in classical and modern physics. A brief survey of High Performance Computing will also be presented giving students a working knowledge of scientific computing. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will serve as an introductory course in Materials Science and Nanoscale Physics. Topics to be covered include: The need for studying Materials Science; classification of materials; advanced concepts in materials manufacturing; modern materials; nanoscale materials; electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical properties of materials; tailoring materials for application development; techniques of materials characterization, nanomaterials and nanotechnology; and societal impacts. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the core concepts of quantum computation and quantum information. It encompasses quantum gates, quantum algorithms, quantum hardware, quantum error correction codes, entanglement, quantum teleportation, and quantum nonlocality, among other concepts. Also, it introduces how to implement various quantum algorithms on quantum computers. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

Lectures on special topics by students, faculty, or invited scholars; participation is required of all graduate students. For credit each student may present a seminar in the form of a lecture on a theoretical or experimental topic, a demonstration experiment or apparatus critique. Graded S/U only.

Credit Hours: 1

Maximum credit 50 hours. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-9

Credit Hours: 1-6

Minimum 24 credit hours required for Ph.D. degree. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-30

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1

One credit hour per semester. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Must be a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Credit Hours: 1