The Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy has a long tradition of educating scientists, engineers, and teachers who have achieved distinguished careers as researchers and leaders in industry and education.
Undergraduate students interested in either Astronomy or Astrophysics as a major have the option to work toward a Bachelor of Science degree in one of these disciplines. Undergraduates who choose physics as a major may work toward the standard Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or the professional Bachelor of Physics degree. Minors are available in Physics and Astronomy.
We also partner with the Gallogly College of Engineering, who offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics.
Use the dropdown menu below to navigate quickly to a particular section.
You can find the most up-to-date information about our programs and courses in the OU General Catalog.
The standard Astronomy degree comprises a rigorous introduction to astronomy for students who plan pursuits other than graduate school after graduation. This program includes a substantial number of courses in math and physics, in addition to the required astronomy courses.
Students who intend to go to graduate school and become professional astronomers will need the professional degree in Astrophysics. This program includes a substantial number of courses in math and physics, in addition to the required astronomy and astrophysics courses.
This program provides an interdisciplinary environment where pure and applied science merge. The curriculum is designed to develop sufficient depth in both engineering skills and physics knowledge to produce engineers who are able to relate fundamental physical principles to practical problems in engineering.
Students planning to continue into graduate study, or who, for any reason, want a comprehensive curriculum, are advised to take the professional degree program. This program can be completed in four years, although some students take five years.
Students who want a less comprehensive program than the professional degree pathway may choose the standard degree, which takes less time. With fewer required courses, the standard degree enables a student interested in medicine or law, for example, to take the necessary preparatory courses for a professional program.
A minor can be a valuable adjunct to such majors as mathematics, meteorology, philosophy, or literature. Astronomy and astrophysics majors cannot earn a double major or a minor in physics nor vice versa. Engineering Physics majors cannot earn a major or minor in physics.
For the most up-to-date course offerings and description, refer to the OU General Catalog.
4 Credit Hours
An introduction to the concepts of modern astronomy. The solar system, the sun and stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, current theories of the origin, evolution and fate of the universe. Not for major credit. A student may not receive credit for this course and ASTR 1514. (F, Sp, Su) [II-NL].
4 Credit Hours
0 to 4 hours. An introduction to the concepts of modern astronomy. The solar system, the sun and stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, current theories of the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. Not for major credit. A student may not receive credit for this course and ASTR 1504. Laboratory (F, Sp, Su) [II-LAB].
3 Credit Hours
Introductory astronomy course focusing on general physical conditions under which life is thought to arise and evolve in the universe. Topics include historical astronomy, gravitation and planetary orbits, the solar system. The earth's geology and atmosphere, stellar evolution, theories for the origin of life on earth, the discoveries of extrasolar planets, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Course is not for major credit in physics and astronomy, however it is appropriate for Journalism and Mass Communications, Zoology, Education and Chemistry majors as well as others who want an introduction to our current understanding of life in the universe. (Sp) [II-NL].
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1215 or PHYS 2524, or permission of instructor. An introduction to solar system astronomy and basic astrophysical concepts for majors and students with a knowledge of introductory physics and calculus. Includes planetary system formation, asteroids, comets, terrestrial planets and giant planets. Astrophysical concepts including Keplers laws, blackbody radiation, hydrostatic equilibrium and heat transfer. Elements of astronomy, including time, celestial coordinates, telescopes and detectors, magnitudes and color indices. (F)
1-3 Credit Hours
Special Topics. 1 to 3 hours. May be repeated; Maximum credit nine hours. Special topics course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research, and field projects. (Irreg.)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2513 or permission of instructor. Stellar properties and stellar evolution. Includes fundamental properties of stars (temperature, luminosity, mass) and how to determine them, star formation, main sequence, post main sequence, supernovae, black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, binary stars. (F)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: ASTR 2513 or permission of instructor; ASTR 3103 strongly recommended. Galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Includes the Milky Way galaxy, the interstellar medium, normal and active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, cosmology. (Sp)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum credit nine hours. (F, Su)
3 Credit Hours
0 to 3 hours. Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Consists of topics designated by the instructor in keeping with the student's major program. The topics will cover materials not usually presented in the regular courses. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Subjects covered vary. Deals with concepts not usually treated in regular courses. (Irreg.)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Provides an opportunity for the gifted Honors candidate to work at a special project in the student's field. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: one course in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Sp, Su)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: ASTR 3113 or permission of instructor. Physics of stars: gas and radiation laws, stellar atmospheres and spectra, stellar interiors and evolution. (F)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: ASTR 2513 and ASTR 3103. Techniques of multiwavelength observational astronomy. Includes time and coordinates, physics of astronomical ccds, telescopes, photometry, extinction correction, technical feasibility calculations, optical spectroscopy, and x-ray astronomy. Introductions to gamma-ray, infrared, UV radio astronomy. No student may earn credit for both 4523 and 5523. (Irreg.)
1-4 Credit Hours
1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: good standing in University; permission of instructor and dean. May be repeated; maximum credit four hours. Designed for upper-division students who need opportunity to study a specific problem in greater depth than formal course content permits. (Irreg.)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: three courses in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: high school algebra II. Not open to students who intend to do major work in mathematics or physical science. Concepts of force, energy, matter, atomic physics, electricity, light, presented as a part of a liberal education. A student may not receive credit for this course and PHYS 1205, PHYS 2414 or PHYS 2514. (F, Sp, Su) [II-NL].
5 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: enrollment in Mathematics 1823 or 1914 or permission of instructor. To be taken by physics, astronomy and engineering physics majors during the first semester of their freshman year. Kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, many-particle systems, rigid body rotation, simple harmonic motion. Laboratory is an integral part of the course. Laboratory (F) [II-LAB].
5 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1205 or permission of instructor. Electricity and magnetism: static fields and forces, circuits, electromagnetic induction. Thermodynamics: the First and Second Laws, temperature, heat, work and entropy. Laboratory is an integral part of the course. Laboratory (Sp)
1 Credit Hour
Corequisite: PHYS 2414 or PHYS 2514. Experiments in basic law of mechanics and thermodynamics. (F, Sp, Su) [II-LAB] .
1 Credit Hour
Corequisite: PHYS 2424 or PHYS 2524. Experiments in basic laws of electricity, magnetism, and optics. (F, Sp, Su) [II-LAB] .
3 Credit Hours
An introduction to the science of sound and its propagation with special emphasis on the production of sound by musical instruments and the voice, psychological aspects of sound perception, and room acoustics. Topics are explored through lectures, demonstrations, and discussions. No previous musical experience or proficiency is required. Not for major credit. (F) [II-NL] .
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1215 or PHYS 2524 (or concurrent enrollment), or permission of instructor. An introduction to and overview of key concepts in contemporary physics, with emphasis on the contrast between classical and modern ways of thinking about the physical universe. Includes an introduction to selected major subject areas, which might include light and optics, relativity, atoms and molecules, the solid state, nuclei, elementary particles, fundamental interactions, cosmology and/or chaos. Students will also explore selected topics in current physics research. (F)
2 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: MATH 2433 and PHYS 2203. Students will learn basic skills in programming in the context of solving physics problems. It is assumed that the student has no computer programming experience, and only modest understanding of physics. Through a variety of projects, the students are to obtain a deeper understanding of physical principles by implementing computer simulations. (Sp)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1215 or PHYS 2524 (or concurrent enrollment), or permission of instructor. An introduction to the characteristics of semiconductor electronic components and their use in the design and operation of practical analog and digital electronic circuits. The emphasis will be on gaining a working knowledge of basic circuits and preparation for understanding and building electronic circuits encountered by experimental research physicists. (F)
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1523 or 1743. Kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, gravitation, equilibrium, momentum, energy, static and flowing fluids, kinetic theory, heat and thermodynamics, vibrations, waves and sound. A student may not receive credit for this course and PHYS 1205 or PHYS 2514. (F, Sp, Su) [II-NL].
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2414. Electric charge, electric field, electric potential, energy, DC and AC currents, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, geometrical optics, wave nature of light, optical instruments, early quantum theory, models of the atom, the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear reactions and nuclear energy. A student may not receive credit for this course and PHYS 1215 or PHYS 2524. (F, Sp, Su)
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1823 or MATH 1914 with grade of C or better. Vectors, kinematics and dynamics of particles, work and energy systems of particles, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, gravitation, fluid mechanics, waves. A student may not receive credit for this course and PHYS 1205. (F, Sp, Su) [II-NL].
4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2514 and MATH 2423 or MATH 2924 with grade of C or better. Temperature, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics. A student may not receive credit for this course and PHYS 1215. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1205 or PHYS 2514, and Mathematics 3113 or 3413 (or concurrent enrollment); or permission of instructor. Differential equations based continuum mechanics: Newtonian particle mechanics, driven and damped oscillations, vibrations and waves, and their application to other linear systems, non-linear oscillations, introduction to Lagrange's equations. (Sp)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3043 or permission of instructor. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. Non-inertial reference frames. Rigid body motion. Central forces and collisions. Special relativity. (F)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2203, Mathematics 3413 or concurrent enrollment; or permission of instructor. Electrostatics, dielectrics, continuity conditions, magnetic forces and fields, magnetic induction, magnetization, Maxwell's equations. (F)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Mathematics 3113 or equivalent. Relativity, atomic structure, nuclear theory, wave mechanics, statistical physics, solid state physics. (F)
2 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 2303 or permission of instructor. Junior-level experiments in physics. (F, Sp)
2 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3302 or permission of instructor. Junior-level experiments in physics. (F, Sp)
3 Credit Hours
0 to 3 hours. Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit. (F, Sp, Su)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3043 and MATH 3413 or permission of instructor. Fundamental ideas of quantum physics. Postulates of quantum theory, wave functions, operators, the Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional systems. Mathematical tools of quantum mechanics. Theory of measurement. Stationary and nonstationary states. (Sp)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Will consist of topics designated by the instructor in keeping with the student's major program. Covers materials not usually presented in the regular courses. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. The projects covered will vary. Deals with concepts not usually presented in regular coursework. (Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Provides an opportunity for the gifted Honors candidate to work at a special project in the student's field. (F, Sp, Su)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: one course in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3803. Statistical properties of physical systems. Entropy and temperature, the Boltzmann distribution, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein gases. Thermodynamic functions. Statistical interpretation of thermodynamics. (F)
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3183. Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction, radiation. (Sp)
3 Credit Hours
(Slashlisted with PHYS 5213) Prerequisite: PHYS 3803. Basic nuclear structure, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions. Particle interactions and families, quark model, weak decays of quarks and leptons. No student may earn credit for both PHYS 4213 and PHYS 5213. (F)
3 Credit Hours
(Slashlisted with PHYS 5223) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Geometrical optics; optical systems; optical aberrations; electromagnetic optics; diffraction theory; Fourier optics; interference; optical coherence and statistical properties of light; advanced topics such as, e.g., lasers and fiber optics. No student may earn credit for both PHYS 4223 and PHYS 5223. (Irreg.)
3 Credit Hours
(Slashlisted with PHYS 5243) Prerequisite: PHYS 3803. Crystal structure, electrons in simple metals, electron band theory, semiconductors, superconductivity, phonons. No student may earn credit for both PHYS 4243 and PHYS 5243. (Sp)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: senior standing in major and permission of instructor. May be repeated once. Research project, experimental or theoretical, to be arranged with individual faculty, leading to a senior thesis. Group seminars to discuss projects and other topics of current interest in physics and astronomy. Total of four hours required for general education capstone. (F, Sp) [V] .
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor. Research project, experimental or theoretical, to be arranged with individual faculty, leading to a senior thesis. Group seminars to discuss projects and other topics of current interest in physics and astronomy. Total of four hours between PHYS 4310 and PHYS 4320 are required. (F, Sp) [V].
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 4310. A continuation of the research project, experimental or theoretical, arranged with individual faculty, producing a senior thesis. Group seminars to discuss projects and other topics of current interest in physics and astronomy. Total of four hours between PHYS 4310 and PHYS 4320 are required. (F, Sp) [V].
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 3803 or permission of instructor. Quantum mechanics of three-dimensional systems. Angular momentum. Approximation methods: perturbation theory, variational methods. Time-dependent perturbations: transition rates, selection rules. Interaction of radiation with matter. Applications. Quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules. (F)
3 Credit Hours
(Slashlisted with PHYS 5813) Prerequisite: PHYS 4803. Hydrogen atom: fine structure, hyperfine structure, and external field effects; helium and many-electron atoms; two-level atom: rotating wave approximation, Rabi oscillation, and Bloch sphere; atom interferometry; broadening mechanisms; saturation spectroscopy; photon echoes. No student may earn credit for both PHYS 4813 and PHYS 5813. (Sp)
1-4 Credit Hours
1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: good standing in University; permission of instructor and dean. May be repeated; maximum credit four hours. Designed for upper-division students who need opportunity to study a specific problem in greater depth than formal course content permits. (Irreg.)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of subject; maximum credit six hours. (Irreg.)
1-3 Credit Hours
1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: three courses in general area to be studied,permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
