OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS IN PHYSICS

Regardless of your physics and mathematics background, the WIU Department of Physics is committed to offering area teachers many new opportunities that will allow you to satisfy professional development requirements while increasing your physics knowledge and sharpening your teaching skills. As new state teacher certification laws have imposed more stringent requirements for professional development on teachers, the WIU Physics Department is positioning itself to be on the cutting edge in meeting those needs. While most of our courses are offered during regularly scheduled time periods by the university, most of these courses can, if necessary, be individually arranged at times that are convenient for busy educators. Additionally, most of our courses also have the advantage of being "self-contained" in that necessary mathematics is reviewed and presented along with the course material, especially in the cases of individual special needs.

Courses of Interest to K through 6th Grade Teachers

The following courses offered by the Department of Physics offer an opportunity to learn more about the world and universe we work, play, and live in. If a more rigorous program is desired, consider classes in the higher level groupings.

Physics 100

Typically there are two sections of this course offered. One section has been redesigned exclusively for elementary school teachers. This course emphasizes the concepts of Physics with a minimal use of mathematics. The most useful aspect of the course are the numerous demonstrations and lab experiments that have been developed using cheap household items.

Physics 101 (Astronomy)

Offered summer session as well!

In this class you will learn about how the universe was formed, how it is changing, and what remains to be discovered. This course relies on theories and concepts to convey an understanding rather than mathematics. Occasionally, there will be nighttime viewing opportunities open to the public so invite your class to attend.

Physics 150

(Energy and the Environment)

The relationships between the environment, our society, and our energy needs are explored through a combination of lectures, laboratory experiments, and projects that the student completes. This course continues to adapt to an everchanging world whose needs continue to expand.

The Department of Elementary Education offers a course in Physical Science as part of their Science Education program for elementary school teachers. SCED 492 is available as either a graduate or undergraduate course. Contact the faculty member teaching this course for further information.

Courses of Interest to 7th Through 9th Grade Teachers

While all the courses mentioned above may be appropriate and useful to the middle school teacher, a more thorough background in Physics may be necessary depending on the teaching assignment. The following courses are typically offered as a two semester sequence and cover each of the core subjects in Physics. You should be comfortable with Algebra to take one of these courses. If you feel you lack the math background needed, discuss this with Dr. Mark Boley to see what steps might be taken to adapt the class as necessary.

Physics 114/115

A one year sequence that covers all of the core areas in Physics. Includes a weekly laboratory component where concepts discussed in class will be demonstrated in a "hands-on" experience. You should have a background in Algebra; be familiar with trigonometric functions such as sin, cos, and tan; and know some simple geometrical concepts such as area, volume, and right triangles. This sequence, along with one additional course will give an endorsement in Physics on a Type 09 certificate. (High School teachers, we recommend the 197 - 201 sequence as a minimum.)

Physics 124/125

This sequence is of particular interest because it carries 10 semester hours of credit which is the minimum required for an endorsement on a type 09 certificate. Similar in scope to Physics 114/115, however covers material with more depth and relies on mathematics more heavily. (High School Teachers, we recommend the 197 - 201 sequence as a minimum.)

Courses of Interest to High School Teachers
Continue for information on our M.S. Program and Graduate Courses

Physics 197, 198, 200, and 201 is a four semester calculus based sequence. A prior knowledge of calculus is not required to begin the sequence but you must be prepared to begin studying calculus at the same time. This sequence should be the minimum background for anyone teaching a class beyond the 9th grade physical science level. These four courses along with two additional upper division courses will give the student a minor in Physics.

Physics 311

A study of mechanics including simple harmonic oscillators, free fall with drag, and planetary motion. Should have a background in calculus and be familiar with simple differential equations.

Physics 320

Introduction to electric fields, forces, Gauss' Method, Magnetics, Biot-Savart Law, and Maxwell's Equations with a strong mathematical development. Should have a background in calculus, especially various integration techniques.

Physics 410

Grad credit available

Learn how to apply computer programming to the solution of various types of problems. Should be familiar with Fortran and have a background in calculus.

Physics 427

Grad credit available

Introduction to basics of analog and digital electronics including Kirchoff's Laws, logic gates, circuit design. This class includes an intensive laboratory component including individualized student projects.

Physics 428

Grad credit available

The study of optics including diffraction, interference, polarization, lasers, and holography. This class includes an intensive laboratory component.

Physics 430

A look at the development of quantum mechanics from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. Includes a study of the postulates of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger's equation, and the infinite potential well.

Physics 476

Grad credit available

An independent study course that can take many forms. Whether you wish to study something not offered regularly in the department or adapt a course that already is. Graduate credit is also available.

Physics 477

Grad credit available

Like 476, this course can also take many forms. However, it is most often used for those who wish to participate in research. We currently have research opportunities in magnetics, superconductivity, spectroscopy, fluid dynamics, and computational physics. These options are open to anyone regardless of background. In the past we have had high school students through M.S. thesis students involved. There are also opportunities to share your results at conferences.

Physics 490

Grad version available

This is a seminar class where the participants are asked to prepare one talk of approximately 20 minutes and write a paper on the subject of their talk. At the end of the semester, participants will present their talk in a seminar open to both the department and the general public.

PHYSICS TEACHERS DESIRING TO EARN AN MS IN PHYSICS

If you would like to earn a Masters Degree in physics while satisfying your professional growth requirements, the WIU Physics Department would be happy to review your undergraduate transcript and to help you in planning a program what will allow you to earn your degree during a year's leave of absence (including summers) or during a period of several years on a course per semester and/or summer basis, with individually arranged times. Call or E-mail Dr. Mark S. Boley with questions or requests for information on the M.S. program in the WIU Physics Department, or to schedule an appointment. Check back soon for course descriptions.

PHYSICS TEACHERS DESIRING TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE IN CORE AREAS

A number of the core undergraduate courses may be taken for graduate credit (400 level courses with G designation). These courses can also be offered to teachers on a case by case basis during times that are individually convenient, and paced to allow for a wide range of previous knowledge. All classes will be "self-contained" mathematically and their content can be tailored to reflect some topics for use in high school physics courses. Contact Dr. Mark S. Boley or Dr. Harold B. Hart with questions or further requests for information on these courses, or to schedule an individual appointment.



M.S. Program in Physics
For those seeking the MS degree in physics, there are several ways to "customize" your degree plan, but all degree candidates complete the following core courses.  Even if an MS degree in physics is not currently one of your goals, most of these classes listed below could help you to meet a part of your CERTIFICATE RENEWAL PLAN (CRP), which has to include some amount of coursework within the discipline(s) you are teaching.  These new guidelines for recertification of teachers are designed to insure your own professional development within the discipline(s) you are teaching.
Physics 510
CLASSICAL MECHANICS 
3 s.h.		 We all teach the mechanics of Sir Isaac Newton, but this course focuses on the more elegant formulations of LaGrange and Hamilton that approach mechanics problems through generalized momentum and energy considerations.  These clever mathematical formulations allow seemingly impossible problems to be solved more smoothly.  Teachers of physics will gain new insight into the working of the everyday things and enrich their students' concept of the physical world.  Required mathematics (including solution of many standard differential equations) is integrated with course material to build a strong background in mechanics.
PHYSICS 520 ELECTRODYNAMICS 3 s.h. This course introduces students to the mathematical formulations devised by Poisson and LaPlace to calculate the electric field by the solution of Boundary Value Problems.  Advanced mathematical work within this course includes the solution of partial differential equations by the method of separation of variables in Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems.  Solutions of these problems introduces the Green's Functions, Legendre polynomials, Bessel functions, and the Spherical Harmonics, and the discussion of the standard Dirichlet and Neumann Boundary Conditions.  Magnetostatic analogs are also examined in depth and the full development of Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics is usually included.
PHYSICS 530 QUANTUM MECHANICS 
3 s.h. 		 The wave-particle duality and the probabilistic interpretation of the behavior of nature at the atomic level makes a knowledge of quantum mechanics an essential for the well-rounded physics student.  Historic developments of the current Copenhagen interpretation are discussed as well the implications of a wave-mechanical universe.  This course can be considered the most abstract of the MS theory/core courses, while training the student to solve the traditional problems of the infinite well, particle in the box, harmonic oscillator, and hydrogen atom using the time-dependent Schroedingertwo and three dimensions.  Opportunities exist to explore computer models of the hydrogen atom, and also to explore alternate formulations of quantum theory using matrices and other specialized methods
PHYSICS 567 MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICISTS
3 s.h.		 A course in the mathematical methods for physicists allows a person to appreciate many of the elegant mathematical formulations that are to be found in the other core courses.  Depending on the needs and previous mathematics experiences of students, this course can be tailored to not only provide the solid framework of techniques and methods necessary for success in Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Quantum Mechanics, but to also introduce the curious student to the frontiers of current research in Mathematical Physics and numerical methods.
PHYSICS 600 GRADUATE SEMINAR
1 s.h.		 One of the main goals of science is to transmit the knowledge gained so that others can benefit from that knowledge.  Scientists generally transmit this knowledge through the written and spoken word.  A seminar class builds within each new scientist the skills of researching existing knowledge and also the valuable skill of clearly transmitting that knowledge on to others.  Students gain experience in making oral presentations in a physics context, enhanced by visual aids and computer presentation software.  Many times this experience is coupled with an individualized research project (PHYSICS 577), so that oral presentations given in class mirror those given at actual research conferences.
The Master of Science in Physics can be earned by one of the following three degree plans: internship, thesis, or coursework.  Under each of these three plans, students must complete the core courses listed above, and choose from the elective courses as listed below, in order to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work.

Internship Plan
A. Graduate Core .....16 s.h.
B. Physics 572 Internship Preparation...1 s.h.
C. Physics 578 Graduate Internship ..8 s.h.
D. Graduate physics (or other approved ) electives ......5 s.h.
Total....................................30 s.h.

Thesis Plan
A . Graduate Core .....16 s.h.
B. Physics 571 Introduction to Thesis.1 s.h.
C. Physics 601 Graduate Thesis 3 s.h.
D. Graduate physics (or other approved ) electives ......10 s.h.
    Total.............................30 s.h.

Coursework Plan
A. Graduate Core ........16 s.h.
B. Graduate physics (or other approved) electives....14 s.h.
   Total............................................30 s.h.
PHYS 528 ADVANCED MODERN OPTICS
3 s.h.		 This course provides an advanced treatment of diffraction theory using Fourier analysis as well as transformation properties of lens systems, spatial filtering and information processing.  Laser theory and practice will be discussed along with the description and analysis of various methods of spectroscopy.  Some laboratory experience in various forms of optical spectroscopy can also be included in lieu of some of the theory components of this course.
PHYSICS 540 NUCLEAR PHYSICS 3 s.h. A solid background in the theoretical as well as the practical aspects of nuclear reactions, nuclear models, decay of nuclear materials and accelerator and particle physics has been a necessity for physicists since the dawn of the atomic age over a half-century ago.  Many opportunities await the student who is well prepared in this area.  Some of our graduates are accepted into positions in nuclear power facilities, the armed forces, and careers in nuclear medicine.
PHYSICS 554 THERMAL PHYSICS 3 s.h. A survey of thermodynamic principles and the statistical approach to classical and quantum systems.  Applications include kinetic theory, transport phenomena, entropy, specific heat and phase changes.
PHYSICS 560 
TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS 
3 s.h.		 Everything in our universe is composed of matter, whether in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.  A study of the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of crystalline solids, including lattice bonding, phonon dynamics, electron bandgap theory, as well as the behavior of electrons in metals, semiconductors, magnetic materials, and superconductors is essential to the understanding of matter's behavior in any of its three forms.
PHYSICS 570 EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYSICS 
3 s.h.		 Introduction to experimental research techniques that include equipment operation and calibration, and  error analysis techniques.  Practical experience will be gained in high-vacuum management, cryogenics, spectroscopy, and electronics.  This course is of a dynamic nature that reflects the current research efforts of faculty each semester.
PHYSICS 571
1 s.h. (Thesis Prep.)

PHYSICS 572
1 s.h. (Internship Prep.)

 Whether completing a thesis or participating in an internship, you will need to prepare by reading the relevant literature and/or learning proper laboratory techniques and methods.  The appropriate course will help to ensure that you can successfully complete your project (see the course descriptions for Physics 600 and Physics 578).
PHYSICS 576 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS
1-4 s.h., repeatable		 This dynamic course offering can be tailored to address a wide variety of different interests in physics, including standard or specialized areas of physics not offered elsewhere within the WIU Physics Department during the timeframe of the student's graduate program.  In the recent past, summer workshops for teachers of high school physics have carried this course number as a specialized section.
PHYSICS 577 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
1-8 s.h., repeatable
(no more than 7 s.h. of this course may be applied toward the 30 s.h. requirement)		 For the individual with a desire to explore specific areas of physics research while learning the scientific method and procedures that apply to all research areas, this course provides a hands-on approach that teaches how to do research by actually just doing it!  Currently, research is being conducted by the WIU Physics faculty in the areas of superconductivity, magnetoelasticity, optical spectroscopy, computational modeling of magnetic materials, and fluid flow modeling.  A research experience can be designed to meet many interests and needs, but a solid background in experimental design, testing equipment design and fabrication, computer data acquisition and analysis, and computer modeling, will benefit all students.  Additionally, experience in preparing appropriate oral and poster scientific presentations and appropriate levels of technical writing for scientific journals will be stressed.
PHYSICS 578 GRADUATE PHYSICS INTERNSHIP
8 s.h.		 A one-semester on-the-job experience (fall, spring, or summer) in an industrial facility or a research laboratory that gives you firsthand experience in applying the scientific methods which are taught throughout the physics curriculum.  This can be considered the final transition from the student scientist to the professional scientist.  In recent years, several of our graduates have been placed at nearby industries.  Usually former WIU physics MS alumni, who now have managerial positions in these industries, work with faculty to build a rich experience in a working R&D laboratory.  Beginning from day one, students are involved in data collection, computerized data analysis, experimental design, and electronics construction. 
PHYSICS 601 THESIS/THESIS RESEARCH
3 s.h.		 Just as the seminar course offers experience with oral presentation skills, writing a thesis provides the experience needed by professional scientists to communicate clearly through the written word. Working with a faculty member one-on-one, students research a topic in-depth by exploring previous literature in the field, and then together with their mentor form their own hypothesis and complete their project to test it. The student then writes an in-depth report of this endeavor at a level that is worthy of publication to a physics audience. The thesis must be approved by a committee of three professors and successfully defended with an oral presentation to the students and faculty of the WIU Physics Department. Skills gained in this class will serve to bridge the gap between the student scientist and the publishing professional scientist.