College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Dr. Mikhail M. Bouniaev, Dean
Science, Engineering & Technology Building #2.342
882-6701
mikhail.bouniaev@utb.edu
The College of Science, Mathematics and Technology offers the Master of Science degree with concentrations in Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physis and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (M.S.I.S.) degree with concentrations in Biology and Computer Science.
At The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC), the principal role of the College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology is to provide students with the opportunity to develop scientific knowledge, job skills, and work ethics that will prepare them for entry into the real world. Our academic programs in the sciences, math, and technology provide both theory and practical training. Emphasis is placed on individual initiative, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. Additionally, our academic programs stimulate analytical thinking and establish a foundation for further education and learning. In order to help students grow with a rapidly evolving world, our academic programs are consistently updated to reflect current technology and industry needs. Finally, the College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology prides itself on offering academic programs that accommodate our unique geographical location by meeting the needs and opportunities of both the southern Texas and northern Mexico regions.
Graduate Programs
Ph. D in Physics Cooperative Between UTSA and UTB
M.S. in Biology
M.S.I.S. in Biology
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S.I.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Mathematics
M.S. in Physics
Biological Sciences
Dr. Michael Lehker, Chair
LHSB #2.816
882-7960
michael.lehker@utb.edu
Graduate Faculty
James Beale, Associate Professor
Luis Colom, Professor
Emilio Garrido, Associate Professor
David Hicks, Associate Professor
Masoka Isokawa, Associate Professor
Alexander Kazansky, Associate Professor
Michael Lehker, Professor
Eric Linder, Associate Professor
Saraswathy Nair, Assistant Professor
Daniele Provenzano, Associate Professor
Andrea Schwarzbach, Associate Professor
Masoud Zarei, Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Biology (M.S.) - Biology
36-Hour Thesis/Non Thesis Program
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for Master’s degree seeking students in Biology are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE Verbal score of 500
• GRE Quantitative score of 500
• Two letters of reference from faculty members or supervisors attesting to the applicant’s potential to successfully complete graduate work
• A personal statement from the applicant explaining why he/she wishes to pursue graduate study in biology including professional and personal goals, this letter should include the area of interest, and a short list of preferred faculty research supervisors
• Undergraduate studies in biology including completion of a set of core biology and support courses essentially the same as those required by UTB/TSC for the Bachelor Science in Biology. Promising applicants must be accepted if lacking some of this preparation but will be required to complete it within the first academic year following acceptance in order to continue in the MS program.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are also encouraged to apply as all completed applications are considered for admission.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.
Master of Science without Thesis: The Master’s degree program for non-thesis students will require a total of 36 semester credit hours (SCH). Foundation Courses: Non-thesis graduate students may be required to take up to 30 SCH of undergraduate coursework in biology or support areas, not applied to the degree program, to make up deficiencies in undergraduate preparation. Courses required of all non-thesis MS students: Six credit hours of core courses will be taken by all non-thesis MS students in the program. The remaining 30 hours will be considered electives and will be chosen by the GAC with input from the student. A maximum of 8 SCH may include graduate courses offered by other departments within the college. The following core courses are required:
Degree Requirements
BIOL 6101 Graduate Seminar I. 1 SCH
BIOL 6102 Graduate Seminar II. 1 SCH
BIOL 5455 Biostatistics. 4 SCH
Master of Science without Thesis: Professional paper: Non-thesis students are required to write a professional paper based on work done in BIOL 6365-Graduate Biological Research Problems. The paper will be on a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee and will demonstrate the student’s ability in organization, data collecting and scientific writing.
Master of Science with Thesis:
The thesis MS program track will require a total of 36 semester credit hours (SCH). Students may be required to take up to 30 credits of undergraduate coursework in biology or support areas, not applied to the degree program, to make up deficiencies in undergraduate preparation. Twelve credit hours of core courses will be taken by all students in the program. The remaining 24 hours will be considered electives and will be chosen by the GAC with input from the student. A maximum of 8 SCH may include graduate courses offered by other departments within the college. The following courses are required by all thesis students:
BIOL 6101 Graduate Seminar I. 1SCH BIOL 6102 Graduate Seminar II. 1 SCH
(Prerequisite: BIOL 6101)
BIOL 5455 Biostatistics. 4 SCH
BIOL 7300 Thesis. 3 SCH
BIOL 7301 Thesis. 3 SCH
Thesis
A research project as described under BIOL 7300 and 7301. The thesis topic and accompanying thesis research prospective must be approved in writing by the Faculty Advisor and GAC, Department Chair, and the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to the onset of thesis research projects. All research involving vertebrate subjects must also be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to commencing experiments. All research using human subjects must be approved by the Human Subjects Research Review Committee prior to collection of any data. Seminar Presentation: open to all students, faculty and the population at large. Oral Defense: An oral examination over the thesis research as well as broad aspects of biology administered by the three members of the Student’s GAC.
Comprehensive Exam
Non-thesis students must take a comprehensive written examination covering the student’s understanding of advanced biological concepts. The comprehensive exam will be administered by the student’s GAC and its content will be contingent on prescribed coursework. The comprehensive exam will not be scheduled prior to the student’s final semester of coursework.
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (M.S.I.S.) in Biology
36-Hour Thesis/Non-Thesis Program
The M.S.I.S. degree requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. An area of concentration must have at least 12 and no more than 18 semester hours in the subject area. In addition, 18-24 hours must be taken in two or more supporting fields outside the area of concentration.
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for Master’s degree seeking students in Biology are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE Verbal score of 500
• GRE Quantitative score of 500
• Two letters of reference from faculty members or supervisors attesting to the applicant’s potential to successfully complete graduate work
• A personal statement from the applicant explaining why he/she wishes to pursue graduate study in biology including professional and personal goals, this letter should include the area of interest, and a short list of preferred faculty research supervisors
• Undergraduate studies in biology including completion of a set of core biology and support course essentially the same as those required by UTB/TSC for the Bachelor Science in Biology. Promising applicants may be accepted if lacking some of this preparation but will be required to complete it thin the first academic year following acceptance in order to continue in the MS program.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are also encouraged to apply as all completed applications are considered for admission.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.
Degree Requirements
Area of Concentration Credit Hours
Biology 12-18
Core requisites include BIOL 6101, 6102, and BIOL 5455. Thesis students may apply up to 6 sch of Graduate Research (BIOL 6185-6685) to the area of concentration.
Two or more supporting fields which must include ISCI 7300
and ISCI 7301 for thesis students 18-24
Total graduate hours for degree 36
Each student in the M.S.I.S. degree program will be assigned by the department chairperson, a Faculty Advisor and two additional faculty committee members who teach in Interdisciplinary Studies. The choice of courses in the concentration area and the selection of supporting fields will be determined through consultation between the student, the Faculty Advisor and the committee members. A formal Program of Study as described elsewhere in this catalog will be prepared and submitted for approval. Each non-thesis candidate for the M.S.I.S. must pass a comprehensive examination over the area of concentration and supporting fields.
Supporting Fields
Arts, Business Administration*, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Education*, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, English, Government, History, Interdisciplinary Science, Interpreting, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Spanish
* No more than 12 semester hours total may be taken from the professional schools.
Thesis
As part of their graduate program, students may choose the option of writing a thesis, for which they will receive six hours of graduate credit. Those who take this option must select a thesis committee, composed of a committee chairperson and two other members of the graduate faculty, to approve the topic and to assist in the preparation of the thesis. (See thesis-Non-Thesis option under “Academic Information.”) Students must pass an oral defense of the completed thesis. Students selecting this option will register for ISCI 7300 and 7301 after they have completed their coursework.
Graduate Course Descriptions
Biology
BIOL 5127 Coastal Ecology Laboratory
This course is a series of laboratory and field investigations emphasizing identification, biology and ecology of local marine organisms. Lec. 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of the instructor and concurrent enrollment in BIOl 5327.
BIOL 5170 Topics in Biology
Specialized content and/or field experiences not available in other courses. A maximum of 6 SCH will count toward ro degree, subsequent enrollment will not count. Lec 0, Lab 3, Cr 1
BIOL 5300 Graduate Biology for Educators
This course covers integrated biological principals from molecules through the biosphere, with a focus on specific contributions that knowledge of those principles has made to the physical, intellectual, and esthetic welfare of humanity. The course will include lectures, readings of scholarly and popular literature, discussion, and a scholarly and popular literature, discussion and a scholarly paper based on individual investigation of literature. Does not count toward a graduate degree in Biology. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, eight semester credit hours in undergraduate BIOL, enrollment for a graduate degree outside of BIOL. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
BIOL 5301 Evolution
This course involves the study of organic evolution with an emphasis on mechanics, especially genetics and modern theories. This course will provide a common foundation of understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin and explain all of biology for all students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. BIOL 3403 or equivalent, BIOL 3409 or equivalent. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
BIOL 5327 Coastal Ecology
This course examines the major near shore habitats and communities of the western Gulf of Mexico including: beaches, sand dunes, estuaries, salt marshes, mud flats, sea grass meadows, and rocky shores. Emphasis is placed on directed, field-oriented, individual research projects. Lec. 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: Graduate standing and one course in general ecology (BIOL 3309) or zoology (BIOL 3314 or BIOL 4302) or consent of the instructor.
BIOL 5350 Bioenergetics
The use of quantitative analysis of energy resource partitioning to study the evolution of adaptation strategy at the biochemical, cellular, individual, population and ecosystem levels, including quantitative analysis of physiological processes and the life history adaptations in terms of energetic efficiency. Lec.3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: Graduate standing and one course in general physiology (BIOL 3301 or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.
BIOL 5370 Topics in Biology
Specialized lecture content topics not available in other courses. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Lec 3, Lab 0, Cr. 3
BIOL 5402 Marine Zoology
A study of the common marine animals, especially invertebrates in coastal water. Cannot be taken for credit by students with credit for BIOL 4402. Graduate students must complete an independent project. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 5404 Ichthyology
Classification, evolution, ecology, and biology of fishes. The lab emphasizes field surveys, taxonomy, and the identification of marine fishes. Graduate students are required to complete an independent project. Credit will not be given for both BIOL 4404 and BIOL 5404. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 5422 Conservation Biology
Focus on the controlled use and systematic protection of natural resources such as forests, soils, and water systems. Conservation integrates concepts of geography, climatology, geology, geomorphology, chemistry, and biology into one applied science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 5430 Animal Behavior
This course examines the biological basis of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Topics include instincts and learning, behavioral genetics, development of behavior, neural and endocrine mechanisms, adaptive significance of behavior, and social behavior. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, four semester hours of upper-division biology. Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 5455 Biostatistics
This course introduces methods for the collection and statistical analysis of biological data. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlation, regression and non para-metric methods. Students will practice data analysis using statistical software and sample data from various fields such as ecology, systematics, and biomedical sciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, completion of four upper-level semester hours in biology and completion of college algebra (MATH 1314) or any mathematics course for which college algebra is a prerequisite. Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 6101 Graduate Seminar I
In this course students will learn to choose a topic for scientific investigation, formulate testable hypotheses, design controlled experiments, conduct scientific literature searches, interpret primary literature articles, make proper use of bibliographical citations, write technical papers, and prepare documents associated with a career in the biological sciences. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
BIOL 6102 Graduate Seminar II
In this course, students will be required to employ the skills acquired in BIOL 6101 to prepare scientific documents including scientific proposals, review papers, curriculum vitae, cover letters and preparation of figures leading to the formulation of a thesis prospectus. Prerequisites: BIOL 6101. Lec 1, Cr 1.
BIOL 6185-6685 Graduate Research
Faculty supervised research designed for students who are working on a research or thesis project. A maximum of 6 SCH of Graduate Research will count toward the degree; subsequent enrollments will not count. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
BIOL 6301 Molecular Techniques and Laboratory Instrumentation
This course studies the theory and application of laboratory techniques, with an emphasis on molecular techniques. The course may be team taught by various members of the Graduate Faculty as expertise dictates. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Lec. 2, Lab 3, Cr. 3
BIOL 6303 Evolutionary Ecology
The role of genetics and evolution at the individual, population, and community levels. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Lec 3, Lab 3, Cr 3
BIOL 6312 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology
An in-depth study of the physical and molecular activity at the cellular level. Topics to be emphasized include: nucleic acid structure and organization, gene expression and its regulation, protein structure and recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, BIOL 3412 or equivalent, CHEM 3303 or equivalent. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
BIOL 6330 Molecular and Cellular Evolution
This course involves the study of the appearance of life on earth and its subsequent evolution at the molecular and cellular levels. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
BIOL 6365 Graduate Biological Research Problems
Supervised research involving identification and definition of a problem, preparation of a proposal, collection and analysis of data, writing and submission for faculty approval of a report in standard scientific form. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and advisor. Lec 0, Lab 8, Cr 3.
BIOL 6400 Neuroscience
This course studies the integrative functions of the animal nervous system from molecules to behavior. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec. 3, Lab. 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 6404 Fish Ecology
Interactions of fishes especially teleosts, with their physical and biotic environment. The lab emphasizes fieldwork and includes an individual student project. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Lec 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 6405 Insect Ecology
A course dealing with the general concepts of ecology as related to insects. Emphasis is on studying insects in nature and concepts of ecology that can be used to understand them. Evolution, interactions between plants and insects, and population dynamics are important parts of this course. The laboratory emphasizes fieldwork and individual investigations. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing, Lec. 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4
BIOL 7300 Thesis
Supervised research. Will include design of an original research problem with a written proposal, collection and analysis of original data, and writing of a scientific report in acceptable publication format. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. Cr. 3
BIOL 7301 Thesis
Continuation of BIOL 7300 Prereq: Instructor’s permission, Cr. 3
Computer and Information Systems
Dr. Juan Raymundo Iglesias
SETB 1.550A
882-6616
juan.iglesias@utb.edu
Graduate Faculty
Juan R. Iglesias, AssociateProfessor
Fitratullah Khan, Professor
Hansheng Lei, Assistant Professor
Mahmoud K. Quweider, Associate Professor
Lappoon Rupert Tang, Associate Professor
Liyu Zhang, Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Computer Science
36-Hour Program
The Master of Science in Computer Science requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate credit.
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for master’s degree seeking students in Computer Science are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE Verbal score of 400
• GRE Quantitative score of 500
• GRE Analytical Writing score of 3.5
• A personal statement from the applicant explaining why he/she wishes to pursue graduate study in computer science including professional and personal goals, this letter should include the area of interest, and a short list of preferred faculty research supervisors
• Students are required to have a basic background in computer science. If your undergraduate major is not Computer Science, a diagnostic test will be given, and a student will be required to take the corresponding undergraduate courses on subject areas where he/she failed. Subject areas will include the core curriculum in B.S. in computer science and all the prerequisites of the graduate courses offered in the M.S. in computer science curriculum.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are encouraged to apply.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the Office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies. Visit our website at www.utb.edu/graduatestudies.
Required Courses: 36 hours Credit Hours
Non-Thesis
Core courses 9
Electives (must be computer science
graduate courses) 6
Electives (up to 9 hrs in Mathematics
courses can be taken to fulfill) 21
Total Graduate Hours for degree 36
Thesis
Core courses 9
Thesis 6
Electives (up to 9 hours in mathematics;
courses can be taken to fulfill the requirement) 21
Total Graduate Hours for degree 36
In completing the degree requirements, a student can choose to either complete a master thesis (which is the preferred option) or complete two additional graduate courses. electives As part of their graduate curriculum, students must take COSC 6300 and COSC 6301 leading to the completion of the thesis. At the appropriate time in their graduate study, students will select a thesis committee in order to approve a topic and to assist in the preparation of the thesis. The thesis committee will be composed of at least three graduate faculties, one of them will be appointed as the chairperson. Students must pass an oral defense of the completed thesis. The thesis needs not consist solely of a written research paper; software, analytical, practical performance, or other appropriate projects may also be considered. It is expected that the student will choose a topic that appropriately integrates aspects of the discipline of computer science
Curriculum
Core Courses:
COSC 5345 Advanced Algorithm Analysis
COSC 5361 Computability Theory
COSC 5362 Complexity Theory
Thesis:
COSC 6300 Thesis I
COSC 6301 Thesis II
Electives:
COSC 5300 Compiler Construction
COSC 5310 Operating Systems
COSC 5313 Computer Networks
COSC 5315 Advanced Computer Networks
COSC 5317 Signals and Systems
COSC 5318 Digital Forensics
COSC 5319 Computer and Cyber Security
COSC 5321 E-Commerce
COSC 5330 Computer Graphics
COSC 5332 Human Computer Interaction
COSC 5333 Digital Image Processing
COSC 5335 Computer Vision
COSC 5342 Database Management Systems
COSC 5343 Data Mining
COSC 5345 Advanced Algorithm Analysis
COSC 5347 Advanced Software Engineering
COSC 5349 Computer Architecture
COSC 5350 Artificial Intelligence
COSC 5355 Expert Systems
COSC 5360 Numerical Methods
COSC 5381 Bioinformatics
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (M.S.I.S.) in Computer Sciences
36-Hour Thesis/Non-thesis
The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) with concentration in Computer Science (CS) requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. A total of 18 graduate semester credit hours must be taken in CS. Additional 18 hours, including ISCI 7300 and ISCI 7301, must be taken in two or more supporting fields outside CS.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements outlined by the Graduate Office at UTB. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for Master’s degree seeking students in Computer Science are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE Verbal Score of 400
• Quantitative Score of 500
• Personal statement from the applicant explaining why he/she wishes to pursue graduate study in CS including professional and personal goals. This letter should include the area of interest, and a short list of preferred faculty research supervisors.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are also encouraged to apply as all completed applications are considered for admission.
Entering graduate students will take a diagnostic evaluation conducted by the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator. The evaluation will serve to identify areas that must be strengthened by the student with remedial courses and to identify the possible tracks of specialization that may be of interested to the student.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.
Degree Requirements: 36 hours
Area of Concentration................................... Credit Hours
Computer Science ................................................18
Two or more supporting fields...............................18
(must include ISCI 7300 and ISCI 7301)
Total Graduate Hours for degree... ........................36
Thesis
Students must take ISCI 7300 and ISCI 7301 leading to the completion of their thesis. At the appropriate time in their graduate study, students will select a thesis committee in order to approve a topic and to assist in the preparation of the thesis. The thesis committee will be composed of at least three graduate faculty, one of them will be appointed as the chairperson. Co-chairs are possible in case of supervision of an interdisciplinary project. Students must pass an oral defense of the completed thesis. The thesis needs not consist solely of a written research paper; software, analytical, practical performance, or other appropriate projects may also be considered. It is expected that the student will choose a topic that appropriately integrates aspects of the discipline of Computer Science and the supporting fields.
Supporting Fields
Arts, Business Administration*, Biology, Criminal Justice, Education*, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, English, Government, History, Interdisciplinary Science, Interpreting, Mathematics,
Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Spanish. A total of 18 graduate semester credit hours including ISCI 7300 and ISCI 7301 must be taken from two or more supporting fields outside Computer Science. Selection of supporting fields must be determined through consultation with the Faculty Advisor. Mathematics as supporting area is strongly encouraged but not required. No more than 12 semester hours total may be taken from the professional schools.
Curriculum of Study
Graduate Computer Science Courses
Students are required to take 18 hours of graduate course in COSC (above 5000) that may be chosen from the following:
COSC 5300 Compiler Construction
COSC 5310 Operating Systems
COSC 5313 Computer Networks
COSC 5315 Advanced Computer Networks
COSC 5317 Signals and Systems
COSC 5318 Digital Forensics
COSC 5319 Computer and Cyber Security
COSC 5321 E-Commerce
COSC 5330 Computer Graphics
COSC 5332 Human Computer Interfaces
COSC 5333 Digital Image Processing
COSC 5335 Computer Vision
COSC 5342 Database Management Systems
COSC 5343 Data Mining
COSC 5345 Advanced Algorithm Analysis
COSC 5346 Software Engineering
COSC 5347 Advanced Software Engineering
COSC 5349 Computer Architecture
COSC 5350 Artificial Intelligence
COSC 5355 Expert Systems
COSC 5360 Numerical Methods
COSC 5361 Computability Theory
COSC 5362 Complexity Theory
COSC 5381 Bioinformatics
Graduate Course Descriptions
Computer Science
COSC 5300 Compiler Construction
Different phases of compiler construction are studied: lexical, syntax, semantics and code generation. Projects leading to the complete construction of a compiler for a mini-set of a language are given. Prerequisite: COSC 3355, COSC 3345 and COSC 2325 or consent of instructor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
COSC 5301 Foundations of Programming
This is an introductory course in computer programming. Topics include basic concepts in object oriented and structured programming, testing and debugging, abstract data types, basic searching and sorting techniques, and recursion. This course cannot be applied toward any graduate degree in Computer Science. Lec. 3,
COSC 5302 Foundations of Algorithm Analysis and Design
This course introduces advanced concepts in Computer Science. Topics include fundamental algorithms such as quick sort, hash tables, binary search trees, graph algorithms, complexity analysis. This course cannot be applied toward any graduate degree in Computer Science. Prerequisite: COSC 5301 Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5310 Operating Systems
The student is familiarized with the services common to most operating systems. Issues in CPU scheduling, concurrent processes, deadlocks, memory management, file management, and distributed systems are dealt with. Students are given relevant projects to support the theoretical aspects learned in class. Prerequisites: Admission to MSIS or MS Program. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
COSC 5313 Computer Networks
Computer networks are presented via seven distinct layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application layer. Hardware and protocols used at different layers and in different networks are studied in detail. Different existing networks are studied as examples in every layer. Prerequisite: COSC 3330 or departmental consent. Lec 3 Cr. 3
COSC 5315 Advanced Computer Networks
The design of networks and their performance will be covered in this course. Modern Networks such as ATM and Gigabit Ethernet network will also be studied. Other topics that will be studied are cryptology, network programming, and secure channels. Prerequisite: COSC 3330, COSCU 2317. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5317 Signals and Systems
Representation and analysis techniques for discrete and continuous signals in one or more dimensions. Topics include random variables, information theory, sampling and quantization, and signal representation in the time and frequency domains with applications to multimedia and telecommunications. Prerequisite: MATH 2414, MATH 3381, and COSC 2336. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5318 Digital Forensics
An introduction to the science, technology, procedures, and laws of acquiring and analyzing evidence from digital media and computing devices. Current forensics tools will be surveyed, and case studies will be assigned and presented in class. Prerequisite: COSC 4313 or COSC 5313. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
COSC 5319 Computer and Cyber Security
This course is an in-depth study of computer systems and network security principles. Key areas include network attacks and defenses, operating system flaws, malware, social networks attacks, and digital rights management. Prerequisite: COSC 4313 or COSC 5313. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
COSC 5321 E-Commerce
This course introduces the technologies used in building e-commerce applications including e-commerce scalable architecture design, Internet infrastructure, administration, electronic payment systems, e-business relationships, mobile commerce (mCommerce), and business-to-business (B2B) marketplace design, strategies and models. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5330 Computer Graphics
The student is familiarized with structured graphical objects. The algorithms for transforming, clipping, and projecting objects are put into practice through several projects. Hidden line/surface removal, shading/lighting models, and the problem of aliasing are studied. Prerequisite: COSC 3345 or consent of instructor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5332 Human Computer Interfaces
Simple and compound classes, page and page selector classes, animation and pop up classes, configuration and deriving of new objects, application interface, overall design, and machine dependencies are studied. Application-oriented graphical user interfaces are built. Prerequisite: COSC 2336 or consent of the instructor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5333 Digital Imaging Processing
This course covers the basic techniques used in acquiring, processing, and displaying of digital images and video. Topics include image acquisition, spatial and frequency domain representation, image filtering, image compression, image analysis, morphological image processing and image understanding. Efficient implementation of image processing algorithms in a structured computer language is emphasized. Lec. 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: MATH 2314 and COSC 2336 or departmental consent.
COSC 5335 Computer Vision
This course covers the fundamental and advanced ideas of developing computerized procedures to extract numeric and symbolic information from images. Key ideas include image formation, acquisition, calibration, object recognition, video understanding, stereo imaging, optical flow and classification methods. System implementation and applications in communications, medicine, robotics and manufacturing are introduced. Prerequisite: COSC 4333; MATH 2313. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5342 Database Management Systems
Data abstraction and models, entity-relationship model, relational model, formal and commercial query languages, network and hierarchical data models, relational database design, file and system structure; indexing and hashing, query processing, and concurrency control are studied. Lec. 3 Cr. 3 Prerequisite: At least a C in both COSC 3345 and COSC 3330.
COSC 5343 Data mining
This course gives the fundamentals of applying artificial intelligence techniques for analysis, learning and prediction of information using data extracted form databases. Topics include data mining system architecture, data preprocessing, pattern recognition, attribute relevance analysis, class discrimination, rule association, correlation analysis, classification, prediction, cluster analysis and query languages. Prerequisite: At least a C in the following courses COSC 3330, MATH 2342 and MATH 3373. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5345 Advanced Algorithm Analysis
Both basic and advanced techniques of algorithm design and analysis are introduced. Algorithms with real applications are thoroughly studied. The notion if NP-complete problems and degisn and analysis techniques for approximation and randomized algorithms are also introduced. Prerequisite: at least a C in COSC 3345, or consent of instructor.
COSC 5346 Software Engineering
The scope of systems analysis, systems investigation and analysis, input and output design, storage devices, file organization, sorting and merging, factors affecting file design, system design, the program specifications, design strategy, and financial applications are studied. Prerequisites: Admission to MSIS or MS Program. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
COSC 5347 Advanced Software Engineering
This course is an in-depth study of advance software engineering principles. Key areas include project management, team building, team organization , cost estimation, scheduling, description and evaluation of software architecture design, object-oriented designmethodologies, and refactoring. Practical aspects of software are also discussed including testing, maintenance, safety, security, quality assurance, and reliability. Prerequisites: COSC 4346, or consent of instructor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
COSC 5349 Computer Architecture
Classical and modern computer architectures will be studied in this course. Techniques such as microprogramming and counter-decorder methods will be included. Other topics that will be studied include parallel computing architectures, their performance and programming. Prerequisite: COSC 3325. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 5350 Artificial Intelligence
This course discussed the theoretical and practical foundations of artificial intelligence. Principles in reasoning, perception, deduction, planning, learning, knowledge representation and problem resolution are some of the areas covered. Lec. 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: At least a C in COSC 3345.
COSC 5355 Expert Systems
This course covers the theoretical and practical principles of modern expert systems construction. Topics include logic and reasoning, knowledge representation, rule-based reasoning, inexact reasoning, ontologies, and knowledge acquisition. Lec 3, Cr 3 Prerequisite: At least a C in COSC 5350
COSC 5360 Numerical Methods
The topics include root finding, interpolation and numerical differentiation, polynomial interpolation, estimating derivate, numerical integration, systems of linear equations, approximation by spline functions, and smoothing of data. Prerequisite: COSC 2336 and MATH 2414 or consent of the instructor.
COSC 5361 Computability Theory
This course introduces elements in mathematical foundations of computer science, formal language theory and computability theory. Mathematical foundations of computer science include topics such as set theory, relations and functions, and proof methods. Prerequisites: at least a C in COSC 5345, or consent of instructor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
COSC 5362 Complexity Theory
This course introduces basic concepts, results and techniques in computational complexity theory, and provides a deeper insight of the power of computing using the Turing-machine model. Prerequisites: at least a C in COSC 5361. Lec 3, Cr 3.
COSC 5381 Bioinformatics
This course provides an introduction to the rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics with the overarching goal of understanding how computer science plays an integral part both in the application and algorithmic aspects of the field. Topics include molecular biology databases, sequence alignment, genomics, proteomics, phylogenetic analysis, clustering, and gene expression analysis. Prerequisite: COSC 2336. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
COSC 6300 Thesis I
This course constitutes the first part of a student’s course work requirement in completing his master thesis; students must take COSC 6300 and COSC 6301 leading to the completion of their thesis. Students must successfully pass an oral defense of the thesis proposal or the software project plan. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
COSC 6301 Thesis II
This course constitutes the second part of a student’s course work requirement in completing his master thesis; students must take COSC 6300 and COSC 6301 leading to the completion of their thesis. Students must successfully pass an oral defense of the thesis proposal or the software project plan. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
Mathematics
Dr. Jerzy Mogilski, Chair
SETB #2.454
882-6628
jerzy.mogilski@utb.edu
Graduate faculty
Ziad Adwan, Assistant Professor
Roger Contreras, Associate Professor
Anthony Lerma, Associate Professor
Jerzy K. Mogilski, Associate Professor
Oleg Musin, Associate Professor
Vesselin Vatchev, Assistant Professor
Taeil Yi, Associate Professor
Paul-Hermann Zieschang, Professor
Maxim Zyskin, Associate Professor
Master of Science in Mathematics (M.S.)
The Master of Science in Mathematics has three tracks, Pure Mathematics, Industrial Mathematics and Teaching Mathematics. In each case, the student has thesis (except Teaching Mathematics track), non-thesis and project option.
Mathematicians with a strong background in pure mathematics are surprisingly attractive to many professional branches in our society, particularly intelligence technology, finance, security, engineering and physics. Industrial mathematics is a growing branch in mathematics which provides trained personnel for key positions in modern industries. Teaching Mathematics track offers an opportunity to become an effective mathematics instructor with educational technology skills especially for on-line/distance education.
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for Master’s degree seeking students in Math are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE Verbal score of 400
• GRE Quantitative score of 600
• Two letters of recommendation from college or university professors indicating the applicant’s potential in Mathematics
• A letter from the applicant indicating reasons for wanting to pursue graduate studies in Mathematics including professional and personal goals; in this letter, the applicant should indicate his/her field of interest in Mathematics as well as his/her preference for an advisor
• Undergraduate transcript including completion of a set of Mathematics courses determined by the departmental graduate committee. (An applicant lacking some of these courses may be accepted to the program but will be required to complete them during the first academic year in order to continue in the program. An undergraduate course may be taken concurrently with graduate course work.)
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are also encouraged to apply
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies. Visit our website at www.utb.edu/graduatestudies.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. program requires 36 semester credit hours . Graduate students may be required to take undergraduate courses in Mathematics to make up for deficiencies in preparation as determined by their temporary Admission and/or Advising Committee. These courses will not be applied to the degree program.
M.S. in Pure Mathematics
Courses required: 36 SCH
Required Mathematics Core Courses: 9 SCH
MATH 5321 Abstract Algebra 3 SCH
MATH 5331 Contemporary Geometry 3 SCH
MATH 5341 Measure and Integration 3 SCH
Restricted Electives (9 SCH Total)
Take one course from each of the following three groups:
MATH 5323 Group Theory 3 SCH
or
MATH 5329 Number Theory 3 SCH
MATH 5339 Topology 3 SCH
or
MATH 5362 Graph Theory 3 SCH
MATH 5342 Functions of one Complex Variable 3 SCH
or
MATH 5346 Functional Analysis 3 SCH
Elective Courses (12 SCH Total)
Take any three courses listed in the Graduate mathematics Courses Inventory with the exception of MATH 5395 Research Seminar* and MATH 5397 Thesis.
Special Requirements (6 SCH Total)
One of the following three options:
With Comprehensive Examination
MATH 5395 Research Seminar (twice)
(The two seminars must be in two different areas in Mathematics)
Comprehensive Examination With Project
MATH 5395 Research Seminar (twice)
(The two seminars must be in two different areas in Mathematics)
Project (The student must give a presentation at a conference/seminar and/or symposium or publish an article).
With Thesis
MATH 5397 Thesis (twice)
(The two thesis courses may not be taken during the same semester).
Qualification for thesis option depends on the student performance on courses in the Required Mathematics Core Courses and Restricted Elective groups.
*Note: MATH 5395 Research Seminar is allowed once as an elective course if Thesis Option is chosen.
M.S. in Industrial Mathematics
Courses required: 36 SCH
Required Mathematics Core Courses (9 SCH Total)
MATH 5321 Abstract Algebra 3 SCH
MATH 5331 Contemporary Geometry 3 SCH
MATH 5341Measure and Integration 3 SCH
Restricted Electives (12 SCH Total)
Take four out of the following six courses:
MATH 5348 Differential Equations 3 SCH
MATH 5361 Mathematical Modeling 3 SCH
MATH 5365 Discrete Mathematics 3 SCH
MATH 5367 Numerical Analysis 3 SCH
MATH 5379 Stochastic Analysis 3 SCH
MATH 5381 Mathematical Statistics 3 SCH
Elective Courses (9 SCH Total)
Take any three courses listed in the Graduate Mathematics Courses Inventory with the exception of MATH 5395 Research Seminar* and MATH 5397 Thesis and the courses designed for mathematics teaching option: MATH 5305 History of Mathematics, MATH 5307 Practicum in Collegiate Mathematics Teaching and MATH 5392 Special Topics in Mathematics for Teachers. With advisor’s approval student may replace up to two mathematics elective courses with graduate courses from another discipline.
Special Requirements (6 SCH Total)
One of the following three options:
With Comprehensive Examination
MATH 5395 Research Seminar (twice)
(The two seminars must be in two different areas in Mathematics)
Comprehensive Examination
With Project
MATH 5395 Research Seminar (twice)
(The two seminars must be in two different areas in Mathematics)
Project (The student must give a presentation at a conference/seminar and/or symposium, or publish an article).
With Thesis
MATH 5397 Thesis (twice)
(The two thesis courses may not be taken during the same semester).
Qualification for thesis option depends on the student performance on courses in the Required Mathematics Core Courses and Restricted Elective groups.
*Note: MATH 5395 Research Seminar is allowed once as an elective course if Thesis Option is chosen.
M.S. in Teaching Mathematics with Project: 36 SCH
Required Mathematics Core Courses (9 SCH Total)
MATH 5321 Abstract Algebra
MATH 5331 Contemporary Geometry
MATH 5341 Measure and Integration
Restricted Electives (12 SCH Total)
Take four out of the following 12 Education/Mathematics Education/Technology courses:
EDCI 6302 Practitioner Research 3 SCH
EDCI 6341 Teaching Algebraic concepts 3 SCH
EDCI 6343 Teaching Geometric Concepts 3 SCH
EDCI 6349 Current Issues and Research
in Mathematics Education 3 SCH
EDTC 6332 Practicum 3 SCH
EDTC 6357 Using Open Source Courseware
for Online Course Development 3 SCH
MATH 5305 History of Mathematics 3 SCH
MATH 5307 Collegiate Mathematics Teaching 3 SCH
MATH 5309 Integrating Technology into mathematics 3 SCH
MATH 5392 Special Topics in Mathematics for Teachers 3 SCH
Elective Mathematics Course (12 SCH Total)
Four courses selected from the following graduate level Mathematics courses:
MATH 5304 Foundations of Mathematics 3 SCH
MATH 5329 Number Theory 3 SCH
MATH 5339 Topology 3 SCH
MATH 5361 Mathematical Modeling 3 SCH
MATH 5362 Graph Theory 3 SCH
MATH 5365 Discrete Mathematics 3 SCH
MATH 5367 Numerical Analysis 3 SCH
MATH 5368 Codes, Cyphers and Security in Communications 3 SCH
MATH 5381 Mathematical Statistics 3 SCH
MATH 5391 Special Topics in Mathematics 3 SCH
Required Research Course (3 SCH Total)
MATH 5395 Research Seminar 3 SCH
Special Requirement
The student must give a presentation at a conference/seminar/symposium and/or publish an article on a journal/proceeding.
M.S. in Teaching Mathematics without Project: 36 SCH
The same degree plan (above) without Required Research Course is implemented except you must take 5 electives mathematics courses and must take a Comprehensive examination.
Mathematics
MATH 5304 Foundations of Mathematics
This course studies elements of mathematical logic, set theory, number theory and selected topics from discrete mathematics like combinatorial analysis and graph theory. Mathematical proofs are emphasized. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5305 History of Mathematics
This course introduces students to the history of the development of mathematical ideas and techniques from early civilization to the present. The focus will be on both the lives and the works of some of the most important mathematicians. Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.
MATH 5307 Practicum in Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
This course provides opportunities for students to have a practical experience in teaching college level mathematics courses supervised by faculty. Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.
MATH 5309 Integrating Technology to Mathematics
This is an introductory course related to the latest technological computer programs, especially in mathematics. It covers some of the following educational computer softwares: graphing calculator, dynamic geometry, computer algebra systems, publishing softwares and some multimedia and internet related softwares. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5321 Abstract AlgebraThis course covers the principles and concepts of abstract algebra. Topics include: groups and their structure, rings, fields and their extensions, and representation of groups.
MATH 5323 Group Theory
This course is an introduction to group theory, one of the central areas in modern algebra. Topics will include the theorems of Jordan-Hoelder, Sylow, and Schur-Zassenhaus, the treatment of the generalized Fitting subgroup, a first approach to solvable as well as simple groups (including the theorems of Ph. Hall and Burnside).
MATH 5327 Lie Algebras
This course is an introduction to the theory of Lie Algebras. Topics include root systems, the Weyl group, nilpotent and solvable Lie Algebras, the theorems of Lie and Engel, Cartan subalgebras, Cartans criterion for semi-simplicity, Chevalley groups and groups of Lie type. Lec 3,Cr. 3
MATH 5329 Number Theory
This course is an introduction to number theory, one of the major branches of modern mathematics. Topics include arithmetic functions (Moebius, Euler, Dirichlet), Dirichlet series (convergence, uniqueness, multiplicative property) distribution of primes (Dirichlet, Tchebycheff, Hadamard resp. de la Vallee Poussin), Riemann’s zeta function. Lec 3,Cr. 3
MATH 5331 Contemporary Geometry
This course contains selected topics in computational, combinatorial, and differential geometry as well as combinatorial topology. Topics include: the point location problem, triangulations, Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulations, plane curves and curvature, surfaces and ployhedrons, and Euler characteristic.
MATH 5339 Topology
This course treats both the general and algebraic aspects of topology. It covers topological spaces, continuous mappings, connectedness and compactness, the fundamental group covering spaces, the Jordan Curve Theorem and a classification of surfaces. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5341 Measure and Integration
This course is an intoduction to the principles, concepts, and applicaitons of modern analysis. Topics include: the Riemann integral, Lebesgue measure and Lebesgue integral, the Radon-Nikodym Theorem, and applications to Probablility Theory.
MATH 5346 Functional Analysis
This course is an introduction to topological vector spaces. It presents the theory of Hilbert spaces, Banach space techniques and their applications, and basic facts on operator theory and spectral theory. Lec. 3, Cr 3
MATH 5348 Differential Equations
This course covers first order and higher order ordinary differential equations, systems of solutions of linear differential equations, the Laplace transform, and several basic concepts of partial differential equations. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5361 Mathematical Modeling
The contents of this course are widely open. It may include modeling with difference and differential equations, and stochastic processes. The course may be project-oriented. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5362 Graph Theory
This course provides the student with the basic ideas of Graph Theory. It contains Ramsey Theory, spanning trees, decision trees, matching theory, graph coloring, traveling salesman problems, networks, min-max theorems, flow, Ford-Fulkerson. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5365 Discrete Mathematics
This course is on the borderline between mathematics and computer science. It contains basic graph theory (flows, min-max, Ford Fulkerson), generating functions, (Convoluions, Dirichlet’s generating function, Riemann’s zeta function), design theory, basic facts on coding theory (Reed-Solomon Codes), combinatorial optimization, elements of asymptotics (O-notation), and complexity of algorithms. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5367 Numerical Analysis
This course deals with solutions of equations, interpolation and approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical aspects of linear algebra, and solutions of ordinary differential equations. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5368 Codes, Cyphers, and Security in Communications
This course addresses two related problems in communication theory. The first deals with errors that occur in the transmission of information: how they can be detected and how they can be corrected. The second is concerned with security of the transmitted information.Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5379 Stochastic Analysis
The main objective of this course is to study discrete stochastic processes and their applications. Topics include Markov process and Markov chains convergence theorems, stopping times, martingales, and applications in trading and marketing. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5381 Mathematical Statistics
This is a course in inferential statistics. Topics covered include random sampling, distribution of means and the central limit theorem, estimation problems, tests of hypotheses, linear regression, correlation, and analysis of variance.Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5391 Special Topics in Mathematics
The contents of this graduate course come from different areas of pure and applied mathematics not available in other courses. This course may be repeated for credit provided that the topics are different. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
MATH 5392 Special Topics in Mathematics for Teachers
The topic of this course may come from different areas of Mathematics especially suited for teachers and not available in other courses. May be repeated twice for credit as content changes. Prerequisite: Departmental Approval.
MATH 5395 Research Seminar
This is a course to study the current thought and practice within several subject areas in mathematics. Topics include identifying valid research activities, review of literature and written or oral communication of a research paper. This course may be repeated as topics vary. Lec 3, Cr 3
MATH 5397 Thesis
Participants will define and research some supervisory problems in their specific areas of interest. Participants will be directed in their study by a graduate faculty member. A formal research paper dealing with a specific supervisory problem will be required. This course may be repeated by the approval of the graduate advisor., Cr 3
Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Soma Mukherjee Chair
SETB 2.210
882-6779
soma@phys.utb.edu
Graduate Faculty
Matthew Benacquista, Associate Professor
Taeviet Creighton, Assistant Professor
Mario Diaz, Professor
Phillip Dukes, Associate Professor
Natalia Guevara, Associate Professor
Andreas Hanke, Associate Professor
Fredrick Jenet, Associate Professor
Karen Martirosyan, Associate Professor
Soumya Mohanty, Associate Professor
Soma Mukherjee, Associate Professor
Richard Price, Professor
Malik Rakhmanov, Assistant Professor
Joseph Romano, Professor
Ahmed Touhami, Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Physics (M.S.)
30-Hour Thesis/Non Thesis Option
Two options are available for the degree plan leading to the Master of Science in Physics, and the candidate must declare one of the options at the time of admission. Both options require 30 semester credit hours for successful completion.
Admission Requirements
Information related to the application procedure and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies (www.utb.edu/graduatestudies). All admission requirements as described in the Graduate Catalog remain in effect. Specific criteria for unconditional admission in the M.S. Physics program are as follows:
• Online application
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE General test scores (www.ets.org)
–The scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University. The ETS code for the University of Texas at Brownsville is 6588
–To provide some guidance to prospective applicants, the middle 50 percent of GRE-Quantitative scores for students admitted unconditionally in Fall 2010 ranged from 760 to 800
• Official transcripts from all previously obtained college-level degrees.
• Two letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate or graduate scholastic record. The letters have to be mailed or emailed by the referee as follows:
–By postal mail to:
The Graduate Program Coordinator,
Department of Physics and Astronomy,
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College,
80 Fort Brown,
Brownsville, TX 78520
U.S.A.
(The envelopes should be sealed and the seal should have the writer’s signature across it)
–By email to: gpcoordinator@phys.utb.edu with subject line of the email containing the name of the student
• Statement of Purpose. Include a letter outlining your motivation why you want to pursue a Masters in Physics. The statement can be provided during the online application process.
The following additional requirements apply for international students:
–TOEFL scores (www.ets.org/toefl) or IELTS scores (www.ielts.org).
The scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to the University. For TOEFL scores, the ETS code for the University of Texas at Brownsville is 6588.
–Foreign transcripts may be required to be translated and evaluated by a U.S. based agency when necessary at additional cost to the student. (Information on these services is available at the Office of Graduate Studies).
Financial Aid through Research and Teaching Assistantship is available for qualified students.
Applicants that do not meet the above criteria may qualify for conditional admission as described in the Graduate Catalog.
Contact address for the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UTB:
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Texas at Brownsville
80 Fort Brown
Brownsville, TX 78520
Email: gpcoordinator@phys.utb.edu
Thesis Option
The Master of Science program thesis option requires the successful completion of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of Physics courses.
Required courses (6 sch ):
PHYS 6398 Thesis (repeated for a total of 6 sch)
Students must enroll in the Master’s Thesis course when recommended to do so by their advisor. They must take this course until final approval has been granted by the advisor. However, no more than 6 hrs of this course will count toward the M.S. degree. All candidate must comply with Office of Graduate Studies guidelines regarding thesis application, submission and defense.
Elective courses ( 24 sch)
Twenty four semester credit hours of Physics courses are required to complete the 30 credit hours. These courses will form part of the student’s Program of Study, with courses chosen to be appropriate for the background and research interests of each student. In the typical case, a student will take PHYS 5310, PHYS 5320, PHYS 5330 and PHYS 5340 as these are the traditional core courses for more advanced study (e.g., Ph.D. degree) and research. Additional credit hours may be taken from any of the elective physics courses or graduate courses offered by other departments previously approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy Graduate Committee.
Non-Thesis Option
This option requires the successful completion of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. Physics courses. Comprehensive Exam: Non-thesis students must take a comprehensive written or oral examination covering the student’s understanding of graduate level Physics concepts. The comprehensive exam will be administered by a departmental committee and the student shall choose between a written or oral examination in consultation with this committee. The semester in which the comprehensive exam is to be taken will appear on the program of study of non-thesis students. It will not be scheduled prior to the student’s final semester of coursework.
In the typical case, a student will take PHYS 5310, PHYS 5320, PHYS 5330 and PHYS 5340 as these are the traditional core courses for more advanced study (e.g., Ph.D. degree) and research. Additional credit hours may be taken from any of the elective physics courses or graduate courses offered by other departments previously approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy Graduate Committee.
Every student admitted into the program will be required to set up a degree plan in consultation with the graduate committee and approved by the department chair. The degree plan will take into account the educational background of the student and his/her future plans. It will consist of a timeline showing the sequence of courses that the student needs to take in order to complete the program successfully. Progress of the student through the program will be measured against this baseline degree plan after the end of each semester. Any changes needed to the degree plan, agreed upon by the student and the graduate committee and approved by the department chair, will also come into effect at the end of each semester.
Ph.D. in Physics Cooperative Between UTSA and UTB
Students enrolled in The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Ph.D. Physics program now have the option to reside at UTB/TSC and conduct their research under the direction of a graduate faculty member of the UTB/TSC Physics and Astronomy Department. All requirements for the program including graduation requirements are the same as those established for the UTSA Ph.D. in physics program.
Admission Requirements
See the UTSA graduate catalog (www.graduateschool.utsa.edu) and the department specific requirements. Qualified students conducting their research at UTB/TSC will normally be supported financially through research assistantships. Contact the chair of the UTB/TSC Physics and Astronomy Department graduate curriculum committee for further information on financial aid.
Program Requirements
The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 81 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The coursework in the program includes a core curriculum (12 semester credit hours) and advanced electives (27 semester credit hours) including graduate courses offered by other departments with the approval of the student’s graduate advisor. Research hours, including Research Seminar (3 semester credit hours), Directed and Doctoral Research (27 semester credit hours) and Dissertation (12 semester credit hours), totaling at least 42 semester credit hours, complete the program.
Transfer of credits
Students who complete the M.S. in physics degree program at UTB/TSC can transfer up to a maximum of 30 credits from the following courses into the Ph.D. program. Non-degree students who take these courses may also petition UTSA for transfer of credits. (The list of courses for which credits can be transferred is provided later in this document).
Courses
A. Core Curriculum (12 semester credit hours):
PHYS 5103 Classical Mechanics I
PHYS 5203 Electrodynamics I
PHYS 5303 Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 5403 Quantum Mechanics I
B. Advanced Physics Electives (27 semester credit hours selected from the following or from graduate courses offered by other departments, e.g., Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, etc.):
PHYS 6103 Classical Mechanics II
PHYS 6113 Fluid Mechanics
PHYS 6123 Plasma Physics and Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD)
PHYS 6203 Electrodynamics II
PHYS 6303 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 6313 Solid State Physics
PHYS 6323 Nonlinear Optics and Lasers
PHYS 6403 Fundamentals of Space Physics
PHYS 6413 Fundamentals of Astronomy
PHYS 6503 Mathematical Physics I
PHYS 6513 Mathematical Physics II
PHYS 6523 Computational Physics
PHYS 6613 Methods of Experimental Physics
PHYS 6623 Space Physics Laboratory
Topics courses may be repeated for credit as the topics vary. The student should consult her/his graduate advisor if in doubt.
PHYS 7403 Topics in Biophysics and Biomedical Physics
PHYS 7503 Topics in Experimental Physics
PHYS 7603 Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 7703 Topics in Space Physics
PHYS 7803 Topics in Theoretical Physics
PHYS 7903 Topics in Astrophysics
PHYS 7973 Special Topics in Physics
C. Doctoral Research (42 semester credit hours):
PHYS 7001-3 Directed Research (6 hours; prior to passing qualifying exam)
PHYS 7013 Research Seminar (3 hours)
PHYS 7101-3 Doctoral Research (21 hours; after successfully passing qualifying exam)
PHYS 7111-3 Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)
Students must enroll in PHYS 7111-3 Doctoral Dissertation each semester that they receive advice and/or assistance on their dissertation. However, no more than 12 semester credit hours will count toward the Ph.D. degree. Students must attend the Research Seminar for a minimum of three full semesters during their graduate studies. However, no more than three semester credit hours may be applied to the Ph.D. degree.
Candidacy
All students seeking a doctoral degree at UTSA must be admitted to candidacy. One of the requirements for admission to candidacy is passing the “Doctoral Qualifying Examination.” Students should consult UTSA’s “Doctoral Degree Regulations” for the other requirements.
Qualifying Examination. The qualifying examination is divided into written and oral portions. The written portion will cover the four core courses. The oral portion covers the student’s proposed research program and related fundamentals, must be taken within one year after passing the written portion of the qualifying examination, and will be evaluated by the student’s dissertation committee. Additional details are described in the UTSA Physics Department’s Graduate Student Handbook.
Defense
The final oral defense consists of a public presentation of the dissertation and a closed oral defense. It is administered and evaluated by the student’s dissertation committee and covers the dissertation and the general field of the dissertation. The dissertation committee must approve the dissertation.
Courses for which credits can be transferred:
The list below states the courses in the UTB/TSC M.S. in physics program for which credits can be transferred into the UTSA Ph.D. program. A maximum of 30 credit hours constituted by these courses are transferrable:
Core Curriculum (12 SCHs):
PHYS 5310 Classical Mechanics I (UTSA PHY 5103)
PHYS 5320 Electrodynamics I (UTSA PHY 5203)
PHYS 5330 Statistical Mechanics (UTSA PHY 5303)
PHYS 5340 Quantum Mechanics I (UTSA PHY 5403)
UTB/TSC Advanced Physics Electives (18 semester credit hours selected from the following):
PHYS 6330 Quantum Mechanics II (UTSA PHY 6303)
PHYS 6320 Electrodynamics II (UTSA PHY 6203)
PHYS 6331 Solid State Physics (UTSA PHY 6313)
PHYS 6350 Mathematical Physics I (UTSA PHY 6503)
PHYS 6351 Mathematical Physics II (UTSA PHY 6513)
PHYS 6352 Computational Physics (UTSA PHY 6523)
PHYS 6371 Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Biological Systems
PHYS 6373 Statistical Physics of Molecular Cell Biology
PHYS 5375 Structure and Function of Biolgical Molecules
PHYS 6381 Introduction to Astrophysics
PHYS 5387 Special Topics in Physics
PHYS 5392 Gravitational Wave Astronomy
PHYS 5393 Introduction to General Relativity and Gravitation
PHYS 5394 Advanced Statistical Methods for Modern Astronomy
Students conducting research at UTB/TSC can take some of the advanced Physics Elective courses or the Topics courses in the UTB/TSC Ph.D. program via distance education. The same applies for the Research Seminar course. UTB/TSC and UTSA have a direct video link to facilitate this.
Graduate Course Descriptions
Physics
Students wishing to enroll in the UTB/UTSA Cooperative PhD (Physics) Program may be required to take: PHYS 5310, PHYS 5320, PHYS 5330 and PHYS 5340 as these are required courses in the UTSA PhD degree program.
PHYS 5194 Advanced Statistical Methods for Modern Astronomy Laboratory
This graduate laboratory carries out the implementation in a Matlab environment of the data analysis topics that are being covered in the course. The laboratory has a well-designed curriculum to equip graduate students with the right skills for their subsequent research in astronomical data analysis. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
PHYS 5296 Introduction to Research
This is a two-credit course in which students practice elements of communication of research science. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate faculty advisor. Lec 2, Cr. 2
PHYS 5310 Classical Mechanics I
This graduate course will introduce students to Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, dynamics of rigid bodies, central force problem and orbital dynamics, symmetries and conservation laws, relativistic dynamics. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 5320 Electrodynamics I
This graduate course will cover electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, Maxwell’s equations, plane waves, wave guides diffraction, multipole radiation. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 5330 Statistical Mechanics
This graduate course will introduce students to thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, Boltzmann equation and the collision operator, moments of the Boltzmann equations, the Navier-Stokes equations, introduction to nonequilibrium concepts, ensembles, classical and quantum gases, statistical physics of solids. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 5340 Quantum Mechanics I
This graduate course will cover linear vector spaces and linear operators, postulates, Hilbert space formulation, the Schrödinger equation and one-dimensional problems, the hydrogen atom, symmetries, rotational invariance and angular momentum, spin, system with N-degrees of freedom. Lec. 3, Cr.
PHYS 5360 Optics
This course is an introduction to the field of optics and its modern applications. The course will start with Huygens principle, the wave equation, and the superposition principle. Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, coherence theory, interferometry, and Gaussian optics are among the topics that will also be covered. Co-requisite: PHYS 5320 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 5361 Applied Electromagnetics
This is an advanced graduate course in electromagnetic field theory and electrodynamics, with particular emphasis on EM wave interaction with materials, scattering and guided waves. The course will cover in great details the physics underlying electromagnetic wave propagation and the engineering of devices such as antennas, arrays, and periodic passive structures that take advantage of these concepts. Prerequisite: PHYS 5320 and PHYS 5360
PHYS 5375 Structure and Function of Biological Molecules
This course will provide in-depth assessment of structure of biological molecules, with emphasis on structure-function relationship. Physical principles underlying formation of secondary and tertiary structure of proteins, structural dynamics of DNA and DNA-protein interactions will be reviewed. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Mastery of differential equations and mathematical methods at an undergraduate level is expected. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
PHYS 5387 Special Topics in Physics
This graduate course will introduce students to different topics. This topics will be announced. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
PHYS 5392 Gravitational Wave Astronomy
This course provides a basic and broad description of astrophysics related to sources of gravitational radiation, gravitational wave detectors, numerical relativity, and data analysis. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 5393 Introduction to General Relativity and Gravitation
This graduate course introduces Einstein’s theory of relativity and other topics in the field of gravitation. Topics covered are the Principle of Equivalence, Introduction to Differential geometry and tensor analysis. Also studied are physics on curved manifolds, Einstein’s equations of General Relativity, exact solutions of Einstein’s equations, the Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions, bBlack Hole Physics and Cosmology, g Gravitational radiation and its detection. Prerequisites: PHYS 3310, PHYS 3390, PHYS 3400, PHYS 4330 Lec 3, Cr 3
PHYS 5394 Advanced Statistical Methods for Modern Astronomy
This course will introduce the student to: gravitational wave astronomy and the detectors, advanced statistical methods, computational methods, introduction to grid computing and the LSC grid. The course has a mandatory laboratory component which will train the students in advanced statistical data analysis and grid computing. Prerequisites: MATH 3447 and Calculus III and PHYS 3490 Mathematics for scientists and engineers I, or consent of instructor
PHYS 6320 Electrodynamics II
This course will introduce the student to relativistic formulation of Maxwell equations, radiation from moving charges, collisions of charged particles, radiation damping, introduction to plasmas, and magneto hydrodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5320. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6330 Quantum Mechanics II
This course will introduce the student to variational and WKB methods, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, path integration formulation, introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and the Dirac equation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5340. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6331 Solid State Physics
This graduate course will introduce the student to lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids, band theory of solids, transport properties of metals and semiconductors, optical properties, magnetic properties, magnetic properties, magnetic relaxation, superconductivity, elementary excitations, interactions phonon-phonon, electron-electron, electron-phonon, theory of metals and semiconductors, transport theory, and optical properties. Prerequisite: PHYS 5340. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6350 Mathematical Physics I
This graduate course will include linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, special functions, eigenvalue problems, complex analysis, group therapy. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6351 Mathematical Physics II
This course will introduce the student to advanced topics in mathematical physics, topology, functional analysis, differentiable manifolds, Lie groups and algebras, and cohomology theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 6350. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6352 Computational Physics
The course will cover introduction to numerical techniques for solving physics problems, theory of computation and applications to various branches on of physics, sample problems might include chaotic motion and nonlinear dynamics, particle trajectories, Monte Carlo simulations, dynamical and statistical descriptions of many body problems, hyperbolic, parabolic, and elliptic differential equations.
PHYS 6362 Quantum Optics
This course introduces the student to non-linear optics and the new field of observing quantum effects in small groups of atoms, starting from a few and down to one. Topics include field quantization, emission and absorption of radiation by atoms, nonlinear optics and parametric conversion, non-classical light, optical tests of quantum mechanics, and experiments with trapped atoms. Prerequisites: PHYS 5360 and PHYS 5340 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 6363 Electromagnetic Metamaterials
This course covers the electromagnetic characterization of metamaterials that is engineered materials with characteristics which may not be found in nature, with particular emphasis on technological applications. The course provides a deep insight into the fundamental physics needed to fully grasp the technology of antennas, arrays, and frequency selective surfaces using non-conventional materials. Prerequisite: PHYS 5361 or consent of instructor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6364 Nanophotonics: materials and devices
This course will cover general concepts of nanophotonics which is a new field of physics focused on studies of interaction of light with matter on the nanometer scale. Topics covered will include near-field optics, photonic crystals, negative index materials, nanocavities, integrated photonic circuits, and their fabriction techniques. Prerequisites: PHYS 5320 and PHYS 5360 or consent of instructor. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
PHYS 6371 Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Biological Systems
This course provides students with fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics, electrostatics and electrochemistry, enzyme kinetics and molecular driving forces. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 6373 Statistical Physics of Molecular Cell Biology
This course introduces students to the basic physical laws governing the life of cells and its material and explains the latest research regarding physical aspects of molecular cell biology, and discusses physical methods used in today’s laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
PHYS 6381 Introduction to Astrophysics
This graduate course will introduce students to a range of basic topics in astrophysics: stars, stellar evolution, neutron stars, black holes, galactic dynamics, galaxies, large scale structure in the Universe and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 5320 and PHYS 5310.
PHYS 6386 Research Problems in Physics
This course is ideally suited for short-term research projects with well-defined goals. For example, writing a journal paper for publication could be undertaken under this course. This course can be taken by students in both the thesis and non-thesis option. A written report and a seminar are required to pass this course. This course shall not be counted as Thesis research. Consent of instructor required.
PHYS 6396 Graduate Research in Physics
This graduate course is a research in physics course in preparation for thesis work (Research I). Prerequisite: graduate advisor approval. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
PHYS 6398 Thesis I
This graduate course initiates students in their thesis work. Prerequisite: graduate advisor approval.
Additional Courses in Science, Mathematics and Technology
Chemistry
CHEM 5303 Advanced Biochemistry
This course is a study of contemporary biochemical topics which include: protein structure and function, enzyme mechanism and kinetics, membrane molecular architecture, nucleic acid biochemistry, gene structure and expression, control of gene expression, cell signaling and motility, molecular immunology and tools of biochemistry. It is recommended that the student complete CHEM 3304 prior to enrolling in this course. Prerequisite: CHEM 3301, 3314 or instructor’s permission.
CHEM 5306 Environmental Chemistry
This course covers environmental issues and the chemistry associated with these issues. Key areas include energy use and production, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere. Specific topics to be discussed include fossil fuels, nuclear and solar energy, the “Greenhouse effect,” ozone chemistry, air and water pollution, water resources, nitrogen and food production, and agrochemicals. Prerequisite: CHEM 1311, 1312, 2323; BIOL 1306 (or 1308), 1307 (or 1309); PHYS 1301. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
Engineering
ELET 5302 Circuits and Systems
A review of linear circuit and network theory, supported by introduction of circuit simulation programs with some emphasis on high frequency circuit operation. Then transmission line theory and operation will be explored. The course will culminate with a study of system response to stimulation using high speed system stimulation programs. Lec 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: PHYS 1302 or PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2326, MATH 2414 or departmental consent.
ELET 5310 Analog and Digital Communication I
Introductory course based upon the principle to provide a thorough treatment of the principles of communications at the physical layer suitable for graduate studies. This is accomplished by providing fundamentals in telecommunications including analysis of modulation, transmission media, noise in modulation systems, modulation and demodulation techniques, binary data transmission, modern communications models and standards and information theory and coding. Lec. 3, Cr. 3 Prerequisite: ENGT 3303 or departmental consent.
ELET 5312 Electromagnetic Propagation I
Electromagnetic wave propagation in different material, transmission, terrain evaluation, and antenna characteristics will be covered. Lec 3, Cr.3. Prerequisite: PHYS 1302, PHYS 1402 or PHYS 2326. ENGT 3303 or departmental consent.
ELET 5361 Electromagnetic Applications
It will introduce the aspect related to high frequency technology. It will prove useful to technical personnel working in the field of microwaves. In order to provide a comprehensive course at the technology level, emphasis is given to application rather than theory. Sufficient theoretical background is included where this appears to be helpful. The course also covers the principles of operation and constructional features of a wide range of microwave hardware. This course will provide student with advanced capabilities and skills in engineering problem solving related to microwave technology. Lec. 3, Cr. 3. Prerequisite: ELET 5310.
ELET 5370 Technological Changes in Business
Technological changes in a variety of industries will be covered. Impact of such technological changes on cost and competitiveness will be reviewed. Lec 3, Cr. 3
Environmental Sciences
ESCI 5170 Environmental Sciences Lab
Specialized lab content for contemporary topics in environmental sciences not available in other courses. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in corresponding. Lecture. Cr 1.
ESCI 5370 Environmental Sciences
Specialized lecture content for contemporary topics in environmental sciences not available in other courses. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
Geography
GEOG 5320 Cultural Geography for Educators
The study of the interaction between humans and the natural environment. Major emphasis in the course is given to human cultural diversity. Topics discussed include population distribution and demography, agriculture practices and regions, patterns and processes of religions and their spatial distributions, ethnicity and nations, urban geography and the development of cities, and natural resources and their management. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
GEOG 5333 Geography of Latin America
A regional study of the geography of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This course will include an investigation of the physical, cultural and economic factors of various regions and how these affect present day conditions. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.
GEOG 5334 Conservation of Natural Resources
A survey of the distribution of world resources, with special emphasis on new and novel solutions to problems of resource scarcity. Topics include food, scenic and recreational resources, and other selected components of the biosphere and lithosphere. Cultural, economic, demographic, and political behaviors of human societies are considered as they affect the world’s physical resources. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
GEOG 5440 Geographic Information Systems
This course covers the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and software such as ArcView and ArcGIS. Special attention will be given to data acquisition, processing, data management and the generation of base maps. Lec 3, Lab 3, Cr. 4.
GEOG 5441 Principles of Remote Sensing
This course will emphasize the application of remote sensing and image analysis in the earth sciences; qualitative and quantitative satellite image and air photo interpretation. Additional emphasis will be placed on the use of computer processing packages. Lec 3, Lab 2, Cr. 4 .
Geology
GEOL 5170 Topics in Geology Lab
Specialized lab content for contemporary topics in geology not available in other courses. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in corresponding lecture. Cr 1.
GEOL 5310 Earth Science for Educators I
This is the first part of a graduate level, hands-on Earth Science course designed for education majors enrolled in the EC-8 program. The course will provide the students with basic theoretical background in Earth Science with hands-on workshops to enable the student to understand the Earth Science processes at present on the Earth’s surface. Prerequisite: GEOL 1403 and 1404. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
GEOL 5320 Earth Science for Educators II
This is the second part of a graduate level, hands-on Earth Science course designed for education majors enrolled in the EC-8 program. This course will provide the students with a basic theoretical background in Earth Science with hands-on workshops to enable the student to understand the Earth Science processes at present on the Earth’s surface. Prerequisite: GEOL 5310. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
GEOL 5370 Topics in Geology
Specialized lecture content for contemporary topic for credit as topics change. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
Interdisciplinary Science
ISCI 7300 Thesis
Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor or faculty advisor. Cr 3
ISCI 7301 Thesis
Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor or faculty advisor. Cr 3
Manufacturing
MFET 5301 Design for Manufacture
This course deals with the factors influencing product design and manufacturability. Topics include component design and analysis, design for manufacturability, design for manual and automated assembly and concurrent engineering. Students learn how to reduce material and part costs, assembly time, and number of parts in a product. Prerequisite: Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Engineering or departmental approval. Lec 3, Cr 3
Physical Sciences
PSCI 5310 Physical Science for Teachers
This graduate level course is designed for in-service elementary and middle school teachers who will be in Geology not available in other courses. May be repeated implementing hands-on science learning in their classrooms. Students in the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Science Education can use the credit for this course to fulfill the requirements for science content. The course will provide the teachers with necessary theoretical background in classical physics, will develop skills in physical experimentation using FOSS modules and other available lab equipment and will enable the students to apply the basic laws of physics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or departmental approval. Lec 3, Cr 3
PSCI 5320 Physical Science for Teachers II
This is the second semester course of Physical Science for Teachers. This course will provide teachers with necessary theoretical background in classical physics, will develop skills in physical experimentation, and will enable students to apply the basic laws and principles of physics to experimental observations. Lec 3, Cr 3
PSCI 5330 Physical Science for High School Teachers I
This course provides high school teachers a deeper understanding of classical physics. Laws of motion, applications of Newton’s Laws, and work-energy relations are the major parts of this graduate level physical science course. This course will provide teachers with an abundant theoretical background in physics and current research practice with practical experience in related physics labs. Lec 3, Cr. 3. Prerequisite: Graduate standing with a BS or BA degree in a science discipline or department approval.
PSCI 5340 Physical Science for High School Teachers II
This course is the continuation of Physical Science for High School Teachers I. Thermodynamics, electrostatistics, electricity and magnetism, waves, light and optics, and quantum physics are the major parts of this graduate level physical science course. This course will provide teachers with an abundant theoretical background in physics and current research practice with practical experience in related labs. Prerequisite: PSCI 5330 with a grade of B or better. Lec 3, Cr. 3