1. Physics: the basic subfields
The fundamental physical laws
Classical mechanics (PHY 110, 220, 320, )
Electromagnetism (PHY 111,112, 240, 340, 330)
Thermodynamics (PHY 111, 325)
Quantum physics (PHY 112, 284, 384, 355, 287)
(including atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, fundamental particles)
Statistical mechanics (PHY 111, 325, )
General Relativity (PHY 207, 287: Indep. study!)

2. Physics: What’s that field?
Determine the motion of spacecraft in the solar system for NASA missions
mechanics, general relativity
Determine the motion of atoms in a solid as it is heated
quantum physics, mechanics, statistical mechanics
Explain how lightning is generated in a thunderstorm
electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics

3. Physics: What’s that field? 2
Design a new high intensity blue laser
quantum physics, electromagnetism
Try to reduce the production of waste heat in a diesel engine
thermodynamics, statistical mechanics
Derive the chemical law of 'detailed balance' from the behavior of atoms and molecules
statistical mechanics

4. Physics: What’s that field? 3
Measure the bending of light around the planet Jupiter due to its gravitational field
general relativity, electromagnetism
Figure out how a particle-antiparticle pair is created out of the vacuum in a particle accelerator
quantum physics, statistical mechanics, E&M
Determine how far into the future the weather can be predicted
statistical mechanics, mechanics
Understand the universe: all subfields

5. Methodologies of Physics
Experimental Physics
Observe nature (e.g. astro, geophysics)
‘Prod’ Nature into revealing secrets (laboratory experiments)
Theoretical Physics
Build theoretical models of reality
Solve models mathematically
Computational Physics
Build computational models of reality
Solve models via computer simulation

6. Methodologies in ISU Physics Courses
Experimental Physics
PHY 110, 111, 112 lab
PHY 270, 370 (advanced lab), 375
PHY 311, 312 (PTE)
Theoretical Physics
PHY 217, 220, 240, 284
PHY 325, 320, 340, 384, 355
Computational Physics
PHY 112 lab; projects in many courses
PHY 318, 388, 390 (CompPhys)
PHY 302 (PTE)