PHYS-103 The Universe: Past, Present, and Future, 3 cr.
An introductory-level Astronomy/Astrophysics course for non
science majors requiring no previous college-level science background.
The evolution of the universe: Big Bang creation, expansion of the universe,
formation, development and properties of stars, endings of the universe;
as well as the history of our understanding of the universe from the perspectives
of culture, philosophy, and science. Knowledge of basic algebra skills
is assumed.
Prereq.: MATH-O91 or MATH-102 Placement.
PHYS-104 Energy, 3 cr.
A course for non-science majors requiring no previous college-level
mathematics or science background. Physics and its application to the problems
of energy consumption and production are discussed. Topics include the
need for nuclear reactors and the implications thereof, the dumping of
nuclear waste at sea and alternatives, better energy sources and energy
depletion, the motion of pollutants through the environment, and other
related topics.
PHYS-110 Physics in Everyday Life, 3 cr.
A laboratory oriented course for the non-science major. Central
concepts of physics (the laws of mechanics and electricity, the properties
of light, atoms and nuclei) and how they are applied in the modern world
(rockets, electric motors, optical instruments, automobiles, toys, etc.).
Knowledge of basic algebra skills is assumed. Lecture 2 hours, lab 2 hours.
Prereq.: MATH-102
Introductory Physics sequence (Algebra Based)
PHYS-201 College Physics I, 3 cr.
Kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies: Newton's
laws, energy, momentum and angular momentum. Physics of fluids, vibration
and sound. Heat and thermodynamics. Students who have had calculus are
stongly encouraged to enroll in PHYS-206.
Prereq.: MATH-106. Concurrent registration in PHYS-203 strongly recommended.
PHYS-202 College Physics II, 3 cr.
Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric potentials,
currents, Ohm's law, magnetism, magnetic fields, the forces on or due to
moving charges, induction, electromagnetic radiation, wave motion, physical
and geometrical optics.
Prereq.: PHYS-201.
Concurrent registration in PHYS-204 strongly recommended.
PHYS-203 Physics I Laboratory, 1 cr.
Laboratory course covering the subject matter of Physics I,
and meant to be taken concurrently.
Coreq: PHYS-206 or PHYS-201.
This is the first term of a three-term sequence intended for
students majoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, PHYS 206, 207,
215. Kinematics and dynamics of a particle and systems of particles, momentum,
energy, angular momentum, conservation laws, applications to problems involving
collisions, oscillatory motion and motion in a gravitational field, rigid
body motion, temperature, heat, the laws of thermodynamics, application
to thermodynamic engines, and ideal gases are discussed.
Prereq.: MATH-107.
Concurrent registration in PHYS-203 strongly recommended.
PHYS-207 Physics with Calculus II, 3 cr.
Charges, Coulomb's and Gauss's laws, conductors and dielectrics,
Ohm's law, magnetic fields, Ampere's law, motion of charges in a magnetic
field, Faraday's law, inductance, simple L.R.C. circuits, magnetic properties
of matter, electromagnetic waves, kinematics of wave motion, reflection,
refraction, interference, and diffraction.
Prereq.: PHYS-206.
Concurrent registration in PHYS-204 strongly recommended.
PHYS-215 Physics III, 4 cr.
Introduction to the physics of the twentieth century, including
applications to related fields such as biology, chemistry, earth science,
and engineering. Fundamental concepts of special relativity, quantum mechanics,
and statistical physics as applied to atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid
state physics.
Prereq.: PHYS-202 or PHYS-207.
Upper-division Physics courses
PHYS-301 Independent Study in Physics, 1 cr.
Research, laboratory work, study or tutorial in a specific
area of physics under faculty supervision.
Prereq.: consent of department.
PHYS-302 Independent Study in Physics, 2 cr.
(See PHYS-301 for description.)
PHYS-303 Independent Study in Physics, 3 cr.
(See PHYS-301 for description.)
PHYS-308 Introductory Mathematical Physics, 3 cr.
Vector and tensor analysis, matrices, and matrix algebra, ordinary
differential equations with constant coefficients; Fourier series, introduction
to complex variables.
Prereq.: PHYS-207 (or PHYS-202) and MATH-202.
PHYS-309 Fortran and Numerical Analysis for Scientists, 3cr.
Introduction to the use of computers in solving scientific
problems; Fortran programming is described and applied to solve several
fundamental problems.
Prereq.: MATH-202, or consent of instructor.
PHYS-311 Mechanics I, 3 cr.
Statics of particles and rigid bodies, kinematics and dynamics
of particles (including damped and forced harmonic oscillators), work and
energy, linear and angular momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of rigid
bodies, introduction to special relativity.
Prereq.: [PHYS-206 or
PHYS-201] and
MATH-202
PHYS-321 Electricity and Magnetism I, 3 cr.
Coulomb's law, electric fields and electrostatic potential,
Gauss's law, Poisson's equation, capacitance, dielectric media, current
density, simple circuits, magnetic fields, Lorentz force, magnetic media,
induction, Ampere's law, inductance, Maxwell's equations.
Prereq.: [PHYS-207 or
PHYS-202].
Coreq. or Prerec. MATH-203
PHYS-324 Advanced Classical Physics, 3 cr.
Introduction to advanced topics in classical physics
in preparation for the study of modern physics. Topics include the Lagrangian
formalism of classical mechanics and its application to the theories of
planetary motion, small oscillations, rigid body mechanics; Maxwell's equations,
radiation and propagation of electromagnetic waves, the theory of special
relativity. Prereq.: PHYS-311 and
PHYS-215.
Coreq. or Prereq. MATH-203.
PHYS-330 Intermediate Physics Lab, 3 cr.
An introduction to scientific measurement procedures, with
special attention paid to the examination of error and uncertainty and
to certain widely used experimental techniques and their applications.
Techniques used include those in optics, electronics, and atomic, solid
state and nuclear physics. Experiments are chosen according to the individual
student's needs and interests. This course may be taken up to three times.
Prereq.:
PHYS-204
PHYS-331 Optics, 4 cr.
The fundamental principles of geometrical and physical optics
and their application to the design of modern instruments as well as atomic
spectra, properties of photons, and lasers. Principles discussed in the
lecture will be explored in various lab exercises. Lecture 2 hours, Lab
4 hours.
Prereq,: [PHYS-207 or
PHYS-202],
PHYS-204, and MATH-202.
PHYS-332 Electronics, 4 cr.
Laboratory and lecture covering both the basic structure of
various electronic components, and their use and behavior in circuits.
The course begins with linear elements, such as resistors, inductors, and
capacitors, and proceeds through various semiconductor devices, diodes,
transistors, and operational amplifiers, and culminates with the structure
and use of logic circuits. Major emphasis is placed on laboratory work
where the properties and interactions of various circuits are investigated.
Lecture 2 hours, Lab 4 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-204.,
[PHYS-207 or
PHYS-202]
PHYS-335 Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory, 3 cr.
Thermodynamic systems; pressure and temperature; ideal gas
laws; heat, work and energy; entropy; kinetic theory.
Coreq.: PHYS-215 and MATH-203.
PHYS-336 Modern Physics I, 3 cr.
First part of a two term sequence dealing with quantum physics.
Review of the experimental evidence for the wave properties of light and
discussion of atomic spectra and electron spin, elementary wave mechanics,
the hydrogen atom, the properties of many electron atoms and the periodic
table, and the structure of molecules.
Prereq.: PHYS-215 and
MATH-203
PHYS-337 Modern Physics Lab, 2 cr.
A series of experiments chosen according to each student's
needs and interests in the fields of optics, electronics, and atomic,
nuclear, and solid state physics.
Prereq.: PHYS-215 and
PHYS-330.
PHYS-338 Modern Physics II, 3 cr.
Second part of a two term sequence dealing with quantum physics
with primary emphasis on the physics of bulk matter: review of thermodynamics,
classical and quantum statistics, the nuclear properties of solids, conductors,
semi- and superconductors, ferromagnetism, nuclei, and elementary particles.
Prereq.: PHYS-336.
PHYS-344 Introduction to Solid State Physics, 3 cr.
Crystal structure, crystal bonding, thermal properties of solids, dielectric
properties, free electron model of metals, band theory of solids, magnetism,
superconductivity, current applications.
Prereq.:PHYS-336
PHYS-350 Field Experience in Physics, 3 cr.
Practical experience in industrial or government physics laboratories
under the joint supervision of the department and the laboratory. There
are six hours of field experience required per week. This course may be
taken up to three times.
Prereq.: sixteen credit hours of physics courses and consent of department
PHYS-361 Materials I: Structural, Mechanical and Thermal Properties, 3 cr.
An introductory course on the properties of materials for students
in all areas of science and technology. Topics include structural, thermal
and mechanical properties of metals, alloys, ceramics, and plastics, and
their explanation in terms of molecular and atomic properties. Lecture
2 hours, Lab 2 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-215 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-362 Materials II: Electronic and Optical Properties, 3 cr.
Companion course to Materials I with primary emphasis on the
electronic properties of: materials and their industrial use. Topics include
conductors, semiconductors, superconductors, ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity,
optical and infra-red properties. Lecture 2 hours, Lab 2 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-215 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-365 Microprocessor Electronics, 4 cr.
The course acquaints the students with the basics of microprocessor
technology, both from the point of view of understanding the theory of
operation, and in learning to program and use these devices to accomplish
a given task. The Motorola 6800 is the principal example, and each student
has access to a microprocessor trainer for practical lab experiences. Interfacing
microprocessors to each other and to the outside world is included, and
the course culminates with each student completing a major interfacing
project. Lecture 2 hours, Lab 4 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-332 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-366 Communication Electronics, 3 cr.
The course covers tuned circuits, radio frequency amplifiers,
intermediate frequency amplifiers, cavity resonators and U.H.F. amplifiers,
modulation, detection, R.F. power amplifiers, transmitters, transmission
lines, antennas, television, and special topics in communication electronics,
including digital methods and telemetry. Lecture 2 hours, lab 2 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-332 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-367 Transducer and Special Purpose Electronics, 4 cr.
Lecture and laboratory on the characteristics of devices which
convert physical quantities such as heat, light, motion, and sound into
electrical signals. This includes both the practical aspects of using such
devices and the intrinsic physical properties which make their use possible.
Sensors used include thermistors, thermopiles, microphones, solar cells,
and piezoelectric/pyroelectric films. . The course culminates with each
student doing a major project, which may include computer interfacing to
the transducers. Lecture 2 hours, Lab 4 hours.
Prereq: PHYS-332 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-369 Instrumentation Electronics, 4 cr.
Lecture and laboratory course on the properties and uses of
electronic scientific instruments used in making physical measurements,
including computer interfacing. The instruments are studied from input
transducer to final output. A major emphasis is placed on laboratory work,
where actual instrumentation circuits are built and tested. The course
culminates with each student building an actual scientific instrument.
Lecture 2 hours, Lab 4 hours.
Prereq.: PHYS-332 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-391 Astrophysics, 3 cr.
An introduction to such topics in astrophysics as the formation,
structure, evolution, and death of planets, stars, clusters, galaxies,
the universe (Big Bang), and other esoteric objects such as black holes,
neutron stars, and quasars. Significant application of physics and mathematics
is assumed.
Prereq.: PHYS-215
PHYS-392 Beyond The Cosmos' Creation, 3 cr.
Modern theories for the development of the universe from the
Planck Time through the Radiation era and Matter era, to the possible end
scenarios, as well as pertinent experimental evidence; Hubble's Law; the
Big Bang; the inflationary Big Bang; the evolution of the universe with
time and temperature; is the universe open or closed; Dark Energy; current
developments.
Prereq.: PHYS-215 and PHYS-311
or consent of instructor.