An introduction to the field of Astronomy.
Course topics include: the history of astronomy and the philosophy of science; methods of observational astronomy;
an overview of the scientific method; gravitation and orbital dynamics; the origin, dynamics, and composition
of our solar system; descriptions of asteroids, comets, and planets; the formation, evolution and death of stars; white
dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes; novae and supernovae; star clusters, galaxies, and galactic clusters; the Big Bang theory, cosmology, dark energy and dark matter; the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
General Education (NS).
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-108 Concepts For Middle School Teaching, 4 cr.
A laboratory oriented course that integrates concepts from geometry, algebra
and trigonometry. 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, fuel cells, alternative fuels, stationary i.e. power plant and
non-stationary i.e. aircraft, green technology etc.) are investigated.
Issues of smart materials, celestial mining, nanotechnology, quantum
computing and other contemporary critical technologies may be investigated.
Discussion may include topics and concepts related to kinematics and
dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and electrostatics, electric fields,
electric potentials, currents, magnetic fields, wave motion. Basic concepts
of geology, meteorology, oceanography and the solar system may be threaded
throughout. Course content is aligned to the National Science Teachers
Association Teaching Standards and the Illinois Content Standards for
Educators of Science. PHYS-108 is linked to
MATH-280.
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.
General Education (NSL).
Prerequisites:
MATH 092 - 499 or
MATH 092A - 499Z or NEIU Math Placement Result 30 - 40 or ACT Math 22 - 36 or Accuplacer College Level Math 020 - 120
Introductory Physics (Algebra Based)
PHYS-201L College Physics I with Lab, 5 cr.
This is the first course of a two-term algebra-based lecture and laboratory sequence intended for non-physics majors: PHYS-201L and
PHYS-202L. 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.
Students who have had calculus are strongly encouraged to enroll in PHYS-206L instead of PHYS-201L.
Lecture: 4hrs. Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisites:
MATH-185 Minimum Grade of C or
[MATH-173 and
[MATH-175]
Minimum Grade of C.
This is the second course of a two-term algebra based lecture and laboratory sequence intended for non-physics majors, PHYS-201L and PHYS-202L. 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 will be discussed. Time permitting concepts in modern physics such as special relativity, quantum physics and radioactivity will also be discussed. Lecture: 4 hrs. Lab: 2 hrs.
Prerequisites:
PHYS-201 Minimum Grade C, or
PHYS-201L Minimun Grade C.
Introductory Physics (Calculus Based)
PHYS-206L University Physics I with Lab, 5 cr.
This is the first term of a two-term calculus-based lecture and laboratory sequence intended for students majoring in physics,
biology, chemistry, earth science or mathematics: PHYS-206L and PHYS-207L. 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. Lecture: 3 hrs. Lab: 2 hrs.
General Education (NSL).
Prerequisites:
MATH-187 Minimum Grade of C,
or concurrent registration in MATH-187.
PHYS-207L University Physics II with Lab, 5 cr.
This is the second course of a two-term calculus based lecture and
laboratory sequence intended for students majoring in physics, biology,
chemistry, earth science or mathematics. 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 are discussed. Lecture: 3 hrs. Lab: 2 hrs.
General Education (NSL).
Prerequisites:
( PHYS-201 Minimum grade of C and
MATH 187).
Minimum grade of C or (PHYS-206 Minimum Grade of C
or PHYS-206L Minimum Grade of C).
Upper-division Courses
PHYS-300 Interdisciplinary Seminar in STEM, 2 cr.
Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar is a 300-level elective to be taken by
Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Mathematics and Physics
majors or minors who are interested in acquiring introductory training in
research methodologies in the physical and mathematical sciences and are
intending to serve as peer leaders for the lower level classes in
their program.
ELE-XPrerequisites: MATH 185 Minimum Grade of C.
PHYS-301 Independent Study in Physics, 1 cr.
Research, laboratory work, study or tutorial in a specific
area of physics under faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: 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-305 Modern Physics I, 3 cr.
This course covers the advances made in the discipline of physics during
the first half of the twentieth century that continue to drive the
technologies we use today. Topics that will be covered include an introduction
to the theory of relativity, elementary quantum theory, and its applications
to atomic, molecular and nuclear physics.
ELE-DSPrerequisites:
PHYS-207L or PHYS-207 or
PHYS-202L or PHYS-202
minimum grade of C.
MATH-202 minimum grade of C.
Modern Physics II is the second part of a two course sequence covering
advances made in physics during the twentieth century. This content includes
aspects of the general theory of relativity, cosmology, thermal physics, and
applications of elementary quantum theory to atomic physics, molecular physics,
nuclear physics, particle physics and condensed matter physics.
ELE-DSPrerequisites:
PHYS-305, minimum grade of C.
PHYS-307 - Writing Intensive Program: Modern Physics Lab, 3 cr.
An introduction to intermediate-level experimental methods, scientific writing,
and investigations which provided the experimental foundation for the major
revolutions in 20th century physics. Students will perform classic modern
physics experiments which demonstrate quantization in nature, wave particle
duality, and the properties and interactions of fundamental particles.
Students will present written results of their investigations in a variety of
formats common in the discipline.
Prerequisites: ENGL-101 and
PHYS-305
This course is an introduction to mathematical methods in physics, which include partial differentiation, multiple integration, vector analysis, complex numbers, complex variables, linear algebra, Fourier series, ordinary differential equations, special functions, and tensor analysis.
Prerequisites: PHYS-207 (or PHYS-202) minimum grade of C.
MATH-203 minimum grade of C.
Introduction to the use of computers in modeling scientific problems; modern programming languages are introduced and used to model several phenomena in the natural sciences and engineering.
ELE-DS.
Prerequisites:
MATH-187 minimum grade of C 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.
Prerequisites: [PHYS-206 or
PHYS-201] and
MATH-202 with a minimum grade of C.
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.
Prerequisites: [PHYS-207L or
PHYS-202L] and
MATH-203 with a minimum grade of C.
Introduction to advanced topics in classical 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.
Prerequisites: PHYS-311 and
PHYS-321. minimum grade of C.
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.
Prerequisites:
[PHYS-202L OR
PHYS-207L minimum grade of C or better],
AND
MATH-17 minimum g rade of C
AND
ENGL-101 minimum grade of C or equivalent,
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.
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS-204.,
[PHYS-207 or
PHYS-202]
Thermal Physics provides an introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Course content includes the relationship
between volume, pressure, heat, work, energy, temperature, entropy, free energy, enthalpy, chemical potential, heat capacities,
and other quantities. Topics presented in this course include the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics; heat engines,
refrigerators, and heat pumps; mechanical, thermal, and chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams, phase transitions, Boltzmann and
Gibbs distributions, partition functions, the equipartition theorem, blackbody radiation, and degenerate fermi gasses.
Prerequisites: PHYS-305 minimum grade of C.
This course provides an introduction to Quantum Mechanics and is intended for physics majors/minors, and math or chemistry
majors. The knowledge base covered is an essential foundation for students seeking to understand physical phenomena at a
microscopic level. The Schrodinger equation is introduced and applied to problems in quantum mechanics including square wells,
potential barriers, the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Time permitting, spin and many-particle
systems will be discussed.
Prerequisites: PHYS-305 and
MATH-203 minimum grade of C.
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS-336.
PHYS-340 The Science of Sustainable Energy, 3 cr.
Sustainable energy provides a quantitative understanding of energy use and
energy resources on both global scales and local settings. This courses
will identify and quantify current energy resources, provide an understanding
of energy conservation, efficiency, and the conversion of energy from less
useful to more useful forms. PHYS-340 investigates the environmental
consequences of our energy use, and emphasizes an interdisciplinary
approach required to solving real-world problems. This course focuses on the
science which informs development, policy, and management decisions.
ELE-DS.
Prerequisites: (PHYS-207L or
PHYS-202L) and
MATH-187
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.
Prerequisites: 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.
Prerequisites: 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.
Prerequisites: PHYS-305 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.
Prerequisites: PHYS-332 or consent of instructor.
Astrophysics applies the laws of physics to celestial objects and phenomena.
Course content includes orbital mechanics, the formation and evolution of the solar system, and solar system objects
like planets, asteroids, comets, and satellites. This course covers the physics of stars including the birth, evolution, and death of stars, nuclear fusion, stellar atmospheres, solar cycles, HR diagrams, supernovae, white dwarfs,
neutron stars and black holes. On larger scales, this course discusses clusters of
stars, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and galactic clusters.
Prerequisites: PHYS-305 minimum grade of C or PHYS-305 concurrently.
Cosmology is the study of the history, structure, constituents, and dynamics of the universe.
Course content includes primordial nucleosynthesis, cosmological and astronomical observations,
the Friedman equation, dark matter and dark energy, the
cosmological constant, cosmic inflation, the accelerating and expanding universe, the cosmic microwave background,
inflation, and baryogenesis.
Prerequisites: PHYS-305 minimum grade of C.