Course Descriptions
PHYS 100 Introduction to Astronomy
3 credits
An introduction to the solar and stellar objects in our visible universe. *Note on PHYS 100 level courses: Courses numbered 100-199 cannot be counted toward a physics degree.
PHYS 100L Astronomy Laboratory
1 credit
Includes identification of constellations and planets, use of telescopes, analysis of astronomical data and field trips. Laboratory, 2 hours/week. *Note on PHYS 100 level courses: Courses numbered 100-199 cannot be counted toward a physics degree.
PHYS 110 Physical Science for Liveral Arts Majors
4 credits
An introduction to physical science that includes fundamental forces in nature, conservation laws, energy transport, waves and the language of science. Emphasizes an explanation of everyday experiences and phenomena by asking questions about fundamental scientific concepts. *Note on PHYS 100 level courses: Courses numbered 100-199 cannot be counted toward a physics degree.
PHYS 201 Mechanics and Thermo-dynamics-Algebra
4 credits
This algebra-based introductory course covers the mathematical description of motion, Newton's Laws, linear and circular motion, oscillatory motion and waves. Topics from thermodynamics include heat transfer, ideal gas laws, cyclic processes and entropy. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week. (fall; was listed as Physics 101 prior to fall 2000)
PHYS 202 Electricity, Magnetism and Optics-Algebra
4 credits
This algebra-based introductory course covers electrostatics, DC and AC electric currents, magnetism, Maxwell's equations and geometric and physical optics. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week. (spring; was listed as Physics 102 prior to fall 2000)
PHYS 282 Selected Topics
1 credit
PHYS 303 Radiation and Nuclear Physics
4 credits
The study of foundations of quantum mechanics, atomic spectra, radioactive emissions, radiation health issues, nuclear reactions and elementary particle physics. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. (fall, odd years)
PHYS 309 Applied Electronics
4 credits
Includes the study of DC and AC circuit analysis, network theorems, digital logic and logic network design, analog circuit design and digital computer interface. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. (spring)
PHYS 340 Advanced Physics Laboratory
1 credit
A choice of selected experiments covering current topics in physics; open-ended to allow student initiative. Laboratory, 3 hours/week per credit.
PHYS 370 Digital Electronics
3 credits
Includes logic, number systems, buss, memory and register design and in-depth architecture. Lecture, 2 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. (fall; was listed as Physics 270 prior to fall 2000)
PHYS 400 Senior Research Seminar ( Capstone )
4 credits
*Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 410 Dynamics and Chaos
3 credits
Includes the study of single-particle dynamics, reference systems, oscillations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Nonlinear systems, phase plots, the surface of section, toroidal motion, chaos and the KAM theorem are the focus of the latter part of the class. (fall, even years; was listed as Physics 321 prior to fall 2000) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 415 Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
3 credits
Introduces the fundamental concepts and laws of thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases. (fall, even years; was listed as Physics 315 prior to fall 2000) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 420 Classical Electrodynamics
3 credits
Introduces the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism, plus classical field theory, Maxwell's equations, boundary value problems in electrostatics and electro-magnetic wave propagation. (spring, odd years; was listed as Physics 322 prior to fall 2000) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 425 Geometric and Physical Optics
3 credits
The study of electro-magnetic waves, reflection and refraction, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, fiber optics and nonlinear effects. (fall, odd years; was listed as Physics 317 prior to fall 2000) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 430 Quatum Physics
3 credits
Quantum state vectors, complex probability amplitudes and the probabilistic interpretation of quantum states are developed using matrix mechanics methods, with bracket notation and operator theory. Hamiltonian and momentum operators in continuous position space. Solutions of the Schroedinger wave equation in one dimension. Wave function of the hydrogen atom. (spring, even years; was listed as Physics 330 prior to fall 2000) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 440 Mathematical Methods of Physics
3 credits
Mathematical methods in the physical sciences. Interdisciplinary applications in wave theory, lasers, spectroscopy, Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, relativity, atomic and molecular theory, quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics. Orthogonal expansions in infinite dimensional spaces: complete orthonormal sets, operator theory orthogonal function expansions, coordinate transformations, integral transformations and tensor representation. (offered on demand) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 482 Selected Topics
1 credit
*Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 485 Seminar
2-4 credits
*Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 490 Independent Stud
1 credit
( graded P/NC only ) *Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
PHYS 492 Cooperative Education
1 credit
*Students who have completed Physics 102 instead of 212 should obtain permission of instructor before enrolling in their first 400 level course.
