| 101Q. Elements of Physics
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or the equivalent. Not open for
credit to students who have passed
PHYS 121, 131,
141 or 151.
Basic concepts and applications of physics for the non-science major.
Scientific principles and quantitative relationships involving mechanics,
energy, heat and temperature, waves, electricity and magnetism, and the
theory of the atom are covered. A laboratory provides hands-on experience
with the principles of physics. CA 3-LAB. |
| 103Q. Physics of
the Environment
Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or
equivalent. Not applicable to any requirement that specifies a course in
"general physics."
Concepts of physics applied to current problems of the physical environment:
energy, transportation, pollution. No previous knowledge of physics is
assumed. CA 3. |
| 104Q.
Physics of the Environment with Laboratory
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or the equivalent. No previous
knowledge of physics is assumed. Not open for credit to students who have
passed
PHYS 103Q.
Concepts of physics applied to the physical environment, particularly
to current problems related to energy, transportation, and pollution. These
relationships will be further explored in the laboratory section.
CA 3-LAB. |
| 105. Inquiry-Based
Physics
Second semester. Four credits. One class period and three 2-hour laboratory
periods. Best
Selected topics from physics, with an emphasis on a depth of understanding.
Provides background for teaching physical science as a process of inquiry,
and develops scientific literacy. Particularly for pre-service elementary
school teachers. |
| 107Q. Physics of Music
First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or equivalent.
Basic principles of physics and scientific reasoning will be taught
in the context of the production and perception of music, emphasizing the
historic and scientific interplay between physics and music. Basic quantitative
laboratories pertaining to sound, music, and waves. No previous knowledge
of physics or music is assumed. CA 3-LAB. |
| 121Q-122Q. General Physics
Either semester. Four credits each semester. Three class periods and
one 3-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: MATH 112 or 109 or 118 or passing
score on the calculus readiness test or equivalent. PHYS 121 not open for
credit to students who have passed PHYS 131, 141 or 151.
PHYS 122 not open
for credit to students who have passed PHYS 132, 142 or 152. PHYS 121 required
for PHYS 122.
Basic facts and principles of physics. The laboratory offers fundamental
training in precise measurements. CA 3-LAB. |
| 123. General Physics
Problems
Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 122 and MATH 114
or 116, both of which may be taken concurrently. Not open for credit to
students who have passed PHYS 141 or 151.
Problems, emphasizing applications of calculus, dealing with topics
in general physics. Intended for those students who have taken or
are taking PHYS 122 and who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence
equivalent to PHYS 131-132. |
| 125. General
Physics Problems for Engineers
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 1-hour recitation
period. Prerequisite: PHYS 122 and MATH 114 or 116, both of which may be
taken concurrently. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS
123,
141 or 151.
Problems, emphasizing applications of calculus, dealing with topics
in general physics. Intended for those students who have taken or are taking
PHYS 122 and who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence equivalent
to PHYS 141-142 or 151-152. |
| 131Q-132Q.
General Physics with Calculus
Either semester. Four credits each semester. Three class periods and
one 3-hour laboratory period. Recommended preparation for PHYS 131: MATH
113 or 115. Prerequisite for PHYS 132: PHYS 131. Recommended preparation
for PHYS 132: MATH 114 or 116. PHYS 131 is not open for credit to
students who have passed
PHYS 141 or 151. PHYS 132 not open for credit
to students who have passed 142 or 152. PHYS 131 may be taken for not more
than 2 credits, with the permission of the instructor, by students who
have received credits for PHYS 121. PHYS 132 may be taken for not more
than 2 credits, with the permission of the instructor, by students who
have received credit for PHYS 122.
Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics. The
laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. This course
is recommended for students planning to apply for admission to medical,
dental or veterinary schools. It is also recommended for science majors
for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate. CA 3-LAB. |
| 140Q. Introduction
to Modern Physics
First semester. Four credits. Three class periods, one recitation period
and one 3-hour laboratory period. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or
equivalent and
MATH 109, which may be taken concurrently, or passed the
Calculus Readiness Test.
Quantitative exploration of the structure of matter, including gas laws,
electric and magnetic forces, the electron, x-rays, waves and light, relativity,
radioactivity, and spectra. This course is recommended for prospective
Physics majors. CA 3-LAB. |
| 141Q. Fundamentals
of Physics I
Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: MATH 113 or 115, or 120, any of
which may be taken concurrently. MATH 120 is preferred for Physics majors.
Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 131 or 151. May be
taken for not more than three credits, with the permission of the instructor,
by students who have received credit for PHYS 121.
Fundamental principles of mechanics, statistical physics, and thermal
physics. Basic concepts of calculus are used. This course is recommended
for prospective Physics majors. CA 3-LAB. |
| 142Q. Fundamentals
of Physics II
First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation:
PHYS 141, and MATH 114 or 116 or 121,
any of which may be taken concurrently. MATH 121 is preferred for Physics
majors. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 132 or 152.
May be taken for not more than three credits, with the permission of the
instructor, by students who have received credit for PHYS 122.
Fundamental principles of electromagnetism, optics and wave propagation.
Basic concepts of calculus are used. This course is recommended for prospective
Physics majors. CA 3-LAB. |
| 151Q. Physics for Engineers
I
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: PHYS 101 or secondary school physics;
and CE 211 or 213, as well as either MATH 210 or 220, which may be taken
concurrently. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 131
or 141. PHYS 151 may be taken for not more than 2 credits, with the permission
of the instructor, by students who have received credit for PHYS 121.
Basic facts and principles of physics. Elementary concepts of calculus
are used. Classical dynamics, rigid-body motion, harmonic motion, wave
motion, acoustics, relativistic dynamics, thermodynamics.
CA 3-LAB. |
| 152Q. Physics for Engineers
II
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Prerequisite: PHYS 151. Not open for credit to students who have
passed PHYS 132 or 142. PHYS 152 may be taken for not more than 2 credits,
with the permission of the instructor, by students who have received credit
for PHYS 122.
Electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, quantum effects,
introduction to atomic physics. CA 3-LAB. |
| 154Q. Introductory Astronomy
Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or
equivalent. Not open to students who have passed PHYS 155Q.
A basic introductory astronomy course without laboratories, including
principles of celestial coordinate systems and telescope design; applications
of fundamental physical laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution
of stars, galaxies and the universe; recent space probe results, modern
cosmology, astrobiology. Night observing sessions are an integral part
of the course. CA 3. |
| 155Q. Introductory Astronomy
with Laboratory
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: MATH 101 or equivalent. Not open to students
who have passed PHYS 154Q.
A basic introductory astronomy course including principles of celestial
coordinate systems and telescope design; applications of fundamental physical
laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution of stars, galaxies
and the universe; recent space probe results, modern cosmology, astrobiology.
Basic quantitative laboratory techniques relevant to astronomy. Night observing
sessions are an integral part of the course. CA 3-LAB. |
| 191. Directed
Study in General Physics
Either or both semesters. One credit. One class period. To be taken
concurrently with any of the following: PHYS 121, 122, 131,
132,
141,
142,
151,
or 152. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change in content
this course may be repeated for credit.
A special study course for students who desire extra work and credit
in certain 100-level physics courses. |
| 209. Intermediate Physics
I
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 142 or 152
or, with consent of instructor, PHYS 122.
Classical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. |
| 210. Intermediate Physics
II
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 142 or 152
or, with consent of instructor, PHYS 122.
Kinetic theory, introduction to quantum mechanics. |
| 220C. Computational Physics
Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory
period. Prequisite: PHYS 123 or 125 or 132 or 142 or 152 and MATH 211,
any of which may be taken concurrently; or instructor consent. Open to
sophomores or higher.
A basic introduction to numerical and mathematical methods required
for the solution of physics problems using currently available scientific
software for computation and graphics. |
| 230. The Development
of Quantum Physics
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 142 or PHYS
152, which may be taken concurrently; or PHYS 122 with consent of instructor.
Open to sophomores or higher.
The inadequacies of classical physical concepts in the submicroscopic
domain. The revision of physical principles that led to special relativity
and modern quantum theory. Application to topics chosen from atomic and
molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics and elementary
particle physics. |
| 242. Mechanics I
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 142; or, with consent
of instructor, PHYS 123 or 125 or 132 or 152 or 209; MATH 210 or
220, which may be taken concurrently. Open to sophomores or higher.
Newton's Laws of motion applied to mass points, systems of particles,
and rigid bodies. |
| 246. Mechanics II
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 211 or 221 and PHYS
242 or CE 212. Open to sophomores or higher.
Further applications of Newton's Laws; continuous media; Lagrange's
and Hamilton's formulation of dynamics. |
| 255. Electricity
and Magnetism I
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 142; or, with consent
of instructor, PHYS 123 or 125 or 132 or 152 or 210;
MATH 210 and
211, or 220 and 221.
Properties of electric and magnetic fields; direct and alternating current
circuits |
| 256. Electronics
Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation: PHYS 132 or 142 or 152.
The principles of devices and their applications to instrumentation
in science and engineering. Rectification, filtering, regulation, input
and output impedance, basic transistor circuits, operational amplifiers,
preamplifiers for photodiodes and other transducers, logic gates, and digital
circuits. |
| 257. Electricity
and Magnetism II
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 255.
Mathematical theory of the electromagnetic field; electric and magnetic
properties of matter. |
| 258WC-259C.
Laboratory in Electricity, Magnetism, and Mechanics
Both semesters. Three credits each semester. One class period, one 3-hour
laboratory period, and additional assignments on the theoretical interpretation
of experiments. One hour lecture per week. Time by arrangement. A written
presentation of methods and results is required for each experiment. Prerequisites:
First semester, PHYS 121 or 131 or 141 or 151; Second semester, PHYS 122
or
132 or 142 or 152. Both semesters prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 110 or 111
or 250. Open to sophomores or higher.
Experiments with mechanical phenomena. Experiments with electric and
magnetic phenomena, including their interaction with matter. The handling
of experimental data. The use of computers in experimental physics. |
| 261-262. Introductory
Quantum Mechanics
Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Prerequisite: PHYS 230;
MATH 210 and 211, or 220 and 221.
Elementary principles of quantum mechanics; applications to electrons,
atoms, molecules, nuclei, elementary particles, and solids. |
| 271. Statistical
and Thermal Physics
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 123 or 125 or 132
or 142 or 152; MATH 210 and 211, or 220 and 221.
The laws of thermodynamics and their microscopic statistical basis;
entropy, temperature, Boltzmann factor, chemical potential, Gibbs factor,
and the distribution functions. |
| 273. Introduction
to Solid State Physics
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 123 or 125 or 132
or 142 or 152.
Crystal lattices, lattice waves, thermal and electronic properties,
imperfections in solids. |
| 274. Nuclei and Particles
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 261 or equivalent.
Properties of nuclei and particles, conserved quantities, isospin, quark
model, Fermi gas model, electroweak interaction, high energy scattering. |
| 275. Principles of Lasers
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 257 and 261, or consent
of instructor. Recommended preparation: PHYS 281 .
The physics of lasers, including optical pumping and stimulated emission,
laser rate equations, optical resonators, Gaussian beam propagation, Q-switching,
mode-locking and nonlinear optics. Applications to gas, solid-state and
tunable laser systems. |
| 276. Astrophysics
and Modern Cosmology
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 209 or 242, 210 or
255, and 230 or instructor consent. Mallet
Basic principles of contemporary astrophysics; applications to stars,
galaxies, and modern cosmology. |
| 281. Optics
First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory
period. Recommended preparation:
PHYS 255.
An introduction to geometrical and physical optics. Thick lenses, stops,
aberrations, interference, diffraction, polarization. |
| 285C.
Experimental Physics Design Laboratory
Either semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods and additional
reading assignments. A written description of the proposed method must
be submitted and approved before each experiment, and a subsequent written
critical evaluation of each experiment is required. Prerequisite: PHYS
230, 242 or 246, and 257; PHYS 261, which may be taken concurrently; and
PHYS 258 or 259 or ECE 262 or MMAT 236.
Experiments in modern and classical physics are independently designed,
performed, and evaluated. Experiments are chosen from the areas of atomic,
solid state and thermal physics, as well as from acoustics and optics.
Computers are utilized for control of the experimental process, data acquisition
and analysis. |
| 290. Undergraduate Research
Either semester. Credits, not to exceed three each semester, and hours
by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for
credit.
Introduction to original investigation performed by the student under
the guidance of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a brief
report at the end of each semester. |
| 291. Seminar in Current
Topics
Either or both semesters. One credit. One class period. To be taken
concurrently with any of the following: PHYS 242, 246, 255,
257,
261,
262,
271
or 281. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change in content
this course may be repeated for credit only once.
Lectures on topics relevant to current research. |
| 293. Foreign Study
Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated
for credit. Consent of Department Head required, normally to be granted
prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent
of the advisor.
Special topics taken in a foreign study program. |
| 295. Variable Topics
Either semester. Three credits. With a change in topic, may be repeated
for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary. |
| 298. Special Topics
Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. With a change in
content, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation
vary. |
| 299. Independent Study
Either or both semesters. Credits by arrangement, not to exceed 3 each
semester. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change of topic,
this course may be repeated for credit. |