Physics Courses

$30 lab fee. 1 credit (EL)

Introduction to physical concepts behind modern technology. Studies of science of every day phenomena considered, including how electricity is generated, how refrigerators operate, and how CDs and DVDs contain information. Lecture, readings, writing, and discussion. Recommended: MATH 105 or equivalent. 3 credits. (NW)

The solar system, stars and their evolution, galaxies and cosmology. Emphasis on observational evidence. Lecture, discussion, and occasional evening observing sessions. 3 credits. (NW)

Ways that artistic expression are explained through physical mechanisms. Studies of light, color, and sound will be explored. Lecture, discussion, and occasional evening trips. $50 lab fee. 3 credits. (NW)

The earth's crust and mantle with emphasis on physical and chemical processes. Concepts of energy, uniformity, and plate tectonics. Erosion by various agents, volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory, including mapping and field work. 3 credits. (NW)

Introduction to the concept of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal) and the physical laws governing energy transformation. Forms of energy consumed by society (fossil fuels, nuclear power, renewable energy) and their impacts on the environment (nuclear waste, global warming, air pollution). 3 credits. (QR)

Introduction to all physical aspects of flying: aerodynamics, forces, meteorology, electromagnetic spectrum, and vectors. Complete ground school training coverage for those seeking a private pilot's license for single-engine land planes. 3 credits. (NW)

Algebra-based introduction to Newtonian mechanics, wave motion, fluidynamics, and thermodynamics. Includes studies of motion, force, energy, gravity, simple harmonic motion, motion of gases and liquids, thermal energy, and heat flow. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 161 or equivalent. 5 credits

Introduction to the various ways in which the mechanical universe is described, using the concept of particles, waves, and flows. Extensive treatment of Newtonian mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and waves. The special theory of relativity and basic ideas of quantum mechanics are introduced. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. $15 lab fee.

Introduction to the study of electromagnetic force, including the basic laws of electricity and magnetism, the concept of a field, Maxwell's equations, basic circuits, elecromagnetic radiation, and optics. The relationship of electromagnetism to the special theory of relativity. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. $15 lab fee. Prerequisite: 210. Recommended: MATH 175 concurrently. 5 credits. (QR)

Developments since 1900; relativity, the nature of radiation and matter and their interaction, radioactivity, elementary quantum mechanics, introductory atomic and nuclear physics. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: 211 and MATH 175. Recommended: 385 and CHEM 210 concurrently. Offered fall. 4 credits. (NW)

Study of solids, liquids, and gases at the atomic level to develop appreciation for and mathematical understanding of their thermal properties. Topics derive from thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics including transport processes, energy distributions, classical and quantum statistical development. Prerequisites: 211 and MATH 175. Recommended: CHEM 210. Offered spring. 3 credits.

Newtonian mechanics with emphasis on problem-solving and engineering applications: force, mass, and acceleration; force systems; free-body diagrams; distributed forces; particle kinematics; motion of rigid bodies; conservation of energy; translational and angular momentum; systems of particles; applications of vector algebra and calculus. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: 210 and MATH 200 (may be taken concurrently. Offered fall of odd numbered years. 4 credits.

Continuation of study of engineering mechanics following 252. Equilibrium and geometric compatibility in devices and structures; Hooke’s Law, stress and strain in variously loaded members; deformation and deflection; theory of failure. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: 210 and 252. Offered spring of even numbered years. 3 credits.

Introduction to the science of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and semiconductors). Crystal structures and designations. Techniques of materials characterization. Mechanical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties. Forming and materials processing. Problem solving, lecture, discussion, and field trips. Prerequisite: 215. 3 credits.

Electrical concepts and measurements. Circuit laws and theorems. Analysis of dc and ac steady state circuits, including phasor analysis techniques and Bode plots. Operational amplifiers and diodes. Digital combinational and sequential logic circuitry. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 170. Recommended: 211, junior standing. Offered fall. 4 credits. (NW)

Semiconductor materials and solid-state devices. Diode and transistor circuits. Selected topics such as magnetism, inductors, and transformers; second-order ac and dc circuit analysis; Laplace and Fourier transforms; analog to digital conversion; and electronic system design. Completion of an independent project. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: 315. Offered spring of odd-numbered years. 4 credits. (QR)

Use of computers in scientific problem-solving using MATLAB, algorithm development, numerical differentiation and integration, sorting, data analysis, simulation development. Laboratory and lecture. Prerequisites: 211 or consent of instructor. 3 credits. (QR)

Selected advanced physics topics. Prerequisite: 215 or consent of instructor. 3 credits.

Experiments in modern physics, thermal physics, and electricity and magnetism. Introduction to planning and executing physics experiments. Introduction to writing reports in the standard journal style. Prerequisite: 215 (may be taken concurrently). 1 credit.

Design and execution of physics experiments. Most projects will be drawn from topics in modern physics, thermal physics, and electricity and magnetism. Results will be reported using standard journal style. Prerequisite: 385. Offered spring. 1 credit.

Classical theories and analytical methods of statics and dynamics: kinematics, vectors and tensors, potential theory, moving coordinate systems and generalized methods. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: 211 and MATH 200. Recommended: MATH 210. Offered fall. 4 credits.

Review of vector analysis, electrostatic and magnetostatic theory, field properties in matter. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: 211 and MATH 200. Recommended: MATH 210. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, relativity. Prerequisite: 440. Offered spring. 3 credits.

Quantum mechanics and its application in studies of atomic systems and nuclei. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: 215 and MATH 200. Recommended: 420, MATH 210, 250, and junior standing. Offered spring. 4 credits.

Supplemental work for students with advanced standing in physics. By permission. 1-5 credits.

Presentations of topics of current interest by visiting speakers, faculty, and students. May be repeated for credit. 1 credit.

Individual research projects for Physics and Applied Physics majors. Work done in collaboration with faculty. Departmental permission required. May be repeated for credit. 1-5 credits.

Required of all Physics and Applied Physics majors in the senior year. Prerequisite: 386. 1-5 credits.

Comprehensive written report on advanced level individual investigative project. Also requires public oral presentation of project and participation in Physics Colloquium. Baccalaureate thesis required of all Physics and Applied Physics majors. Prerequisites: 489 and senior standing. Offered spring. 3 credits. (MWI)