2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

PHYS 106 Introduction to Spaceflight

Topics to be covered include history of spaceflight, mechanics of propulsion and satellite motion, and living and working in space, and the space shuttle. (LAC, gtP)

3

PHYS 220 Introductory Physics I

(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) First semester of algebra-based physics. Areas covered are classical mechanics and heat. A solid understanding of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is necessary to pass this course. (LAC, gtP)

5

PHYS 221 Introductory Physics II

(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 220. Second semester of algebra-based physics. Areas covered are waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. A solid understanding of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is necessary to pass this course.

5

PHYS 240 General Physics I

(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: MATH 131 or take concurrently. First semester of calculus-based introductory physics. Areas covered are classical mechanics and heat. A solid understanding of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is necessary to pass this course. (LAC, gtp)

5

PHYS 241 General Physics II

(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 240 and MATH 132 or take concurrently. Second semester of calculus-based introductory physics. Areas covered are waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. A solid understanding of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is necessary to pass this course.

5

PHYS 301 Seminar in Physics

Focus on current topics in physics not covered in existing departmental offerings. Oral presentation required. Class attendance mandatory. Repeatable, maximum of two credits.

1

PHYS 320 Mathematical Methods I

Prerequisite: MATH 132. Vector calculus, integration techniques, complex variables, ordinary differential equations, and Taylor series. Emphasis on applications to advanced physical sciences and engineering.

3

PHYS 321 Elementary Modern Physics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 241. Relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, cosmology, and introduction to quantum mechanics.

4

PHYS 340 Mechanics

Prerequisites: PHYS 241, and PHYS 320 or MATH 233. Intermediate course in classical mechanics. Reference frames, Newton's Laws, work and energy, oscillatory, central force and rigid body motion, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.

4

PHYS 341 Electricity and Magnetism

Prerequisites: PHYS 241, and PHYS 320 or MATH 233. Intermediate study of classical electromagnetism. Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves, and radiation.

4

PHYS 343 Electronics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 241 and PHYS 320. Analysis of analog and digital circuits.

4

PHYS 345 Quantum Mechanics I

Prerequisites: PHYS 320 and PHYS 321. Wavefunctions and probability, Schrodinger equation, Dirac notation and matrix formulation of quantum mechanics.

3

PHYS 347 Optics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 241 and MATH 132. Geometrical, wave, and physical optics, lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments.

4

PHYS 360 Laboratory Physics I

(1 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 241. Advanced laboratory skills and methods in physics, including error analysis.

2

PHYS 370 Research I

Independent experimental, computational or theoretical research in physics.  Conferences with research advisor and a research proposal are required. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours per credit hour.) Repeatable, maximum of six credits.

1 - 3

PHYS 420 Mathematical Methods II

Prerequisite: PHYS 320. Continuation of PHYS 320. Boundary value problems, partial differential equations, Laplace and Fourier transforms, special functions, and matrix algebra. Emphasis on applications to advanced physical sciences and engineering.

3

PHYS 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.) Repeatable, maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

1 - 3

PHYS 440 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Prerequisites: PHYS 240 and MATH 132. Kinetic theory, equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, and applications of statistical mechanics.

4

PHYS 445 Quantum Mechanics II

Prerequisite: PHYS 345. Perturbation theory, approximation methods, scattering, many-particle systems, and advanced topics.

3

PHYS 447 Electro-optics

Prerequisite: PHYS 347. Lasers and atomic theory, holography, fiber optics, and electro-optic devices.

2

PHYS 448 Nuclear and Particle Physics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 321. Nuclear properties and models, radioactive decay, fusion and fission, radiation detection, and elementary particles.

4

PHYS 455 Computer Applications in Physics

(1 lecture, 2 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 320 or MATH 233 and PHYS 240, PHYS 241. Introduction to fundamentals of MATLAB and LabVIEW, with specific applications to physical problems, including simulation of systems and data acquisition and analysis.
2

PHYS 460 Laboratory Physics II

(1 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 360. Advanced laboratory projects.

2

PHYS 470 Research II

Prerequisite: PHYS 370. Independent experimental, computational or theoretical research in physics. Conferences with research advisor and a paper and oral presentation are required. Repeatable, maximum of six credits.

1-3

PHYS 495 Special Topics in Physics

Prerequisites: PHYS 221 or PHYS 241. Consent of instructor. Topics of special interest in areas of physics not covered by other courses. Repeatable, under different subtitles.

0-3