2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog

PHYS 301 Seminar in Physics

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

1

PHYS 320 Mathematical Methods I

Prerequisite: MATH 132. Survey of mathematical applications in advanced physical sciences, including vector calculus, integration techniques, complex variables, Laplace and Fourier transforms and matrix algebra.

3

PHYS 321 Elementary Modern Physics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 221 or PHYS 241. PHYS 241 may be taken concurrently. Important topics in physics of 20th century, including relativity, atomic, nuclear, quantum concepts, uncertainty, lasers.

4

PHYS 340 Mechanics

Prerequisite: PHYS 241. Intermediate course in classical mechanics. Includes Newton’s laws, work and energy, oscillatory, central force and rigid body motion, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.

4

PHYS 341 Electricity and Magnetism

Prerequisite: PHYS 241. Intermediate study of classical electromagnetism. Includes electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves, and radiation.

4

PHYS 343 Electronics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 241. Analysis and design of electronic circuits, including analog and digital electronics, computer interfacing, and integrated circuits.

4

PHYS 345 Quantum Mechanics I

Prerequisites: PHYS 241, PHYS 321. First in a sequence of two courses. Introduction to quantum mechanics, including wave functions, the timeindependent Schrodinger equation, and the matrix formulation of quantum mechanics.

3

PHYS 347 Optics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: PHYS 241, MATH 132. Geometric and physical optics, instrumentation, wave theory, light sources and lasers.

4

PHYS 360 Laboratory Physics I

(1 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: PHYS 321. First in a sequence of two courses. Advanced laboratory skills and methods in physics.

2

PHYS 370 Research I

Prerequisite: Two years of physics courses that apply to major. Independent experimental or theoretical research in physics. Weekly conferences with research advisor. A research proposal is required. Repeatable, maximum of six credits.

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