Topics to be covered include history of spaceflight, mechanics of propulsion and satellite motion, and living and working in space, and the space shuttle.
(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.
(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
May concurrently take
MATH 131: with minimum grade of D-
(4 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
PHYS 240: with minimum grade of D- and May concurrently take
MATH 132: with minimum grade of D-
Focus on current topics in physics not covered in existing departmental offerings. Oral presentation required. Class attendance mandatory.
Vector calculus, integration techniques, complex variables, ordinary differential equations, and Taylor series. Emphasis on applications to advanced physical sciences and engineering.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, cosmology, and introduction to quantum mechanics.
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.
Intermediate study of classical electromagnetism. Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves, and radiation.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Analysis of analog and digital circuits.
Wave functions and probability, Schrodinger equation, Dirac notation and matrix formulation of quantum mechanics.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Geometrical, wave, and physical optics, lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments.
(1 lecture, 2 laboratory) Introduction to MATLAB and LabVIEW, with specific applications to physical problems, simulation of systems, and data acquisition and analysis.
(1 lecture, 3 laboratory) Advanced laboratory skills and methods in physics, including error analysis.
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.)
Boundary value problems, partial differential equations, Laplace and Fourier transforms, special functions, and matrix algebra. Emphasis on applications to advanced physical sciences and engineering.
Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
Kinetic theory, equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, and applications of statistical mechanics.
Perturbation theory, approximation methods, scattering, many-particle systems, and advanced topics.
Lasers and atomic theory, holography, fiber optics, and electro-optic devices.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Nuclear properties and models, radioactive decay, fusion and fission, radiation detection, and elementary particles.
(1 lecture, 3 laboratory) Advanced laboratory projects.
Independent experimental, computational or theoretical research in physics. Conferences with research advisor and a paper and oral presentation are required.
Topics of special interest in areas of physics not covered by other courses.