PHYSICS
Humanities and Natural Sciences
PHYS A110 Basic Physics I 4 crs.
This is an introductory course in physics intended for students whose majors are chemistry, math, physics, or pre-engineering. Three lectures and one review are included per week.
Co-requisite: PHYS A112, MATH A257.
PHYS A111 Basic Physics II 4 crs.
Same description as PHYS A110.
Co-requisite: PHYS A110.
PHYS A112 Physics Lab I 1 cr.
Prerequisite: PHYS A110.
Co-requisite: PHYS A113 or MATH A258.
PHYS A113 Physics Lab II 1 cr.
Co-requisite: PHYS A111.
PHYS A115 General Physics I 3crs.
The principles of mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism, electricity, and fundamentals of atomic physics. In presenting these topics, the special interest of the biological sciences and the general education groups are kept in view. Included are three lectures per week.
Co-requisite: PHYS A112.
PHYS A116 General Physics II 3 crs.
Same description as PHYS A115.
Prerequisites: PHYS A115.
Co-requisite: PHYS A113.
PHYS A117 Mathematical Physics I 3 crs.
This is a first-year introduction to the techniques of mathematical physics involving real and complex vectors, matrices, and the algebra of linear operators as applied to actual problems in the areas of classical, relativistic, and quantum physics. (With departmental approval, equivalent mathematical sciences courses may be substituted.)
Prerequisites: PHYS A110, MATH A257.
PHYS A195 Special Projects I 1 cr.
PHYS A220 Electromagnetic Theory I 3 crs.
This course concerns detailed development and application of the laws of electromagnetism and an introduction to vector calculus. Applications of Maxwell’s equations are covered including plane waves, reflection and refraction, and radiation.
Prerequisites: MATH A259, PHYS A111.
PHYS A225 Electromagnetic Theory II 3 crs.
Same description as PHYS A220.
Prerequisite: PHYS A220.
PHYS A228 Quantum Topics 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to the basic physical theories governing the atomic, nuclear, and subnuclear domains, with emphasis on the computational solution of problems suitable to the second-year level.
Prerequisite: PHYS A111.
Co-requisite: MATH A259.
PHYS A230 Introduction to Electronics I 3 crs.
This course is a two-semester lecture laboratory course treating circuit theory and the properties of electronic tube and solid state devices. Two lectures and one lab are held per week.
Prerequisites: PHYS A111.
PHYS A231 Introduction to Electronics II 3 crs.
Same description as PHYS A230.
Prerequisite: PHYS A230.
PHYS A295 Special Projects II arr.
PHYS A300 Classical Mechanics I 3 crs.
This course is a lecture course on classical mechanics, statics, and dynamics.
Prerequisites: MATH A259, A310, PHYS A111.
PHYS A301 Classical Mechanics II 3 crs.
This course is a continuation of A300, including special relativity and an introduction to general relativity.
Prerequisite: PHYS A300.
PHYS A335 Mathematical Physics II 3 crs.
This third-year course is designed to give the student a full mastery of the techniques of mathematical physics relating to linear and nonlinear differential equations and related areas with special emphasis on the equations of classical mechanics, the Schroedinger equation, and the Dirac equation. (With departmental approval, equivalent mathematical sciences courses may be substituted.)
Prerequisites: MATH A259, A310, PHYS A117.
PHYS A395 Special Projects III arr.
PHYS A400 Quantum Mechanics I 3 crs.
This course is an introductory course in quantum mechanics starting with definition of the wave function and basic properties of the Schroedinger equation and including an elementary presentation of underlying axiomatic structure.
Prerequisites: PHYS A228, A301.
PHYS A401 Quantum Mechanics II 3 crs.
This course is a continuation of A400.
Prerequisite: PHYS A400.
PHYS A410 Thermal Physics 3 crs.
This is an intermediate level single-semester course starting with discussion and applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. An introduction to statistical mechanics is presented with applications of Boltzman, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein distributions.
Prerequisites: MATH A259, PHYS A228.
PHYS A425 Lasers and Modern Optics 3 crs.
Discussions will involve principles and practical aspects of laser operation and applications in modern optics; propagation of plane electromagnetic waves; diffraction and interference of light; gaussian beam propagation and optical resonators; theory of laser oscillation; gas, solid, semiconductor and dye lasers; detectors of optical radiation; nonlinear optics; applications in research and industry. Laboratory exercises include polarization, interference, Fourier optics, holography, gas, diode, and tunable lasers.
Prerequisite: PHYS A400.
PHYS A440 Advanced Physics Lab I 2 crs.
This is an advanced lab with minimum supervision with the objectives of training students to be self-reliant and resourceful in planning and performing experiments not ordinarily performed at the elementary level in mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, acoustics, atomic physics, solid state physics, spectroscopy, and electronics. Two labs are held per week.
Prerequisites: PHYS A228, A231.
PHYS A441 Advanced Physics Lab II 2 crs.
Same description as PHYS A440.
Prerequisite: PHYS A440.
PHYS A495 Special Projects IV arr.
Prerequisite: PHYS A395.
PHYS A496 Seminar/Workshop arr.
A seminar is a supervised group of students sharing the results of their research on a common topic. A workshop is a supervised group of students participating in a common effort.
PHYS A497 Internship/ Practicum arr.
An internship is supervised practical experience. A practicum is supervised practical application of previously studied theory.
PHYS A498 Research Project arr.
This project focuses on empirical or historical investigation, culminating in a written report.
PHYS A499 Independent Study arr.
PHYS H234 Faith, Science, and Religion 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Natural Sciences Modern
This course will critically analyze various ways of knowing: faith, science, and theology (critical analysis of faith). The methods of the physical sciences and the life sciences will be discussed. Topics will include the epic of creation, evolution, and quantum theory.
PHYS H498 Honors Thesis 3 crs.
PHYS T122 Introduction to Physics 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Introductory
The purposes of the course are (1) to familiarize the student with the behavior of physical reality, (2) to consider the manner in which scientists across the ages have philosophized on physical reality, (3) to contrast classical physics with modern physics, and (4) to foster within the students a scientific literacy.
PHYS T123 Introduction to Physics Laboratory 1 cr.
Common Curriculum: Introductory
For education students.
PHYS Z130 Faith, Science, and Religion 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Natural Sciences Modern
This course will critically analyze various ways of knowing: faith, science, and theology (critical analysis of faith). The methods of the physical sciences and the life sciences will be discussed. Topics will include the epic of creation, evolution, and quantum theory.
PHYS Z134 Astronomy 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Natural Sciences Modern
The purpose of this course is to place the participant in one of the cultural mainstreams of mankind’s past, present, and future by making available the rich mines of historical and practical astronomy, as well as modern space age discoveries and theories, in a comprehensive form.
Prerequisite: Any MATH A100 or above.