|
|
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
|
|
| |
Physics |
| |
-
PHYS 102 - N/Science of Sound
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
The production, transmission, recording, and sensation of sound are presented in a lecture-demonstration format. Examples of mechanical vibrations, mechanisms of hearing and speech, perception of loudness, high-fidelity sound systems, musical instruments, and wave form analysis are included. The mathematics used is limited to elementary algebra. Cannot be counted towards the physics major. Not open to students with prior credit for physics courses numbered PHYS 113 or higher without department approval.
Corequisite(s): PHYS 103 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 103 - N/Science of Sound Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 2
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
A laboratory course to complement Science of Sound. Experiments studying vibration, sound analysis, and standing waves will use devices such as tone generators, oscilloscopes, sound level meters, and audio equipment. Cannot be counted towards the physics major. Not open to students with prior credit for physics courses numbered PHYS 113 or higher without department approval.
Corequisite(s): PHYS 102 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 106 - N/The Nature of Light and Color
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
The evolution of our understanding of the nature of light will be presented, from Newton’s corpuscles to Maxwell’s electromagnetic waves to the modern view of wave-particle duality. Along the way, many optical phenomena will be investigated in lecture demonstrations and in the laboratory, including lenses, prisms, rainbows, photography, interference, diffraction, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra. Simple algebra, trigonometry and geometry will be employed. Cannot be counted toward the physics major. (Not open to students with prior credit for physics courses numbered PHYS 113 or higher without department approval.)
Corequisite(s): PHYS 107 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 107 - N/The Nature of Light and Color Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 2
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
An introductory laboratory experience to help students understand light and color. Many optical phenomena will be investigated in laboratory activities including lenses, vision and perception, interference, diffraction, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra. Cannot be counted toward the physics major. (Not open to students with prior credit for physics courses numbered PHYS 113 or higher without department approval.)
Corequisite(s): PHYS 106 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 108 - The Way Things Work
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 1/2
Non-Lecture: 1
A look at what is going on inside some of the tools and toys of modern life. The principles involved in a variety of things will be explored in discussion/hands-on sessions. Intended for non-science majors who are curious about how their world operates. The underlying science will be discussed in non-mathematical, lay language. Cannot be counted toward the physics major.
Offered: Not on a regular basis
|
| |
-
PHYS 113 - General Physics I
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction to the concepts and laws of physics with applications to biological systems; course includes mechanics, thermodynamics, wave properties, and sound.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PHYS 114 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 114 - N/Physics I Lab
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 2
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
A lab course to complement General Physics I and Analytical Physics I lectures. Experiments in kinematics, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, momentum, and energy conservation will be performed.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PHYS 113 or PHYS 123 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 115 - N/General Physics II
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
Continuation of General Physics I: Electricity, magnetism, light, and atomic and nuclear phenomena.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 /PHYS 114 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 116 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 116 - N/Physics II Lab
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 2
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
A lab course to complement General Physics II and Analytical Physics II lectures. Experiments in waves, electricity and magnetism, circuits, and optics will be performed.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 /PHYS 114 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 115 or PHYS 125 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 120 - Physics First Year Experience
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 1
Non-Lecture: 0
An introductory course for entering students considering a career in physics or engineering. Through presentations, discussions and investigations the question “What is Physics?” will be examined. Study methods and time utilization for success in physics will also be addressed. Cannot be counted toward the physics major.
Prerequisite(s): No prerequisite.
Offered: Every fall
Graded: Graded on S/U basis.
|
| |
-
PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An analytical, calculus-based treatment of kinematics, Newton’s laws, kinetic and potential energy, friction, linear momentum, angular momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitational physics, and simple harmonic motion. Notes: Both PHYS 123 and either PHYS 114 or PHYS 124 must be passed to receive core credit. A student may not receive credit for both PHYS 113 and PHYS 123.
Corequisite(s): PHYS 114 or PHYS 124 .
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): MATH 221 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 124 - N/Analytical Physics I Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 3
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
An experimental course developing laboratory and analytical skills in physics. Includes experiments in kinematics, Newton’s laws, uncertainty analysis, momentum and energy conservation, and projectile motion. Note that this course is required for the physics major.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PHYS 123 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 125 - N/Analytical Physics II
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
An analytical, calculus-based treatment of charge, electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, simple applications of Maxwell’s equations, Lenz’s law, basic electrical circuits, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and geometric optics.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 123 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 126 or PHYS 116 .
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): MATH 222 or MATH 228 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 126 - N/Analytical Physics II Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 3
General Education Area(s): Natural Sciences
An experimental course developing laboratory and analytical skills in physics. Includes experiments in electric fields, Ohm’s law, use of the oscilloscope, and electric circuits. Note that this course is required for the physics major.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 124 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 125 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 206 - Scientific Graphics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 1
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction to producing graphics for use in scientific presentations and for image analysis. Topics may include freehand sketching, isometric drawings and other projections, 3-view machinist’s drawings, dimensioning and tolerancing, threads, vector graphics and layering in Office, color models, creating raster images (photographs), editing raster images using GIMP, analysis of raster images with ImageJ, animations in PowerPoint, animations and plotting in Mathematica, using “design mode” in Excel, and fundamentals of CAD.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 126
Offered: Not on a regular basis
|
| |
-
PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course will include classical physics and some modern physics topics. The analysis of phenomena such as eletromagnetic waves, their interference and diffraction, electromagnetic radiation, blackbody radiation, and interactions of photons with matter, special relativity and gravity will be highlighted. Other topics covered in this course may include geometric optics, thermodynamics, and fluids.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 125 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course will include elementary quantum theory, Schrodinger’s equation, wave properties of matter, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, atomic structure and the Bohr atom. Special topics may include a survey of material from different subfields of physics such as cosmology, solid state physics, nuclear physics, etc.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 223 , MATH 223 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 228 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 3
Devoted to the understanding of experiments in Optics, Atomic Physics, and Nuclear Physics. Typical experiments would cover composite lens systems, interference effects, e/m, emission spectra, and radioactive decay.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 126 .
Corequisite(s): PHYS 223 or permission of instructor.
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 2
Non-Lecture: 0
This course is an introduction to the application of various mathematical tools to specific problems in physics. Methods will include complex numbers, coordinate transformations, vector calculus, matrices, Fourier transforms, series solutions, and probability. This course will also include numerical methods using software including spreadsheets and symbolic mathematical manipulators.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PHYS 224 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 230 - Digital Electronics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 2
Non-Lecture: 2
An introduction to digital electronics. The concepts studied are different number systems (e.g. binary and hexadecimal), Boolean algebra, complex logic decisions using simple logic statements, minimizing complex logic systems, logic gates, combinational networks, flip-flops, counters, and registers.
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 311 - Classical Mechanics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
The dynamics of a particle subject to various types of forces: forced and damped harmonic oscillations; conservative forces; vector algebra; kinematics in more than one dimension; multiple-particle systems.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 and MATH 326 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 313 - Applied Mechanics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course begins with analysis of static rigid bodies in equilibrium, centroids, distributed forces, internal forces, and structures. Subsequent topics include stress and strain, torsion, bending, shear, combined and eccentric loading, failure criteria, and 3D stress tensors. Note: B.A. students may not receive degree credit for both PHYS 313 and PHYS 332 .
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 228 or permission of department. Note: B.A. students may not receive degree credit for both PHYS 313 and PHYS 332 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 314 - Fluid Mechanics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course is an introduction to the topic, and includes an examination of the relevant properties of fluids (density, viscosity, pressure, velocity), common analysis techniques (control systems, control volumes, stream functions, dimensional analysis, non-dimensional parameterization), mathematical modeling (integral and differential forms of mass conservation, momentum conservation, and energy conservation; Bernoulli’s equation), and applications.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 311 .
Offered: Spring, odd years
|
| |
-
PHYS 321 - Atomic and Nuclear Physics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
Elementary aspects of quantum physics; application of relativity and quantum physics to the interaction of photons and electrons, to atomic structure, and to nuclear structure and nuclear interactions.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 352 , MATH 326 .
Offered: Spring, even years
|
| |
-
PHYS 332 - Electric Circuit Analysis
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction to the analysis and modeling of electric circuits. Includes the study of DC and AC circuit components, network theorems, phasor diagrams, frequency response and resonance, linear and non-linear systems, and electrical instrumentation. Note: B.A. students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 313 and PHYS 332.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 , MATH 326 .
Offered: Spring, even years
|
| |
-
PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
Electrostatic fields in vacuum and in matter; magnetic fields of steady currents; induced electric fields; magnetic materials; Maxwell’s equations; electromagnetic field of a moving charge.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 , MATH 326 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 336 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism II
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course constitutes a continuation of PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I . Material to be covered will include solutions of Maxwell’s equations; investigation of electric and magnetic fields in domains not treated in the previous course, such as the propagation of electromagnetic waves in conducting and non-conducting media; electromagnetic radiation; wave guides; special theory of relativity and relativistic electrodynamics.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 335 .
Offered: Spring, even years
|
| |
-
PHYS 341 - Seminar in Physics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 1
Non-Lecture: 0
Scientific presentations are made by students enrolled and invited guests. Each student is expected to attend each scheduled meeting and to make at least one oral presentation on a topic approved by the instructor. Students must also write critiques of presentations.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 362
Offered: Every Semester
|
| |
-
PHYS 342 - Advanced Physics Problem Solving
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 1
Lecture: 1
Non-Lecture: 0
This course is designed to help senior physics majors synthesize the fundamental concepts learned in the various facets of physics program. An emphasis is placed on applying a variety of problem solving techniques to examples drawn from across the physics disciplines. This course should help students prepare for physics graduate school admissions exams as well as for the first year of graduate coursework. Cannot be counted towards Physics major. (Half semester course.)
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 311 or PHYS 335 or PHYS 352 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 344 - Statistical Thermodynamics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction , covering the connection between the physics of single particles and the bulk behavior of materials; the quantitative study of entropy, heat, temperature, the Carnot cycle, free energy, thermodynamic potential, phase equilibria, and the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic systems, such as ideal gases and free electrons in metals, are considered.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 and MATH 326 .
Offered: Every spring
|
| |
-
PHYS 352 - Quantum Mechanics I
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introductory course in the theory of non-relativistic quantum mechanics in its currently accepted form. Experiments resulting in the mathematical formulation of quantum theory are discussed. Hilbert space vectors, operator algebra, and the postulates of quantum mechanics lead to proofs of the compatibility theorem and the uncertainty principle. The states of a particle, as determined by Schroedinger’s Equation, are studied in several situations.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 , MATH 326 .
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 353 - Quantum Mechanics II
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course will cover advanced topics in Quantum Mechanics as well as applications and approximations to real physical problems. The Dirac description of quantum mechanics will be used extensively in this course as well as the functional forms described by Schroedinger. One, two and three dimensional bound state problems will be studied in addition to scattering theory. Approximation methods, such as time dependent perturbation theory, Hartree-Fock method, variational method and the Born approximation, will be used to solve physical problems to first and second order. Systems of more than one particle will be briefly studied.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 352 .
Offered: Spring, odd years
|
| |
-
PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 6
Devoted to the understanding of some of the classic experiments in physics. Experiments are from all fields of physics, but particular attention is given to experiments which complement courses being taken concurrently.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 and PHYS 226
Offered: Every Semester
|
| |
-
PHYS 363 - Instrumentation and Interfacing
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 6
An introduction to electronic interfacing of equipment in the modern laboratory, with an emphasis on computer control of instrumentation. Includes hands-on experience with several standard interfacing protocols. Following an introduction to standard interface software, students will design and construct experimental projects that demonstrate computer control of measurement, analysis, decision making, and control.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 362 and (INTD 121 or MATH 230 ).
Offered: Every Semester
|
| |
-
PHYS 372 - Undergraduate Research
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 6
Designed to introduce the student to research techniques in physics, astronomy, or engineering. With faculty supervision, each student will complete a significant project which requires originality and broadens knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 362 and prior approval of department.
Offered: Every Semester
|
| |
-
PHYS 381 - Introduction to Astrophysics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction to the field of astrophysics. Particular emphasis will be placed on the structure and evolution of stars and on the origin and expansion of the universe.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 , MATH 326 .
Offered: Spring, odd years
|
| |
-
PHYS 382 - Stellar Astrophysics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
An introduction to astrophysical concepts relevant to objects within the Milky Way Galaxy. Particular emphasis will be placed on the observational and theoretical underpinnings of stellar structure and evolution. Other topics may include stellar remnants, the interstellar medium, star clusters and associations, peculiar stars, dark matter, and Milky Way dynamics.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 228 .
Offered: Spring, odd years
|
| |
-
PHYS 383 - Extragalactic Astrophysics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course is an exploration of the physical concepts and processes occurring outside our own Galaxy. Topics studied include a detailed description of the physical characteristics of various types of galaxies, groups, and galaxy clusters, their evolution since the Big Bang, and an overview of the current cosmological theories and observations. Particular attention will be paid to various techniques currently used to study extragalactic objects and phenomena.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 228 .
Offered: Spring, even years
|
| |
-
PHYS 384 - Astrophysical Techniques
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 9
This laboratory-style class will be an introduction to techniques used to gather and process astronomical data. Students will learn how to plan and carry out observing runs, possibly using the campus observatory. Students will learn to reduce and analyze photometric and spectroscopic data using software packages such as IRAF, and IDL. Data mining techniques, used to access the vast array of publicly available astronomical images will also be covered. The course will culminate with a final project, where students will write a proposal, gather raw astronomical data, and see the analysis through to its completion. Final presentations will be made on the results of this project
Prerequisite(s): (ASTR 100 or ASTR 105 or ASTR 110 ), PHYS 224 , PHYS 362 , and (INTD 121 or MATH 230 )
Offered: Every fall
|
| |
-
PHYS 385 - Optics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course will explore multiple descriptions of light leading to an exploration of modern applications of optics. Models of light explored will include physical optics geometric optics and Gaussian beam optics. Some of the applications discussed will include imaging, fiber optics, lasers and non-linear optics.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 223 and PHYS 228 or permission of the instructor.
Offered: Spring, even years
|
| |
-
PHYS 386 - Solid State Physics
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
Basic physical processes which occur in solids, especially semi-conductors and metals, are studied. Applications of quantum mechanics and statistics to the thermal and electrical properties of various types of solids are made.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 224 , PHYS 228 and MATH 326 or permission of the department.
Offered: Spring, odd years
|
| |
-
PHYS 387 - Gravity
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course will cover Newtonian gravity, special and general relativity, and cosmology. Some of the topics include Newton’s law of gravitation, Keplerian orbits, special relativity with spacetime diagrams and metrics, generalization to accelerated frames, the Equivalence Principle, curvature of spacetime, classical tests of GR, stationary and spinning black holes, large scale structure of the universe, big bang theory, and the cosmological model.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 311 or permission of the department.
Offered: Not on a regular basis
|
| |
-
PHYS 389 - Honors Research
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 9
Individual research, directed by a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Results of the research will be reported in a thesis, published paper, or off-campus presentation. Enrollment by invitation of the Department. Students will normally have completed 90 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and have completed at least 22 credits in physics (including PHYS 372) with a grade point average of 3.30.
Offered: By individual arrangement
|
| |
-
PHYS 394 - Independent Research
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Credit(s): 2
Lecture: 0
Non-Lecture: 6
A one-semester work and study experience in an appropriate laboratory. Students are required to complete a formal research paper describing the nature of the project undertaken, problems encountered, methodology employed, and conclusions from the project.
Prerequisite(s): Senior class standing, 3.00 cumulative GPA in physics, and permission of the department.
Offered: By individual arrangement. Cannot be counted towards the minimum credits in Physics
Repeatable: May be repeated for a total of 6 credits
|
| |
-
PHYS 395 - Internship/Seminar
2019-2020 Catalog Year
A one-semester work and study experience in an appropriate laboratory outside the College. Students are required to attend regular seminars during the internship, to submit monthly written reports, and to present a departmental seminar upon return to the College. Interns work closely with the sponsor on projects approved by the Physics Department. Notes: This course may not be counted towards the minimum credits in physics. 3, 6, or 9 credits.
Prerequisite(s): Senior class standing, 3.00 cumulative GPA in physics and permission of the department and cooperating agency.
Corequisite(s): PHYS 394 - Independent Research .
Offered: By individual arrangement
Repeatable: May be repeated for a total of 9 credits
|
| |
-
PHYS 399 - Directed Study
2019-2020 Catalog Year
Students work individually, under the supervision of a faculty member, on a research problem in physics. Notes: This course may not be counted towards the minimum 37 credits in physics. 1 to 3 credits.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Offered: By individual arrangement. Cannot be counted towards Physics major
|
| |
|
|
Print this Page