PHYS A101 Introduction to Mechanics 4 crs.
This is a calculus-based introductory course in Newtonian mechanics intended for physical science and math majors.
Co-requisite: PHYS A103, MATH A257
PHYS A102 Introduction to Electromagnetism 4 crs.
This course is an introduction to the electricity and magnetism culminating in an elementary treatment of Maxwell’s equations. Einstein’s special relativity is also discussed.
Co-requisite: PHYS A104, MATH A258
Pre-requisite: PHYS A101
PHYS A103 Mechanics Lab 1 cr.
This is a laboratory course illustrating concepts and phenomena in mechanics. It is intended for students enrolled in Introduction to Mechanics (PHYS A101). Lab fee $50
Co-requisite: PHYS A101
PHYS A104 Electricity and Magnetism Lab 1 cr.
This is a laboratory course illustrating concepts and phenomena in electricity and magnetism. It is intended for students enrolled in Introduction to EM and Relativity (PHYS A102). Lab fee: $50
Co-requisite: PHYS A102
Pre-requisite: PHYS A103
PHYS A112 Physics Lab I
This is a laboratory course intended for pre-health and other students enrolled in Physics for Life Sciences. In a two-semester sequence it covers phenomena in mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism and optics. Lab fee: $50
Co-requisite: PHYS A115
PHYS A113 Physics Lab II
This course is a continuation of PHYS A112. Lab fee: $50
Pre-requisite: PHYS A112
Co-requisite: Phys A116
PHYS A115 Physics for Life Sciences I 3 crs.
The course discusses 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, pre-health, and the general education groups are kept in view.
Co-requisite: PHYS A112
PHYS A116 Physics for Life Sciences II 3 crs.
This course is a continuation PHYS A115.
Prerequisite: PHYS A115; Co-requisite: PHYS A113
PHYS A195 Special Projects I 1 cr.
PHYS A240 Introduction to Waves and Quantum Physics 3 crs.
This is a sophomore level course that describes wave physics and introduces basic concepts of quantum physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS A102, MATH A258
PHYS A241 Introduction to Thermal Physics 3 crs.
This is a sophomore level course that introduces the basic thermodynamic concepts of temperature, heat, and entropy. Classical thermodynamics as well as statistical mechanics will be covered.
Prerequisites: PHYS A102, MATH A258
PHYS A295 Special Projects II credits vary
PHYS A295 Environmental Physics 3 crs.
This course discusses physical foundations of environmental science. It revisits basic physics principles relevant to environmental science and then applies them to phenomena such as climate change, pollution, energy conversion etc.
Prerequisite: PHYS A241 or PHYS A116
PHYS A340 Classical Mechanics 4 crs.
This is a junior level course that introduces methods of classical mechanics. It gives a rigorous treatment of Newtonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics, including numerous applications. It is a continuation and extension of the introductory course (Introduction to Mechanics PHYS-A101).
Prerequisites: MATH A259, PHYS A240
PHYS A350 Electromagnetism 4 crs.
This course gives a rigorous treatment of laws of electromagnetism. It covers applications of Maxwell’s equations, including electromagnetic waves. It is a continuation and extension of the introductory course (Introduction to Electromagnetism and Relativity PHYS-A102).
Prerequisites: MATH A259, PHYS A240
PHYS A395 Special Projects III credits vary
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 A241
PHYS A430 General Relativity 3 crs.
Beginning with Special relativity, we will review Einstein's development of his general relativistic theory of gravity in terms of the differential geometry of spacetime.
Prerequisite: PHYS A240, MATH A259
PHYS A432 Solid State Physics 3 crs.
This course is an introductory course in solid state physics. Some of the areas covered are thermal properties, free electron theory of metals, band theory, semiconductors, superconductivity and magnetic properties.
Prerequisite: PHYS A241
PHYS A436 Cellular Biophysics 3 crs.
This course is concerned with selected physiological phenomena occurring in biological cells, such as action potential in neurons. Although these are fundamentally biological phenomena, the analysis is inherently multidisciplinary, involving both physical and chemical principles. The course also introduces students to basic mathematical modeling of biophysical phenomena.
Prerequisite: PHYS A241 or PHYS A116
PHYS A438 Introduction to Astrophysics 3 crs.
This introduction to astrophysics is an elective course for the physics major sequences. Topics include the physical principles of the tools of astronomy; the physics of stars and planetary systems; galaxies and cosmology.
Prerequisites: PHYS A240, PHYS A241, MATH A259
PHYS A445 Advanced Laboratory Physics 3 crs.
This is an advanced laboratory course for physics majors with the objective of training students to be self-reliant in planning and performing experiments not ordinarily done at the elementary level. Experiments are performed in such areas as electronics, mechanics, atomic physics and spectroscopy and emphasis will be placed on experimental error analysis. Lab fee $50.
Prerequisites: PHYS A240, PHYS A241
PHYS A450 Quantum Mechanics 4 crs.
This course gives an introductory treatment of quantum mechanics. Starting with the experimental evidence, it introduces the Schroedinger and Heisenberg formulations of quantum theory, discusses basic properties of the Schroedinger equation and provides an elementary introduction to axiomatic structure of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: MATH A259, PHYS A240
PHYS A495 Special Projects IV credits vary
Prerequisite: PHYS A395
PHYS A496 Seminar/Workshop credits vary
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 credits vary
An internship is supervised practical experience. A practicum is supervised practical application of previously studied theory.
PHYS A498 Research Project credits vary
This project focuses on empirical or historical investigation, culminating in a written report.
PHYS A499 Independent Study credits vary
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 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 Z131 Physics of Sound 3 crs.
Common Curriculum: Natural Sciences Modern
This course explores the science underlying the phenomena of sound, with particular emphasis on topics related to musical sound. Students will gain an understanding of basic physical and mathematical concepts relating to sound production, propagation and perception – as well as sound recording and sound reproduction.
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