PHYSICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHYS101.  PHYSICAL SCIENCE I
This course is a survey of topics in astronomy, physics, chemistry and geology, designed for students with no previous background in physics or chemistry.  It is a general survey course for anyone interested in learning the methods and applications of the physical sciences.

PHYS 101L.  PHYSICAL SCIENCE I LABORATORY                                                                                           This course includes:  two hours of laboratory, covering simple experiments; measurements of area, volume, density, specific heat, molecular size, etc.

PHYS102.  PHYSICAL SCIENCE II
This course is a continuation of PHYS 101 with special emphasis on astronomy and geology.  It is a general survey course for anyone interested in learning the methods and applications for the physical sciences.

PHYS 103.  INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I     
A first semester introductory physics course to satisfy general education requirements for students.  Topics include mechanics, heat and classical physics.

PHYS 103L.  INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I LABORATORY
This course includes two hours of laboratory consisting of elementary experiments, demonstrations, films and problem solving to accompany PHYS 103 Lecture.

PHYS 104.  INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II

PHYS 104L.  INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II LABORATORY

PHYS 131.  GEOL – EARTH SCIENCE
This course focuses on:  (a) the study of the Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe, (b) the study of the earth’s structure, composition, and properties of materials that constitute the surface layers, (c) survey of rocks, maps, and fossils used to understand the history of earth and life, (d) emphasis is placed on processes responsible for changes in the earth’s crust such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics.  (Prerequisite:  MATH 151 or 161)

PHYS 131L.  GEOL – EARTH-SCIENCE LABORATORY
A series of activities to aid students in understanding geological materials and processes.  (Co-requisite:  GEOL 131).

PHYS 150.  PHYS – SPACE SCIENCE
This course focuses on: (a) theories of the origin of the Universe, Novas and Super Novas, (b) birth, life and death of stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and pulsars, (c) special relativity, (d) elements found in the sun and other planets, (e) laws of motion for orbiting bodies, and (f) current space exploration.  (Prerequisite:  MATH 151 or MATH 161)

PHYS 211.  GENERAL PHYSICS I
This is a study of translational and rotational motion, Newton's law of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, physical properties of matter, principles of thermodynamics.  This course is designed for science and engineering majors and introduces basic calculus techniques.  (Prerequisites:  MATH 161, 162, 290)

PHYS 211L.  GENERAL PHYSICS I LABORATORY
The laboratory class meets two times per week and several experiments in mechanics, heat, and optics are performed.  Experimental errors and methods of data analysis are emphasized. (Co-requisite:  PHYS 211)

PHYS 222.  GENERAL PHYSICS II                                 

PHYS 222L.  GENERAL PHYSICS II LABORATORY           
This class meets for four hours of laboratory per week to perform experiments related to Physics topics in 222.

PHYS 321.  ELECTRONICS                                 
Topics include DC and AC circuit analysis, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, etc. Transistor circuits are also emphasized.  Design and application of measuring instruments are included.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 222 and 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 331.  ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM         
This course includes:  Differential and Integral Calculus of vector fields; Maxwell's equations; Gauss's Law, superposition; dipole approximation; method of images; functions of the complex variable; methods for finding the electric potential energy; dielectrics; cavities; electrostatic analogs; magnetostatics; the vector potential; inductance, and relativity.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 222 and 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 332.  WAVE PHENOMENA
This is a study of waves on a string, acoustic plane waves and electro-magnetic waves; wave equations and boundary value problems; Maxwell's equations, polarization, and interference; Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, multiple slits; and normal modes expansion of a pulse.  (Prerequisite:  PHYS 222 and 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 361.  EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
This course provides a study of the methods of experimental physics; experiment design, error analysis, curve fitting, calibration techniques, etc.  Projects in classical and modern physics are assigned.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 222, 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 440.  STATICS 
This course is the study of Vectors, two-dimensional and three-dimensional force systems, equilibrium friction, centroids, mass moments of inertia, and second moments of area.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 211 and consent of department)

PHYS 441.  THEORETICAL MECHANICS
This course is a study of statics, dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; Virtual work, equilibrium, orbits, oscillations, moments and products of inertia; center of mass, coordinate transformations, Lagrange's Equations; and Hamiltonian.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 222 and 222L).

PHYS 442.  THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS
This course is a study of Thermodynamic equilibrium, temperature, work, heat, equations of state kinetic theory, Maxwellian distribution, equiparation of energy, Zeroth; first, second, and third laws of Thermodynamics; entropy, statistical mechanical, partition function, Maxwell's equation, TdS equations, enthalpy, Helmholtz and Gibbs functions; phase transitions, Radiation Laws of Wien, Stefan-Bolzmann, and Planck. (Prerequisite:  PHYS 222, 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 451.  MODERN PHYSICS     
This course covers the more recent developments in Physics.  The topics include special relativity, the structure of atoms, energy levels, Quantum numbers, X-rays; introduction to Quantum theory, Schrodinger equation, its solution; first order perturbation theory and applications to atomic Spectroscopy.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 222, 222L and consent of department)

PHYS 452.  NUCLEAR PHYSICS    
This course is a study of the nucleus of the atom, including nuclear processes, decay schemes, sub-atomic particles, nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, neutron cross-section; fission, theory of chain reactions; discussion of various models; binding energy, principles of nuclear reactors; and application of nuclear energy and radio-isotopes in industry and medicine.  (Prerequisite:  PHYS 451)

PHYS 460.  QUANTUM MECHANICS
Topics:  Schrodinger equation to solve one dimensional potential problems and hydrogenic atoms.  Operator Algebra, Atomic Spectra, Perturbation Theory, Angular Momentum, and Scattering Theory.  (Prerequisites:  PHYS 451, 452 and MATH 460)

PHYS 490.  RESEARCH
This is a course in student-oriented research in Physics under the guidance of a faculty member.  A group comprised of Physics students and Physics faculty meets at regular intervals during the semester to discuss progress reports.  Physics majors must formally present an approved paper at the end of research work.  (Prerequisite:  Consent of department)

PHYS 491.  PHYSICS SEMINAR
This course includes discussions in advanced and intermediate undergraduate physics determined by individual needs and interests and emphasis on preparation for further work, either in research environments or in academic pursuits.  (Prerequisite: Consent of department)

PHYS 492.  SPECIAL TOPICS
This is a course comprising topics in advanced and intermediate undergraduate physics selected according to the needs and interests of the students and instructor.  Topics in modern physics are emphasized.  (Prerequisite:  Consent of department)