Physics (PHYS)

This is a discussion-based course that introduces students to the physics major. Topics of discussion can include physics career possibilities, tools to be a successful physics major, historical and philosophical aspects of physics, and the latest research tendencies in physics. Topics may vary based on student interests. This course is also an opportunity for faculty across the physics program to introduce themselves and their research to new physics majors. Credit/No Credit only. Not challengeable.

Basic principles, history, and applications of physics. A minimum of mathematics used. Not for Physics majors.

Mechanics, wave motion, and heat. Lab included. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Continuation of 201. Electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Lab included. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Calculus-based physics. Mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics. Lab included. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 202. Calculus-based physics; electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Lab included. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Planets and solar systems; types and characteristics of stars; our galaxy and its relation to the visible universe. Lab included. GEPS-L. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Introduces energy concepts, resources, technologies, planning, and related environmental and chemical topics. Includes heat and electricity, chemical production, solar energy, photochemical smog, water and waste treatment, recycling, greenhouse effect, and population. Also NASC 303 and PHYS 303. Not challengeable.

Theory of electric and magnetic fields, current electricity, electromagnetic waves, and Maxwell's equations at an intermediate level.

PREREQUSITES: Completion of PHYS 204 and MATH 202. This course introduces students to computational methods used in physics, applied mathematics, chemistry, engineering and other quantitative disciplines. Topics include numerical methods for solving equations, optimization, data analysis, linear algebra, interpolation, integration, differentiation, and differential equations. Applications span physics including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics as well as applied mathematics, engineering and other fields. Students will gain hands-on experience designing and implementing algorithms to analyze real-world data. Prior programming experience is helpful but not required.

Topics from Newtonian mechanics, using vector methods and introduction to Lagrange formulation. Problem solving emphasized. Also MATH 342.

Principles of physical optics at an intermediate level. Includes diffraction, interference polarization, and some geometrical optics. Lab.

Introduces modern physics: special relativity, atomic structure, quantum theory, the solid state, and the nucleus. Lab included. 3 hour lecture, 3 hour lab.

Introduction to modern astrophysics for physicists. Covers fundamentals of celestial mechanics, relativity, stellar spectra, galaxy dynamics and cosmology.

Introduces quantum systems, using the Schrodinger equation, operators, and Dirac notation.

Introductions to statistical and thermal physics for physicists. Covers first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines and refrigerators, and quantum statistics.

Introduction to solid state physics. Covers crystals, reciprocal lattices, phonons, semi-conductors, metals and magnetism.

Student-designed courses approved by a faculty member. Prior approval of goals, objectives, procedures, and assessment plan as directed in the Independent Study Manual is required. May be taken multiple times with a different topic for credit. Not challengeable.

Topics not covered in other courses. May be taken twice for credit. May be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Culminating activity required by majors in all departments. Papers/theses/projects researched, prepared, and written under the guidance of a faculty member. Comprehensive exams or recitals required in some departments. Academically, Students must be in Good Standing to enroll in 499. Can be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Previously PHYS 390. This course consists of attendance and participation in weekly meetings and seminars presented by speakers of mathematics and physics. During the meetings, students will discuss their research projects, learn about scientific research, give presentations, and workshop writing assignments with peers. Letter Grade only.

Previously PHYS 395. This course consists of attendance and participation in weekly meetings and seminars presented by speakers of mathematics and physics. During the meetings, students will discuss their research projects, learn about scientific research, give presentations, and workshop writing assignments with peers. Students enrolled in PHYS 499B will be doing a physics project. Letter grade only. Not challengeable. May be taken a total of twice for credit.