Course Listings

PHYS 105 (3)
Physics for Liberal Arts I
An introduction to the basic laws of physics, designed to give an understanding of the fundamental physical principles underlying natural phenomena and their technological applications. The physics of the atom, the laws of mechanics and the study of thermodynamics are included. Three hours lecture. It is recommended, but not required, that PHYS 107, Physics for the Liberal Arts Laboratory be elected simultaneously with this course.

PHYS 107 (1)
Physics for the Liberal Arts Laboratory
Experiments in introductory mechanics, atomic physics, spectroscopy, energy and thermodynamics. One three-hour laboratory.

PHYS 113 (3)
Astronomy for the Liberal Arts
An introduction to the study of the universe, including basic elements of astronomy and topics of current interest: the solar system, search for extraterrestrial life, black holes and cosmology. Three hours lecture and some evening observation sessions. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 114 (1)
Astronomy for Liberal Arts Laboratory
Activities in astronomy including descriptive and quantitative analyses of stellar spectra, planetary orbits, lunar/planetary photographs, supernova light curves, quasars, the expansion of the universe and computer simulations of various astronomical phenomena. Some evening observation exercises. One three-hour laboratory. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 121 (3)
Principles of Physics I
General physics without calculus. Topics include Newton's Laws, gravitation, energy, heat and sound. Applications to biological systems. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Offered alternate years. This course does not count toward either the physics or mathematical physics major requirements. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 122 (3)
Principles of Physics II
An introduction to electromagnetism and optics. This course does not count toward the majors of physics or mathematics- physics. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 131 (1)
Introductory Physics Laboratory I
Experiments in mechanics. One three-hour laboratory. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 132 (1)
Introductory Physics Laboratory II
Experiments in waves, optics, thermodynamics, and simple circuits. One three-hour laboratory. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 140 (1)
Physics News Seminar
In this seminar, students will discuss and present summaries of exciting new discoveries in physics and astronomy. The emphasis is on conceptual rather than rigorous understanding of new topics related, for example, to relativity, quantum mechanics and cosmology. This course is offered on a P/CR/NC grading option only.

PHYS 171 (4)
General Physics I
A study of Newton's Laws, the conservation laws of classical mechanics and their application to physical systems, and wave motion. Four hours lecture. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 172 (4)
General Physics II
A study of electricity, magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic waves, and optics. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 201 (4)
Mathematical Methods of Physics
This course focuses on the mathematical techniques and software frequently used by physicists and engineers. Students will study topics including linear algebra, differential equations, vector calculus, series expansions, complex numbers, and numerical techniques. Mathematical topics will be presented with an emphasis on applications in engineering and physics.

PHYS 202 (3)
Twentieth-Century Physics
An introduction to the special theory of relativity and quantum phenomena. Topics include: the Bohr atom, the wave function, electron spin, Pauli Principle, quantum statistics, and atomic structure. IIIW

PHYS 210 (3)
Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics
An introduction to topics in planetary physics; stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics; and cosmology. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 220 (3)
Computational Physics
Computer modeling of physical phenonema using numerical methods and Monte Carlo simulations. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 230 (3)
Introduction to Solid-State Physics and Materials Science
A survey of the fundamental principles determining the macroscopic properties of solids. The lattice system and the electron system are investigated as a basis for understanding dielectric, optical, semiconductive, and superconductive behavior in solids. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 233 (1)
Intermediate Physics Laboratory
Selected experiments in classical physics and electrical circuits. Analysis and treatment of uncertainty and error. IIIQ, V8

PHYS 240 (3)
Optics
This course will focus on topics of physical optics with some review of geometrical optics. Topics covered will include optical instrumentation, interference of light, optical interferometry, diffraction, fiber optics, lasers and nonlinear optics.

PHYS 261 (1)
Directed Study
Special topics in physics pursued under supervision.

PHYS 301 (3)
Classical Mechanics
A survey of analytical techniques used in physics, including Classical mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian functions. Central force problems. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 302 (3)
Electromagnetic Theory
Maxwell's Equations, electromagnetic waves, and material media. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 313 (3)
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics, solutions of Schrodinger's Equation, operator formalism, angular momentur, and perturbation theory. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 321 (3)
Advanced Physics Laboratory
Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics including the determination of the fundamental physical constants: G, h, c, e, and u. Two three-hour laboratory periods. Offered alternate years. IIIO, III

PHYS 327 (3)
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
The laws of thermodynamics. Entropy, and the behavior of real and ideal gases. Kinetic theory and statistical distribution functions. Quantum statistics and partition functions. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 337 (1)
Special Topics
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other physics courses. Topic for Spring 2010: "Applied Physics." This course focuses on the application of fundamental physics solving various technological problems.

PHYS 351 (1)
Research in Physics
Students engage in ongoing faculty research in, for example, radio astronomy, laser physics or materials science. Credit may be given for off-campus research projects.

PHYS 361 (1)
Special Study
Special topics in physics pursued under supervision.

PHYS 377 (1)
Internship

PHYS 410 (3)
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Introduction to topics in nuclear physics and elementary particle physics. Offered alternate years.

PHYS 461 (1)
Independent Study
Topics in physics pursued independently.

PHYS 472 (3)
Senior Honors Thesis

PHYS 502 (1)
Physical Sci/Inq:Light&Energy
Through an intensive inquiry based process involving hands-on investigation and discussion, in-service teachers will increase their content knowledge and ability to apply inquiry-based methods of teaching physical science with focus on grades 3-8. Topics covered include the electromagnetic spectrum, behavior of light (basic optics), origins of color, and interactions of light and matter.

PHYS 503 (1)
Phy Sci/Inq:Force/Motion/Enrgy
Through an intensive inquiry based process involving hands-on investigation and discussion, in-service teachers will increase their content knowledge and ability to apply inquiry-based methods of teaching physical science with focus on grades 3-8. Topics covered will include position, speed, force, kinetic energy and potential energy, and graphical analysis.

PHYS 504 (1)
Erth Sci/Inq:Seasons,Moon,Tide

PHYS 505 (1)
Erth Sci/Inq:Weather

PHYS 661 (1)
Independent Study
Pursuit of graduate level research project determined in advance by the student in consultation with a faculty sponsor.