PHY 1000-4 Introduction to Physics (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests and high school algebra or equivalent

An introductory survey course for nonscientists that emphasizes the main concepts of physics, including mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity, and magnetism, light, modern physics and relativity. The accompanying laboratory work is designed to illustrate the material discussed in the lectures. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 1080-3 Physical Science for Teachers (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests and high school algebra or equivalent

A course designed to give prospective or active teachers of science a laboratory orientation to the processes and concepts involved in interpreting the physical surroundings.

PHY 1250-6 Physics of Aviation (5 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTH 1110, or MTH 1310, or equivalent; minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests

A one-semester course introducing the fundamentals of physics through technological applications, many of which are in aerospace science. Topics include measurement, motion, temperature, heat, properties of fluids, sound, oscillations, waves, and electricity and magnetism. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2010-4 College Physics I (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2030 is recommended. MTH 1120 or equivalent; and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication requirement; completion of PHY 2010 and PHY 2030 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit

This first term of a one-year sequence covers the fundamentals of physics in a basic but thorough manner. The experimental aspects of physics are emphasized in the classroom and in the laboratory. Considerable time is devoted to problem-solving. Course content includes measurement, vectors, kinematics, dynamics, gravitation, energy, momentum, rotational motion, properties of matter, heat, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics, wave motion and sound. The course is algebra-based. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2020-4 College Physics II (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2040 is recommended; PHY 2010 and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication requirement; completion of PHY 2020 and PHY 2040 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit

A continuation of PHY 2010, the algebra-based introductory physics course. Topics include electricity and magnetism, electromechanical devices, AC circuits, geometrical and physical optics and modern physics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2030-1 College Physics I Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2010 is recommended; MTH 1120 or equivalent; and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication requirement; completion of PHY 2010 and PHY 2030 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit

The first semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work that emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on mechanics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science) 

PHY 2040-1 College Physics II Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2020 is recommended and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication requirement; completion of PHY 2020 and PHY 2040 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit

This course is the second semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work that emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments are selected to reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on electrical measurements, waves, optics and modern physics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2311-4 General Physics I (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2321 is recommended. MTH 1410 and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication requirement; completion of PHY 2311 and PHY 2321 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit

This first term of a one-year introductory calculus-based physics course is suitable for science and engineering students. Topics treated include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism and light. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2321-1 General Physics I Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2311 is recommended. Satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication course requirement; completion of PHY 2311 and PHY 2321 with passing grades is required to receive General Studies credit

This first semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on mechanics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2331-4 General Physics II (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: concurrent registration with PHY 2341 is recommended. MTH 2410, PHY 2311 and PHY 2321, or equivalent and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I Communication course requirement; completion of PHY 2331 and PHY 2341 with passing grades is required to receive General Studies credit

As a continuation of PHY 2311, this second term of a one-year introductory calculus-based physics course is suitable for science and engineering students. Topics treated include electricity and magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic oscillations and waves, physical optics and geometrical optics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2341-1 General Physics II Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: concurrent registration with PHY 2331 is recommended. MTH 1410, PHY 2311 and PHY 2321 or equivalent and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Level I communication course requirement; completion of PHY 2331 and 2341 with passing grades is required to receive General Studies credit

This second semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on electrical measurements, waves, optics and modern physics. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 2811-3 Modern Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTH 2410 and one year of physics, or consent of instructor

An introductory course of the modern branch of physics covering the special theory of relativity, the basic phenomenology of atomic and nuclear physics and the basic concepts of quantum mechanics.

PHY 2820-3 Classical Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTH 2410 and one year of physics, or consent of instructor

Fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics with an emphasis on understanding of physics through problem-solving.

PHY 3082-3 Energy and Environment (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 1000 or PHY 2010 or equivalent

A course in the supply and usage of energy resources and the environmental problems associated with our energy usage.

PHY 3110-3 Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MTH 2410

First term of a one-year sequence in mathematical techniques as applied to the equations of physics. Topics covered include vector analysis, coordinate systems, matrices and determinants, infinite series and infinite products, and complex analysis.

PHY 3120-3 Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 3110

Continuation of PHY 3110. Topics include calculus of variations, special functions, integral transforms, linear vector space and tensor analysis.

PHY 3211-4 Analytical Mechanics (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 2820 and MTH 3420, or consent of instructor

A course in mechanics at the intermediate level. Topics include the Lagrange and Hamilton formulations, the two body problem, rigid body motion and small oscillations.

PHY 3331-4 Electricity and Magnetism (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 2820 and MTH 3420, or consent of instructor

A course in electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level. Topics include Maxwell's equations, boundary value problems, electrodynamics and relativity and electromagnetic radiation.

PHY 3411-3 Thermal Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 2820 or consent of instructor

This course covers the basic concepts of the three related disciplines of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and kinetic theory. The treatment includes both microscopic and macroscopic behavior of various classical and quantum systems of noninteracting particles and spins.

PHY 3620-3 Sound and Music (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements

This course will consider the basic nature of sound waves, the ear and hearing, musical instruments and acoustics. Although this course is mainly descriptive, some high school algebra will be used. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

PHY 3711-2 Physics Laboratory I (0 + 4)

Prerequisite: PHY 2811

This is the first term of a one-year sequence in laboratory work at the junior level. Topics include electrical measurements, electrical measuring systems and experimental optics.

PHY 3721-2 Physics Laboratory II (0 + 4)

Prerequisite: PHY 2811

Continuation of PHY 3711.

PHY 3810-3 Quantum Mechanics (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 3211 and MTH 3420, or consent of instructor

A course in which both wave mechanics and matrix mechanics are developed and applied to selected problems in atomic physics.

PHY 4510-3 Optics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 2820 or equivalent

A course that presents a contemporary treatment of selected topics in optics, such as matrix methods in geometrical optics, the Fourier analysis approach to physical optics and the interaction of light with matter.

PHY 4610-2 Computational Physics I (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 3120 or MTH 3440 or equivalent

This course provides an understanding of the role of the computer in modern theoretical physics by studying the simulation of physical phenomena in various fields of physics.

PHY 4620-2 Computational Physics II (0 + 4)

Prerequisite: PHY 4610 and satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements and senior standing

This is a course that assigns the student to an individual advanced, advanced level project modeling a physical phenomenon on the computer. (Senior Experience)

PHY 4630-3 Continuum Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 3120 or equivalent

A course that presents the basic physical principles of fluid mechanics and elasticity together with their application to various problems in astronomy, physics, geology and medicine.

PHY 4650-3 Solid State Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 3411 and PHY 3810 or consent of the instructor

A course in which the basic thermal and electrical properties of solids are explained in terms of the Brilluoin zone structures of phonons and electrons.

PHY 4711-2 Advanced Physics I Laboratory (0 + 4)

Prerequisite: PHY 3711

Laboratory work at the advanced undergraduate level. Individual student projects are emphasized. 

PHY 4721-2 Advanced Physics II Laboratory (0 + 4)

Prerequisites: PHY 3711; satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements and senior standing

This course focuses on individual student projects in experimental physics at the advanced undergraduate level. (Senior Experience)

PHY 4810-3 Atomic and Molecular Structure (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 3810

A course in which quantum mechanical methods are applied to problems in atomic and molecular physics, such as the one-electron atom, atomic and molecular spectra and particle scattering.

PHY 4820-3 Subatomic Physics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: PHY 4810

An introductory treatment of the various concepts and models used to describe nuclear and high energy particle phenomena.

PHY 4920-1 Physics Senior Seminar (1 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 4711 or consent of instructor; satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements and senior standing

Corequisite: PHY 4620 or PHY 4721 or consent of instructor

This is a course in which graduating seniors report on individual projects to their peers and the department faculty. (Senior Experience)