Physics Courses
PHYS A101 Introduction to Mechanics 4 cr. hrs.
This is a calculus-based introductory course in Newtonian mechanics intended for physical science and math majors.
Co-requisite: PHYS A112, MATH A257
PHYS A102 Introduction to Electromagnetism and Relativity 4 cr. hrs.
This course is an introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism culminating in an elementary treatment of Maxwell’s equations. We will then introduce students to Einstein’s special relativity.
Co-requisite: PHYS A113, MATH A258
*PHYS A110 Basic
Physics I 4 cr. hrs.
Intro course in physics for chemistry, math, physics or pre-engineering majors.
3 lectures and 1 review session per week. This course is being replaced by PHYS A101.
*PHYS A111 Basic
Physics II 4 cr. hrs.
Intro course in physics for chemistry, math, physics or pre-engineering majors.
3 lectures and 1 review session per week. This course is being replaced by PHYS A102.
PHYS A112 Physics Lab I 1 cr. hr.
Lab course taken with PHYS A101, PHYS A110 or PHYS A115.
PHYS A113 Physics Lab II 1 cr. hr.
Lab course taken with PHYS A102, PHYS A111 or PHYS A116.
PHYS A115 Physics for Life Sciences (formerly General
Physics) I 3 cr. hrs.
Topics of mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism, electricity and fundamentals
of atomic physics presented in the special interest of the biological sciences
and general education groups.
Co-requisite: PHYS A112.
PHYS A116 Physics for Life Sciences (formerly General Physics) II
3 cr. hrs.
Topics of mechanics, heat, sound, light, magnetism, electricity and fundamentals
of atomic physics presented in the special interest of the biological
sciences and general education groups.
Prerequisites: PHYS A115.
Co-requisite: PHYS A113.
PHYS A117 Mathematical Physics I 3 cr. hrs.
Introduction to techniques of mathematical
physics involving real and complex vectors, matrices and the algebra of
linear operators as applied to actual problems in the areas of classical,
relativistic
and quantum physics.
*PHYS A220 Electromagnetic Theory I 3 cr. hrs.
A detailed development and application
of the laws of electromagnetism and an introduction to vector calculus. Applications
of Maxwell's equations are covered including plane waves, reflection and
refraction, and radiation. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYS A350.
*PHYS A225 Electromagnetic Theory II 3 cr. hrs.
A detailed development and application of the laws of electromagnetism and an
introduction to vector calculus. Applications of Maxwell's equations are covered
including plane waves, reflection and refraction, and radiation. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYS A350.
*PHYS A228 Modern Physics
3 cr. hrs.
Intro to modern physics. In particular special relativity
and quantum mechanics will be introduced. This course is being replaced by PHYS A240.
PHYS A230 Introduction to Electronics I 3 cr. hrs.
A lecture-laboratory course treating circuit theory and the properties of electronic
tube and solid state devices. 2 lectures and 1 lab per week.
PHYS A231 Introduction to Electronics II 3 cr. hrs.
A lecture-laboratory course treating circuit theory and
the properties of electronic tube and solid state
devices. 2 lectures and 1 lab per week.
PHYS A240 Introduction to Waves and Quantum Physics 3 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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 A300 Classical Mechanics I 3 cr. hrs.
A unified lecture course covering the theoretical
aspects of classical physics. Topics covered include Newtonian
dynamics, harmonic oscillator, central force problem,
Lagragian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics,
special realtivity. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYSA340.
*PHYS A301 Classical Mechanics II 3 cr. hrs.
A unified lecture course covering the theoretical
aspects of classical physics. Topics covered include Newtonian
dynamics, harmonic oscillator,
central force problem, Lagragian and Hamiltonian formulations
of mechanics, special realtivity. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYSA340.
PHYS A335 Math Physics II 3 cr.
hrs.
Third-year course designed to give the student a full
mastery of the techniques of mathematical physics relating
to linear and nonlinear differential equations and related
areas with special emphasis on the equations of classical
mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and the Dirac
equation.
PHYS A336 Environmental Physics 3 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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 A400 Quantum
Mechanics I 3 cr. hrs.
Intro to quantum mechanics starting with the definition
of the wave function and the basic properties of
Schroedinger's equation. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYS A450.
*PHYS A401 Quantum Mechanics
II 3 cr. hrs.
Intro to quantum mechanics starting with the definition of
the wave function and the basic properties of Schroedinger's
equation. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYS A450.
*PHYS A410
Thermal
Physics 3 cr. hrs.
An intermediate level single semester course starting
with discussion and applications of the first and second law of
thermodynamics. An introduction to statistical mechanics
is presented with applications of Boltzman, Fermi-Dirac
and Bose-Einstein distributions. This course is being replaced by PHYS A241
PHYS A425 Lasers and Modern Optics 3
cr. hrs.
A lecture course with some lab applications
dealing with the principles and practical applications
of the laser.
PHYS A430 General Relativity 3 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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 cr. hrs.
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.
Prerequisite: PHYS A240, PHYS A241, MATH A259.
*PHYS A440 Adv Phys Lab I 2
cr. hrs.
An advanced lab with minimum supervision with the
objectives of training students to be self-reliant and
resourceful in planning and performing experiments not
ordinarily performed at the elementary level in mechanics,
optics, thermodynamics, acoustics, atomic physics, solid
state physics, spectroscopy and electronics. 2 labs per
week. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYS A445.
*PHYS A441 Adv Phys Lab II 2
cr. hrs.
An advanced lab with minimum supervision with the objectives
of training students to be self-reliant and resourceful
in planning and performing experiments not ordinarily performed
at the elementary level in mechanics, optics, thermodynamics,
acoustics, atomic physics, solid state physics, spectroscopy
and electronics. 2 labs per week. This two semester sequence is being replaced by PHYSA445.
PHYS A445 Advanced Laboratory Physics 3 cr. hrs.
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.
Prerequisite: PHYS A240, PHYS A241.
PHYS A450 Quantum Mechanics 4 cr. hrs.
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 T122 Intro to Physics 3 cr. hrs.
A introductory level common curriculum course in physics.
PHYS Z130 Faith, Science
and Religion 3 cr. hrs.
An advanced common curriculum
course, which may be used to fulfil the requirement in science
or religious studies.
Instructor: Carter
PHYS Z134 Astronomy 3
cr. hrs.
An advanced common curriculum course providing an introduction
to the science of Astronomy. Students should
fulfil their common curriculum requirement in math before
taking this course.