Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Physics > Course Offerings

Note *: A laboratory fee is charged for all courses having scheduled laboratories. WIC indicates a writing intensive course. P means prerequisite.

Phys 123 Astronomy (3 C.H.)
General introduction to astronomy, open to all students. The course focuses on: observation of the night sky, history of astronomy, modern views of the universe, star composition and development, structure and fate of the universe, astronomical instruments, interaction between astronomy and physics, successes and expectations of space exploration. Viewing the sky is weather dependent. The course can be taken at any time and there are no prerequisites. This non-lab course can be used to satisfy part of the natural science section of group IV of the IR. It is an evening class. Offered every Spring term. WIC

Phys 154 Introductory Physics I* (non-calculus) (4 C.H.)
A non-calculus course for students enrolled in academic disciplines not requiring or recommending calculus-based physics as part of their respective programs. Topics to be covered include: vectors, forces, motion, Newton's laws, work, energy, fluids, elasticity, oscillations, waves, theory of heat. Three lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. This course is held in conjunction with Phys 174, but assignments and tests are different. Offered in the Fall term of an even-numbered year. WIC

Phys 164 Introductory Physics II* (non-calculus) (4 C.H.)
A continuation of Phys 154, also non-calculus. Topics to be covered include electricity, magnetism, and optics. Three lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. This course is held in conjunction with Phys 184, but assignments and tests are different. (P: Phys 154 or permission of instructor). Offered in the Spring term of an odd-numbered year. WIC

Phys 174 Introductory Physics I* (calculus- based) (4 C.H.)
Foundation course for students majoring in physics or binary engineering or enrolled in other academic disciplines requiring or recommending calculus-based physics as a part of their respective programs. Topics to be covered: vectors, forces, motion, Newton's laws, work, energy, fluids, elasticity, oscillations, waves, theory of heat. Three lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. Offered every Fall term. (P or co-requisite: Calculus I). WIC

Phys 184 Introductory Physics II* (calculus-based) (4 C.H.)
A continuation of Physics 174. Topics to be covered include electricity, magnetism and optics. Three lecture periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. (P: Phys 174 or permission of instructor. P or co-requisite: Calculus II). Offered every Spring term. WIC

Phys 213 Analog Electronics* (3 C.H.)
This course is laboratory based. It begins at a level suitable for those with no previous exposure to electronics, but with a basic knowledge of electricity. The treatment is largely non-mathematical with an emphasis on hands-on experience. This course involves: circuits with diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, and power supplies. This course is independent of Phys 243 (Digital Electronics). It is suitable for students in the natural and computer sciences and binary engineering. Two three-hour laboratory afternoons per week. Offered every Spring term. (P: Phys 164 or Phys 184).

Phys 223 Thermophysics (3 C.H.)
The course introduces the fundamental ideas of heat, work and internal energy, reversibility and entropy; enthalpy, Maxwell's relations and conversion of heat into work in an engine. Application of thermodynamics in physics, chemistry and engineering, and an introduction to statistical physics are presented. Offered every Fall term, as needed. (P: Phys 174, P or co-requisite: Calculus II)

Phys 243 Digital Electronics* (3 C.H.)
Digital Electronics is laboratory based. It begins at a level suitable for those with no previous exposure to electronics or the theory of electricity. The course is largely non-mathematical with an emphasis on hands-on experience. Basic elements of the course are digital logic, Boolean algebra, logic gates and networks, logic families, flip-flops, clocks, registers, counters, and memories. The course can be taken independently of Phys 213 (Analog Electronics), and is suitable for physics, binary engineering and computer science students. Two three-hour laboratory afternoons per week. Offered every Fall term.

Phys 253 Statics and Dynamics (3C.H.)

This course introduces the student to concepts of internal and external forces, equilibrium, structures, friction, the moment of inertia, systems of forces. These concepts are applied to mechanical structures and devices which are typical components of engineering designs like bridges, joints, gears, etc. The dynamics section covers particle kinematics, work, energy, impulse, momentum, and kinematics of a rigid body. Offered every Fall term. (P: Phys 174, P or co-requisite: Calculus II)

Phys 263 Modern Physics (3 C.H.)
Basic concepts of classical physics: the electron, electromagnetic radiation, the classical theory vs. quantum effects, and the Rutherford-Bohr model of the atom. Multi-electron atoms. Basic concepts of quantum mechanics without rigorous mathematical formalism. Structure of nuclei, radioactivity, particle and high-energy physics, and special relativity. (P: Phys 174, 184). Offered every Spring term.

Phys 343 Electromagnetic Theory (3 C.H.)
Properties of dielectric and magnetic materials. Solutions for static electric and magnetic fields under a wide variety of conditions. Time-dependent solutions of Maxwell's equations. Radiation and wave propagation. Oriented towards engineering applications: radio communications, wave guides, antennas, electronic materials. Offered every Spring term, as needed. (P: Phys 184, Calculus II)

Phys 414 Cooperative Education (1-4 C.H.) Offered every term.

Phys 424 Seminar and Senior Research (2-4 C.H.)
An introduction to the literature, teaching and research methods in physics. Preparation and presentation of papers on selected topics from the current literature of physics. Education students majoring in physics may attend the seminar in their junior year concentrating on preparation and presentation of topics related to the teaching of physics. A technical report on a special problem based on library as well as laboratory and/or computational research. The student will be expected to report on his or her project findings as the senior comprehensive examination. May be taken as an extended course. (P: Consent of department chairperson). Offered every term. WIC