| Physics electives | 5-9 hours |
An approved supporting program of 25 hours from the Natural Sciences Division is required, possibly including one or more minors or a second major.
Physics Education major
See the Education Department brochure on interdisciplinary majors in physical sciences and physics, natural sciences education, and applicable endorsements.
PHYS 101 Principles of Physics I (4 hours)
The principles of classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural sciences. Algebra and trigonometry will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three 2-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 050 Pre-Calculus or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
PHYS 111 General Physics I (4 hours)
An introduction to classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural sciences. Elements of calculus will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three 2-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 060 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 105 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 102 Principles of Physics II (4 hours)
A continuation of PHYS 101 Principles of Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three 2-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 050 Pre-Calculus or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
PHYS 112 General Physics II (4 hours)
A continuation of PHYS 111 General Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three 2-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 060 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 105 Calculus I; or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 121 Electronic Measurements (4-5 hours)
An integrated treatment of analog and digital circuits and measurements using the techniques of solid state electronics and integrated circuits. Emphasis is placed on laboratory techniques.
Three lectures per week.
One or two laboratories per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 102 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 112 General Physics II, and MATH 105 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
PHYS 162 Introduction to Modern Physics (4-5 hours)
An introduction to modern physics with emphasis on atomic and nuclear physics. Both analytical and experimental techniques will be used. Basic principles of physics and wave mechanics will be applied to atomic and nuclear models. The practical aspects of atomic and nuclear models. The practical aspects of atomic and nuclear radiation detection and safety will also be covered.
Three lectures per week.
One or two laboratories per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 102 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 112 General Physics II, and MATH 106 Calculus II or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
PHYS 209 Electromagnetic Theory (3 hours)
A development of Maxwell's equations from basic principles with the object of achieving a macroscopic description of the electric and magnetic properties of matter, including a relativistic description of electromagnetic fields and their interaction with charged particles. Vector calculus is developed and used as needed.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 102 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 112 General Physics II, MATH 106 Calculus II, and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): MATH 204 Calculus III or MATH 224 Differential Equations or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 241 Classical Mechanics I (3 hours)
A theoretical treatment of classical mechanics of particles and systems of particles with emphasis on the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. Particular topics in Newtonian, celestial, and continuum mechanics are studied. Vector calculus is developed and used as needed.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 101 Principles of Physics I or PHYS 111 General Physics I, MATH 106 Calculus II, and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): MATH 204 Calculus III or MATH 224 Differential Equations or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 242 Classical Mechanics II (3 hours)
A continuation of PHYS 241 Classical Mechanics I involving the use of LaGrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. Matrix methods are used in the study of rigid body motion, oscillation theory, and the theory of relativity. The mechanics of continuous media are also investigated.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 241 Classical Mechanics I and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 251 Introduction to Quantum Physics I (3 hours)
An introduction to quantum theory, statistical physics, and atomic spectra and properties.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 162 Introduction to Modern Physics, MATH 204 Calculus III or MATH 224 Differential Equations, and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 281 Advanced Laboratory (1-2 hours)
An advanced laboratory in which students extend and amplify the work of other courses. Work may be chosen in electrical measurements, physical optics, modern physics, or other areas of mutual interest.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
(Normally offered each semester.)
PHYS 295 Independent Study (1-12 hours)
Individual projects of a creative nature for qualified physics students. Projects may be of a theoretical or experimental nature. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
