| Physics electives |
5 hours |
Physics electives must be taken from PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I or above.
An approved supporting program of 25 hours from the Natural Sciences Division is required, possibly including one or more minors or a second major.
PHYS 1600 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 two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 1100 College Algebra, and MATH 1470 Trigonometry or Math ACT of 27 or higher, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
PHYS 2000 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 two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II (4 hours)
A continuation of PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and elecronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1100 College Algebra and MATH 1470 Trigonometry. Math ACT of 27 or higher, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
PHYS 2100 General Physics II (4 hours)
A continuation of PHYS 2000 General Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
PHYS 2200 Electronic Measurements (4 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 laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II, and MATH 1600 Calculus I. (Normally offered each fall semester.)
PHYS 2400 Introduction to Modern Physics (4 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 laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II, and MATH 1610 Calculus II or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
PHYS 3000 Mechanics (4 hours)
An advanced study of the mechanics of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies, with an emphasis on Newton's laws, conservation of energy, and conservation of linear and angular momentum. The behavior of moving, rotating, and oscillating systems will be studied, using both analytical and numerical approaches. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms will be introduced as complementary to Newtonian mechanics. Vector calculus will be developed and used as needed.
Three lectures per week.
One recitation per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II; MATH 1610 Calculus II and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): MATH 2600 Calculus III or MATH 3100 Differential Equations.
PHYS 3100 Electromagnetism and Optics (4 hours)
This course builds upon the foundation of electromagnetism and optics developed in introductory physics, and the quantum nature of photons introduced in modern physics. Topics include electrostatic forces, fields, and potentials; magnetic forces on charges and currents; magnetic fields produced by steady currents; light as an oscillating electromagnetic field; polarization of light; ray tracing of optical systems; optical interference; and electric, magnetic, and optical properties of matter. Vector caculus will be developed and heavily used.
Three lectures per week.
One recitation per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II; MATH 1610 Calculus II and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): MATH 2600 Calculus III or MATH 3100 Differential Equations.
PHYS 3800 Advanced Laboratory (1-4 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 4000 Quantum and Atomic Physics (4 hours)
An introduction to the Schrodinger equation and its solution. Topics studied include the 1D infinite square well, simple harmonic oscillator potential, and finite rectangular well/barrier, and the hydorgen atom, including the theory of angulary momentum. Theories of atomic scattering will also be explored.
Three lectures per week.
One recitation per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2400 Introduction to Modern Physics and MATH 2600 Calculus III or MATH 3100 Differential Equations and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 4100 Thermal and Statistical Physics (4 hours)
An introduction to classical and statistical thermodynamics. Topics include the ideal gas equation of state, the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, the thermodynamic identity, engines and refrigerators, the thermodynamic potentials, and classical and quantum distribution functions. Vector calculus will be developed and heavily used.
Three lectures per week.
One recitation per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2400 Introduction to Modern Physics and MATH 2600 Calculus III or MATH 3100 Differential Equations and computer programming skills or permission of the instructor.
PHYS 4950 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.
