Physics Course Descriptions

1114# GENERAL PHYSICS I.

An algebra based course. Fundamental principles of mechanics, heat and sound; with laboratory.

1214# GENERAL PHYSICS II.

Fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1114 or department approval)

2014# ENGINEERING PHYSICS I.

Fundamental principles of mechanics, heat, and sound; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: MATH 2215)

2114# ENGINEERING PHYSICS II.

Fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 2015 or department approval)

3014# MECHANICS.

Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with analytical and computational methods. Hamiltonian and Lagrangian dynamics. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115 and MATH 2315)

3114# GENERAL ASTRONOMY.

(Sp) An introduction to the concepts of modern astronomy. The solar system, the sun and stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, current theories of the origin, evolution and fate of the universe; with laboratory. (Same as PSCI 3114) (Prerequisite: departmental approval)

3214# OPTICS.

Geometric, physical, and introductory wave optics with traditional and computational laboratories. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2215)

3612# RADIOACTIVITY & NUCLEAR PHYSICS.

Study of nuclear disintegrations and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1214 or 2115 or CHEM 1415) (Same as CHEM 3612)

3713# MODERN PHYSICS.

Special relativity, quantum theory, atomic theory, nuclear structure and reactions, elementary particles, cosmology, molecular and solid state physics. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1214 or 2115) (Previously listed as Modern Physics I)

4012# EXPERIMENTAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS.

Topics include technical writing, data analysis, electronics, computer control of instrumentation, experiments in modern physics, and an introduction to computational physics. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4114# ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM.

Theory of static and dynamic electric and magnetic fields. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2315) (Previously listed as PHYS 4115)

4314# THERMODYNAMICS.

Heat, thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2315)

4662 THERMODYNAMICS LABORATORY.

Laboratory study of ideal gases laws, enthalpy, entropy, calorimetry, and other thermodynamic concepts, including mathematical and instrumental methods.

4813# QUANTUM MECHANICS.

Development of wave mechanics; the Schrodinger equation with application to simple systems, the hydrogen atom, and the harmonic oscillator; the formal structure of quantum mechanics and approximation methods. (Prerequisites: PHYS 3713and MATH 2315) (Previously listed as Modern Physics II)

4960 DIRECTED READING.

Individualized literature study selected in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4970 SPECIAL STUDIES.

Individualized project selected with the advice of the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4980 SEMINAR.

Small group study of topic announced in the Schedule of Classes. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4990 RESEARCH.

Independent investigation designed in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

5960 DIRECTED READINGS.

Individualized literature study selected in consultation with the professor.

(Prerequisite: department approval)

5970 SPECIAL STUDIES.

Individualized project selected with the advice of the professor.

(Prerequisite: department approval)

5980 SEMINAR.

Small group study of topic announced in the schedule of classes. (Prerequisite: department approval)

5990 RESEARCH.

Independent investigation designed in consultation with the professor.

(Prerequisite: department approval)

# Liberal Arts and Science Course