Physics

Phys 201 College Physics (Non Calculus) I (4-2) 5
An introductory course in physics covering the basic concepts of mechanics (motion, energy, fluids, materials), heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound. Calculus is not used. The course is intended to meet college physics requirements and also satisfy the curiosity of all students whose major interest is not in engineering, physical science, or mathematics. Students who take Physics 217Tx will not receive credit toward graduation for Phys 201. This course includes an introductory physics laboratory with experiments in mechanics, heat, and sound. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: High school algebra and trigonometry.

Phys 202 College Physics (Non Calculus) II (4-2) 5
An introductory course in physics covering the basic concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics. Calculus is not used. Students who take Phys 218 will not receive credit toward graduation for Phys 202. This course includes an introductory physics laboratory with experiments in optics, electricity, electronics, and magnetism. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Phys 201.

Phys 217TX Physics for Science and Engineering I (4-2) 5
An introductory course in physics covering the basic concepts of classical mechanics (motion, energy, fluids, materials), heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound. Differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course. Phys 217Tx is required of engineering students and strongly recommended to all general science majors. This course includes an introductory physics laboratory with experiments in mechanics, heat, and sound. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Math 221.

Phys 218 Physics for Science and Engineering II (4-2) 5
An introductory course in physics covering the basic concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics. Phys 218 is required of engineering students and strongly recommended to all general science majors. This course includes an introductory physics laboratory with experiments in optics, electricity, electronics, and magnetism. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Phys 217TX and Math 222.

Phys 301 Introduction to Electronics (2-2) 3
A survey course of the theory and design of various electronic circuits and devices used in scientific instrumentation. Winter term, alternate years.
Prerequisites: Phys 218.

Phys 320 Modern Physics (3-0) 3
A study in the modern theories of atomic and nuclear physics that have developed since 1900. An introduction to special relativity and elementary quantum mechanics is included. Fall term, alternate years.
Prerequisites: Phys 202 or 218 and Math 222.

Phys 340 Optics (3-3) 4
A study of classical and modern theories of geometrical and physical optics including matrix methods for optical systems, diffraction theory, and an introduction to Fourier optics. Fall term, alternate years.
Prerequisites: Phys 202 or 218 and Math 222.

Phys 354 Theoretical Mechanics (3-0) 3
The theoretical formulation of the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with an introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. An introduction to vector and tensor analysis is also included. Winter term, alternate years.
Prerequisites: Phys 202 or 218 and Math 223.

Phys 370 Heat and Thermodynamics (3-0) 3
A study of classical thermodynamics which includes the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their application in energy conversion. On demand.
Prerequisites: Phys 201 or 217Tx and Math 223.

Phys 380 Advanced Physics Laboratory I (0-3) 1
Work will stress experiments in modern physics with emphasis on electronic instrumentation and subsequent data analysis. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Phys 320 taken concurrently or equivalent.

Phys 381 Advanced Physics Laboratory II (0-3) 1
Work will stress experiments in electricity and magnetism with emphasis on data collection and analysis. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Phys 361 or concurrent enrollment.

Phys 397W Writing Techniques in Physics (3-0) 3
Advanced study, research, and writing in selected topics. Designed to train students to write proposals, research reports, and semi-technical description in the field of physics. Offered winter term.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

Phys 400 Science and Human Values (2-0) 2
A course designed to investigate the interaction between science and the world community. The course will be conducted on a seminar basis with interdisciplinary instructors and/or invited instructors from other areas of the College. Scientific, social, and human values will be discussed. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: At least 6 credits in the natural sciences.

Phys 420 Quantum Mechanics I (3-0) 3
An introduction to Schrodinger’s formulation of wave mechanics including potential wells, harmonic oscillators, and energy momentum operators. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Phys 202 or 218 and Math 223.

Phys 421 Quantum Mechanics II (3-0) 3
A continuation of the study of quantum systems via approximation techniques, theory of many electron atoms, identical particles, and spin. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Phys 420.

Phys 454 Advanced Topics in Physics 1-4
Advanced material in various areas of physics at the senior level. The course will treat one area of physics, such as nuclear physics, thermal physics, statistical physics, or solid state physics. Class schedules will indicate the area. Offered on demand. This course may be repeated for credit if topics are different.
Prerequisites: Advanced standing in physics.

Phys 496 Senior Seminar (2-0) 2
Advanced study and research in selected topics. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.

Phys 499 Independent Study 1-3
Individual research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Course Listings