Courses Offered in Physics

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Courses Offered in Physics

Courses offered by the Physics Department

This is a one semester course which gives an overview of the basic principles of physics including mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, and modern physics.

This course explores the integration of the basic physical principles and their applications to the dynamic field of telecommunications. It gives an understanding of the contemporary explosion in communications technologies-computers, satellites, tape, disk, fiber optics and new radio and telephone services. The central role of the computer is examined.

The course is designed especially for students who have an interest in art, music, and media. Its purpose is to establish connections and relationships between human esthetic expression and experience in these endeavors, and the existing important underlying physical bases. Scientific inquiry and demonstrations are used to explore color, sound, light, the ear, the eye, the role of symmetry and chaos, and electromagnetic communications, along with the interaction between technology and society.

The course deals with forms and sources of energy, conversion for utilization; resources and needs; environmental and social consequences.

Early astronomical thought and the role of astronomy in the development of modern science are introduced in this course. This involves a study of motion within the solar system along with the classification, structure, and types of stars. An introduction to stellar evolution and cosmology is also included.

This course introduces students to basic scientific reasoning. Starting out from real-life situations, experiments and demonstrations, students collect and analyze data to deduce general physical principles. Starting with common sense observations, they develop methods to build scientific theories to describe nature.

Fundamental concepts and laws of mechanics, including static's, dynamics, energy-momentum conservation and gravitation are examined in this course. Additional areas of study include behavior of fluids, vibrations and wave motion, along with temperature, heat transfer and calorimetry. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week.

  • Pre-requisite: MATH 175 Enhanced Pre-Calculus
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 1130 College Physics I, Recitation/Laboratory

This course is a continuation of Physics 131 and covers the study of heat, including kinetic theory, the laws of thermodynamics, electrostatics, dc and ac circuits, the electromagnetic interaction, geometric and wave optics. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 130, College Physics I, Lecture.
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 1131 College Physics II, Recitation/Laboratory

This course develops the concepts and laws of mechanics, especially conservation laws, and includes scalar and vector quantities; rectilinear and circular motion; equilibrium; work energy and momentum; elements of fluid static's and dynamics; heat and thermodynamics. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on applications.

  • Pre-requisite: MATH 192 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 1140 Physics for Engineering I, Recitation/Laboratory

This course is a continuation of Physics 140 and develops a conceptual, quantitative and applied understanding of electric fields and electrostatics; dc circuits; magnetic fields and properties of matter; ac circuits; electromagnetic waves; geometric and wave optics. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 140 Physics for Engineering I, Lecture
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 1141 Physics for Engineering II, Recitation/Laboratory

A journey through the past 100 years of physics achievements culminates with the study of the current frontier of an expanding universe of galaxies that explores how the microworld and cosmos are intimately linked to fundamental questions concerning the origin, evolution, and possible fate of the universe itself. The course examines how elements of relativity, radiation, entropy, particle physics, fundamental forces, and grand unification theory converge and attempt to explain the cosmos.

This course deals with logical design and optimization of digital computers and digital computers and digital devices. Introduction to number systems, codes and Boolean Algebra. Electronics and solid state components-gates, flip flops, shift registers, docks, counters, adders, and other arithmetic circuits, and memory devices are explored. Experiments include design of logic circuits, using discrete and integrated circuit components.

This course focuses on basic research and field experiences in astronomy.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 113 Introduction to Astronomy

Electromagnetic waves-theory, production, propagation, and detection; applied optical techniques; modern physics, relativity and its implications, the Bohr atom; elements of atomic and nuclear structure; radiation and its measurement are examined. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture or PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 1230 Physics III, Recitation/Laboratory

This class covers all the basic principles of the functioning of the INTEL 8085 microprocessor family. Machine and Assembly languages are analyzed as they apply to the instruction written in the microprocessor.

This course teaches students how to use high quality amateur telescopes including optics, the use of setting circles, mounting, and astrophotography. Celestial coordinate systems (equaloria) are also taught.

Classification and systems of forces, their resultants, geometric and analytical conditions for equilibrium, frames, trusses, moments of inertia, rotation of a rigid body, principles of work, energy and impulse and momentum are studied in this course. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on computer simulations and applications.

  • Pre-requisites: PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture or PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture and MATH 192 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

The kinetics of rigid bodies detailing the effects of forces, work, energy, impulse, and momentum, including mechanical vibrations are explored in this course. Instruction includes 2 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on computer simulations and applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 270 Statics and Dynamics I

The operational definitions of heat, internal energy, entropy, absolute temperature are developed along with the theory of specific heats. Thermodynamic functions and relations are applied to heat engines and other physical systems and kinetic theory of gases, viscosity, and conductivity are included.

  • Pre-requisites: PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture or PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture

Circuit theory, techniques of electrical measurements, principles and operation of solid state devices, such as junctions diodes, bipolar transistors. FET's and MOSFET's , rectification and filtering, feedback, amplifiers, nonlinear circuits are examined. The course provides an understanding of the electronics applied to various fields. Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/discussion and problem solving peer week with emphasis on applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture or PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture

This course covers the basics principles of virtual instrumentation including use of IEEE GPIB, RS232 interfaces, and data acquisition boards. It is an introduction to the use of computer interfacing for data collection and instrument manipulation in laboratory experiments using state-of-the-art software such as LabVIEW‚Ñ¢. Particular attention is given to the practical aspects of interfacing a computer to various instruments including timing issues, real-time data acquisition and instrument control, instrument status, and acquisition speed.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 or permission from the instructor

This course examines electrostatic fields in vacuum and material media, magnetostatic fields, electromagnetic induction, magnetic fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, propagation of electromagnetic waves, in free space and matter, reflection, and radiation, guided waves.

  • Pre-requisites: PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture; and PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture
  • Co-requisite: MATH 311 Differential Equations for Engineers

This course examines electrostatic fields in vacuum and material media, magnetostatic This course provides students with the opportunity to present the results of original research conducted as part of their studies in the program or literature research of current or special topics and to attend talks given by professionals in different physics related fields. The students will learn how to undertake scientific communication about research projects and results with colleagues and the general public.

  • Pre-requisites: PHYS 230, PHYS 321, permission of the instructor, and junior status.

Four different areas of optics are studied in this course, wave optics (polarization, diffraction, and interference), geometric optics (lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments), quantum and coherent optics (lasers and fiber optics). Instruction includes 4 hours of lecture, demonstration/ discussion and problem solving per week with emphasis on applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture

This course considers the discovery and nature of radioactivity, nuclear decay processes, determination of half-life, interaction with various forms of matter, instrumentation and detection principles, radioactive dating and tracing procedures, sources of environmental exposure, and effects on the human body and materials.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture.

This course is designed to give the upper level physics students a basic understanding of quantum physics, including black body radiation, the photoelectric effect, the uncertainty principle, one dimensional Schroedinger equation, the quantum mechanical oscillator, the hydrogen atom and other selected topics. Discussion of theory and applications, including problems and demonstrations are conducted.

Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture; and MATH 311 Differential Equations for Engineers

This course covers the theoretical foundations of newtonian mechanics of particles and systems. Various mathematical tools of theoretical physics to understand Lagrange's and Hamilton's approaches to the study of mechanical systems. Topics covered include the theory of small oscillations and mechanical waves, rigid bodies, stability, linearization methods, forced vibrators and perturbation theory, fluids and mechanics of continuous media.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture; and MATH 311 Differential Equations for Engineers

This course is designed for students who with to pursue a career in the health professions or who have an interest in applied physics problems. A variety of applied physics techniques in medicine are covered including, medical imaging, (X-ray, CAT scans, MRI, PET, and ultrasound imaging), fiber optics, medical lasers nuclear medicine, and other applications.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture

This is a capstone course that provides students with the opportunity to present in oral and written form the results of original advanced research conducted as part of their studies in the last year of the program or literature research of current and/or special topics in physics. As seniors, students should provide evidence that they can perform at a level required by current industry standards or expected by graduate programs from their incoming students.

  • Pre-requisites: PHYS 405 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, PHYS 330 Seminar I, permission of the instructor, and senior status.

This course presents an introduction to the physical characteristics, structure, and evolution of the stars, nuclear processes, and the formation of the elements in the stellar interior, the interstellar medium, and the distribution of stars in space.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 113 Introduction to Astronomy

This course covers the physical characteristics of the sun and planets, Newton’s and Kepler’s Laws, orbit theory applied to planetary systems and binary stars, and solar-terrestrial relationships.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 113 Introduction to Astronomy
  • Recommended: GEOS 111 Principles of Earth Science or GEOS 112 Introduction to Geology.

This is a course individually designed to provide undergraduate students with training in Physics research. A project is undertaken under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. Written reports and a final paper are required.

  • Pre-requisite: Permission of the instructor, approval of the chairperson, and junior or senior status.

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in Physics 130 are presented in this course. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab experiments with recitation.

  • Co-requisite: PHYS 130 College Physics I, Lecture

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in Physics 131 are presented in this course. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab. Experiments with recitation are performed to verify or discover the principles of physics.

  • Co-requisite: PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in Physics 140 are performed to verify or discover the principles of physics. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab. Experiments with recitation.

  • Co-requisite: PHYS 140 Physics for Engineering I, Lecture or PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in physics 141 are performed to verify or discover the principles of physics. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab. Experiments with recitation.

  • Co-requisite: PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Rec./Lab or PHYS 131 College Physics II, Lecture

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in physics 230 are performed to verify or discover the principles of physics. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab. Experiments with recitation.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 131 College Physics II , Lecture or PHYS 141 Physics for Engineering II, Lecture.
  • Co-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture.

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in Physics 307 are performed to verify or discover the principles of physics. Instruction includes structured and open-ended lab. Experiments with recitation. Use of computer software packages to simulate and analyze complex circuits.

  • Co-requisite: PHYS 307 Principles of Electronics, Lecture

Correlated student laboratory experiments for most areas cited in Physics 401 are performed in this course. Introduction includes structured and open-ended laboratory experiments with recitation to verify or discover the principles of optics. Students use of computer software packages to simulate and analyze complex optical systems.

  • Pre-requisite: PHYS 230 Physics III, Lecture
  • Co-requisite: MATH 311 Differential Equations for Engineers.