2020-2021 Undergraduate General Catalog


300

PHYS 303 Biological Physics

This course will introduce a series of physical principles, based on statistical mechanics, which can be used to examine biological questions, specifically questions involving how cells function. Calculus will be used without apology.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 222 or PHYS 202; CHEM 117 or CHEM 120

Cross Listed Courses

BIOL 303

PHYS 321 Computational Physics

Designed to prepare the student for upper-level physics courses by studying such topics as vector analysis, Fourier series, Laplace and Fourier transforms, and ordinary and partial differential equations of physical systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of computer-based computation skills. Recommended as a prerequisite for all courses numbered above 340.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 222; MATH 152

PHYS 331 Electronics for Science and Engineering

Theory and applications of DC and AC circuits. Theory of solid state devices such as diodes and transistors. Applications of these devices to power supplies, amplifiers, operational amplifiers, integrated circuits, analog to digital and digital to analog converters and other instrumentation.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

PHYS 222

PHYS 341 Analytical Mechanics

Detailed study of kinematics, Newtonian dynamics and rigid bodies. Introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 321

PHYS 351 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

Equations of state, ideal and real gases, laws of thermodynamics, introduction to statistical mechanics. Topics developed from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Double majors in Chemistry and Physics not planning to pursue graduate study in physics may, with departmental approval, substitute CHEM 301 and 302 for PHYS 351 to fulfill the physics major elective requirements.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 321

PHYS 361 Electromagnetic Theory

Electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, Faraday's induction laws, and Maxwell's equations. Working knowledge of vector calculus is assumed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 321

PHYS 363 Optics

This course includes: 1) an introduction to modern concepts in optics including electromagnetic waves, propagation of light through media, geometrical optics of lenses and mirrors, interference, coherence, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffractions; and 2) a brief introduction to modern optical applications, including Fourier optics, holography, light scattering, interferometry and laser technology.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

PHYS 321

PHYS 370 Modern Physics Lab

Students will gain experience with laboratory instrumentation as they perform a laboratory exploration of some of the experiments that led to the transition from the classical physics paradigm to quantum mechanics. Some of the experiments for this course may include the photelectic effect, measurement of the speed of light, the measurement of charge-to-mass ratio of the electron and studies of nuclear decays.

Credits

1

PHYS 371 Modern Physics I

Historical development of the transition from classical to quantum physics, Bohr's atomic theory, Schroedinger's equation and applications to atomic, nuclear, and solid state systems. Introduction to relativity and to elementary particles.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 222

PHYS 372 Modern Physics II

Applications of modern physics to atomic, nuclear, and solid state systems. Introduction to general relativity, elementary particles, and cosmology.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 371

PHYS 373 Quantum Mechanics

This course will cover the general structure and formalism of quantum mechanics. Topics will include: Schrödinger's Equation and solutions for one-dimensional problems; Dirac notation and matrix mechanics; the harmonic oscillator; the hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; and approximation methods.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 371 or CHEM 302; PHYS 321

PHYS 381 Advanced Laboratory (W)

Continuation of Physics 281. Includes an emphasis on independent technical writing. Taken senior year.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

PHYS 281

PHYS 391 Senior Thesis

Directed investigations in theoretical or experimental physics for physics majors. Satisfies a requirement for graduation with distinction in physics. Students will propose, carry out, write, and defend a thesis project.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Permission of the Department Chair

PHYS 395 Internship

See Physics advisor

Credits

4

PHYS 397 Topics:

Selected topics offered on sufficient demand. Topics include partifcle physics, atomic and molecular physics, acoustics, biophysics, and solid state physics.

Credits

3

PHYS 399 Independent Study

Independent study of topics approved by department.

Credits

4