A mark of a great book is that everyone knows the ideas it contains even if most may not know that the book exists. Such is the case with Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn’s influence is felt every time one speaks of a “paradigm shift” or “disruption in the marketplace”. This course examines revolutionary periods in western science in cultural and intellectual context, from ancient Greece, to the transformative periods of 16th and 17th century Europe, to modern revolutions in quantum theory, cosmology, complexity, and biology. Students will investigate the applicability of Kuhn’s model in each situation. A study, designed for non-science majors, of developments in scientific thinking from Aristotle to Einstein. The focus of the course is on the transition from Aristotelian, to Newtonian, to Modern Physics. This course does not have a lab component.

Occasionally

Previously: PHYS 120

The hardest part of energy problems are the associated environmental costs. The most difficult part of our environmental challenge is energy demand. Energetic processes are governed by strict physical laws and tend to increase the disorder of physical systems. Traditionally, these processes have used highly efficient but increasingly limited natural resources. Against this backdrop we are called to “love your neighbor as yourself”. As society seeks to move to more sustainable energy sources and deal with the consequences of previous energy related practices, this course will examine the complexities involved in balancing physical, moral, environmental, economic, and international policy aspects of the energy challenge.

Every other Spring, even years

Previously: PHYS 140

Light surrounds us and informs our daily life.  In this course for non-physics majors, we will examine many aspects of light and its impact on the world around us.  We will begin by studying geometric optics - the optics of shadows, lenses, fiber optics, and rainbows. We will then move onto wave optics - the optics of anti-reflective coatings, pointillism, and polarized sunglasses.  Finally, we will wrap up by considering the quantum mechanical nature of light - the physics behind solar power, LASERs, and optical tweezers. As we study these topics, emphasis will be placed on the everyday applications of the physics concepts and their impact on the world.

Every Interim

Previously: PHYS 142

A survey of our current knowledge about the physical universe. Designed for the student interested in such topics as the solar system, nova, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, black holes, extraterrestrial life and who wants to increase his or her knowledge of our place in the cosmos. Includes observations of the night sky. 

Every Fall

Previously: PHYS 190

This is an introductory physics course with an emphasis on life science applications. Calculus will be used primarily for motivation of concepts and will be introduced as necessary. Topics include motion, dynamics, and force laws, conservation of momentum and energy, fluids, and thermodynamics.

Every Fall

Previously: PHYS 201

This is an introductory physics course with an emphasis on life science applications. Calculus will be used primarily for motivation of concepts and be developed in the course as necessary. Topics include electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, light, imaging, special relativity, atomic and nuclear physics.

Prerequisites

PHYS 1510

Every Spring

Previously: PHYS 202

Major topics include mechanics and thermodynamics. Vectors and calculus are used. Laboratory work is mainly an introduction to experimental techniques including the use of a computer.

Prerequisites

MATH 1501

Every Fall and Spring

Previously: PHYS 221

Major topics include electricity, magnetism, optics and introductory atomic and nuclear physics. Extensive use of vectors and calculus. Laboratory work mainly emphasizes concepts and techniques.

Prerequisites

MATH 1501; PHYS 1610

Every Fall and Spring

Previously: PHYS 222

This course is a combination of two Project Lead The Way courses. This course will satisfy the lab science general education requirement. 

Intro to Engineering Design: Students use the design process and industry standard 3D modeling software to design solutions to solve proposed problems.

Principles of Engineering: Students are exposed to major concepts like mechanisms, energy, statics, materials and kinematics.

Previously: PHYS 100PL

Students may take one or more of the following specializations:

Aerospace Engineering: Students explore the evolution of flight, flight fundamentals, navigation and control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel and orbital mechanics.

Biotechnical Engineering: Hands-on projects engage students in engineering design problems related to biomechanics, cardiovascular engineering, genetic engineering, tissue engineering, biomedical devices, forensics and bioethics.

Civil Engineering and Architecture: Students design and develop residential and commercial properties using 3D architectural design software.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing: Students explore manufacturing history, individual processes, systems and careers. The course also incorporates finance, ethics and engineering design.

Digital Electronics: Students are introduced to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, engineering standards and technical documentation. They are also exposed to programming integrated circuit kits and microcontrollers.

Previously: PHYS 101PL