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.

Prerequisites

PHYS 1620; MATH 1502

Every Fall

Previously: PHYS 321

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.

Prerequisites

PHYS 1620

Every Spring

Previously: PHYS 371

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.

Every Spring

Previously: PHYS 370

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.

Prerequisites

PHYS 1620

Occasionally

Previously: PHYS 331

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.

Prerequisites

PHYS 1520 or PHYS 1620; CHEM 1040 or CHEM 1050

Every other Spring, even years

Previously: PHYS 303, BIOL 303