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CoursesUnless otherwise noted, all courses are 3 credits. PHYS 110 Introduction to PhysicsDesigned to give the nonscience student an adequate understanding of the nature of science and of the fundamental physical laws that govern our everyday lives. Topics include forces, motion, heat, electricity, atomic energy, and fundamental ideas in chemistry. Laboratory work is closely integrated with the above topics. PHYS 170 General AstronomyA study of our nearest star, the sun, as well as stellar properties and evolution. The Big Bang and the fate of the universe are covered. Not open to students who have previously taken an astronomy course. PHYS 190 Acoustics and SoundThe lecture topics provide a description of the fundamental principles of acoustics and sound that include: simple harmonic motion, basic wave phenomena, analysis and synthesis of complex waves, the human ear and voice, basic room and auditorium acoustics, and the basic operating principles of microphones, speakers, and audio equipment. The laboratory presents a set of experiments that highlight the physical principles presented in lecture. PHYS 250-251 Basic Electronics I and IIThe general philosophy of electronics as a “way of life” and its function as a basic tool in our present scientific culture. Fundamentals of electronics including basic components and circuit configurations. Actual circuits are assembled, tested, and their behavior explored. A descriptive laboratory course in basic electronic circuits without the use of extensive mathematics. PHYS 255 College Physics IAn introductory physics course for students who do not intend to specialize in the physical sciences. Requires no mathematics beyond algebra and geometry as prerequisites. Underlying principles and basic laws of Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, momentum, energy and thermodynamics are explored. PHYS 256 College Physics IIAn introductory physics course for students who do not intend to specialize in the physical sciences. Requires no mathematics beyond algebra and geometry as prerequisites. Underlying principles and basic laws of sound, wave motion, electromagnetism, light and optics are explored. PHYS 260 General Physics IThis course provides a broad, rigorous introduction to calculus based physics for chemistry and computer science majors and is a foundation for all advanced work in physics. Topics include: vectors, motion in straight line, motion in two and three dimension, work and kinetic energy, energy conservation, momentum and impulse, rotation of rigid bodies, dynamics of rotational motion, equilibrium, elasticity, gravitation, and periodic motion. PHYS 261 General Physics IIThis course provides a broad, rigorous introduction to calculus based physics for chemistry and computer science majors and is a foundation for all advanced work-in physics. Topics include: temperature and heat, thermal properties of matter, laws of thermodynamics, electric charge and field, Gauss law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance and electromotive force, direct current circuits, magnetic field and magnetic forces, sources of magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, inductance, alternating current, and theory of relativity. PHYS 262 General Physics IIIThis calculus-based course presents fundamental concepts in modern physics. It provides students with an introduction to the theoretical and experimental foundations of twentieth century physics. Topics include optics, atomic physics, principles of quantum mechanics, properties of elementary particles, nuclear structure and reactions, band theory of solids, and cosmology. PHYS 290 Engineering Mechanics: StaticsThis course presents the fundamental physical principles of that part of rigid body mechanics dealing with structures at equilibrium. It provides the basis for the design and analysis of many types of mechanical structures and devices. Topics include: vector analysis, moment of force, rigid-body equilibrium, couple system, free-body diagrams, structural analysis, internal forces, friction, moments of inertia, and virtual work. PHYS 291 Engineering Mechanics: DynamicsThis course presents the physical properties of mechanics dealing with the relation between force and accelerated motion. It provides the basis for the description of the motion of a particle or rigid body subject to conservative or non-conservative forces using vector analysis. Concepts include kinematics of a particle, rigid body kinematics, curvilinear coordinates, work and energy, impulse and momentum. PHYS 300 MechanicsThis course covers the basic concepts in mechanics as required for advanced work in physics. Topics include mathematical formulation of mechanics utilizing vector analysis, particle dynamics, systems of particles, translational and rotational movement of rigid bodies, angular momentum, and energy considerations. PHYS 302 Electricity and MagnetismThis course covers the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. Topics include vector mathematics, electrostatics, solution of electrostatic problems, dielectric materials, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, magnetic materials, atomic origin of magnetism, ferromagnetic materials, and introduction to field theory. PHYS 304 OpticsThis course covers the theoretical and experimental aspects of optics. Topics include reflection and refraction, plane and spherical surfaces, thin lenses, field stops and aperture stops, ray-tracing, aberrations, optical instruments, nature of light waves, interference, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, diffraction gratings, Cerenkov radiation, and the nature and origin of polarization. PHYS 319 Environmental PhysicsThis course deals with the flow of energy in natural and human-made systems. Building on the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics and the general principles of classical mechanics, the concepts of energy and entropy are quantitatively applied to natural ecosystems and various energy resources, such as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, hydropower, wind, tides, solar power, etc. These resources are also discussed in terms of the societal and environmental impacts of the associated technologies. PHYS 399 Selected TopicsA topic not covered by an existing course is offered as recommended by the department and approved by the dean. PHYS 403 Modern PhysicsSpectroscopic and other representative phenomena that form experimental foundations of modern physics. Topics include special theory of relativity, dual properties of electromagnetic radiation, Young’s diffraction, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, specific heats, Frank-Hertz experiment, Rutherford scattering, Bohr’s atomic model, quantum mechanical description of a particle, and elementary theory of nuclear structure and reactions. PHYS 480 SeminarEmphasis on research, current literature and classroom discussion of new ideas.
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