Physics program

PHY 104 Fundamental Physics II Continuation of PHY 103. Topics covered are electric forces and fields, electric potential, electrical circuit theory and applications, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, alternating current circuits, electromagnetic waves and the nature of light, lenses, mirrors, optical instruments, interference and diffraction of light, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the photoelectric effect. Additional topics may be selected from the area of quantum physics. Wherever possible, applications to other fields of science such as chemistry, biology and medicine will be discussed. Lect. 3, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 103 or PHY 203; MTH 150 recommended. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

PHY 302

PHY 311 Experimental Physics Basic techniques of measurement used in all areas of physics and engineering. Selected experiments may include thin lens systems, spectrometers, microwave optics, interference and diffraction, aberrations, interferometers, thin films, polarization, speed of light, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, electron spin resonance, quantization of energy states, and radioactive decay. Computational techniques include error analysis, graphing and curve fitting. Lect. 1, Lab 3. Prerequisite: PHY 250 and PHY 302 or PHY 305 and PHY 306. Offered Fall.

PHY 321 Classical Mechanics Rigorous mathematical development of classical dynamics using vector calculus. Dynamics of a single particle, oscillations, noninertial frames, central potentials, energy/momentum methods, systems of particles, collisions and plane motion of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: PHY 306; MTH 310. Offered Fall.

PHY 334 Electrical Circuits Physical principles underlying modeling of circuit elements and fundamentals of analog electrical circuits are explored through lecture and laboratory. Topics will include the following: current and voltage sources, resistors, I-V characteristics, Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, capacitors, inductors; Thevenin and Norton theorems; circuits in sinusoidal steady state; diodes, transistors (bipolar junction and field-effect); op-amps; and elementary amplifier circuits. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 104 or PHY 204; MTH 208. Offered Spring.

PHY 362 Astrophysics The application of principles studied in fundamental or general physics to various areas of astrophysical research. This course emphasizes topics like measuring star and exoplanet properties, stellar structure and evolution, the solar neutrino problem, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, the interstellar medium, and galaxies. Prerequisite: PHY 305, PHY 306; MTH 310 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Occasionally.

PHY 374 Computational Physics This course is an introduction to computational physics. Students will learn the fundamentals of applying numerical and graphical methods to a variety of physics topics ranging from mechanics, optics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 104 or PHY 204; MTH 308 or MTH 309 or concurrent enrollment in either. Offered Occasionally.

PHY 376 Introduction to Nuclear Science An introduction to the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. This course explores the production of ionizing radiation, its interactions with matter, and the instrumentation used to detect it. While all types of ionizing radiation are studied, particular emphasis will be placed on X- and gamma-rays. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MTH 150; PHY 104 or PHY 134 or PHY 204. Students may not earn credit in both PHY 376 and PHY 386. Offered Fall.

PHY 386 Radiation Physics This course, building on knowledge of basic physics, explores the area of radiation physics. Characteristics of x and gamma rays are described as well as their interactions in air and matter. The principles involved in the production of radiation are investigated. Methods and instrumentation of measurement of radiation are also covered. Prerequisite: MTH 150; PHY 104 or PHY 134 or PHY 204. Students may not earn credit in both PHY 376 and PHY 386. Offered Fall.

PHY 401 Quantum Mechanics A comprehensive treatment of the modern theory of quantum mechanics, including Schroedinger equation, operators, free particles, particles in potentials, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. The course includes the use of Fourier analysis and eigenvalue equations. Prerequisite: PHY 321; MTH 308 or MTH 309; MTH 310. Offered Fall.