Undergraduate Degree Requirements
AST 100C
Topics in Astronomy:
White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes
Traces the history of
a star's evolution from its birth in interstellar gas and dust to its
end as a placid white dwarf, fiery nova or supernova, or mysterious
black hole. Emphasis upon the archetypical Crab Nebula surrounding the
fastest known rotating neutron star. Recommended for non-science majors.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1 credit.
AST 103
Introductory
Astronomy: The Solar System
A survey course at the beginning level
which discusses the nearby objects of our solar system, the formation
and evolution of planetary bodies and the exploration of space. A
minimum of mathematics is required. Recommended for non-science majors. 3 credits.
AST 104
Introductory
Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies
A survey course at the beginning
level which discusses stellar systems and galaxies. Topics will include
stellar evolution, formation of galaxies, and cosmology. A minimum of
mathematics is required. Recommended for non- science majors. 3 credits.
AST 105
Introductory
Astronomy Laboratory
Laboratory exercises in astronomy presented
in the tradition of the amateur astronomer. Instruction will include
observation of celestial objects as well as laboratory exercises to
investigate the physical nature of astronomical objects. Instruction on
the use of telescopes and the process of the scientific method will be
presented. Recommended for non-science majors. Prerequisite: AST 103 or 104, or concurrent registration
in one of these courses. 1 credit.
AST 190
Projects in
Observational Astronomy
A project-oriented course to develop
skills in observational astronomy. The material and experience gained
will be quite helpful to those people interested in education or in
astronomy. The use of high quality equipment such as cameras,
photometers, telescopes, and heliostats will be emphasized. This is a
laboratory course. Recommended for non-science majors. Prerequisite: AST 105 or consent of instructor. 3 credits.
AST 301
Introduction to Astrophysics
Introduction to modern astrophysics. Discussion of matter and electromagnetic
radiation, the physical processes in stars, galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and
the large-scale structure of the Universe. Emphasis on applying physical principles
and problem-solving techniques to astronomical situations. Prerequisite:PHY 180. 3 credits.
AST 470
Special Topics
in Astrophysics
Advanced astrophysics. The course material
will alternate among three topics: solar system astrophysics, stellar
structure and evolution, and galactic dynamics. Emphasis will be placed
on current areas of interest. Prerequisites: PHY 180,
181,182, and 411. 3 credits.
PHY 120
Introduction to
Einstein's Spacetime
Algebra-based exploration of Einstein's
theory of Special Relativity covering time dilation, length contraction, the
addition of velocities, the Lorenz transformation, the Twin Paradox,
Minkowski space-time diagrams, and other topics, time permitting. The
beauty and consistency of Special Relativity emphasized. 3 credits.
PHY 151-152
General
Physics
A course in general physics intended primarily for
students in liberal arts, medicine, and the biological sciences. Lecture
and laboratory exercises in mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism,
optics, and modern physics. Three hours lecture and three hours
laboratory. Prerequisite: MAT 128 or equivalent, or placement test. 4
credits each.
PHY 180
Engineering Physics I
I
Lectures on Newtonian mechanics. Rectilinear motion, particle
dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, rotational
mechanics, oscillations, wave motion, and gravitation. Prerequisite: MAT 181. 3 credits.
PHY 180L
Engineering
Physics I Laboratory
Laboratory exercises in Newtonian mechanics.
Rectilinear motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, momentum and
collisions, rotational mechanics, oscillations, wave motion, and
gravitation. Corequisite: PHY 180. 1 credit.
PHY 181
Engineering Physics
II
Lectures on electromagnetism. Coulomb's law, electric and
magnetic fields, Gauss' law, potential, capacitance, current and
resistance, electromotive force, inductance, motion of charged
particles, introduction to Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic
waves. Prerequisites: PHY 180 and MAT 182. 3 credits.
PHY 181L
Engineering
Physics II Laboratory
Laboratory exercises in electromagnetism,
Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, Gauss' law, potential,
capacitance, current and resistance, electromotive force, inductance,
motion of charged particles, introduction to Maxwell's equations, and
electromagnetic waves. Corequisite: PHY 181. 1
credit.
PHY 182
Engineering Physics
III
Lectures on fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics. Sound,
temperature and thermometry, heat, gases, intermolecular forces, kinetic
theory, entropy, nature of light, geometrical optics, physical optics
including diffraction and interference, introduction to modern
developments. Prerequisites: PHY 180 and MAT 182. 3 credits.
PHY 182L
Engineering
Physics III Laboratory
Laboratory exercises in fluid mechanics,
thermodynamics, and optics. Sound, temperature and thermometry, heat,
gases, intermolecular forces, kinetic theory, entropy, nature of light,
geometrical optics, physical optics including diffraction and
interference, introduction to modern developments. Corequisite: PHY 182. 1 credit.
PHY 191
Directed Study
Individual projects under the direction of a faculty member. Department
approval must be obtained prior to registration. Prerequisite: Three
credits of physics. 1-3 credits.
PHY 411
Modem Physics I
Those aspects of quantum and statistical mechanics and relativity
necessary to describe the changes in the physicist's world view wrought
by revolutionary theories early in this century are developed.
Prerequisites:
PHY 181, PHY 181L, PHY 182, PHY 182L. 3 credits.
PHY 412
Modern Physics II
A continuation of the survey of twentieth century developments in
physics. Topics include simple molecular quantum mechanics, quantum
statistics, solids, superfluids and superconductors, nuclear processes
and models, and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: PHY 411. 3 credits.
PHY 413
Intermediate
Laboratory I
Experimental investigation of a variety of phenomena
involving the properties of electrons and their interactions with fields
and matter, including selected quantum and wave mechanical effects. The
experiments are designed to reinforce theory learned in previous courses
and to develop laboratory techniques. Corequisite: PHY
411. 3 credits.
PHY 414
Intermediate
Laboratory II
Further experimental investigations of phenomena in
classical and modern physics. Emphasis is on problem solving,
experimental technique, data analysis, and independent work. Students
are encouraged to alter or extend the experiments and engage in
projects. Prerequisite: PHY 413. 3 credits.
PHY 421-422
Electricity
and Magnetism
Electrostatics, magnetic fields, and
electromagnetism. Maxwell's equations, theory of metallic conduction,
motion of charged particles, radiation. Prerequisite: PHY
181. 3 credits each.
PHY 423-424
Mechanics
Newtonian mechanics. Mathematical formulation of the dynamics of a
particle and systems of particles, including applications to atomic
physics. Mechanics of continuous media using Fourier series.
Introduction to generalized coordinates and the methods of Lagrange and
Hamilton. Prerequisite: PHY 180. PHY 423 is
prerequisite for PHY 424.. 3 credits each.
PHY 431
Nuclear Physics
Survey of basic nuclear concepts and structure. Interactions between
nuclear radiations and matter, nuclear reactions and decay, nuclear
force, sub-atomic structure and models, symmetries and conservation
laws. Normally taught in a self-paced format. Prerequisite: PHY 411. 3 credits.
PHY 441
Mathematical Physics
Application of selected mathematical techniques to problems in
physics. Prerequisite: PHY 181. 3 credits.
PHY 451
Modem Scientific
Instrumentation
Electronics for scientists, including circuit
design and construction using analog and digital integrated circuits.
Introduction to machining, glassblowing, and fabrication techniques.
Prerequisites: PHY 181,181L,
182 ,182L, 422. 3 credits.
PHY 457
Computational
Physics
Application of numerical methods to simulation of physical
systems, including topics in classical mechanics, electrostatics,
quantum mechanics, scattering, nonlinear dynamics and chaos.
Prerequisites: PHY 181,182
and experience with high level programming language. 3 credits.
PHY 461
Light and Physical
Optics
Survey of geometric optics and optical instruments.
Selected topics in physical optics including interference, diffraction
and polarization, with applications; the nature of light.
Prerequisite: PHY 182. 3 credits.
PHY 462
Modern Optics
Laser principles and applications. Non-linear optics, image formation,
optical transfer function, and Fourier optics. Introduction to quantum
optics. Prerequisite: PHY 461. 3 credits.
PHY 467
Thermodynamics
Fundamentals of thermodynamics, including equations of state, laws of
thermodynamics, and entropy. Principles and methods of temperature
measurement, calorimetry and heat transfer. Prerequisite:
PHY 182. 3 credits.
PHY 468
Statistical
Mechanics
Principles and applications of statistical mechanics.
Quantum statistics of ideal gas and simple solids. Transport theory,
irreversible processes and fluctuations. Prerequisite:
PHY 467. 3 credits.
PHY 470
Special Topics in
Physics
Special topics in physics such as, but not limited to,
relativity, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, and particle physics. May be
repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: PHY
182. 3 credits.
PHY 481
Quantum Mechanics I
An introduction to the Schrodinger Equation and the interpretation of
its solutions, the uncertainty principles, one-dimensional problems,
harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom. Prerequisites:
PHY 422 and 424. 3
credits.
PHY 482
Quantum Mechanics II
An introduction to the matrix formulation of quantum mechanics, spin,
coupling of angular momenta and applications. Time dependent
perturbation theory and approximation methods and techniques are
discussed. Prerequisite: PHY 481. 3 credits.
PHY 483
Solid State Physics
Structure of crystalline solids. Mechanical, thermal, and electric
properties of conducting and non-conducting solids. Prerequisite: PHY 411 or consent of instructor. 3 credits.
PHY 485
Condensed Matter Physics
Properties of condensed matters and their applications in materials science. Structures
of classical and quantum liquids. Correlations in lower dimensional systems.
Localization and magnetism. Superconductivity and superfluidity. Polymers and
liquid crystals. Prerequisite:PHY 481. 3 credits
PHY 491
Independent Study
Independent study of a topic in physics not specifically included in
the regular course offerings. The grade will depend on requirements
outlined in a written contract between student and instructor agreed
upon prior to beginning the course. Prerequisites: PHY
180, 180L, 181,181L, 182, 182L and
consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.
PHY 493
Undergraduate
Research and Special Problems in Physics
Laboratory or research
work on a project that demonstrates the student's ability to apply his
or her knowledge of physics. A 30- minute talk on the project is
required. Prerequisites: Nine credits of upper-division physics courses
and consent of instructor. 1-3 credits.