PHYS191: University Physics I

This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 122 is prerequisite or co-requisite.

PHYS192: University Physics II

Calculus-based course. Study of some principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics include: wave motion, sound and noise pollution, optics, electricity, lasers, nuclear theory, radiation, nuclear reactors, waste disposal. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 221 is prerequisite or corequisite.

PHYS204: Selected Topics in Contemporary History of Science

A study which will consider the most important discoveries of the twentieth century that are changing our world and the events leading to the inventions. These concepts will be related to twentieth century idealism, materialism, and ideas of progress. No prior knowledge of science of mathematics is assumed and the course could be used as a sequential to PHYS 104 History of Science. 3 sh.

PHYS205: Scientific Principles of Technology

The practical implications of physical concepts on technology will be studied, emphasizing how technical machines work. Cross listed with Curriculum and Teaching, INDS 205. 3 sh.

PHYS210: Mechanics

Classical mechanics: Kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, statics, work and energy, oscillations, general motion, central force motion, non-inertial frames, system of particles, methods of handling data. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 191.

PHYS240: Electricity and Magnetism

Basic principles of electromagnetism: Coulomb's law and general techniques in electrostatics, currents and their associated magnetic field, electromagnetic induction and magnetic properties of materials. Foundations of Maxwell's equations (without detailed solutions). Laboratory experiments. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192. MATH 222 is a prerequisite or corequisite.

PHYS242: Circuit Theory

Introduces basic methods in circuit analysis and design. Topics include linear electric circuits and their response, circuit theorems, filters, Fourier analysis of different inputs and outputs, and transmission lines. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192 or PHYS 194 and MATH 221.

PHYS245: Electronics and Digital Circuits

An introduction to the principles of amplifiers, waveform generators, and digital circuits, with emphasis on the use of commonly available integrated circuit packages. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192 or 194.

PHYS247: Microprocessors and Their Applications

One semester course providing an introduction to the principles, operations and applications of microprocessors including experiment control and data manipulation. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192 or 194.

PHYS280: Astronomy

Application of physical laws to the earth as a planet; nature of the other planets; orbital motion and space flight; origin of the solar system; the birth, life and death of a star galactic structure; and cosmology. Meets the University Writing Requirement for PHAS and PHYS majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 191, 192 or PHYS 193, 194.

PHYS310: Advanced Mechanics

Classical mechanics; transformations, oscillators, generalized motion; Lagrange's equations; Hamilton's equation; small oscillations; wave propagation. (Offered alternate years.) Meets the University Writing Requirement for PHYS majors. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 222, and 420, and PHYS 210.

PHYS322: Digital Communications

Digital communications will focus on the conversion of information into digital structure and the transmission of information within networks comprised of intelligent machines and humans. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 122.

PHYS340: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism

Dielectric materials; image calculations; Laplace's equation; magnetic materials and flux; A.C. networks; nonsinusoidal AC; transients and pulses; electromagnetic radiation. (Offered alternate years.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 420.

PHYS341: Electronic Fundamentals

Circuit conditions; analysis of electronic concepts, theoretically and experimentally. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 205.

PHYS350: Optics

Propagation of light, optical components, instruments and photometry. Interference, diffraction and polarization with elements of spectroscopy. (Offered alternate years.) Meets the University Writing Requirement for PHAS, PHPS, PHYE and PHYS majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 240.

PHYS377: Mathematical Physics

Vector analysis, complex variables, ordinary and partial differential equations, matrices. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: 2 years of physics and MATH 222.

PHYS380: Observational Astronomy

Observational techniques for the Moon, planets, satellites of other planets, asteroids, comets, stars, star clusters, and galaxies. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 191, PHYS 192 or PHYS 193, PHYS 194.

PHYS430: Computer Simulations of Physical Systems

This course applies computer techniques and numerical analysis to model physical systems. Simulations and calculations will be done of falling bodies, gravitational orbits, scattering, oscillations, electrical circuits, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo techniques, chaos, and quantum systems. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 221, PHYS 191, PHYS 192, and CMPT 183.

PHYS446: Micro-Computer Technology

Manufacturing, design and consumer product application of computer technology will be emphasized. Hands-on experience with micro computers, plotters, digitizers, printers and other peripherals will aid the student in developing an appreciation for the less publicized applications of the computer. Software, firmware and hardware will be illustrated and discussed, especially as related to interfacing. Numerical controlled machining and robotics will also be studied. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 240 and CMPT 184.

PHYS460: Modern Physics

Special relativity, kinetic theory of matter; quantization of electricity, light and energy; nuclear atom; elementary quantum mechanics and topics on solid state. (Offered alternate years.) 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 210, 240.

PHYS462: Nuclear Physics

Nuclear radiation; radioactive decay; detectors; nuclear spectroscopy and reactions; theories and models; fission, fusion, reactors; and application of radioisotopes. (Offered alternate years.) Meets the University Writing Requirement for PHYS majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 210, 240.

PHYS464: Quantum Mechanics

Shroedinger's wave equation, its application and interpretation; Pauli exclusion principle and spectra. (Offered alternate years.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 460.

PHYS468: Fluid Mechanics

Mechanics of continuous media, liquids and gases; stress, viscosity, Navier-Stokes and Euler Equations, exact solutions, potential flow, circulation and vorticity, dimensional analysis and asymptotic models, boundary layers, stability theory and applications to industrial and environmental problems. Cross listed with MATH 468. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 210 or MATH 222.

PHYS470: Solid State Physics

Properties of solid state matter are developed from the quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 460.

PHYS480: Astrophysics

The laws of physics applied to planetary structure, stars and their evolution in time, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and large-scale structure of the universe. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 191, 192 or PHYS 193, 194; PHYS 280; MATH 221. Prerequisite or corequisite: STAT 401.

PHYS490: Literature Research in Physics

Student considers topics in physics and gains facility in literature research techniques: topics in pure physics or related to physics education. Students intending to enroll in laboratory research in physics should use PHYS 490 to provide the literature research related to his/her laboratory problem. (Not offered every year.) 2 sh.

Prerequisites: At least 16 credit hours of physics beyond PHYS 192.

PHYS495: Laboratory Research in Physics

Solution of a laboratory problem research in pure physics or in physics education. Written report required. (Not offered every year.) 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: At least 16 credit hours of physics beyond PHYS 192.