Course Descriptions
102 Introductory Physics for Life Science
This course provides an overview of topics in physics that are of particular importance to the life and medical sciences. The course is non-calculus based and covers mechanics (units, motion, biomechanics, energy) electricity and magnetism, heat, atomic and nuclear physics, fluids, waves, and instrumentations, all in the context of biological systems. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed PHYS 201; credit may not be received for both PHYS 102 and PHYS 103.) (1)
Lecutre: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Algebra- and trigonometry-based introduction to classical mechanics including the equations of motion forces, energy, momentum, rotation, fluid dynamics, waves and sound. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed PHYS 201; credit may not be received for both PHYS 102 and PHYS 103.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Algebra-and trigonometry-based introduction to thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, light, ad optics. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 202.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 103 or Physics 201.
190 Physics & Engineering Colloquium
An on-going discussion of the differences between physics, engineering, and other sciences, all within the context of problem-solving, disciplinary content, the scientific process, the role and boundaries of science, new discovery and cutting-edge technology, and historical biography. (1/2)
Lecture: 2hrs/wk
Introduces the engineering profession, ethics and professional responsibility, teamwork and professional communication. Use of hand calculators and graphing, implementing unit conversions, engineering problem-solving procedures, computing tools (programming for engineering - use of MATLAB, spreadsheets and graphing), technical writing, and definition/identification/modeling of an engineering problem/system. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
192 Engineering Design & Methods
Introduces the methods of conceptual design (orthographic projections and computer aided drafting), mathematical modeling, prototyping and communication. Focus on developing proficiency in implementing the design process (validating potential design problems, systematic methods to develop and select solutions, prototyping and iterating to optimize solutions, communicating the final solutions to a broad audience). (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: MATH 121, PHYS 191 and PHYS 201.
Calculus-based, introduction to classical mechanics including forces and motion, energy, momentum, rotation, fluid dynamics, waves and sound (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 121.
Calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism, light, and optics including interference phenomena. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 201 and Mathematics 122.
Calculus-based introduction to relativity, quantum phenomena (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.
A research project in physics. May be repeated for credit. (1/2)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This intermediate-level course introduces mathematical topics needed by second year physics majors to be successfully prepared for handling upper-level physics courses. Topics are designed to elucidate applications in physics using vector analysis, coordinate systems, matrix methods, ordinary differential and partial differential equations, Div-Grad-Curl techniques, Infinite series, complex analysis, Fourier and Laplace transforms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PHYS 201, 202, and MATH 122.
Laboratory experiments related to advanced and modern topics in physics. Data Analysis, error propagation, and written and oral scientific presentation skills. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.
330 Theoretical Mechanics
Developed examination of central force motion, coupled systems, rigid body motion, and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202 and Mathematics 331.
Developed examination of electrostatics, potential theory, dielectric media, magnetostatics, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
Examination of the thermal behavior of systems, equations of state, phase transitions, and elements of continuum and statistical approaches. (1)
Lecture: 3hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202
Introductory examination of the wave formulation and notation in solving the time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations including reflection/transmission, barriers, and the hydrogen atom. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202
405, 406, 407 Independent Study in Physics
A research project in physics that results in the production of a scholarly paper and an oral presentation. May be repeated for credit. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisite: Permission from Instructor
Field experience in a physics-related area such as health physics in an appropriate industry or business. Permission of the department. (1)
Examination of the role of physical theory, models, and experimental techniques in the study of biological systems. Topics include biomechanics, membrane transport, electromagnetic properties of cells and organisms, and medical instrumentation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202
An introduction to the foundational theories and unifying nature of the subject of astrophysics. Principles to be studied include interstellar and radiative theory, stellar formation and evolution sequence, galaxy observations and environments, and cosmology. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.
An introduction to the physics of materials including the collective behavior of atoms and molecules, crystal structure, mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic properties of metals, electronic materials, composites, and nanostructures. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202
A theoretical introduction to optical phenomena which includes wave motion, geometric principles, polarization, and inference. A significant amount of the course will also be dedicated to the principles of spectroscopic physics, including both optical and non-optical feature generation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
490 Senior Seminar: Physics Capstone
Advanced study in selected topics in a seminar format. Scientific presentation skills and review of all areas of physics. (1)
Prerequisite: Permission
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisite: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
A course offered in various formats designed to give students instruction in a subject not regularly offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.