Course Descriptions
101 Concepts
An introduction to concepts of classical and modern physics designed for students without calculus. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 202.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 2 1 /2 hrs/wk.
103 Fundamental Physics I
The first half of a full-year elementary physics course using trigonometry, but not calculus, with emphasis on biological applications of physics. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 201.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
104 Fundamental Physics II
The second half of a full-year elementary physics course using trigonometry, but not calculus, with emphasis on biological applications of physics. (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.
A calculus-based, rigorous introduction to classical mechanics, wave phenomena, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 121.
Continuation of 201; electricity and magnetism, light, and some applications of classical physics. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 201 and Mathematics 122.
Continuation of 201-202 series concentrating on special and general relativity, quantum theories, and selected applications. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.
Experiments in topics in advanced physics. Theory of data analysis. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 6 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
350 Electricity and Magnetism I
Electrostatics, magnetism, direct current circuits. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.
Thermal behavior of systems; energy and entropy; equations of state; changes of phase; elements of continuum and statistical approaches. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
405, 406, 407 Independent Study in Physics
Advanced physics majors work under the guidance of the department faculty. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
416 Internship
Field experience in a physics-related area such as health physics in an appropriate industry or business. Permission of the department. (1)
Central force motion, coupled systems, rigid body motion, the Lagrangian formulation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202 and Mathematics 331.
450 Electricity and Magnetism II
Alternating current circuit theory, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic radiation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 350.
Advanced techniques in experimental measurement and design offered to students particularly interested in experimental physics. (1)
Laboratory: 6 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 315.
The role of physical theory, models, and experimental techniques in the study of biological systems. Topics include biomechanics, transport through membranes, feedback and control, nuclear radiation effects, nuclear medicine, models of chemoreception, and electrical properties of cells and organisms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
Circuit and network theory, AC circuits, diodes, transistors, and modern electronic devices. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
Origins of quantum theory, Schoedinger equation, centrosymmetric potentials, angular momentum, scattering, perturbation theory, and radiation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
A first course in scientific computing, the course surveys techniques for modeling physical systems. Topics include numerical differentiation, quadrate, ordinary and partial differential equations, and simulation and approximation methods. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202 and Math 331.
480 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.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
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.
Student-Professor Team Researches Wireless Networking
Their research will help wireless companies search for ways to use the least number of channels that will allow the greatest number of users.
