Physics Course Descriptions

1114 GENERAL PHYSICS I

An algebra-based course. Fundamental principles of mechanics, heat and sound; with laboratory.

1214 GENERAL PHYSICS II

Fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1114 or department approval)

2014 ENGINEERING PHYSICS I

Fundamental principles of mechanics, heat, and sound; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: MATH 2215)

2114 ENGINEERING PHYSICS II

Fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 2015 or department approval)

3014 MECHANICS

Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with analytical and computational methods. Hamiltonian and Lagrangian dynamics. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115 and MATH 2315)

3114 GENERAL ASTRONOMY

(Sp) An introduction to the concepts of modern astronomy. The solar system, the sun and stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, current theories of the origin, evolution and fate of the universe; with laboratory. (Same as PSCI 3114) (Prerequisite: departmental approval)

3214 OPTICS

Geometric, physical, and introductory wave optics with traditional and computational laboratories. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2215)

3612 RADIOACTIVITY & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

Study of nuclear disintegrations and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation; with laboratory. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1214 or 2115 or CHEM 1415) (Same as CHEM 3612)

3713 MODERN PHYSICS

Special relativity, quantum theory, atomic theory, nuclear structure and reactions, elementary particles, cosmology, molecular and solid-state physics. (Prerequisite: PHYS 1214 or 2115)

4012 EXPERIMENTAL PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS

Topics include technical writing, data analysis, electronics, computer control of instrumentation, experiments in modern physics, and an introduction to computational physics. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4114 ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM

Theory of static and dynamic electric and magnetic fields. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2315)

4314 THERMODYNAMICS

Heat, thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1214 or 2115, and MATH 2315)

4662 THERMODYNAMICS LABORATORY

Laboratory study of ideal gases laws, enthalpy, entropy, calorimetry, and other thermodynamic concepts, including mathematical and instrumental methods.

4813 QUANTUM MECHANICS

Development of wave mechanics; the Schrodinger equation with application to simple systems, the hydrogen atom, and the harmonic oscillator; the formal structure of quantum mechanics and approximation methods. (Prerequisites: PHYS 3713 and MATH 2315)

4960 DIRECTED READING

Individualized literature study selected in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4970 SPECIAL STUDIES

Individualized project selected with the advice of the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

4980 SEMINAR

Small group study of topic announced by department (Prerequisite: department approval)

4990 RESEARCH

Independent investigation designed in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

5960 DIRECTED READINGS

Individualized literature study selected in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

5970 SPECIAL STUDIES

Individualized project selected with the advice of the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)

5980 SEMINAR

Small group study of topic announced by department (Prerequisite: department approval)

5990 RESEARCH

Independent investigation designed in consultation with the professor. (Prerequisite: department approval)