Physics (PHYS)

A non-mathematical approach to the great ideas of physics and astronomy, together with their philosophical and social impact. This course is designed for non-science majors. Scientific topics include the developmental history of science, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, cosmology, relativity, quantum theory, and nuclear physics. Philosophical and social topics include methods and values of science, problems related to energy sources, and implications of modern weapons.

A non-mathematical approach to the great ideas of physics and astronomy, together with their philosophical and social impact. This course is designed for non-science majors. Scientific topics include the developmental history of science, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, cosmology, relativity, quantum theory, and nuclear physics. Philosophical and social topics include methods and values of science, problems related to energy sources, and implications of modern weapons.

A descriptive and experiential exploration of physics. Topics will be drawn from mechanics, waves, fluids, sound, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. The required preparation for this course is two years of high school mathematics or MATH 060.

A descriptive and experiential exploration of physics. Topics will be drawn from mechanics, waves, fluids, sound, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.

Qualitative introduction and historical outline of astronomy and development of physical laws used to describe the solar system, stars, galaxies, the universe, and some observational techniques. The laboratory includes extensive use of the planetarium.

Qualitative introduction and historical outline of astronomy and development of physical laws used to describe the solar system, stars, galaxies, the universe, and some observational techniques. The laboratory includes extensive use of the planetarium.

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence which makes extensive use of algebra and trigonometry covering fundamental concepts of physics. The sequence is appropriate for pre-professional majors requiring two semesters of physics. Includes basic principles of bodies at rest and in motion, periodic motion, heat, and thermodynamics. The required preparation for this course is three years of high school math including trigonometry or MATH 125.

Introductory physics course which makes extensive use of algebra and trigonometry. For students in the areas of biology, environmental science, health science and related pre-professional programs. Includes basic principles of bodies at rest and in motion, periodic motion, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and selected topics from modern physics.

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence which makes extensive use of algebra and trigonometry covering fundamental concepts of physics. The sequence is appropriate for pre-professional majors requiring two semesters of physics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and selected topics from modern physics.

Introductory physics course which makes extensive use of algebra and trigonometry. For students in the areas of biology, environmental science, health science and related pre-professional programs. Includes basic principles of bodies at rest and in motion, periodic motion, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics, and selected topics from modern physics.

Directed experimental and/or theoretical research on selected problems in the physical sciences.

This is the first course in a two-semester calculus level sequence covering fundamental concepts of physics. This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, conservation laws, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, and thermodynamics. Emphasizes the use of vectors and calculus in problem-solving.

Introductory calculus-based physics course for students pursuing fields in engineering, physics, and chemistry. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, conservation laws, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, thermodynamics, electrostatics, simple DC/AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Emphasizes the use of vectors and calculus in problem-solving.

This is the second course in a two-semester calculus level sequence covering fundamental concepts of physics. This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Topics include electrostatics, simple DC/AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Emphasizes the use of vectors and calculus in problem-solving.

Introductory calculus-based physics course for students pursuing fields in engineering, physics, and chemistry. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, conservation laws, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, thermodynamics, electrostatics, simple DC/AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Emphasizes the use of vectors and calculus in problem-solving.

Applications of equations of equilibrium to the analysis of simple structures and machines. Use will be made of vector algebra, free body diagrams, center of gravity and moment of force acting on a rigid body.

Vector treatment of kinematics, Newtons Laws, work and energy, impulse and momentum with applications to problems of particle and rigid body motion.

Directed study of selected topics in the physical sciences not covered elsewhere.

Basic electricity and circuit functions, time-varying and resonant circuits, semiconductors (diodes, transistors and other devices), amplifiers, waveform generators, and nonlinear devices.

Basic electricity and circuit functions, time-varying and resonant circuits, semiconductors (diodes, transistors and other devices), amplifiers, waveform generators, and nonlinear devices.

Course requires science programmatic tuition of $15.00 per credit

Study of physics topic not ordinarily covered in the established courses.

A sequel to PHYS 182 designed for pre-engineers, some math majors, and other science majors. Emphasis will be placed upon a vector calculus treatment of the physical concepts of electromagnetism.

A historically-based development of relativity and quantum theory as seen through the breakdown of classical physics. Investigation of the Bohr model of the atom, introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to problems involving simple forms of potential energy through the application of the Schrodinger equation. Brief introduction to topics including atomic, molecular, solid state, and nuclear physics.

Students will use a free open source software package called Blender. Blender allows users to create three dimensional object models while adding materials, textures, and movement through key frame animation. Modeling techniques will include creating scene environments and adjusting lighting. Scenes will be animated and rendered into a final movie. Movies will be created in class using two camera projections: flat and fisheye for playing in the planetarium dome. Topics include Blender Interface, Modeling, Key frame Animation, Rendering for flat & fisheye cameras, Materials, Textures, Lighting, Modifiers, 3D Text, Blender Video Editor, Particles, Paths, Physics Simulator, Blender Game Engine Logic, legal sources of free models and music for making Productions. The recommended preparation is COMP 111 or the equivalent.

Advanced physics lab for student majoring or minoring in physics. Lab experiments are derived from the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Advanced physics lab for student majoring or minoring in physics. Lab experiments are derived from the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Rigid bodies and systems of particles analyzed with Lagrangians, Hamiltonians, and methods from vector calculus, gravitation, central field problems, and wave motion.

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, dielectrics, time varying electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, applications of Gauss Law, Amperes Law, and Faradays Law in the development of Maxwells equations.

Advanced physics lab for student majoring or minoring in physics. Lab experiments are derived from the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and Modern Physics.

Advanced physics lab for student majoring or minoring in physics. Lab experiments are derived from the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and Modern Physics.

Presentations by students, faculty, and guest speakers covering research topics and issues relating to physics and/or engineering.

Study of physics topic not ordinarily covered in the established courses.

Basic principles of quantum mechanics including operators, one-dimensional wells and barriers, Schrodinger equation, uncertainty, wave-particle duality, Born interpretation, unstable states, bosons and fermions, central force problems, angular momentum, spin, addition of angular momentum, and various approximation methods.

A rigorous analysis of the thermal properties of physical systems at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. Introduction to the laws of thermodynamics, cyclic processes, and entropy functions. Development of the Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distribution functions.

Supervised work assignments in physics outside the University for selected and qualified students. Prior approval by the Physics Program of the project and of credit to be received is required.

Advanced interdisciplinary study of the physical sciences. Intensive lectures, literature reviews, and discussions on fundamental and contemporary topics that have shaped and continue to shape our understanding of physical systems. Topics vary based on the interests of the students and the instructor.