Department of Physics

Course Descriptions
Catalog 2019-2020

Astronomy 

AST 1040 - Introduction to Astronomy

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

Description: This course is a brief introduction to observational astronomy is followed by a survey of the physical processes and models that describe the evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and modern cosmology. This course is taught in both the lecture and self-paced mode.

General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC2

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AST 1052 - General Astronomy I

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): High school algebra or equivalent

Description: This course introduces the methods and results of modern astronomy (solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology) at an elementary level.

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AST 3040 - Modern Cosmology

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): AST 1040 or PHY 1000 or equivalent, and completion of General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.

Description: This course is designed for non-majors. It covers the large-scale structure of the universe and such topics as gravitational theories, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, big bang universe, steady state theory, cosmological tests, dark matter, age of the universe, inflationary models, recent data, and fate of the universe.

General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

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 AST 3141- Astronomical Techniques I

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s):  MTH 1410 or AST 1040 or AST 1050 or permission from instructor

Description: This course introduces basic observational astronomy techniques via observational exercises, lab experiments, and lectures on relevant statistical techniques. Special emphasis is placed on CCD imaging and radio interferometry. 

AST 3050 - General Astronomy II

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): AST 1052 or PHY 2010 or PHY 2311

Description: This course is a continuation of AST 1052. The topics covered in this course include stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology.

Physics

PHY 1000 - Introduction to Physics

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests and high school algebra or equivalent

Description: An introductory survey course for nonscientists that emphasizes the main concepts of physics, including mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity, and magnetism, light, modern physics, and relativity. The accompanying laboratory work is designed to illustrate the material discussed in the lectures.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

PHY 1250 - Physics of Aviation

Credits: 6

Prerequisite(s): MTH 1110, or MTH 1310, or equivalent; Minimum performance standard scores on the reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests

Description: A one-semester course introducing the fundamentals of physics through technological applications, many of which are in aerospace science. Topics include measurement, motion, temperature, heat, properties of fluids, sound, oscillations, waves, and electricity and magnetism.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

PHY 2010 - College Physics I

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2030 is recommended. MTH 1120 or equivalent; and completion of either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirement in Oral Communication.

Description: This first term of a one-year sequence covers the fundamentals of physics in a basic but thorough manner. The experimental aspects of physics are emphasized in the classroom and in the laboratory. Considerable time is devoted to problem-solving. Course content includes measurement, vectors, kinematics, dynamics, gravitation, energy, momentum, rotational motion, properties of matter, heat, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics, wave motion and sound. The course is algebra-based.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

PHY 2020 - College Physics II

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2040 is recommended; PHY 2010 and completion of either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirement in Oral Communication.

Description: A continuation of PHY 2010, the algebra-based introductory physics course. Topics include electricity and magnetism, electromechanical devices, AC circuits, geometrical and physical optics and modern physics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

PHY 2030 - College Physics I Laboratory

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2010 is recommended. MTH 1120 or equivalent; and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirement in Oral Communication.

Description: The first semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work that emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on mechanics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

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PHY 2040 - College Physics II Laboratory

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2020 is recommended. Completion of either ENG 1010 or the General Studies requirement in Oral Communication.

Description: This course is the second semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work that emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments are selected to reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on electrical measurements, waves, optics and modern physics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

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PHY 2311 - General Physics I

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): MTH 1410
Corequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2321 General Physics I Laboratory is recommended. Satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Oral Communication requirement.

Description: This first term of a one-year, introductory, calculus-based physics course is suitable for science and engineering students.  The topics include motion, forces, rotations, gravity, and elasticity.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): MTH 1120 or equivalent; and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Oral Communication requirement
Corequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2311 is recommended

Description: This first semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on mechanics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

PHY 2331 - General Physics II

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): MTH 2410, PHY 2311 or equivalent, and completion of either ENG 1010 or the Oral Communication requirement.
Corequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2341 is recommended.

Description: As a continuation of PHY 2311, this second term of a one-year introductory calculus-based physics course is suitable for science and engineering students. Topics treated include electricity and magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic oscillations and waves, physical optics, and geometrical optics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1

PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): MTH 1120 or equivalent, and satisfaction of either ENG 1010 or the Oral Communication requirement
Corequisite(s): Concurrent registration with PHY 2331 is recommended.

Description: This is the second semester of a one-year sequence in laboratory work that emphasizes experimental techniques, procedures and formal report writing. Laboratory experiments reinforce or extend the work of the lecture portion of the course. Emphasis is on electrical measurements, waves, optics and modern physics.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

PHY 2711 - Vibrations, Waves and Math Methods

Credits: 4 

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2331, MTH 2420

Description: This course is an introduction to vibrations and waves associated with physical phenomena. Analytical and numerical methods will be introduced for analysis. The topics covered are harmonic oscillators, waves in elastic media, sound waves, pulses, and dispersion.

PHY 2811 - Modern Physics I

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): MTH 2420 and PHY 2331
Corequisite(s): PHY 2711

Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence which provides an introduction to modern physics. Topics include vibrations and waves, the special theory of relativity, the breakdown of classical physics, and an introduction to quantum mechanics.

PHY 3011 - Modern Physics II

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811

Description: This is the second half of a two-course sequence which provides an introduction to modern physics. The concepts and formalism of quantum physics are used to allow for an understanding of the energy levels and configuration of the hydrogen atom, the strength of molecular bonds, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, solid-state physics, band theory, nuclear and subatomic physics. An introduction to quantum statistics, general relativity, and cosmology is also given.

PHY 3082 - Energy and Environment

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 1000 or PHY 2010 or equivalent

Description: This course presents the supply and usage of energy resources and the environmental problems associated with our energy usage.

PHY 3120 - Methods of Mathematical Physics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): MTH 3420 and MTH 2420

Description: This course introduces mathematical techniques useful for solving equations commonly found in physics. Topics include methods of solving partial differential equations, special functions, and integral transforms.

PHY 3211 - Analytical Mechanics

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2711 and MTH 3420, or Permission of instructor

: This is a course in mechanics at the intermediate level. Topics include the Lagrange and Hamilton formulations, the two-body problem, rigid-body motion, and small oscillations.

PHY 3411 - Thermal Physics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): MTH 3420, PHY 2711, or Permission of instructor

Description: This course covers the basic concepts of the three related disciplines of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. The treatment includes both microscopic and macroscopic behavior of various classical and quantum systems of non interacting particles and spins.

PHY 3620 - Sound and Music

Credits: 3

Description: This course will consider the basic nature of sound waves, the ear and hearing, musical instruments, and acoustics. Although this course is mainly descriptive, some high school algebra will be used.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences

PHY 3711 - Physics Laboratory I

Credits: 2

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811

Description: This is the first term of a one-year sequence in laboratory work at the junior level. Topics include electrical measurements, electrical measuring systems, and experimental optics.

PHY 3721 - Physics Laboratory II

Credits: 2

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811

Description: This is a continuation of PHY 3711.

PHY 3811 - Quantum Physics

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): MTH 3420, PHY 2811, PHY 2711 or Permission of instructor

Description: This is a course in which both wave mechanics and matrix mechanics are developed and applied to selected problems in atomic physics. Particular topics include solutions to the time-independent Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, electron spin, and approximation methods.

PHY 4331 - Electricity and Magnetism

Credits: 4

Prerequisite(s): MTH 3420 and PHY 2711, or Permission of instructor

Description: This is a course in electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level. Topics include Maxwell’s equations, boundary value problems, electrodynamics, and electromagnetic radiation.

PHY 4510 - Optics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2711 or equivalent

Description: This course presents a contemporary treatment of selected topics in optics, such as matrix methods in geometrical optics, the Fourier analysis approach to physical optics, and the interaction of light with matter.

PHY 4550 - Astrophysics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2711, MTH 3420

Description: This course covers stellar astrophysics, solar physics, star formation, stellar evolution, processes in the interstellar medium, galactic dynamics and evolution, formation of galaxies, and cosmology.

PHY 4560 - Planetary Physics

Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811, PHY 2711, MTH 3420, completion of General Studies requirements and Senior standing or Permission of instructor

Description: This course is an upper-division elective on the formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems. The course also includes discussions of celestial dynamic, planetary geology, planetary atmospheres and the evolution of life.

PHY 4611 - Computational Physics 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811, PHY 2711, MTH 3420, completion of General Studies requirements and Senior standing or Permission of instructor

Description: This course introduces more advanced methods of computational physics. Several complex physical phenomena are modeled numerically. Topics include nonlinear second-order differential equations associated with Newton’s second law, partial differential equations associated with the wave equation, heat diffusion, Schrödinger’s equation, and methods of fitting and analyzing data.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience

PHY 4650 - Solid State Physics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 3411 and PHY 3811 or Permission of instructor

Description: A course in which the basic thermal and electrical properties of solids are explained in terms of the Brillouin zone structures of phonons and electrons.

PHY 4711 - Advanced Physics I Laboratory

Credits: 2

Prerequisite(s): PHY 3711, completion of General Studies requirements, Senior standing, or Permission of instructor

Description: This course provides laboratory work at the advanced undergraduate level. Individual student projects are emphasized.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience

PHY 4721 - Advanced Physics II Laboratory

Credits: 2

Prerequisite(s): PHY 3711, completion of General Studies requirements, and Senior standing.

Description: This course focuses on individual student projects in experimental physics at the advanced undergraduate level.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience

PHY 4810 - Atomic and Molecular Structure

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 3811

Description: A course in which quantum mechanical methods are applied to problems in atomic and molecular physics, such as the one-electron atom, atomic and molecular spectra, and particle scattering.

PHY 4820 - Subatomic Physics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): PHY 4810

Description: An introductory treatment of the various concepts and models used to describe nuclear and high-energy particle phenomena.

PHY 4921 - Physics Senior Seminar

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): PHY 4711 or permission of instructor; completion of General Studies requirements and senior standing
Corequisite(s): PHY 4620 or PHY 4721 or permission of instructor

Description: This is a course in which graduating seniors report on individual projects to their peers and the department faculty.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience

PHY 4950 - General Relativity

Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHY 2811, PHY 2711, MTH 3420, completion of General Studies requirements and Senior standing or Permission of instructor

Description: This course is a senior level, one-semester treatment of the topic of General Relativity and modern Gravitational Theory.  The course includes a thorough treatment of special relativistic mechanics and relativistic electromagnetic theory.  The course also includes a description of curved space-time and the treatment of gravity as space-time geometry.