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• Undergraduate Spring 2006
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Undergraduate Physics

2006 Spring Term

Class Schedule

PHYSICS FOUNDATIONS

PHYSCS 130

This course will explore topics in classical physics (motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light) and modern physics (atomic structure, quantum mechanics, and relativity) with an emphasis on how the principles explain and predict phenomena we observe every day. Four one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Class Schedule

GENERAL PHYSICS II

PHYSCS 162

A non-calculus course in general physics concerned with the philosophy, nature and methods as well as the fundamental concepts of physics. The content covers the basic principles of electricity and magnetism, modern physics, light, and optics. Emphasizes applications of physics to the life and health sciences. Four one-hour lectures per week.

Class Schedule

GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II

PHYSCS 163

A laboratory in general physics with experiments in optics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. This is the laboratory companion of PHYSCS 162. One three-hour laboratory per week.

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INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II

PHYSCS 172

A course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of mechanics, vibrations and wave motion, and thermodynamics. For majors and minors in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week.

Class Schedule

PHYSICS FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

PHYSCS 212

This course is a one-semester introduction to physics with curriculum and instruction designed as an activity-based hands-on course for K-8 elementary education students and open to all education majors. The course emphasizes a student-oriented pedagogy in order to develop various physics concepts and the nature of science. Topics covered include motion, forces, energy, light, heat, electricity, and magnetism.

Class Schedule

INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY

PHYSCS 221

A laboratory course concentrating on techniques of recording, interpretation of, and reporting experimental data. Extensive use will be made of computers in data processing. Topics covered include data acquisition and the recording of data, error analysis, numerical analysis, graphing techniques, computational tools and report writing. Two two-hour laboratories per week.

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PHYSICS OF SOUND AND MUSIC

PHYSCS 240

A descriptive course that deals with various properties of sound, the generation of sound by traditional musical instruments and the electronic production and reproduction of sound. The physical process of hearing and the acoustical properties of rooms are also included. Three one-hour lecture periods per week.

Class Schedule

MICROPROCESSOR LABORATORY

PHYSCS 303

Laboratory experience in microprocessor addressing, digital logic circuits, microcomputer input and output techniques, digital to analog and analog to digital interfacing and device control by microcomputers. This course will not satisfy the laboratory work requirements for the physics major; the credit will count toward the major.

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MECHANICS I

PHYSCS 310

A study of classical mechanics. Topics to be covered will include vector calculus techniques, dynamics of particles and systems and central force systems. Required of all majors and minors in physics. Three one-hour lectures per week.

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MODERN PHYSICS I

PHYSCS 410

A study of twentieth century physics. Topics covered include relativity, elementary quantum physics, atomic structure, elementary nuclear physics and fundamental particles. Three one-hour lectures per week.

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PHYSICS SENIOR SEMINAR

PHYSCS 489

The course will train students in making scientific presentations, summarize the concepts and methods taught in the physics major curriculum, and prepare them for the Physics Major Field Test as the final exam in the course. Students will become familiar with physics literature and learn to write abstracts and project proposals. The will demonstrate proper methods of verbal and visual presentation by delivering a graded series of talks, concluding with a satisfactory colloquium on a physics topic. Two one-hour sessions a week.

Class Schedule

SPECIAL STUDIES

PHYSCS 496

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDY

PHYSCS 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.