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• Undergraduate Fall 2007
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Undergraduate Physics

2007 Fall 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

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I (GL)

PHYSCS 140

An algebra-based course in classical mechanics at the introductory level. The content covers kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation laws, oscillations and waves, applications to fluids and elasticity, and thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Applications to the life and health sciences are emphasized, and essential MCAT subject matter is included. Basic understanding of trigonometry and the manipulation of vectors is necessary. Students with adequate mathematical preparation may wish to consider taking the PHYSCS 180 series. Four one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS III

PHYSCS 174

A course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics. For majors and minors in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week.

Class Schedule

PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS I (GL)

PHYSCS 180

A lecture course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of mechanics, vibrations, wave motion, and thermodynamics using calculus. For majors and minors in physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics. Four one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. High school calculus recommended.

Class Schedule

FRONTIERS OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS

PHYSCS 190

An introduction to career tracks and career opportunities in engineering and physics. This course will feature readings on different career possibilities in engineering and physics and visiting lectures by practicing physicists and engineers. Professional skills, identification of career tracks, and scientific and technical communication will be emphasized. One hour lecture 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

MECHANICS - STATICS

PHYSCS 305

A study of forces on rigid bodies in equilibrium. Topics include force systems, equilibrium, distributed forces, structures, friction, internal forces, centroids and moments of inertia. This course also introduces notations and operations associated with tensor calculus.

Class Schedule

METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS

PHYSCS 324

Topics covered include methods of theoretical physics, vector analysis, differential equations of mathematical physics, analytic fuctions and integration in the complex plane, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, and their applications in physics. Three one hour lectures per week.

Class Schedule

CLASSICAL ELECTROMAGNETISM

PHYSCS 325

A study of the electrostatic field, electric multipoles, dielectrics, special methods in electrostatics, the magnetic field, magnetic materials, time-varying fields, conservation laws, and electromagnetic waves. Three one-hour lectures per week.

Class Schedule

MODERN PHYSICS

PHYSCS 344

Topics covered include relativity, elementary quantum physics, atomic and molecular stucture, elementary nuclear physics and fundamental particles. Laboratory experiments complement material presented in lectures. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

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WORKSHOP

PHYSCS 490

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.

Class Schedule

EXCHANGE STUDY

PHYSCS 497

Variable Topics

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.