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• Undergraduate Spring 2022
• Physics

Undergraduate Physics

2022 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.

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I

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.

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II

PHYSCS 141

An algebra-based course in electricity and magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics and an introduction to modern physics. 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.

Class Schedule

FROM EINSTEIN TO STAR TREK

PHYSCS 150

This introductory survey course will focus on areas of modern physics that are frequently discussed but often misunderstood. The theories of Einstein and other physicists will be used to examine science fiction devices such as time machines, warp drives, and mass transporters. Integrated throughout will be a discussion of what are science, science fiction, and pseudo-science.

Class Schedule

PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS II

PHYSCS 181

A lecture/lab course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics using calculus. For majors and minors in physics, engineering, chemistry, and mathematics. Four one-hour lectures and one two-hour lab per week.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

MECHANICS - DYNAMICS

PHYSCS 310

A study of classical mechanics. Topics will include Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangean and Hamiltonian formalisms, symmetry principles, conservation laws, oscillations, central force and two-body problems, collisions and scattering cross-sections, motion in non-inertial reference frames, and rigid body motion. Required of all majors and minors in physics. Three one-hour lectures per week.

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SCIENCE

PHYSCS 316

An introduction to materials science with emphasis on general properties of materials. Topics will include bonding, crystal structure, defects in materials, failure, phase diagrams, and mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal and magnetic properties of metals, ceramics, electronic materials, composites and organic materials.

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTION TO NANOTECHNOLOGY

PHYSCS 321

Since nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field, students taking this course will develop a cross-disciplinary communication. They will learn the basics of physical phenomena at nanoscales. Through the in-class experimental activities, students will gain hands-on experience and will develop a better understanding of most common tools used in nanotechnology.

Class Schedule

MODERN PHYSICS

PHYSCS 344

Topics covered include relativity, selected topics of 20th century physics, atomic and molecular structure, elementary quantum physics and its applications in modern technology, elementary nuclear physics and fundamental particles. Laboratory experiments complement material presented in lectures.

Class Schedule

OPTICS

PHYSCS 360

This course provides an introductory study of optical phenomena. Geometrical and physical optics beginning with a mathematical treatment of light waves and their interaction with materials. Topics also include interference diffraction, spectroscopy and spectroscopic instruments, polarization, light sources and detectors, lasers, holography, and some topics in modern optics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Class Schedule

THERMAL PHYSICS

PHYSCS 364

A study of the Laws of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Thermodynamic topics include potentials, equilibrium, phase transitions and critical phenomena with applications to gasses, liquids and solids. Statistical Mechanics topics include Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein Statistics.

Class Schedule

JUNIOR SEMINAR

PHYSCS 389

Students will become familiar with physics literature and learn to write abstracts and project proposals. They 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. Students will also learn about career, internship, and graduate school opportunities and prepare materials for future applications.

Class Schedule

TRAVEL STUDY

PHYSCS 491

Variable topics. Faculty-led field courses.

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.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDENT - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

PHYSCS 498R

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.