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Undergraduate Physics
Undergraduate Physics
2023 Spring Term
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ANALOG AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
PHYSCS 330
An introductory lab-based course in electronics with emphasis on solid state devices, diode and amplifier circuits, waveform generation, operational amplifiers, digital circuitry and microcomputer applications to physical measurement.
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.
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.
VIBRATIONS AND WAVES
PHYSCS 424
This course emphasizes the relationship between vibrations and waves. Topics include free and damped vibrations in linear and non-linear systems with one- and several-degrees of freedom, longitudinal and transverse waves, and the wave equation. Analytic treatment and applications to real phenomena are stressed throughout this course.
PHYSICS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
PHYSCS 493
The course gives the student an opportunity to intersperse full time study with full time employment. The student will be interviewed by a potential employer identified by the Physics Department. If accepted as an employee, the student may work from one to four terms. A work term is defined as a semester or a summer of employment. No more than two credits may be counted towards the Physics Major. A written report is required.
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.
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.