Undergraduate Physics
Undergraduate Physics
2026 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 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.
MECHANICS - STATICS
PHYSCS 205
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
PHYSCS 414
An embedded system is a microprocessor/microcontroller-based system that is designed to perform a dedicated function with its sensors and peripherals. Many robotic, automobile, medical, industrial systems are just a few examples. This course is going to introduce the basic tools and knowledge to help you design simple embedded systems.
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.