PHYSICS

Associate Professors Barghouty, Grant, Munley; Teaching Associate Price; Adjunct Research Professors Sihver, Tsao

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics requires the student to complete a minimum of 14 course units in physics and related fields. These must include Physics 201, 202, 203, 315, 350, 370, 432, 499, and Mathematics 121, 122, 331.Three additional units chosen from courses listed within the "career tracks" listed below. Two of these three units must be at the 400-level. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete one of the "career tracks."

Biological Physics Career Track: BIOL 120, 215, PHYS 451 and 452.

Experimental Physics Career Track: CHEM 111, 112, PHYS 451 and 453.

Theoretical Physics Career Track: PHYS 450, 454, MATH 482 and 1 non-core physics course 400 level or above.

Computational Physics Career Track: PHYS 455, CPSC 120, 170, MATH 402.

A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics requires the student to complete a minimum of 11 course units in physics and related fields. These must include: PHYS 201, 202, 203, 315, 370, 499; MATH 121, 122; CHEM 111, 112 and one unit of Biology (BIOL 115 or above).

Minor in Physics

The minor in Physics requires the student to complete seven units of Physics and Mathematics including: PHYS 201, 202, 203, 315; MATH 121, 122, plus one additional one unit PHYS course at the 300-level or above.

101 Concepts

An introduction to concepts of classical and modern physics designed for students without calculus. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 202.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 2 1 /2 hrs/wk.

103 Fundamental Physics I

The first half of a full-year elementary physics course using trigonometry, but not calculus, with emphasis on biological applications of physics. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 201.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.

104 Fundamental Physics II

The second half of a full-year elementary physics course using trigonometry, but not calculus, with emphasis on biological applications of physics. (May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Physics 202.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 103 or Physics 201.

201 General Physics I

A calculus-based, rigorous introduction to classical mechanics, wave phenomena, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 121.

202 General Physics II

Continuation of 201; electricity and magnetism, light, and some applications of classical physics. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 201 and Mathematics 122.

203 General Physics III

Continuation of 201-202 series concentrating on special and general relativity, quantum theories, and selected applications. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.

315 Experimental Physics

Experiments in topics in advanced physics. Theory of data analysis. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 6 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.

350 Electricity and Magnetism I

Electrostatics, magnetism, direct current circuits. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202.

370 Thermal Physics

Thermal behavior of systems; energy and entropy; equations of state; changes of phase; elements of continuum and statistical approaches. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.

405, 406, 407 Independent Study in Physics

Advanced physics majors work under the guidance of the department faculty. (1/2, 1, 1/2)

416 Internship

Field experience in a physics-related area such as health physics in an appropriate industry or business. Permission of the department. (1)

432 Theoretical Mechanics

Central force motion, coupled systems, rigid body motion, the Lagrangian formulation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 202 and Mathematics 331.

450 Electricity and Magnetism II

Alternating current circuit theory, Maxwell’s equations, and electromagnetic radiation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Physics 350.

451 Advanced Laboratory

Advanced techniques in experimental measurement and design offered to students particularly interested in experimental physics. (1)
Laboratory: 6 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 315.

452 Biological Physics

The role of physical theory, models, and experimental techniques in the study of biological systems. Topics include biomechanics, transport through membranes, feedback and control, nuclear radiation effects, nuclear medicine, models of chemoreception, and electrical properties of cells and organisms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.

453 Electronics

Circuit and network theory, AC circuits, diodes, transistors, and modern electronic devices. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.

454 Quantum Mechanics

Origins of quantum theory, Schoedinger equation, centrosymmetric potentials, angular momentum, scattering, perturbation theory, and radiation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.

455 Computational Physics

A first course in scientific computing, the course surveys techniques for modeling physical systems. Topics include numerical differentiation, quadrate, ordinary and partial differential equations, and simulation and approximation methods. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Physics 202 and Math 331.

495, 496, 497 Honors Project

A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisite: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)

499 Special Topics

A course offered in various formats designed to give students instruction in a subject not regularly offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.