PHYSICSAssociate Professors Grant, Munley; Teaching Associate Price; Assistant Professors Balasubramanian, Fleenor; Adjunct Research Professor Sihver The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics requires the student to complete a minimum of 12 course units in physics and related fields. These must include Physics 201, 202, 203, 315, 350, 370, 432, 480, and Mathematics 331. Three additional units chosen from the following with two of these three units at the 400-level: Any 400-level physics course; MATH 402, 482; CPSC 120, 170; CHEM 110 or 111, 112; BIOL 120, 215. Note: Mathematics 121 and 122 are prerequisites for Physics 201 and 202, respectively. For students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in physics, completion of one of the following “career tracks” is encouraged but not required. Biological Physics Career Track: BIOL 120, 215, PHYS 451 and 452. Experimental Physics Career Track: CHEM 110 or 111, 112, PHYS 451 and 453. Theoretical Physics Career Track: PHYS 450, 454, MATH 482 and 1 non-core physics course 400 level.
Computational Physics Career Track: PHYS 455, CPSC 120, 170, MATH 402. Minor in Physics The minor in Physics requires the student to complete six units of Physics and Mathematics including PHYS 201, 202, 203, 315, Math 122, plus one additional one unit PHYS course at the 300-level or above. Note: Mathematics 121 is a prerequisite for Physics 201. 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) 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) 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) 201 General Physics I
A calculus-based, rigorous introduction to classical mechanics, wave phenomena, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. (1) 202 General Physics II
Continuation of 201; electricity and magnetism, light, and some applications of classical physics. (1) 203 General Physics III
Continuation of 201-202 series concentrating on special and general relativity, quantum theories, and selected applications. (1) 315 Experimental Physics
Experiments in topics in advanced physics. Theory of data analysis. (1) 332 Topics in Metaphysics
A detailed examination of a topic in metaphysics. Topics for any given semester will be chosen by the instructor from among such issues as idealism and realism, language, the philosophy of mind, substance, and time. (1) May be repeated for credit. 350 Electricity and Magnetism I
Electrostatics, magnetism, direct current circuits. (1) 370 Thermal Physics
Thermal behavior of systems; energy and entropy; equations of state; changes of phase; elements of continuum and statistical approaches. (1) 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) 450 Electricity and Magnetism II
Alternating current circuit theory, Maxwell’s equations, and electromagnetic radiation. (1) 451 Advanced Laboratory
Advanced techniques in experimental measurement and design offered to students particularly interested in experimental physics. (1) 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) 453 Electronics
Circuit and network theory, AC circuits, diodes, transistors, and modern electronic devices. (1) 454 Quantum Mechanics
Origins of quantum theory, Schoedinger equation, centrosymmetric potentials, angular momentum, scattering, perturbation theory, and radiation. (1) 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) 480 Senior Seminar: Physics Capstone
Advanced study in selected topics in a seminar format. Scientific presentation skills and review of all areas of physics. (1) 495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. 499 Special Topics
A course offered in various formats designed to give students instruction in a subject not regularly offered. (1)
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