Physics (PHYS)

This course introduces beginning physics majors to the study of physics in the department of Physics and Astronomy. Students become acquainted with current research topics in physics and astronomy. The course includes an overview of library methods and programming skills used during physics course work. Students engage in dialogues regarding diversity, equity and inclusion within the physics community and the evolving relationship between physicists and society.

This introductory practicum course is designed to expose beginning physics majors to a variety of research topics studied and methodologies used across the department of physics and astronomy. The course emphasizes direct involvement in the cutting-edge research of faculty members and their groups, with active contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Students will begin to develop skills in scientific organization, collaboration, data acquisition, analysis and communication of results to general audiences in written and oral formats.

A study of the physical properties of light and sound waves. Topics include production, propagation and spectral analysis of waves. Applications to be covered include musical instruments, sound reproduction, room acoustics, optical instruments (cameras, projectors, lasers), and color in art and nature. The course will include outside-of-class experiential activities. May be used for general education credit.

A study of fundamental physical principles pertinent to life processes. Areas include mechanics, thermal energy, fluids, sound, electricity and optics. Realistic biological examples are used to illustrate the relationship between physics and the life sciences. A working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. May be used for general education credit.

A laboratory course designed to complement the PHYS 125 lecture course. Laboratory exercises explore the application of physics to living systems. May be used for general education credit.

The first semester of a non-calculus sequence in general physics. Topics include principles of mechanics, thermal properties of matter, wave motion and sound. A working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. May be used for general education credit.

This laboratory course is designed to complement and supplement the PHYS 140 lecture course. PHYS 140L may be used for general education credit.

The second semester of a non-calculus sequence in general physics. Topics include electric charges, circuits, magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.

These laboratory courses are designed to complement and supplement the PHYS 140-PHYS 150 lecture courses.

Energy use, sources and trends; fossil fuels, heat-work conversions, thermodynamic restrictions and electric power production; nuclear fission reactors and fusion energy; solar energy and technologies; alternative energy sources; energy storage; energy conservation; issues of waste and safety. Environmental, social and economic aspects will be discussed. Not open to ISAT majors scheduled to take ISAT 212 as part of their degree requirements. May be used for general education credit.

Kinematics, dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, oscillatory motion, fluid mechanics and waves. May be used for general education credit.

This laboratory course is designed to complement and supplement the PHYS 240 lecture courses. PHYS 240L may be used for general education credit.

This laboratory supplements the PHYS 240 lecture course by establishing the experimental basis of physics. Topics include conception, design and performance of experiments in physics emphasizing data acquisition, analysis of experimental data, and the handling of experimental uncertainties.

This intermediate laboratory course is designed to prepare students for the advanced laboratory sequence and undergraduate research in physics or astronomy. The course emphasizes the conceptualization, design and execution of experiments in physics. Students will develop skills in the techniques of acquiring and analyzing data, performing error analysis, drawing conclusions from experiments, and presenting results in both written and oral form.

Electric forces, fields and potentials; capacitance, dielectrics, resistance and DC circuits; magnetic fields, induced electric fields, inductance and AC circuits; geometrical optics, interference, diffraction and polarization.

This laboratory course is designed to complement and supplement the PHYS 250: University Physics II lecture courses.

The course will cover oscillations and wave dynamics, special relativity, and rotational kinematics and dynamics.

A course in modern physics, consisting of a discussion of the experimental basis for and fundamental principles of quantum physics, with applications to atomic structure and nuclear physics.

This lab course introduces students to the experiments that revolutionized the field of physics around the turn of the 20th century. Topics include the properties of electrons, atoms, molecules and photons and their interactions. Students will utilize advanced data taking and analysis techniques and expand their programming skills.

An introduction to the design and fabrication of laboratory apparatus using machine tools.

Topics in physics at the second-year level. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Topics selected may dictate prerequisites. Students should consult instructor prior to enrolling for course.

An introduction to the science of learning and how it informs teaching and learning in laboratory and field-based natural sciences. Special emphasis is given to conceptual change, metacognition and effective teaching strategies based on learning science, science discourse and argumentation, and safety.

Physical models are used to explain biological systems. Topics from biology include cell division, replication, transcription, and translation of DNA, protein folding, and molecular motors. Physics topics include entropy and free energy, diffusion, statistical mechanics of two state systems. Experimental tools for biophysics are also discussed..

The basic mathematical descriptions of both Einstein's special and general theories of relativity are introduced through specific physical cases and calculus-based lectures. Special relativity is explored through its physical consequences on a variety of phenomena. General relativity is studied by considering the effects of gravity on space-time curvature on astrophysical objects. Simple numerical experiments in both special and general relativity will be conducted as class projects.

This is an introduction to current themes and ideas which confront the fundamental nature of matter and interactions. The most widely accepted theory, the Standard Model, will be explored. Possible extension, beyond the Standard Model physics, will be discussed. Basic properties such as charge, mass, and lepton number will be examined within these frameworks. Experiments that illuminate the basic nature of matter and ideas such as symmetry and quantum physics will be reviewed and assessed.

A study of the forces between atoms, crystal structure, lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids, free electron theory of metals, band theory of solids, semiconductors and dielectrics.

An introduction to the study of the atomic nucleus. Topics covered include static nuclear properties and movements, the force between nucleons, the deuteron, nucleon scattering, isospin, nuclear structure, radioactivity, decay kinematics and selection rules, fission, and fusion.

An introduction to nuclear science that will provide a solid foundation for experimental work in applied nuclear physics. Detection of ionizing radiation, as it applies to nuclear physics, will be additionally covered in the laboratory-component of the course. Topics include concepts of radioactive decays, radiation transport and interaction with matter, basics of radiation detection devices, dosimetry, radiation therapy, X-ray production, and fission nuclear reactors.

Application of the fundamental laws of mechanics to particles and rigid bodies. Topics include statics, dynamics, central forces, oscillatory motion and generalized coordinates.

Introductory study of nonlinear dynamics and chaos intended primarily for upper-level undergraduates in science or mathematics. Topics include stability, bifurcations, phase portraits, strange attractors, fractals, and selected applications of nonlinear dynamics in pure and applied science. Computers may be utilized for simulations and graphics.

A continuation of PHYS 340 including Lagrangian dynamics, rigid body motion and the theory of small oscillations.

The first course in a three-course laboratory sequence. A set of advanced laboratory experiences in which students are introduced to experimentation in several areas of physics while gaining experience in experiment design, data analysis, formal report writing and presentations.

This is the second course in a three-course laboratory sequence. A set of advanced laboratory experiences in which students are introduced to experimentation in several areas of physics while gaining experience in experiment design, data analysis, formal report writing and presentations.

This is the third course in a three-course laboratory sequence. A set of advanced laboratory experiences in which students are introduced to experimentation in several areas of physics while gaining experience in experiment design, data analysis, formal report writing and presentations.

In this advanced laboratory, students perform experiments from several areas of physics.

A study of the electrostatic field, the magnetic field, direct and alternating currents, and electromagnetic waves.

DC and AC circuits, spectral and pulse circuit response, semiconductor physics, and simple amplifier and oscillator circuits.

Introduces the student to the application of vector calculus to the description of fluids. The Euler equation, viscosity and the Navier-Stokes equation will be covered.

This course represents an introduction to sound, hearing, and vibration. Architectural, biological and environmental acoustics will also be discussed. Students will develop an ability to use mathematical models and experimental techniques to study problems in acoustics and to transfer this knowledge to analogous situations. They will also develop an ability to conduct a semester-long research or expository project and present it in written and oral form to an audience of peers.

Transistors, integrated circuits, logic families, gates, latches, decoders, multiplexers, multivibrators, counters and displays.

Microcontrollers, their instructions, architecture and applications.

An introduction to materials science with emphasis on general properties of materials. Topics will include crystal structure, extended and point defects, and mechanical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of metals, ceramics, electronic materials, composites and organic materials.

A treatment of the thermal properties of matter from both macroscopic and microscopic viewpoints. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, heat, work, internal energy, entropy, elementary statistical concepts, ensembles, classical and quantum statistics and kinetic theory. Approximately equal attention will be given to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.

A review of the common analytical techniques used in materials science related industries today, including the evaluation of electrical, optical, structural and mechanical properties. Typical techniques may include Hall Effect, scanning probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry and x-ray diffraction.

An introduction to the study of autonomous robotic platforms. Topics include robot structure, propulsion systems, robot kinematics, sensors used in robotics, and sensor integration. The course combines lectures with laboratory activities in which students will get hands-on experience in designing, building, programming, and testing autonomous robotic platforms.

The course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic elements of mobile robots. The course will provide students the opportunity to work with engineers and experts in the field of robotics to build a mobile robot while addressing the issues of control and principles of operation. The course will take advantage of the 4VA telepresence system to bring together experts and students from outside locations to supplement local instruction.

Interdisciplinary team based course in which real world problems will be analyzed and tackled using robotics. May be repeated for credit when course content changes.

Applications of automatic computation in the study of various physical systems. Problems are taken from mechanics of particles and continua, electromagnetism, optics, quantum physics, thermodynamics and transport physics.

Participation in the department seminar program.

Participation in the department seminar program.

Topics in physics at intermediate level. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Topics selected may dictate prerequisites. Students should consult instructor prior to enrolling for course.

An individual project related to some aspect of physics or astronomy. Must be under the guidance of a faculty advisor. A student may not earn more than a total of 4 credits for PHYS 398 and ASTR 398.

A study of the kinematic properties and physical nature of light including reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, polarization, coherence and holography.

This course provides a survey of geophysical methods, with joint attention on near-surface and solid earth applications. Topics include seismology, heat flow, gravity, magnetism, electrical methods, ground penetrating radar and geophysical aspects of plate tectonics. Labs focus on practical experience with data acquisition, reduction and interpretation and are a combination of field, classroom and computational activities.

An introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of lasers and their applications in the physical sciences.

Principles and applications of quantum mechanics. Topics include wave packets and the uncertainty principle, the Schroedinger equation, one-dimensional potentials, operators and eigenvectors, three-dimensional motion and angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom.

This course is a continuation of topics from mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical Mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics. The course may include topics from mechanics (Lagrangian dynamics, rigid body motion), electricity and magnetism (solution of Maxwell's equations in the presence of matter), thermodynamics and statistical mechanics (dynamical statistical mechanics) and quantum mechanics (beyond the hydrogen atom).

The chemistry and physics of materials of the nanometer scale will be explored. Lectures will cover contemporary issues in surfaces, self-assembly and low dimensional materials. The intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and physics will be explored through nanoscience.

The chemistry and physics of materials of the nanometer scale will be explored. Labs will cover contemporary issues in surfaces, self-assembly and low dimensional materials. The intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and physics will be explored through nanoscience.

Principal course activities are participation in the departmental assessment program and attendance at departmental seminars.

Principal course activities are participation in the departmental assessment program and attendance at departmental seminars.

Topics in physics at the advanced level. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Topics selected may determine prerequisites. Students should consult instructor prior to enrolling for course.

Research in a selected area of physics or astronomy as arranged with a faculty research advisor. A student may not earn more than a total of 6 credits for ASTR 498 / PHYS 498. Prerequisite: Proposal for study must be approved prior to registration.

Participation in this course must be approved during the second semester of the junior year. For details, see catalog section entitled "Graduation with Distinction."