Major Requirements/Courses
Completion of a minimum of nine and one-quarter (9 1/4) courses in physics above the 217-level, and four (4) collateral courses.
The required courses in physics are: 315, 316, 320, 460, 481, 482, and 492 (1/4 course credit), three (3) other 300+ level
physics courses selected from departmental offerings. The required collateral courses are: MAT 135, 225, 330, and 437. In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral
communication.
Curriculum Guide for Physics Majors
111. INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY.
While designed for the student with little or no background in science, this course will be directed toward understanding of the physical principles at work in the universe. Gravitation and the application of Newton's laws, optics and light phenomena, the motions of heavenly bodies, and relativity and cosmology are among the topics to be covered. Through the use of night laboratory sessions the student should learn to use astronomical instruments (including the 16-inch Cassegrain atop the Science Building) and should become familiar with astronomical phenomena. Three one-hour lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Completion of waiver of MAT 012. This course satisfies the Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) requirement. 1 Course
217. GENERAL PHYSICS I WITH ALGEBRA.
First half of a two-course sequence stressing the basic concepts of physics and problem solving, suitable for the student intending to major in the physical sciences as well as for the students in the life sciences and arts who seek a liberal arts course in classical and modern physics. Topics include Newtonian Mechanics, heat and energy. Three one-hour periods per week and one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work. Prerequisites: MAT 115, concurrent enrollment or waiver by Advanced Placement Test.1 Course
218. GENERAL PHYSICS II WITH ALGEBRA.
Second half of the introductory physics sequence. Topics include wave motion, fluids, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, light and optics. Three one-hour periods per week plus one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work. Prerequisite: MAT 125 (or concurrent enrollment), PHY 217 or permission of instructor or waiver by Advanced Placement Test. 1 Course
315. INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I WITH CALCULUS.
This is the first half of a two-course sequence which integrates the calculus with physics. It is required of Physics majors and will be taken normally during the sophomore year. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: MAT 135 or concurrent enrollment. 1 Course
316. INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II WITH CALCULUS.
This course will continue the integration of physics and calculus begun in Physics 315. Wave phenomena, electricity, and optics will be the topics covered. There will be three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: PHY 315; MAT 225 or concurrent enrollment. 1 Course
320. MODERN PHYSICS.
This course provides an introduction to topics in 20th century physics including relativity, introductory quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics. Other topics of interest may be covered as time allows. Four one-hour lectures will be given each week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 225. 1 Course
325. MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS I.
This course stresses applications of Mathematical methods and techniques to Physics that are needed in the physical sciences. Topics generally include: simple functions of applied math, quadratic and higher-power equations, simultaneous equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, geometry, vectors, complex numbers, series and approximations. Four hours of lectures per week. Prerequisites: MAT 115 or 125 (or concurrent enrollment) or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
330. MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS II.
A course of applied mathematics and techniques often required in the physical sciences. Topics may vary, but will generally include partial differential equations and boundary value problems, Fourier analysis and integral transforms, complex integration, group representations, matrices and determinants. Four hours of lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; PHY 325, MAT 330, or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
335. PHYSICAL OPTICS.
The wave nature of light is presented and optical phenomena explained in terms of the model. Wave-particle duality is also discussed. Modern topics in optics revolving around the are included. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316 or consent of the instructor; MAT 225. 1 Course
341. ADVANCED GENERAL LABORATORY.
A laboratory course dealing with some of the important experimental techniques in modern physics involving experience with such things as vacuum systems, electronic design and shop construction, classical experiments in contemporary physics, and independent research projects. One three-hour laboratory session per week. May be repeated for credit for sequential or differing experiences. Prerequisites: PHY 316. 1/4 Course
365. THERMAL PHYSICS.
An intermediate course covering the classical thermodynamics and the methods of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, with applications, statistical theory of entropy, and classical and quantum ensembles. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 330 or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
398. DIRECTED STUDY I.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.
460. ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY.
An introduction to the fundamentals of classical electricity and magnetism, and electromagnetic waves. Emphasizing vector analysis and the laws of Coulomb, Faraday, and Ampere, leading to the development of Maxwell's Theory. Three one-hour lectures per week plus one two-hour period for discussion and laboratory work where appropriate. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 330, or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
481. CLASSICAL MECHANICS.
A course covering topics in Newtonian and Lagrangian Mechanics. Topics include rectilinear motion, oscillations, rotations, three-dimensional motion,central forces, the theory of generalized coordinates and momenta. Prerequisites: PHY 315; MAT 330. 1 Course
482. QUANTUM PHYSICS.
An intermediate course in quantum theory, with applications. Topics include Schroedinger's equation, particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, quantum statistics. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 320 and 481 or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
485. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE PHYSICS.
This course provides an introduction to the area of solid state physics. Topics to be covered include crystal structure, diffraction of waves by crystal, thermal properties of solids, dielectric properties of solids, and free electron model of metals, band theory, magnetism and magnetic resonance, and superconductivity. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 320 or consent of instructor. 1 Course
486. SPECIAL TOPICS.
Directed studies in specialized area of the instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory anddiscussion sessions will be stressed with students largely responsible for the progress of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
490A. INDEPENDENT STUDY.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
490B. TEAM INITIATED STUDY.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
492. PHYSICS SEMINAR.
A course centered around readings, experiments, and research on topics approved by the departmental faculty. The seminar emphasizes oral presentations, discussion, and preparation of written reports. Normally taken in the senior year, it is open to other advanced students with permission. For details please look at the course web page at: Physics Seminar Web page. 1/4 Course
495. INTERNSHIP.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.
498. DIRECTED STUDY II.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.
While designed for the student with little or no background in science, this course will be directed toward understanding of the physical principles at work in the universe. Gravitation and the application of Newton's laws, optics and light phenomena, the motions of heavenly bodies, and relativity and cosmology are among the topics to be covered. Through the use of night laboratory sessions the student should learn to use astronomical instruments (including the 16-inch Cassegrain atop the Science Building) and should become familiar with astronomical phenomena. Three one-hour lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Completion of waiver of MAT 012. This course satisfies the Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ) requirement. 1 Course
217. GENERAL PHYSICS I WITH ALGEBRA.
First half of a two-course sequence stressing the basic concepts of physics and problem solving, suitable for the student intending to major in the physical sciences as well as for the students in the life sciences and arts who seek a liberal arts course in classical and modern physics. Topics include Newtonian Mechanics, heat and energy. Three one-hour periods per week and one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work. Prerequisites: MAT 115, concurrent enrollment or waiver by Advanced Placement Test.1 Course
218. GENERAL PHYSICS II WITH ALGEBRA.
Second half of the introductory physics sequence. Topics include wave motion, fluids, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, light and optics. Three one-hour periods per week plus one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work. Prerequisite: MAT 125 (or concurrent enrollment), PHY 217 or permission of instructor or waiver by Advanced Placement Test. 1 Course
315. INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I WITH CALCULUS.
This is the first half of a two-course sequence which integrates the calculus with physics. It is required of Physics majors and will be taken normally during the sophomore year. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: MAT 135 or concurrent enrollment. 1 Course
316. INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II WITH CALCULUS.
This course will continue the integration of physics and calculus begun in Physics 315. Wave phenomena, electricity, and optics will be the topics covered. There will be three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: PHY 315; MAT 225 or concurrent enrollment. 1 Course
320. MODERN PHYSICS.
This course provides an introduction to topics in 20th century physics including relativity, introductory quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics. Other topics of interest may be covered as time allows. Four one-hour lectures will be given each week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 225. 1 Course
325. MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS I.
This course stresses applications of Mathematical methods and techniques to Physics that are needed in the physical sciences. Topics generally include: simple functions of applied math, quadratic and higher-power equations, simultaneous equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, geometry, vectors, complex numbers, series and approximations. Four hours of lectures per week. Prerequisites: MAT 115 or 125 (or concurrent enrollment) or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
330. MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS II.
A course of applied mathematics and techniques often required in the physical sciences. Topics may vary, but will generally include partial differential equations and boundary value problems, Fourier analysis and integral transforms, complex integration, group representations, matrices and determinants. Four hours of lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; PHY 325, MAT 330, or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
335. PHYSICAL OPTICS.
The wave nature of light is presented and optical phenomena explained in terms of the model. Wave-particle duality is also discussed. Modern topics in optics revolving around the are included. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316 or consent of the instructor; MAT 225. 1 Course
341. ADVANCED GENERAL LABORATORY.
A laboratory course dealing with some of the important experimental techniques in modern physics involving experience with such things as vacuum systems, electronic design and shop construction, classical experiments in contemporary physics, and independent research projects. One three-hour laboratory session per week. May be repeated for credit for sequential or differing experiences. Prerequisites: PHY 316. 1/4 Course
365. THERMAL PHYSICS.
An intermediate course covering the classical thermodynamics and the methods of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, with applications, statistical theory of entropy, and classical and quantum ensembles. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 330 or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
398. DIRECTED STUDY I.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.
460. ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY.
An introduction to the fundamentals of classical electricity and magnetism, and electromagnetic waves. Emphasizing vector analysis and the laws of Coulomb, Faraday, and Ampere, leading to the development of Maxwell's Theory. Three one-hour lectures per week plus one two-hour period for discussion and laboratory work where appropriate. Prerequisites: PHY 316; MAT 330, or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
481. CLASSICAL MECHANICS.
A course covering topics in Newtonian and Lagrangian Mechanics. Topics include rectilinear motion, oscillations, rotations, three-dimensional motion,central forces, the theory of generalized coordinates and momenta. Prerequisites: PHY 315; MAT 330. 1 Course
482. QUANTUM PHYSICS.
An intermediate course in quantum theory, with applications. Topics include Schroedinger's equation, particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, quantum statistics. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 320 and 481 or consent of the instructor. 1 Course
485. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE PHYSICS.
This course provides an introduction to the area of solid state physics. Topics to be covered include crystal structure, diffraction of waves by crystal, thermal properties of solids, dielectric properties of solids, and free electron model of metals, band theory, magnetism and magnetic resonance, and superconductivity. Four one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHY 320 or consent of instructor. 1 Course
486. SPECIAL TOPICS.
Directed studies in specialized area of the instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory anddiscussion sessions will be stressed with students largely responsible for the progress of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
490A. INDEPENDENT STUDY.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
490B. TEAM INITIATED STUDY.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course
492. PHYSICS SEMINAR.
A course centered around readings, experiments, and research on topics approved by the departmental faculty. The seminar emphasizes oral presentations, discussion, and preparation of written reports. Normally taken in the senior year, it is open to other advanced students with permission. For details please look at the course web page at: Physics Seminar Web page. 1/4 Course
495. INTERNSHIP.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.
498. DIRECTED STUDY II.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. 1 Course.